Chapter 12
The
silence that followed her question wasn’t just awkward, it was tense. I turned to look at Karl, but his expression remained unchanged, nothing about the way she was staring at me ht now made me feel like she was joking, she sounded as serious as it could get.
My back stiffened slightly, but I didn’t let it show.
She was still staring at me, that same polished smile on her lips like she already knew I had no answer.
So I gave her one.
“Is, wasn’t about money,” I said, clearing my throat softly. “Karl and I met two years ago, actually. At a gala for charity. I was helping organize it and he came in late, didn’t speak to anyone. Everyone kept their distance, but I let my voice drop slightly, eyes softening. “I told him the soup was
terrible.
event for his company private e
There was a beat. Then Karl turned his head, his brows lifting slightly like he was trying not to laugh. I didn’t look at him. I stayed with the lic “I didn’t think he remembered me,” 1 continued, “but a week later, I got a message asking if I’d like to help organize a We kept crossing paths. It wasn’t romantic at first, he’s not exactly the easiest person to fall for, but he grows on you.” Karl spoke then, folding his arms casually. “I didn’t tell you because I knew what you’d do,” he said to his mother. “Start arranging meetings with heiresses, pulling out the family portfolios, that’s exactly why I never followed through with any of them.”
His mother leaned back in her chair, fingers tracing the rim of her glass in slow circles. Her expression never cracked, but her tone shifted
“So why didn’t you tell me about her. Karl?” she asked, her eyes locked on his. “Why did I have to find out through the media, like everyone else?” Karl didn’t flinch. He tilted his head slightly, his jaw tightening just enough for me to notice.
“You’ve made it very clear what kind of woman you think I should be with,” he said, his voice smooth but distant, “I didn’t think your criteria.”
would meet
“That’s not an answer,” she replied, her gaze sharpening, “You know how much influence you carry. You know how important it is for your name to be paired with the right kind of woman and instead of preparing me, you dropped this, this surprise into the spotlight?”
Her words stung, and I could feel the weight of them even from my seat beside him. But Karl didn’t flinch.
“I didn’t marry her for you,” he said simply.
His mother inhaled deeply, her hands resting in her lap again. “No, but you’re not the only one this reflects on, don’t forget that.”
She looked at me then. Her stare was long, assessing, calculating but this time, there was something different in it. Respect, maybe. Or interest.
“Your story,” she said, her voice softer now, “was well–told. I’ll give you that, which I saw you on the street that day, I thought it was a lie, he was supposed to meet with the daughter of a politician that day, so I thought it was oddly convenient that you had walked in right on that time,” she raked her eyes all over me, “and you were oddly dressed that day too,” she pointed out and I realised how much of a mess I must have looked especially after just being thrown out of Darren and Layla’s wedding.
His mother looked between us for a long time. Her eyes narrowed, searching and then she leaned back, setting her cup down delicately
“I lost my husband ten years ago,” she said softly. “Karl was all I had left. I’ve watched him build something powerful, but I’ve also watched him live like he’s entirely alone. I don’t want that for him. I just want to know he’s safe.”
There was
was something vulnerable in her voice. I felt it, deep in my chest but I smiled.
“He is.” I said gently, “with me, he’s safe.”
She looked at me then, really looked, and for the first time since I’d walked in, Lielt something shift.
We had lunch together, grilled salmon, champagne, fresh greens, I smiled, nodded at the right times, responded to her compliments and subtle challenges. Karl sat beside me the entire time, mostly siler but observant.
By the end of it, site patted my hand
“You’re more than I expected,” she said.
just smiled and thanked her, the most important part of this marriage contract was done.
1/2
Chapter 12
The car ride back to the resort was quiet, calm in a way that made me realize how tightly I’d been wound up the entire morning
I let out a breath as the city came back into view.
“Why won’t you just fall in love with someone?” I asked softly, feeling sad about lying to his mom, she seemed genuinely sweet and wanted nothing but the best for him.
Karl didn’t answer right away. His eyes stayed ahead, jaw locked.
“You’re asking the wrong questions,” he said finally
That was all he gave me.
I nodded, folding my hands in my lap again. I didn’t press it.
When we got back, he walked ahead of me to the suite. I stood in the middle of the room for a long second before heading to my room. I peeled off the dress, stepped into something comfortable, and dropped into bed. My chest ached with exhaustion but also something weirdly close to relief.
The biggest part was done.
His mother believed me, believed us. That meant I’d get the down payment soon and if I could keep this up for a year, just one year, I’d have the kind of money that could change everything
My phone buzzed
I picked it up to see a message in a group chat. My eyes scanned it slowly.
u can come!”
“Hey Ellen! Just wanted to say a bunch of us are getting together for a mini reunion next week. Hope you
It took a second to register, it was from an old highschool member.
They never used to invite me.
But now? My name was in the media. On Karl’s arm. Suddenly I was interesting
I sat up slowly, a smile tugging at my lips.
I was going
And I was taking Karl with me. I didn’t know what he would think of it but this was time to show the bunch of losers who had doubted me what I was worth.
I walked toward his room and knocked once. The door wasn’t locked.
“Hey, I wanted to ask…” I started, pushing the door open.
I froze.
He was on the bed, one hand braced behind his head, the other wrapped around his cock, his chest rising and falling in heavy breaths and then his eyes met mine.
My mouth opened, but no sound came out.
He didn’t move, just tilted his head slightly, his voice low.
“Did you need something?”
