Chapter 52
Bella’s eyes widened, her grip tightening around the ring on her finger, her knuckles bleaching white.
She’d found it in Zachary’s pocket and just assumed it was for her. He’d never said otherwise.
So this was Gwyneth’s 1–oil? The thought made her sick. Did he really think I’d wear his ex’s junk? A hot wave of humiliation crashed through her as she glared at Zachary, her vision swimming with angry
After everything, he wants her back? Not a chance. I worked too hard to steal this life from Gwyneth. I’m not giving it up now. With practiced timing. Bella crumpled against Zachary’s chest in a perfect imitation of an asthma attack.
“Bella!” Zachary’s panicked shout cut through the hallway as he caught her. “I need to take Bella to the hospital first. Gwennie, we’ll… we’ll discuss this later.” He swept Bella into his arms and rushed away.
Gwyneth didn’t even spare Bella a glance. The same old act every time. Yet Zachary remained blind to her tricks. At least I’ve finally rid myself of that fool, she thought, a small smirk touching her lips.
Rubbing her sore wrist, she exhaled in relief, only to hear Harrison’s voice behind her. “You look pleased about something,” he said.
Harrison’s gaze, followed Zachary’s retreating figure, his mouth tightening
Oblivious to his reaction, Gwyneth turned with an easy smile. Just cleared out some trash. Feels good”
The tension left Harrison’s expression. That calls for celebration. Let’s have dinner.
As he reached for her hand, the man from earlier resumed for his briefcase.
Spotting the unusual proximity between Harrison and Gwyneth, he paused. No one had ever seen Harrison this close to a woman. Curiosity got the better of him. “Mr. Lopez, he ventured, “is this your… girlfriend!” His appraising look swept over Gwyneth.
Gwyneth barely recognized the important figure and had no interest in being drawn into this. She remained silent, leaving the response to
Harrison.
Harrison slid an arm around Gwyneth’s waist. “My wife,” he said:
The man’s jaw dropped. Married? When did Mr. Lopez get hitched? And how come there wasn’t even a whisper about it in the press he thought.
“We haven’t set a date for the wedding yet Harrison added smoothly. “But don’t worry you’ll get an invite when we
do
“Ah, that explains it” The man’s face lit up with realization, and he turned to Gwyneth with a friendly smile, just about to introduce himself when a chorus of car horns blared outside.
Glancing at his watch, he gave Harrison a hasty wave. “My flight’s about to take off Next time, you’re telling me the whole story”
“Safe travels,” Gwyneth said
With a brisk nod, the man grabbed his briefcase and hurried off.
Once they were alone, Harrison dropped his arm and took a step back. “Well? Don’t we make a convincing couple!”
“Forget that. I’m starving Gwyneth muttered as her stomach growled loud enough to prove
Besides, she thought, ‘what does it matter! This marriage was just a sham anyway!
Harrison remained silent. He knew some things needed to be handled gradually.
They retreated to a private dining room where Harrison ordered a set meal featuring all of Gwyneth’s favorites
Full and content, she relaxed into her chair, eyes crinkling with satisfaction. Chin propped on one hand, she mindlessly scrolled through her phone.
Harrison’s gaze dropped to her bare lagers: “Galvocity’s known for its diamonds, he said matter–of–factly. “Pick one you like.”
