Page 19 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

“Oh, please. I’d rather not give Chloe more reasons to stab me in my sleep,” she joked.

“I’m sure she doesn’t mind,” he said, taking a glance at me.

“What’s with the suitcases?” Vina asked, staring at me.

“Ryan came all the way from LA to spend some time with me. We have been in a long-distance relationship.”

“That’s so sweet. You owe me, Chloe. Enjoy your time together, but please keep it down,” she said and walked to her room.

“I guess you didn’t tell her about your baby,” he said immediately after we heard her door close.

“Yeah, and you won’t either.”

“See, you need me here,” he said, opening his arms.

“No, I don’t. You’re leaving here next week.”

“We’ll see about that.” A wicked smile danced on his lips.

I showed him my room, and he took his suitcases in. I followed behind with fisted hands.

“So, for the sleeping arrangement.”

“Why do we need a sleeping arrangement? The bed is big enough.” He lay on my queen-size bed, not taking off his dirty shoes.

I kept my hands fisted at my sides. Could this get any worse? I had gotten myself into this in the first place.

I needed to speak to Mrs. Porter. This was insane. Ryan was the opposite of everything she had told me about him.

“You’ll sleep on the couch, and I’ll sleep on the bed,” I said, crossing my arms.

“Why do I get to sleep on the couch? I’m the one doing you a favor here by keeping your secrets and playing the fake husband.”

“Fine! I will sleep on the couch. It’s comfortable anyway.”

I raised my hands in exasperation, and his lips curved upward at the corner.

“You give up easily, wifey.”

“Don’t call me that,” I growled and turned to leave.

“Nice shorts,” he screamed after me.

I raised my middle finger at him, and he laughed.

***

I woke up early the next day and got ready for work in the bathroom with the door locked. Ryan was still snoring under the covers. My neck was hurting from spending the night on the couch. I ignored the pain and made myself something to eat.

Vina came out five minutes later in black activewear and a white puffer jacket. Her hair was packed in a neat bun. She was in a hurry. She only grabbed a bottle of water and the coffee I’d made for her and left for the gym. She was strict on her routine.

Ryan came out, yawning.

“What’s for breakfast, wifey?” he asked, taking the seat next to me at the island. He was only in a pair of blue boxers and a long red robe he’d left open to show off his hairy chest.

“I don’t know. I’m already late for work. And stop calling me that.” I stood up and put my lunch in my bag.

“I need some cash,” he told me as I headed for the door.

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