Page 38 of Baby For My Bossy Fake Fiancé

It was a rarity. To receive calls on my personal number. There weren’t many people I could call friends. And even family was out of it.

I picked it up when the buzzing became incessant. Whoever this was, it better be important.

“What?”

It was silent for a while. Then I heard the familiar voice.

“Damien.”

Chills tugged the end of my spine. And my heart raced dreadfully.

“Ariana.”

Memories hit me like waves on the shore. And I waited for the pain that came with it. That came with the memories.

But I felt nothing. Nothing. Just emptiness.

“How,” there was a brief pause. “Have you been?”

After seven years….

“Good.”

I heard some shuffling before she breathed. “And you’re not going to ask me the same?”

We both knew there was no point in asking. But I did anyway.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine, you know. Finally living my dreams as a teacher,” there was a bit of strain in her voice. “And I’m… I’ve been doing it quite well without regrets.”

Her sharp intake of air was momentary. “I saw the headline, Damien. The media…they’re doing their thing.”

“Ariana, you sh-”

“No. Let me finish,” I could almost see her shaking her head. “We made a promise, and I have kept it. After many years, I have finally found peace and come to terms with what happened. And I want the same for you.”

“I want you to know that I don’t blame you for whatever happened. It was equally my fault. And it would be unfair to let you bear the consequences of the mistake of two.”

The revelation didn’t alleviate my guilt. But it also didn’t aggravate it. Perhaps if it had come sooner, then maybe I’d have been a different man.

“What are you saying?” My jaw tightened.

“All I’m saying is I want to help,” she paused. And I imagined her wiping her skirt. An act she only did when she was determined.

“I know what is at stake, Damien. You worked hard all your life for where you are. I won’t let anything take that from you…”

I nodded even though she couldn’t see me.

“Trust me to keep the past where it is. Trust me to ensure the media never finds anything. All I need is time.”

Help. She wanted to help.

It was hard to speak past the shock that blurred my senses. But I did.

“How do you intend to do that?”

Confidently, she responded. “That’s for me to know. Keep the media busy.”

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