Page 28 of Falling for My Billionaire Fake Date

The smirk is apparently not getting her anywhere, so per usual, she changes tactics on a dime. She begins with her usual tears and I tell her to stop the histrionics because it won’t work on me anymore. I simply won’t be affected by her fake emotions and she needs to get a grip on reality.

Sophia, true to form, figures out another way she thinks will get to me: the sultry, sexy, kitten behavior she is so good at – or she thinks she is. She literally purrs: “Jake, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you. I’ve changed, I really have. My life is not the same without you in it. The joy is gone and I need you back. I want you back.”

“Really? That’s quite interesting, Sophia. What does your fiancé think of that? Has he relinquished his rights? Taken back his vow of undying love? Told you he is fine with sharing you? I’m just trying to figure it out. I’m assuming he is outside the door just ready to give his blessing to us, right?”

“You don’t have to be so sarcastic, Jake. You should know that I would give up any other man to have you back in my life.”

“Great,” I answer. “I’ll be glad to go find Alex and share the news. I’m assuming he’s on board, right?”

She reaches for me and I step back. “Sophia, I have zero desire to have you touch me, so back off,” I admonish her. “Can’t you get it through your pathetic head that I DON’T WANTYOU?” I’m ashamed of raising my voice but I’m so angry right now.

“I know I will have to deal with you during the wedding and rehearsal, but believe me, Sophia, it will be at arm’s length and for as little time as possible. I am very sad that you are connected to my sister at all, but I would do nothing to hurt her, so I am tolerating you from afar. Get it? Afar!

“And let me say one more thing. If you do or say anything to hurt Bella in any way, you will be so sorry. Do you understand?” I’m almost in a rage and my hands are shaking.

I think I have actually shaken her up a bit because there is a stammer in her voice. Unfortunately, the vile she spews still overpowers the stammer.

“Go to hell, Jacob! You don’t control me or my friendship with your sister. You may think anything you like of me, but do not accuse me of hurting Bella in any way. She is my dear friend and you can like that or not.”

Well, Sophia is on a roll. It seems like the perfect time to end this encounter. I simply point to the door with the most uncaring expression I can muster. She takes another step toward me and I actually stamp my foot. My look must be telling her to beware, so she retreats.

As I see her leave, I actually feel such relief that I sit down on the corner of Aurora’s absurd donut sofa. It brings a moment of clarity that there is more to my life than the stupid mistakes of my past.

Now to action and finding Aurora. I’m not sure why I have such a need, but I desperately need to talk with her.

Chapter twenty

Aurora – An Honor, Truly

Searing, white-hot embarrassment lances through my chest as I make my way back into the shop. Forcing a calm demeanor and painting a smile on my face, I walk towards Jake’s family on my way out of the café. I cannot bear to walk out of the shop without so much as a greeting. Never mind how pissed I am right now.

It’s bad manners and my dad raised me better than that.

They are nice people and don’t deserve such rudeness. I spot them at their booth, laughing at whatever Noah is telling them, waving his hands animatedly. They all look up at the sound of me walking across the floor. Melissa smiles up at me and Bella waves excitedly. Noah throws me a salute and a wink which I return with a slight grin.

“Hi, Mel! Bella! Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s no problem, dear. Noah here has been great company.”

“And this is why he has won Employee of the Month three times in a row. The customers love him, and the girls aren’t immune to his charms, either. He tells wild jokes with serious expressions while asserting they’re true, even when they’re not.”

“Where’s Jake, though?” Bella asks, peering back the way I came from.

“Oh, he’ll be back soon. He has a little . . . um . . . situation to take care of. But I’ll be heading out now. There’s something I have to go take care of. It is such a delight meeting you both, I look forward to seeing you again.” I signal to Noah and he nods, jogging towards the kitchen.

“So, when is the wedding, Bella?” I ask, trying to make small talk until Noah returns.

“Please, call me Bells. You're family now,” she says, while grinning widely, and I feel a twinge in my chest.Your brother doesn’t seem to think so, though—he’s probably reconciling with his ex-girlfriend in my office right now,I think to myself bitterly. I smile at her statement and nod at her to continue what she was saying.

“I honestly haven’t picked a date yet, but it’ll be in December, and I’m fervently hoping for a white wedding. As in snow, you get it?”

“Aw, that would be so nice. You’ll get the wedding of your dreams, I’m sure.”

“Thank you, Aurora.” She smiles at me adorably while sharing a meaningful glance with her mom. I resist raising a brow at the gesture.

“So, we’ve been contemplating,” Melissa begins. “How about you bake Bella’s wedding cake? It’d be such a great honor, Aurora.”

I choke on my own spit at the request. “What?” I eventually manage to sputter out, surprise grabbing my vocal cords into a tight chokehold, my eyes widening comically.

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