Falling For My Fake Fiancee

Survival of the poised

Harper

The morning sun spilled through my apartment window, but instead of feeling like a fresh start, it made my chest tighten with anticipation. Today, I had a sinking feeling, the kind that clings to your stomach and refuses to leave. Vivienne.

I hadn’t seen her yet, but I knew she was planning something. The way she lingered in Alexander’s orbit yesterday had been deliberate. Calculated. Like a chess player plotting moves I couldn’t yet see.

I poured my coffee, trying to steady my hands. My phone buzzed immediately. Lila.

Lila: Morning, superstar. How’s life with the ex-stalker?

Me: Not a stalker. Just… annoyingly manipulative. I feel like she’s already trying to get under my skin.

Lila: Yep. That’s what exes do. You’re smarter, though. You’ve got this. Just don’t let her see you sweat.

I smiled faintly, grateful. Lila had this uncanny ability to calm me, to remind me that I wasn’t powerless, even when I felt cornered.

By the time I arrived at the office, the tension in the air was palpable. Alexander’s assistant, Emily, gave me a warning glance. “She’s here,” she murmured.

I nodded, sliding into my professional armor. I wasn’t about to let Vivienne see me falter.

Sure enough, Vivienne appeared almost immediately, strolling in like the room belonged to her. Her eyes swept across everyone, landing on me with that infuriatingly knowing smile.

Alexander didn’t acknowledge her presence, at least not openly, but I could feel the subtle tightening of his jaw. I forced myself to focus on the agenda, taking careful notes while Vivienne made a show of looking interested in everything around her—but not so interested that anyone could accuse her of blatant sabotage.

Then came her first move.

“Alexander,” she said casually, leaning slightly toward him. “I hope Harper isn’t too… overwhelmed by today’s events. These meetings can be so challenging for someone not used to them.”

My stomach twisted. Innocent comment? On the surface, yes. But the undertone was poisonous, a direct attack on my capability without saying a word aloud. I met Alexander’s eyes, and he shot me a quick, subtle look — a mix of warning and reassurance.

I drew in a slow breath. “Thank you for your concern,” I said evenly. “I’ve reviewed the materials thoroughly and am ready to contribute fully to today’s discussions.”

Vivienne’s smirk deepened. Clearly, she didn’t expect me to hold my ground.

After the meeting, I stepped into the hallway, letting out a shaky sigh. I couldn’t let Vivienne’s presence throw me off; she thrived on that. I sent Lila a quick text:

Me: She tried to undermine me today. Subtle, but noticeable.

Lila: Yep. Classic ex move. Don’t let her rattle you. You’re stronger than she thinks.

It helped, even if only slightly. I hated feeling vulnerable, hated feeling like I was in a battle I hadn’t chosen.

Alexander appeared beside me, close enough that I could feel his warmth, and he lowered his voice. “You handled that well,” he said softly. “She won’t see you falter again.”

I looked at him, heart racing. There was something protective in his gaze, a quiet intensity that made me forget the office, the gossip, even Vivienne herself. I wanted to say something, to tell him that I felt the same — that I trusted him, and maybe… something more — but the words caught in my throat.

Instead, I whispered, “Thank you.”

Later that afternoon, the office buzzed with whispers. Vivienne had made her next move: subtle rumors about me were circulating, things like I was new, inexperienced, maybe only there for… opportunities. I could feel people’s eyes on me, judging, testing.

But I didn’t crumble. I moved gracefully, smiled when needed, answered questions confidently, and let my competence speak for itself. It was exhausting, but I knew that showing fear or hesitation would only give Vivienne an edge.

At one point, Alexander caught my eye across the room. His subtle nod reassured me — he noticed, he appreciated, and he was quietly supporting me without drawing attention to it. That was the way he always was: protective but never overbearing, letting me prove myself while being my anchor.

By the time I left the office that evening, my legs ached from tension, but my mind felt sharper than ever. I had survived Vivienne’s subtle manipulations, and I had done it without exposing the secret of our arrangement.

When I stepped onto the rooftop terrace of my apartment building, I called Lila.

“She’s relentless,” I admitted as soon as she answered.

“I know,” Lila said. “But you handled it like a pro. And remember, Alexander noticed. That’s important.”

“Yes,” I murmured, glancing at the city lights. “He notices everything. And that… that makes me feel…” My words faltered, because the truth was terrifying. I didn’t just want him to notice me. I wanted him to care, in a way that was more than the arrangement, more than protection. I wanted… more.

And I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that yet.