The Billionaire’s Pretend Fiancée

Sofie’s POV

“Thanks again for having me, Cara. I’m sorry I showed up unexpectedly and ruined your plans for the day, dear.” Nana cast an apologetic stare at me as she rose from her seat, at the head of the dining table.

“It’s fine, ma. I had no plans for the day, so you didn’t wreck anything.” I reassured her as she slipped a warm, wrinkled hand into mine.

Roman was quietly walking behind us to Nana’s car, with his hands clasped behind him.

“Before I forget, let me give this to you.” Nana rummaged through the brown leather bag clutched around her wrist, with her gaze trained on me.

She handed me a small exquisitely wrapped lilac gift bag, a mischievous smile curving the sides of her mouth, “Here you go.” She handed it to me, “By the way, you should only open it when you are alone. It contains something exhilarating that will make your heart race.” She winked.

I exchanged perplexed glances with Roman but nevertheless, I thanked her, “Alright, Nana. Thank you for the gift.”

“You’re welcome, darling. Make sure you use it well, okay?” She winked again as she patted my shoulder.

I stared at the box as I brandished it curiously.

The box felt weightless in my hold and it made me wonder if there was anything at all inside it, for it to be so light.

“Nana, are you sure you don’t want me to take you home?” Roman asked as Nana limped over to him.

“Yes, Romano. I am. My driver is waiting outside for me.” She replied, placing her hand on his cheek.

Roman leaned in as she gently caressed his face with a smile, “Let me see you off to the car then.”

“That’s a good idea.” Nana turned toward me and I went to her.

She stroked my face affectionately just like she did to Roman earlier, “Make sure you enjoy yourself in Greece, okay?”

I nodded and she nodded back, “Have fun, darling. I’ll see you soon.” She released my face and beckoned to Roman.

“I will, ma. Take care.”

“You too, amore.” She beamed before walking out of the house with Roman.

I clasped the package, excitement sizzling within me as I hopped up the stairs like a well-fed rabbit.

I closed the bedroom door behind me, placed the bag on the bed, and retrieved my phone from the nightstand.

I had almost forgotten about what I’d wanted to do before Nana arrived.

With a heavy heart, I dialed her number with a flicker of hope illuminating within me even though I knew I’d receive the same response from the network service.

Amy’s number didn’t exist anymore.

I stared at my phone as hope fizzled out of me.

Amy had called me a month ago to inform me that she was in Florida for work. She worked as a travel nurse.

She’d also told me she would come back in a week, and now, three weeks had passed yet I still didn’t know her whereabouts.

I just hoped she was safe at least.

Amy was like a sister I had never had and she was also my best friend since high school.

We were seatmates and somehow, we clicked and became inseparable.

My attention traveled back to the lilac package and my worries were temporarily brushed aside as I picked up the bag and assessed it.

Inside it was a lilac box with a violet bow beautifully wrapped around it.

With my heart violently hammering my ribs with intense inquisitiveness, I loosened the bow, tore the wrapping paper off, and gasped, on sighting the gifts enclosed within the box.

Lo and behold, it was a pair of black lace thong with black lace bra and black mesh thigh-high stockings to match. Buried underneath the wanton clothings was a small bottle of scented oil which had a sticky note plastered to it and the note read; “Enjoy Greece, love and I want great-grandchildren ASAP.”

I froze for a moment, stunned by the whole package before I picked up the thong and assessed it.

What was this supposed to cover? I thought as I raised it up in the air.

I was deeply engrossed with the tiny piece of material that I didn’t register the sound of the door opening and someone walking in.

“What are you doing?” Roman’s husky voice wafted into my ears.

Jolted by the sudden intrusion, the thong slipped out of my hand and dropped on the floor as I spun around to face him, “N-Nothing.”

“Are you sure it’s nothing? You look like you just saw a ghost.” Roman poked, advancing toward me.

I gulped nervously as his gaze fixated on the black material on the floor.

“I-It’s just a napkin. Don’t worry about it.” I lied, attempting to sweep the thong under the bed but my foot failed me and instead passed the scandalous fabric to Roman who frowned and picked it up.

In just a moment, his face morphed into a wide range of expression; from confusion to shock then disgust.

He sneered, “What the hell is this?”

“Nana gave it to me, I swear. They were all in the gift bag.” I motioned to the black display of obscenity on the bed.

“You better not be thinking of something stupid, Sofie. Nothing will happen between us in Greece or anywhere for that matter, okay?” He barked, indignation written all over his face and it bruised my ego but also made my blood boil with fury.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Your grandmother gave this to me, Roman. It was wrapped and I didn’t know it contained stuff like this. What was I supposed to do? Throw it in her face?” I retorted, glaring at him.

“Well, I don’t fucking know. You better discard this rubbish this instant, do you understand me? And I suggest you help yourself by getting out of your imagination and back to the reality of our relationship. I will say it again, nothing will ever happen between us again.” Roman bellowed, and my anger dissipated to hurt as tears pooled in my eyes and slid down my face.

Roman remained unperturbed as he mumbled a curse, grabbed a pillow, walked out of the room and slammed the door shut.

I watched him leave while inwardly chiding myself for appearing weak by crying like a baby in front of him.

“Fucking bastard.” I whispered as I wiped my tears off.