Page 65 of Love so Hot

"Isn't that right, Willow?" Roman winks at her, expecting her to play along with whatever mischief he's concocted.

"Absolutely," she agrees, playing the part of the enchanted fiancée to perfection. "Though I think the elephant was an unnecessary addition to your story."

The group erupts in laughter, and I can't help but chuckle. She's got spunk, handling Roman's antics like they're nothing more than ripples on a pond.

"Larry!" Roman calls out, spotting me lurking in the background. "Your girl's a riot! You sure you can handle her?"

"Better question is, can she handle me?" I fire back, raising my glass in a mock toast.

Roman laughs and turns back to his captive audience, undoubtedly ready to spin another yarn. But my focus isn’t on him anymore. I'm back to watching Willow as she slips away from the crowd, her charm leaving a visible mark on everyone she's interacted with today.

The day stretches on, blending conversations and laughter into a pleasant hum. I mingle, shake hands, and share knowing smiles over shared secrets. But every so often, my eyes search out Willow, and each time I find her fitting in just a little bit better.

As the event winds down, reflections swirl through my mind like the fine bubbles in my drink. Relief is the first sensation—we've pulled it off. The announcement of our engagement circulates with congratulatory pats and curious glances. Satisfaction follows close behind; Willow has been impeccable, striking all the right chords. And then there’s the plan—our crazy, impossible plan that’s suddenly not feeling quite so far-fetched.

"Looks like it's working," I mutter to myself, watching as one of the attendees clasps Willow's hand.

"Working?" A voice cuts in, and I turn to find Victor eyeing me with a raised brow.

"Like a charm," I say with a smirk. "She seems to have won over everyone today."

Victor shakes his head, but there's a hint of a smile there. "You always were one for high stakes."

"Can't win big if you don't play big," I reply, sipping the last of my champagne.

With the final notes of music playing us out, I realize that what started as a simple ruse might just be the ace up my sleeve. Now, it's about seeing this plan through to the end.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Willow

The door closesbehind us with a soft click, and I lean against it for a moment, still riding the high of the day. Lawrence is already loosening his tie, a small smile playing on his lips as he shakes his head slightly. "Can't believe we pulled it off," he says, almost to himself.

"Me neither," I admit, pushing myself off the door. The buzz from the event clings to us like the subtle cologne wafting from Lawrence's shirt. It's a mix of excitement and relief, knowing we've convinced everyone we're the happy couple they expect.

I toss my clutch onto the hall table and turn to face him. "You know, tonight got me thinking," I start, my voice echoing in the quiet of the foyer.

"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow, curious despite the weariness creeping into the edges of his posture.

"About the environment. The cause we were supporting." I watch him carefully, gauging his reaction as I step into unfamiliar territory. This is the part where fake-dating gets tricky—when real issues bleed into our staged romance.

"Go on," he prompts, leaning back against the wall, arms folded across his chest.

"Seeing all those people tonight, ready to invest in change... It just hit me hard. We have this power. To actually do something about it." My heart pounds faster, passion fueling my words.

He's silent for a moment, hazel eyes studying me with an intensity that makes me feel seen. Understood, even. "And what do you propose we do with this power?" There's a hint of challenge in his tone, but it's not dismissive. If anything, it feels like he's pushing me to be bolder.

"Use it," I say simply. "Your company has resources, influence. We could spearhead some real environmental initiatives, make a difference beyond just one night of fundraising."

"You know that the fundraiser was just for appearances, right? One of those, 'look at this, not that,' sort of things when a company is doing something controversial."

I roll my eyes. "I know, but I still think it shows that we can get people to care."

Lawrence pushes off from the wall, walking closer until he's just a breath away, his gaze searching mine. "We?"

My resolve hardens even as my willpower around him begins to break. "We can't keep ignoring the damage being done."

There's a flicker of something in his expression, a brief glimpse of the man who's had to fight for every inch of ground he's gained in life. Then it's gone, replaced by the polished businessman facade. But I saw it, the crack in his armor, and I know I've struck a chord.

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