Page 44 of His Fake Wife

Home. His place had started to feel like home. I’d gotten attached to both Adam and his apartment and I’d have to let them go soon. The thought sent my mood into a downward spiral.

“That’s a good idea.”

He wore a slight frown but he nodded and signalled the waiter.

******

I felt like I’d ruined our night. One more thing for me to feel guilty about. It didn’t sit right with me that Adam was obviously concerned. I’d noticed the worried glances but he hadn’t asked what was wrong. He’d been trying hard lately and it was coming off like I wasn’t appreciative. After a long shower and beating myself up about being a coward, I garnered the courage to confront him. I marched up to his room with the intention of apologizing for bringing down the mood earlier and to come clean.

As I lifted a hand to knock, his door opened. Taking a step back, I looked around the hallway suspiciously.

“How did you know I was out here?”

He laughed. “I didn’t. I was actually coming to see you. It seems we’re on the same page.”

I spotted an envelope in his hand and my heart began to pound. Envelopes weren't a great sign for us. I remembered the evening he showed up at my door with one. I gulped. “W-what’s that?”

Had he found some way to legally end our arrangement before time? I knew he’d gone along with it to keep his hold as CEO of Throne Holdings but there was nothing that stated exactly how long we had to remain married. We’d agreed on a time on our own.

“A surprise.”

“After the first time you handed me an envelope, I don’t think I care for such surprises.”

A smile slowly stretched his mouth and I wanted to kiss him so badly. I wondered if I could kiss him one more time before dropping my news. After tonight, maybe we’d never kiss or make love again.

“Me neither. I have this fear of ominous envelopes now.” My nervous giggle mingled with his soft chuckle. “This is a good surprise, I promise.”

He stepped aside. “Get in here. I wasn’t planning on giving you this right now but you seemed down earlier. I thought this might cheer you up.”

I cautiously stepped in and accepted the envelope.

“That’s what I came to apologize for. I’m sorry I was such a downer. You put effort into our date and I hope I didn’t come off ungrateful.”

“You didn’t. Open it,” he nodded to the envelope.

I guess my big pregnancy news could wait another minute or two. Taking a deep breath, I pulled out two pieces of paper and unfolded them.

“What are these?”

“What belongs to you...and your sister. You’re father’s company and his house in your name. Everything else will come after. I figured these two were the most important.”

“B-but we haven’t...our time isn’t up yet.” I didn’t know how to feel just yet. Eyes flying to his, I asked, “Why are you giving me these? Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Of course, not,” he laughed.

Rubbing the nape of his neck, he cleared his throat lightly. I couldn’t believe my eyes when his cheeks turned a slight shade of pink.

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me if I told you so I decided to show you. I meant what I said. I care about you, Beth. Your father wanted to ensure you were alright after he passed. I want you to be okay just as much as he did.”

“Thank you. That’s sweet.” I was still confused and it must have shown on my face because Adam explained.

“My status at Thorne Holdings isn’t what’s important anymore. Your happiness is.”

My heart was galloping and skipping beats. “But now that I have what I want…”

“You’re free to walk away from our arrangement. I assume that’s why you’ve been down in the dumps, because you’re tied to me. I’m setting you free if that’s what you want,” he declared.

I stared at him. I had two options: take his gift and flee or woman up and tell him we’d never be free of each other with a child on the way. I didn’t want to be set free.

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