“I threw up when I got out of bed, and I feel very nauseous still.”
“The flu is going around. Make sure you stay hydrated.”
“Jordyn, I love you, but I have to go.” I ran to the toilet and vomited.
“Damn, Stella. How are you going to go to classes?”
“I don’t know,” I said, my head in the toilet.
“Eat some crackers. I’m hanging up. I’ll check on you later to see how you are.”
“Okay.” I threw up again.
Shit. This was not okay. I wiped my mouth, gripped the counter, and stared at myself in the mirror. Inhaling a deep breath, I felt better. Maybe it was the Chinese food I ate last night. I prayed that was it for the rest of the day.
Miles
We’d been married for a month already, and only eleven months remained before I took over as CEO of Bradshaw Capital. My Uncle Ben popped over one night for a surprise visit. I knew it was to see if I was lying about Stella moving in, and I took great satisfaction when he saw her and her things around the penthouse.
My office door opened, and I saw Levi standing there when I looked up.
“Do you have some time for a friend?” he asked.
“Get in here.” I smiled as I got up from my chair, walked over, and hugged him. “How was your trip?”
“It was good.” He sat down across from my desk. “How’s married life?”
I cocked my head at him. “You mean my fake married life?”
“Okay.” He chuckled. “Your fake married life.”
“It’s fine.” I leaned back in my chair. “I do my thing, and she does hers.”
“Are you sleeping around with other women?”
“Nah. There’s no need to when I can have it anytime I want at home.” A smirk crossed my lips.
He sat there, narrowing his eyes.
“What’s that look for?”
“Nothing. Anyway, I have some news. I proposed to Laurel, and she said yes.” He smiled.
“Wow, Levi. Congratulations. I’m happy for you. If that’s what you really want.”
“Of course it is, Miles. I love her and want her to be my wife—my real wife with a real relationship for the rest of our lives.”
The way he said that struck a nerve in me.
“When’s the big date?” I asked.
“We haven’t set one yet. But when we do, I want you as my best man.”
“I would be honored.” I smiled.
“And you better bring your wife.” He pointed at me. “Fake marriage or not.”
“Can you please stop calling her that. It’s not real, and you know it. I still consider myself single.”