Falling For My Fake Fiancee

Shadow Returns

Harper

I wasn’t sure why my stomach was twisting into knots, but I had a sinking suspicion it had everything to do with the lobby of Alexander’s company building.

And then I saw her.

Vivienne.

She was standing by the elevators like she owned the place—impossibly poised, perfectly dressed, hair shining under the lobby lights, eyes sharp as a blade. And she was looking at Alexander.

I froze. My chest tightened, my mind scrambling for an excuse to disappear without making it obvious.

Alexander stiffened next to me. I could feel the change in his posture before he spoke. “I should have known.”

Vivienne’s eyes flicked to me. That slow, assessing glance made me feel like she was trying to dissect me with a single look. “And who do we have here?” she asked, voice light but dripping with subtle accusation. “I see Alexander has… a companion now.”

I forced my lips into a smile. “Harper Quinn,” I said, holding out my hand. “I work with Alexander.”

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile. Clearly, she didn’t believe me. “Ah. I see. Alexander has chosen someone new. How… interesting.”

Alexander didn’t say anything immediately. His presence next to me was solid, protective, but tense—like he was bracing for a storm. “Harper is accompanying me for public appearances,” he said finally, voice low and calm.

Vivienne’s smile widened, and there was a dangerous glint in her eyes. “Public appearances, huh? I see. And here I thought… perhaps someone could truly capture his attention.”

My jaw tightened. Okay, she was confident. I could handle confident. I just wasn’t sure I could handle manipulative.

Before I could answer, she glanced at Alexander again, waiting for him to jump to her side—or maybe to confirm my role. He didn’t. My chest warmed at the silent support.

“I’m here for my work,” I said carefully, keeping my voice even. “Alexander asked me to assist with public events. That’s it.”

Vivienne’s eyes flicked to me, sharp and skeptical. “Of course. I hope your intentions are… genuine.” Her tone was loaded. “I know him, and I know what he deserves. I won’t watch someone take advantage of him.”

The word “advantage” stung. I clenched my fists at my sides but kept my composure. I wasn’t about to back down in front of her. “I’m not here to take advantage of anyone,” I said, meeting her gaze. “I’m here to do my job. That’s all.”

Vivienne let out a light, almost melodic laugh. “We’ll see, won’t we?” She pivoted gracefully and walked away, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor like a countdown to trouble.

I exhaled, tension rolling off me like a wave leaving the shore. Alexander’s eyes followed her until she disappeared, then turned to me, stormy and dark, though tinged with something softer. “She thinks she still has a claim. She doesn’t.”

“I can see that,” I said, stepping closer. “But she clearly wants something. And she’s going to try to get it.”

Alexander’s hand brushed my back in a subtle gesture that made my chest flutter. “No one manipulates me, Harper. Not anymore. Certainly not her.”

I swallowed, suddenly feeling the weight of the room and the subtle heat radiating from him. “I’m not here to manipulate anyone either,” I said softly, though my pulse quickened at the nearness.

For a brief moment, everything between us — the lobby, the clicking heels, the tension — faded away. And I realized, with a jolt I didn’t want to admit, that I was thinking about him in ways I shouldn’t.

Later that evening, I finally allowed myself to breathe. I was sitting in my apartment with a cup of tea in hand, the city lights blinking softly outside. I texted Lila, my best friend and confidante, for guidance.

Lila: Oh no… what happened? Tell me everything.

Me: She’s back. Vivienne. Alexander’s ex. And she’s… scary.

Lila: Scary how? Like ex-scary or rich-b***h-scary?

Me: Both. And she’s looking at me like I’m a threat. I mean, I am technically his fake fiancée… but she doesn’t know that. I have to keep this a secret.

Lila: Ooooh. This is going to be messy. But don’t worry — you’ve got brains, charm, and Alexander is obviously yours. Just… stay cool and don’t reveal a thing.

I smiled despite the tension. Lila had a way of grounding me when everything felt chaotic. She reminded me that I wasn’t powerless — that I could handle this without losing my footing.

Later that night, Alexander called. I hesitated before answering, my heart still racing.

“Harper,” he said softly, low enough that it felt like it was meant only for me. “Are you okay?”

I exhaled slowly. “I will be. She’s… intimidating.”

“I know,” he said quietly, his tone threading warmth and protection. “But you handled it well. That’s why I trust you.”

His words made my chest ache. I wanted to tell him how much I trusted him too, how I felt more than I should, but the arrangement — the fake engagement — kept me from saying it. So I stayed silent.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he continued. “And don’t worry — I won’t let her shake you.”

Even over the phone, I could feel the intensity of his presence. Protective, steady, and yet… consuming.

“I know,” I whispered.

I ended the call and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. The night felt heavy with possibility, tension, and desire — a dangerous mix. Vivienne had returned, yes, but somehow, Alexander’s subtle protection and trust made me feel safe.

And in the quiet of my apartment, I realized: I wasn’t just surviving this situation anymore. I was beginning to want it — him, us — more than I should.