Page 97 of A Temporary Forever

There’s a young man behind the counter, and Lilysits at our usual table.

Cora rushes over to the man who is polishing glasses, and I take a seat across from Lily.

“I hope you don’t mind that Cora invited me to join you today.” Lily smiles tentatively.

“Of course not. I’m glad. How are you?”

“The new job at the concierge service is great. All day long I’m helping people to book appointments, make reservations, research things, and simply organize their lives. I think I’m better at it than… “ She looks at Cora and her new employee.

“That’s good to hear.” I laugh. “I’m sure your clients keep you busy. Sometimes money comes with an unhealthy dose of eccentricity.”

“Or misguided entitlement,” she whispers, and looks away like she’s just imparted a trade secret.

“As someone married to a rich guy, I can attest some of them are normal. Equally fucked up as the rest of us.”

“That’s good to know.” Lily worries her lip, lost in her thoughts.

Even though she’s a few years younger than me, she is still older than I was when I arrived in this city. But I guess it’s hard to start from scratch and follow one’s dreams with empty pockets.

I want to encourage her, but Cora plops in beside me. “How is married life treating you?”

I let out a loaded breath. “It’s too good.”

As each day passes, it’s harder to play the role of a fake wife with benefits. It’s becoming impossible to step out of that role. It’s getting easier to slip into it and enjoy the fairy tale like it’s real.

“The words sound positive, but the way you say them…” Cora eyes me.

“He’s been attentive, caring, hot and irresistible, and I don’t know what to make of it. He demanded exclusivity, sends me gifts, and we fuck like rabbits.”

“That sounds perfect. What am I missing?” Lily frowns.

Cora tenses beside me, and my heart rate speeds up a notch.

“Shit. I’m sorry, I forgot—”

“What’s going on?” Lily’s gaze darts between me and Cora.

Cora groans. “I believe we can trust this one.” She smiles at me, biting her lip.

I sigh. “I married my friend’s brother to secure my visa. For all intents and purposes, we’re pretending it’s a genuine marriage.”

Lily makes a zipping motion with her hand across her mouth. “Your secret is safe with me. But based on what you said, it feels like a real marriage, too.”

I puff out the air from my cheeks. “I wouldn’t say a real marriage, but a real relationship nevertheless. Only it isn’t.”

“Why do you insist on saying that? Why don’t you both admit things have evolved and see where they might go?” Cora plays with the plastic sign holder on the table.

“We’re talking about Caleb van den Linden. A man who swore off marriage and has been a playboy until now.” I turn to get the attention of the new guy, because I really need my coffee.

“That’s romantic.” Lily sighs.

I chuckle. “What’s romantic about that?”

“A playboy that insists on exclusivity. Obviously you’re special to him.” She grins.

“Or I’m convenient for him and his busy schedule, and his entitled ass doesn’t like sharing.” I sag into my chair, deflated.

Not that anything in Caleb’s actions would confirm that. But then, nothing’s refuted it either.

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