Page 8 of His Fake Wife

“My father? W-what are you doing with it?” I snatched the envelope from him, annoyed that something private was left in his hands.

“Relax, he gave it to my father...some time ago, I suppose.”

I gazed at the letter and then glared at him. “You didn’t read it, did you?” Why in the world wouldn’t Dad leave a private letter to me with his lawyer?

“Seriously? When have I ever been that interested in anything concerning you, Beth?”

“Good point. Thanks for the delivery. See you around.” I stepped back inside, prepared to close the door. I just knew that another minute with Adam would lead to an argument and I was drained. It hit me then how awful I must look and I found myself running a hand over my hair self-consciously. I was immediately annoyed with myself. Since when did I care how I looked in front of Adam?

His palm landed on the door. “Not so fast. There’s something else.”

I peered at his hands, prepared for him to pull out another envelope. “What?”

His low groan had my eyes flying to his face to take in his pained expression. “I can’t believe I’m really playing into the foolishness,” he hissed. “Beth...I need you to...we’re going to have to get married.”

Deafening silence was a phrase I never quite understood until then. There wasn’t a sound, just Adam and I staring at each other. My eyes shifted from side to side, waiting for whoever was playing a practical joke on me to jump out. Or maybe it was Adam fucking around. He was twenty-eight but I was pretty sure he was still immature enough to try and prank me for a laugh.

“Incredible. Do you mean to tell me that you haven’t matured an ounce in eight years? My God, Adam, you’re almost thirty.”

He frowned. “What?”

“Marry you? Very funny.”

“Beth, I’m not?”

“My father just died and you think it’s a good time to get a laugh at my expense? You’re sick.”

There was a tick in his jaw. “I wish this was me joking around. I really do. Unfortunately, I’m serious. Look, you have to marry me so that I can keep control of...my company. It’s stupid but hear me out?”

“You’ve obviously lost your mind.”

“Beth?”

I slammed the door. I had to or I’d end up slapping him. Again. I wasn’t proud of losing my temper that time he kissed?we kissed. It took me a while to admit that I kissed him back but I’d die with that secret.

“Just read the letter, Beth!” He shouted.

I stared at the envelope for a few seconds, afraid to open it. I was pissed, confused, and tired. Right at the door, I opened it. It was in my father’s handwriting, not something typed up by his secretary. My heart began to pound as I read the letter.

Barely able to make sense out of it, I yanked the door open only to find out that Adam was gone.

Chapter 4

Adam

My mood plummeted when I saw Beth through the blinds, walking into my office. I let out a low groan. Was she here to tell me I’d lost my mind again? As expected, my office phone beeped.

“Mr. Thorne, Beth Carson is here to see you.” My assistant, Diane, let out a breath. “She doesn’t have an appointment but she insists that she needs to see you.”

“Send her in.”

I’d given Beth a few days to cool down but I still wasn’t looking forward to a confrontation. She had every reason to think I was crazy. Showing up at her door and demanding we get hitched wasn’t my smoothest moment.

The door opened and Beth stepped in, already eying me warily. I took a moment to acknowledge an unwanted dose of attraction. She looked the same but more...womanly. I liked what I saw. I couldn’t help but notice the extra curves that her casual dress flaunted. The flowing coffee brown hair, lips that looked delicious. Somehow, I still remember how soft they were when we kissed. I blinked twice in an effort to banish the thoughts I was having.

“Did you come here to scowl at me?” I grinned, repeating the exact words she’d thrown at me when I showed up at her place.

As if realizing that she was rooted by the door, arms folded, and throwing daggers at me with her eyes, she exhaled and relaxed her stance. “Good morning.”

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