Page 32 of His Perfect Woman

“I’m just as shocked as you,” Camille said, shaking her head. “I guess it makes sense, but...I never realized it either.”

“So now what?” I fretted, staring into the abyss between them like a lost puppy.

“Does this change anything?” Jada proposed. “More importantly...do you feel the same way about him?”

I shook my head, but I wasn’t sure if I was answering her question or just denying its existence. The only thing I knew for certain was that I had to get out of there. My head felt swimmy and the walls seemed to be closing in.

“Excuse me,” I blurted out, jumping up from my chair. “I need to use the restroom.”

I could still hear them talking as I marched off to the bathroom.

“Fucking Lucas. I can’t believe he never told me,” Camille fumed. “Or her, for that matter. Did you see the look on her face? She was blindsided. Poor thing.”

“I hope this doesn’t mess up their arrangement.”

“How could it not? Between two friends is one thing. But if unrequited love gets thrown into the mix...Sheesh. What a mess.”

18

Lucas

Sitting in my office, I scrolled through the recent headlines about Heartstring and me. Victoria had worked her PR magic. Seemingly overnight, I had been transformed from a playboy conman to a coveted bachelor whose heart had been stolen away and was now gearing up to throw the most talked about wedding of the season. Everyone wanted an invite, and those who couldn’t watch in person were soaking up the photos and online articles like they were crack.

Our premium memberships on the app were up by fifty percent and growing daily. Profits had skyrocketed. Everything was going perfectly...aside from all the unknowns with Victoria.

A knock on the door pulled my attention away from the computer screen to see Camille showing herself in. She shut and locked the door behind her, posing herself in front of my desk with her arms crossed.

“Uh-oh,” I groaned. “It’s never good news when you barge in here looking like that.”

“Well, maybe if you weren’t constantly giving me reasons to worry, I wouldn’t have to come in here looking like this quite so often.”

I leaned back with a sigh. “What did I do this time, little sis?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were in love with Victoria?”

My brow furrowed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Bull shit.” She shook her head, fuming, before sinking down into the seat across from me. “Jada told me you’ve been in love with her ever since high school.”

“So, I had a high school crush.” I shrugged. “Big deal.”

“It’s a big deal if your high school crush turned into a lifelong crush...who just so happens to be your fake fiancé now and the mother of your baby.”

“She’s not pregnant yet.”

Her eyes darkened and I felt my whole chest constrict. My mouth was suddenly dry and my ears started ringing. “Do you know something I don’t?”

Her only response was to nod. I couldn’t believe it. Victoria was pregnant. We’re going to have a baby!

“She told you this? You know for certain?”

“I just came from brunch with her. I wasn’t supposed to say anything, but how could I not? The secrets you two keep from each other are going to end up fucking up everyone’s lives. Everything is on the line, Lucas!”

“Victoria is a professional,” I replied, trying to remain calm. “No matter what happens between us, she’ll help me make sure it doesn’t reflect badly on the company. And anyway...I don’t need to tell her anything. Our plan is in place. She wanted a baby, so I gave her one. And she’s helping my image. Everything’s fine.”

“I wasn’t talking about the company, Lucas. I was referring to my big brother’s heart...and life. I don’t want to see you get hurt. And if you love Victoria, I’m obligated to care about her, too. I don’t want her to get hurt either.”

“Everything’s fine,” I repeated, trying to reassure myself just as much as her.

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