Page 141 of My Big, Fat, Fake Billionaire Wedding

“Well, that was weird.” I take another sip of champagne.

Gideon’s jaw is tight. “Ignore her.”

“She’s right about one thing though,” I say lightly. “Nature calls after all this champagne. Back in a minute.”

I make my way across the dining room, feeling oddly self-conscious. The bathroom is predictably extravagant. As is usual in this type of place, it’s more like a spa than a place to pee.

I’m washing my hands when the door swings open and Vanessaglides in.

Of course. Because this night wouldn’t be complete without a bathroom confrontation scene straight out of a teen movie.

I should’ve realized the comment about the hand lotion was a trap...

“Ava,” she says warmly, as if we’re old friends. “I was hoping to catch you alone.”

I focus on drying my hands with a towel so plush it could double as a pillow. “Well, here I am.”

“You know, I’ve known Gideon for years,” she says, applying fresh lipstick in the mirror. “We’ve always had a special understanding.”

“That’s nice,” I reply neutrally, wishing I could teleport back to our table.

“Has he told you about his views on marriage?” She blots her perfect lips on a tissue. “Specifically, his philosophy that business partnerships are the only relationships that last?”

My stomach drops, but I keep my expression carefully blank. “Gideon and I discuss many things.”

“I’m sure you do.” Her laugh is light and practiced. “I remember so clearly, it was after the Morgenstern gala. We were having a nightcap at his penthouse. He said, and I quote, ‘Marriage for love is a fairy tale. I’ll only ever marry for strategic advantage.’”

The bathroom suddenly feels too warm, too small. I can feel heat climbing up my neck, but I refuse to give her the satisfaction of seeing me blush. Too late. It’s happening anyway.

“He was quite adamant about it.” Vanessa adjusts her perfect hair. “Said emotional entanglements were too messy, too unpredictable for someone in his position. That business arrangements were cleaner, more honest. And that after Celeste, women for him were just for release, nothing more.”

Her words land like perfectly aimed darts. Cleaner. More honest. Exactly what our arrangement is supposed to be.

“Thanks for the history lesson, Vanessa,” I say, amazed at how steady my voice sounds when my insides are churning and my face burns. “But I should get back to myhusband.”

Her eyebrows lift at the emphasis I place on ‘husband.’ “Of course. I just thought you should know what you’re dealing with. From one society girl to another.”

I straighten my spine and meet her gaze directly. “I know exactly who I married.”

A lie so big it should have its own reality TV show.

“Well then.” Her smile is pure venom wrapped in silk. “You’re even more pragmatic than I give you credit for. No wonder he chose you.”

She leaves, the subtle scent of her perfume lingering like a taunt. I stand alone, gripping the marble counter, trying to regain my composure.

He’ll only ever marry for strategic advantage.

Why does it hurt so much to hear confirmed what I’ve always known? And yet...

I splash cold water on my face, careful not to ruin my makeup, then return to the table with what I hope passes for a normal expression.

“You okay?” Gideon asks immediately. “You were gone a while.”

“Fine,” I say brightly. “Just admiring the fancy soap dispensers. Pretty sure they cost more than my first apartment.”

Gideon’s eyes narrow slightly. He can tell something’s wrong, but before he can press further, our main courses arrive.

The food is beautiful, artistic even, butit might as well be cardboard for all I can taste it. I push it around my plate while maintaining light conversation, a skill I’ve perfected over months of socializing with Gideon’s circle. For once, I’m grateful these fancy restaurants think a tablespoon of food artfully smeared across a massive plate constitutes dinner.

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