Page 46 of Baby For My Bossy Fake Fiancé

Wait, marriage? So that’s what that headline was about? Where the media had said he was once in a heartfelt relationship? It was marriage?

Oddly my heart skipped a beat before an unfamiliar feeling churned through my guts.

“Shutting people out?”

Was that why he liked being alone? Because of his past failed marriage?

I suddenly had a lot of questions. But they’d remain locked in my guts. It wasn’t my business.

It wasn’t…

“Yes,” she sighed. The light turned green. And she matched the accelerator.

“After his failed marriage...h-he just sort of blacked out. Became distant. We tried unsuccessfully to bring him back, but-”

She took in another deep breath. I could only imagine how hard this was for her. And the rest of the family.

Life, indeed, was unfair.

“I’m sorry that happened,” I whispered.

She nodded. Silence descended between us as we glided through traffic. Before she spoke again,

“It’s fake then.”

“Eh?”

“The engagement, it’s fake.” She clenched the wheels. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she eased up on the accelerator to stare at me. I swallowed thickly.

“Your reaction says it all. It’s like you don’t know any of this.”

“I-”

“It’s okay, Renee,” she brought a warm palm to mine. Brushing it slightly, she whispered again. “It’s okay.”

After a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence, we reached the city’s mall. “First, we’re going shopping, then ice cream!”

I slumped in the seat when Fred finally arrived. I was drained.

We’d gone shopping in five different malls. Testing dresses and buying each one of them. We’d also tested out heels.

And it’s where I sprained my ankle when I tripped on my foot. But maybe it was worth it.

When Sarah decided she’d used her husband’s card enough, we drove to get ice cream. After which we talked. Our talk was mostly filled with how lonely she was in New York.

And how sorry she was about my foot.

I’d found it quite surprising that a cheery soul like her could be lonely. But she had informed me that New York wasn’t her permanent residence. She and her lawyer husband were only here for the Annual Conference and other business stuff.

Six hours of exhilarating fun, and here I was. Returning with a bag full of designer dresses and shoes. Who would have thought?

Outing with Sarah made me realize two things. One, how I’ve been missing out on the fun. And two, how shit my life still was.

I had neither achieved an established law career nor the perfect love life.

One step at a time, Renee.You’re on the path already. At least partially.

I assured myself before flinging my arms over my head. I still didn’t know how to feel that she’d caught on to the fake engagement. Of course, she, of all people, would catch on to the stupid facade.

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