Page 65 of Accidental Fiancé

I had to do my best to remember that. But I didn't want to. I wanted to put that damn contract out of my mind. I wanted to pretend that this was real, that I could somehow fit into this life.

Chloe made it plain by the pool that I never would. That was why I had to leave. She and I both knew that the rock on my finger was enormous. Her taunts were not about the size of my ring. She was trying to point out thatIdidn’t matter. That I was unimportant. And when Julian didn't stand up for me against her, I didn't know what to do. In that split second, he proved her right. I looked to him for some sort of clarity but he was watching Chloe, and then Marcus spoke up, closing out the conversation.

We had to talk about it. In the dark, I whispered, “Julian?”

But all I got was a snore in return.

The woman of the hour finally arrived at breakfast the next day. According to Julian, she liked to show up late to her ownparty to make a grand entrance, and to guarantee that everyone was already there waiting for her. Hera Galanis—Yaya—was a striking woman. Petite and thin with short gray curls, only a fool would think she wasn't a powerhouse. Energy, authority, and positivity radiated from her. Clearly, the family's green eyes came from her genes; she had the same gray slash in her iris as Julian did.

When she moved in to hug him, she spied me over his shoulder. With a thick Greek accent, she asked, “And who is this lovely one?”

“Yaya, this is Maggie Bryant.”

She released Julian then took both of my hands in hers before hugging me tightly. “Welcome to the family, Maggie.”

I felt the words as she said them. Immediate acceptance. No hoops to jump through, no games to play. This woman loved with her whole heart. It made me want to be worthy of that love. And it made me feel guilty to be lying to her. Still, I kept my smile firmly in place. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Galanis.”

“No, no. You call me Yaya. You’re family.”

I beamed up at Julian, then back to her. “Thank you, Yaya.”

“Is everyone ready?” she asked Artemis.

“Ladies, to the cars,” Artemis announced.

“Um, what?” I asked in confusion.

“Did my son not tell you?” she asked. “It's Ladies Day at the spa.”

My head instantly whipped around to question Julian. “What?”

His expression crumpled and he knew he was in trouble. “I must have forgotten to mention it.”

Before I could even speak, Artemis looped her arm in mine. “Not to worry, Maggie dear, the spa will take care of all of us. Come along.”

I did, not that I had much choice. We piled into a series of large black SUVs. I was grateful I didn’t end up in the same one with Chloe. When we entered the spa, I immediately noticed there were no other patrons in sight.

“Welcome, welcome.” A woman wearing sage-colored scrubs came forward. She had a soft, kind appearance and a warm smile. “Mrs. Black, it's so good to see you.”

“Thank you, Olivia. If I'm not mistaken, Maggie, this is your first time ever being at a spa, correct?”

Spas were not exactly a high priority for me in my life because frankly, I couldn’t afford them. I had only been once before today. It was nice, but nothing like this place.

The lobby was decorated in sage and silver, the air scented with peppermint, vanilla, and lavender. A decorative wood and stone waterfall wall was situated behind the lobby desk. Instead of typical bamboo, delicate live orchids were placed throughout. Relaxing flute music played on the surround sound.

I explained, “I’ve been to a spa before but I’ve never been tothisspa.”

“Splendid,” Olivia said, quickly corralling me from the group. “Mrs. Black, while Douglas takes care of the rest of you, I will attend to Maggie.”

A young man wearing the same uniform as Olivia emerged from the back and escorted the rest of them from the lobby. Olivia helped me select services from a digital menu. “Pick as many as you would like for as long as you'd like. You'll be here all day.”

“We're going to be actively relaxing all day? I don't know if I can do that.”

She laughed. “We'll do our best to help you out.”

I made my selections though I was sure I was going to need several breaks from other people touching me. I didn’t know how anyone could stand to do this for a whole day.

The thought of taking a break went out the window as soon as the massage therapist put his hands on my shoulders. Moans of intense pleasure came out of me and I simply didn’t care. As he worked his magic, I wasn't sure where I was anymore.

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