Engagement To My Billionaire Ceo

apers: "Billionaire Heir Gideon Blackthorn Engaged to Historian Restoring His Family Manor." It was surreal to see my

in a way that left no room for sugarcoating. But beneath the sharp edges and carefully constructed exterior, there was som

downtown Salem. Gideon insisted it was necessary to "solidify the narrative" for the bo

ossibly polished in a charcoal suit and navy tie. I, on the other hand, was fumblin

Gideon asked, his tone n

s I'd pulled out of the depths of my suitcase

e assessing. "It's fine. Bu

vet box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a diamond ring so

said, staring at th

out of the box. "If we're going to convince peopl

tered, feeling both ov

is lips twitching in what migh

e ring onto my finger with practiced ease. The weight of it fe

back to examine his handiwo

eo chose that moment to pipe up.

iasm softening the sharp edges o

in his expression-an almost imperceptible softness. But it was

said, gesturing

ced ease, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with people who clearly adored him-or, at least, adored his money. I tried to ke

d resting lightly on the small of my back. "She

her diamond earrings catching the light

he tight-lipped version he used when

and I glanced up at him, but hi

oom, watching Gideon from a distance. He was undeniably good at this-at playing the role

ensed when someone brought up his father's legacy. The flicker of annoyance that crosse

-small, fleeting instances where he let his guar

we stood near the bar, his voice

hampagne he'd handed me earlier. "

. "It take

tending to be engaged to someone like you," I sai

eyebrow. "Som

d quickly, though the heat ri

said, his smirk deepen

n him. "Don't push y

d-a low, genuine sound that made my sto

r own thoughts. Theo was already asleep by the time we retu

o review the day's notes, I found Gideon sitti

l up?" I ask

s expression unreada

he room, taking a seat across from

ys ask so ma

en I'm c

y smile. Instead, he set the glass down and leaned back in his

onight well,"

h the compliment felt s

out this house?" he asked,

way from it. "Because it's more than just a house. I

ting to the window. "Stories do

hat doesn't mean they'

ike a fragile thread. And for the first time since this whole charade began

o make sense of a world tha

moment, it