Entwined by Secrets

ES

d skyline, my thoughts miles away, reliving every word of my conversa

e breaks through my

m the dashboard lights. I lied, "I'm good". The memory of Lily

. "Tell me, how'd it

chance at a better life and she spat it in my face." I clamp down harder on the armrest. "

"Maybe you came

bt, and I need a wife for my father's wil

getting why you specifically want

carried for years, the guilt that has haunted me every night since Luca Tur

bring Luca back. But maybe marrying Lily taking care of

intended to kill him, Jones. I was drunk, angry... I don't even remember half of it. But

ouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you. You can't just throw money at her that'd raise suspicions. K

out I was funneling money to Lily for personal reasons, it'd be all the ammunition he'd need. "So

onvenient or not, it's the only way to protect

ity sprawls, bright and unfeeling. I stare at the lights, my tho

vince her?" I ask quietly

some humility. Apologize. Explain that you need a wife, sure, but also that you want to do right by her

someone like Lily Turner. But this wasn't just about business anymore. Thi

I'm responsible for her husband's death. But I can't risk that secret coming out. I

I mumble, "Thanks, Jones," and get out on the curb. I turn to

to go inside, and my heart skipped a bea

i

s call

e. Why was she calling? This

this a good sign? Or was she calling to tell me she neve

voice steadie

il

m, as if she had made peace wit

elf together, my tone remained cool. I was

tomorrow." I said simply,

n of laughter, reflecting the joy that bubbled inside me.

Y T

he quiet street. But the warmth of the morning did nothing to ease the storm brewing

only seven years of age, she's too smart for her age. She was my only source of moti

le to apprehend the details of the expensive, minimalist office of Blake Enterprises. Marble floors, towering glas

a polished woman with sharp e

Mr. Blake is e

r a moment at the door, a part of me wishing I didn't have to pro

room was just as imposing

his office. Such an exciting view, I can't get used to

this beautiful oversized desk made of dark wood, and

y even acknowledged my presence beyond a fli

l of h

see you regret de

er my skin. Not today. "Yes. What do I need to d

uld draw up the contract first. How much do

lot. Enough to use until my daughter

remain a secret between us, we will be legally married for 6 months aft

ry single dime I give you during the period of time we are together

My gaze was sti

Miss

o we do thi

ing in the world, he said, "Tomor

rol, like he was used to the world ben

He has a solid build, standing tall with neatly groomed silver hair and sharp watchful eyes. H

s inside. My eyes were locked onto him, he looked

he said, hand

breath, I si

his gaze steady. "We're done here

a beat at the sou

verything