Page 38 of Faking it With A Grumpy Billionaire

“Yes, why?”

Will paused for a minute with both of his hands on his hips as he looked around before looking at me. “Elizabeth?”

“Yes?”

“I know you overheard those ladies, and I know you’re trying to just push it aside, but I don’t want that.”

I let out a sigh as he expressed his concerns. I should have known he would figure it out. “Look, it’s fine, okay? Not like I care.”

“I know you don’t care, but I do. I’m sorry, Elizabeth.”

“For what exactly?” I asked as I looked at him, confused.

“I’m sorry for not setting enough boundaries with those women. That’s why they have the audacity to talk rudely.”

“And how do you intend to do that?”

“You leave that to me.”

“No, Will, I already told you it’s fine, so please don’t worry about it.”

“But still, Elizabeth . . .” Will paused, looking at me and grabbing my free left hand. “I’m sorry about this evening. I wish it could have been better.”

“I wish the same, too, but it’s fine, okay? Now go home. I want to go sleep,” I said as I directed Will back to his car.

“Thank you, Liz.”

“Thank you, too, for having my back at the party.”

“Of course,” Will said before leaving and driving off.

I let out a sigh as I walked over to my room, missing the time I had with Will.

As I reflected on his demeanor throughout the event, it became clear to me that his attitude toward me had indeed changed.

Ever since that dinner with Mr. Charles, it seemed as though he had decided to become a totally different person. He became nicer to me, caring and even gentle—unlike before, when he was always so grumpy and egotistical.

These days, he listened more, observed more, and was even more patient.

As soon as I entered my flat, I hurriedly took off everything that I had put on. I couldn’t shake the memory of the expression he had when he saw me leaving the building and getting into his car. His expression was all the compliment I needed; it was enough to tell me that he liked what he saw.

After removing my clothes and freshening up, I climbed into bed. The laughter from the party still lingered in my ears as I settled in, immediately feeling content as the comfort of the bed welcomed me.

With my body gradually relaxing, I felt the vibrant energy of the evening slowly fading into the quiet stillness of the night. I let out a contented sigh, the events of the night replaying in my mind like scenes from a movie.

It had been a lively affair filled with music, dancing, and the company of strangers who acted like friends. Besides the women who were rude to me, the party was actually better than the others I had attended with Will.

The people at the party were open to meeting new people and welcoming new faces. However, despite the revelry, my thoughts kept drifting back to one person in particular—Will.

As I lay in the dim glow of my bedside lamp, I couldn’t help but marvel at the way Will had changed since that day at his clients’ place. Gone was the arrogance and ego that had once defined him, replaced instead by a quiet strength and compassion that seemed to shine through even in the darkest of times.

It was a stark contrast to the Will I had known before—a man who prided himself on his independence and self-sufficiency, who rarely let anyone see the vulnerability that lay beneath the surface. Yet, here he was, going out of his way to ensure my safe return home, defending me in front of his caliber of people, showing his concern for my well-being, evident in his every word and gesture.

As I pondered this newfound side of Will, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude welling up inside me. I had never been one to rely on others for support, preferring instead to navigate life’s challenges on my own terms. However, playing back the moment Will stood up for me, I could not help but be proud of the man I agreed to marry, even though it was fake.

With Will, I felt seen and understood in a way I hadn’t before, as though he could read the depths of my soul with just a single glance.

And as I sat there, bathed in the soft glow of the lamplight, I couldn’t deny the warmth spreading through my chest at the thought of him. It was a feeling I couldn’t quite name—a mixture of affection, admiration, and something else entirely. Was it love, I wondered, or simply gratitude for his unexpected kindness?

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