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FENIX

Loud knock on the door made me tare my eyes away from the computer screen.

When I didn't said anything, the door opened and Kieran peeked his head inside.

"You free?" He asked and stepped inside when I nodded my head. I was in the office doing some paperwork. I leaned back on the leather chair and ran a hand over my face.

"How did the meeting with Franco go?" I asked and tapped my fingers on the glass surface of the desk.

"He won't make problems anymore. It's taken care of." I hummed at his answer. Kieran is dealing with all of the minor issues we have. He is my second in command and I trust that he will do anything right.

Since I took over dad's position six years ago, Kieran has been my underboss.

"And?" He lifted his eyebrow and the annoying smirk I hated the most, formed on his lips.

As much as I appreciated Kieran, he was like an annoying fly.

"What?"

"How did it go?" I knew exactly what he was applying to. My visit to Elsie's home. Kieran was the only one who knew about my plan.

"Good." I replied with a monotone voice.

"Just good?" I swear I was going to punch him in the face.

I wasn't expecting that everything was going to play out as it did. She did a hell of a good job with raising that kid. He was smart and more well mannered than most people I have met in my life.

It was admirable how much she achieved alone. There were parents that never made so much as she did alone at such young age.

When I met her for the first time, I didn't expect her to be so...

"Do you really think you'll be able to divorce this girl after everything is done?" Kieran pulled me out of my thoughts with his question.

"Yes. Why not?"

"You have been staring at her photo every time I get here. You couldn't even contain yourself from visiting the restaurant every single day." He pointed his finger on the file on the desk.

It was the informations he got for Elsie.

On the front page there was her photo she has posted on her social media about three years ago.

She was dressed in a bright blue dress and her hair was even more red and shorter. The smile on her face was bright and she was seated on the picnic cloth in a park.

A curiosity bubbled in my chest as I wondered who took the picture.

She mentioned that she had two boyfriends before. Probably some pathetic college boys.

Kieran didn't get too much informations because Elsie seemed to be a private person. She even changed her last name about eight years ago. Darlington was her grandpa's last name. Her mom's father.

She had a sister, Ian's mother. Her grandparents died when she started college and Ian moved in with her about two years ago.

Not much was known about her parents. The only thing he was able to find out was that they now live in Portugal.

They fucking left their daughters alone.

I don't even know how she managed to deal with all of that.

"She is attractive, I'll give you that." My jaw clenched and I fisted my hand.

"If you say one more thing, I'll break your nose again." I gritted out and he lifted his hands in surrender while chuckling. Why the fuck do I have to put up with this dipshit?

"I'll just leave before you actually decide to do that. It's hard to trust you." He stood up, fixing his suit jacket and walked outside. The smirk was still on his stupid face.

He came here just to get on my nerves. It's what he was best at. He was good at his job but damn was he a piece of shit when he wanted to be.

When the door closed behind him, my eyes immediately went to the photo of Elsie.

I'll have to call her. Today we were going to my parent's house. When I called mom and told her that I'm bringing my fiancé home, she wasn't as surprised because she is use to me doing things out of the blue.

Even though she tries to hide it, I know how happy she will be.

I picked up my phone and dialled Elsie's number.

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It was 6 pm as I parked the car in front of her building. When I called her earlier she seemed to be in panic.

I knew how much she had to take in for the past few days. And I knew how selfish I was to put her in this situation.

Letting out a sigh, I got out of the car before locking it. The little box stayed in my pocket as I made my way up the stairs.

The hallways were empty and there was couple of noises of people yelling from one of the apartments. Even though I was tearing her away from her home she created on her own, I was glad that she was going to be safe. By my side.

I reached the fourth floor and marched to their apartment.

I knocked on the door and slid my palms into the pockets of my pants. A few seconds passed before I heard movements on the other side.

The door slowly opened and Ian grinned at me.

"Hello, Fenix." He waved, his smile reaching his eyes.

"How are you Ian?" The question left my lips and my eyes immediately flew to Elsie standing behind him.

The first thing I noticed was that she didn't have her glasses on. Her round brown eyes were not hidden from me anymore.

Her hair was slicked back in a high bun. I didn't understand much about makeup but her lips were darker than usual, probably painted with lipstick. It made my gaze stay on them for a few seconds longer.

Her outfit was colorful as usual. The blouse she had was in a hot pink color, then she had a silky skirt that reached down to bellow her knees. It was in a dark green.

As much as this outfit seemed ridiculous, she made it look good.

When our eyes met, her cheeks blushed like always. "Hello." She said and grinned.

"You ready?" I asked after clearing my throat. She nodded her head and grabbed the heels that were next to the door.

They were purple with a bow on the front.

"I have to pee." Ian voiced and looked at Elsie with pleading eyes.

"Okay then, go. We'll wait for you here." He nodded his head and ran to the bathroom. Elsie crouched down and stared putting on the hideous shoes.

Her hands elegantly worked with the straps and her lips pouted slightly as she struggled to do it on her left leg.

Her tongue slightly peeked on the side of her mouth. My lips lifted in a smile.

I crouched down next to her. "Let me do it."

"It's fine..."

"Elsie, let me do it." I moved her hands and did the strap myself. When I lifted my head, our eyes were on the same level and I was able to see the yellow dust of sparkles in her brown eyes.

"Thank you. You didn't have to."

"We'll have to act as a married couple right? Might as well start doing so." She nodded, the pink on her cheeks deepening in a darker shade.

We stood up and Elsie ran her palms over her skirt. She was visibly nervous, her hands slightly shaking.

I dig into the pocket of my jacket and took out the small velvet box. The ring inside was already bought since I figured out that I can ask her to play the part of my fake wife.

Even though at that time, I didn't know her answer, I carried this little box in my pocket. Thank God Kieran didn't see it. He would have chewed my ears off with his stupid remarks.

Elsie lifted her eyes to me and then her gaze went to my hands.

I opened the tiny box and took out the ring. Elsie apparently had some app that Kieran found where you save pictures. There were pictures of jewellery and there was this ring as well.

I ordered it to be the exact same as the one on the photo.

It had a small emerald diamond on top and smaller ones on the side. The band was made of gold and there were patterns like leaves decorating the small diamonds.

It perfectly described her style.

Her eyes widened and a barely audible gasp left her painted lips.

"The engagement ring." I said and took a hold of her hand. Her skin was soft and silky under my touch. I slid the ring on her trembling finger and watched her reaction.

A small smile formed on her face but she quickly hid it away. "Thank you." She whispered and soon Ian emerged from the bathroom.

"Eli, I'm done." He ran to us and retreated next to Elsie.

"Did you wash your hands?" She asked him gently and rubbed his back lovingly. It's something I noticed a lot. She never raised her voice at him. She was always considered and spoke with tender words.

"I did." He raised his hands and waved them at her.

"We should go then." I said and took a step back. Elsie nodded and locked the door behind her.

We walked down the stairs and reached the entrance. I opened the door for them and we got out.

The sun was slowly starting to set. I was usually in the office at this time and it was weird for me to spend the evening any different.

"Wow." Ian looked up at me after he saw the car. I intentionally chose the sports one because I knew he would like it the most.

"You like it?" I asked and unlocked it.

"Yes!" He quickly jumped on the back seats. I opened the door for Elsie and she stepped inside as well, lowering her body on the leather seat. I rounded the car and got inside as well.

I started the engine and heard Ian giggle in the back.

My parent's house wasn't as far. They lived in the city while my house was a bit further.

It was rare for me to visit my parents during the working days. If I was to visit them, it was usually on weekends and that if I was ready to listen to their bickering about me still not being married.

Mom has voiced so many times that she wants grandkids. It was suffocating to be present at those conversations.

Because Alannah moved away, she was free from having to listen to that. Even though I loved my parents, they sure were not giving up on this topic.

Well they will for a while now.

We drove mainly in silence, only Ian occasionally talking about his school. Elsie sat nervously on her seat, playing with the ring on her finger.

When we got closer to the house, I felt the anxiety radiated from her.

I parked the car in the driveway and got out. Elsie and Ian did as well. Mark, the guard in front of the house smiled our way and I closed the distance between me and Elsie.

I gently intertwined our fingers and she hesitantly rested her palm into mine. Ian walked with us until we reached the entrance.

Mark greeted us and the doors opened before I was even able to ring the bell.

They must have seen us arrive.

Mom appeared by the door and the biggest smile formed on her lips. Her brown shoulder-length hair was down and like always she was dressed in dress with tons of jewellery on her neck and wrists.

Her green eyes went from me to Elsie and she extended her hands, bringing her into her embrace.

"Oh my... you are so pretty, dear." She said and tightened her hands around Elsie. Dad stood behind her, giving me a nod. His hair was getting more grey but he was still not giving up on taking care of himself.

I'm sure he is still capable of fighting off our best soldiers.

"I had no idea you will be so beautiful." Mom grinned as soon as they parted. "I'm Bridget. It's so nice to meet you."

"I'm Elsie. Nice to meet you as well." Elsie's hand tightened around mine. She must have done it subconsciously.

"And who is this little guy?" She crouched down and ran her hand over his hair.

"I'm Ian." He glued himself to Elsie and looked up at her.

"This is Ian, her nephew." I said and she nodded her head while grinning at us.

"Come in. We shouldn't be standing here." She gestured for us to walk inside and dad greeted us as well.

ELSIE

Their house was huge.

As soon as we stepped in, my jaw almost hit the floor. I never even knew such houses existed. It looked like it was straight out of a movie or a book.

The ceilings were high with gold chandeliers hanging down.

The doors were white and tall, rimmed with golden patterns and golden handles. My hand stayed in Fenix's as we made our way to the living room. Ian stayed close to me and took a hold of my skirt.

His parents to my surprise were extremely nice. I didn't expect them to actually like me. I thought they wouldn't be happy with their son being engaged to a basic girl with no good background. On top of that I had my nephew with me, who I was taking care off.

Most parents would be disappointed with Fenix's choice but they seemed to be happy for him.

Only if they knew this will last for couple of months.

Bridget had a beautiful formal red dress. It clung to her body, reaching her knees and made her look like she was my age. The makeup on her face was beautifully done and the necklace she wore, shone with each move she made.

Fenix picked up his mom's looks but definitely had his father's height and stoic expression. Mr. Cillian seemed nice but definitely didn't smile as much as Mrs. Bridget.

"The dinner is ready. If you are hungry we can eat now." She turned around and clasped her hands together, the bracelets on her hands shimmering.

"You hungry Ian?" Fenix asked him and Ian pressed his face to my side while nodding in embarrassment.

"Oh honey. Margaret! Set the table." Bridget called out for someone and after a few seconds, shoes clacking on the floor was heard from the hallway.

A lady with a maid uniform walked towards us. She was probably in her sixties and as soon as she saw us, she smiled. Her warm eyes radiating nothing but kindness.

"Right away." She said and after that she left.

"Tá sí go hiontach. Táim an-sásta leat a mhic." Bridget said something in Irish and my eyebrows pinched together in curiosity. By the way her face lit up, I'm sure she said something nice. (She is gorgeous. I'm really happy for you son.)

The tiniest smile lifted on the corner of Fenix's mouth and I chewed on my lip in nervousness.

While Fenix and his father stayed in the living room discussing something related to work, Bridget started to show me and Ian around.

The house was even bigger than I thought. There was a lot of bedrooms, there was couple of living rooms, a library, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, home cinema and so much more.

Honestly I would consider this more of a hotel than a home.

My mouth stayed open as I observed everything around.

Bridget seemed to be super excited when she showed me Fenix's old room. It was plain with couple of basketball trophies on the cabinet.

Apparently he use to play back in high school.

Margaret called for us and we went to the dining room. On the table there were all kind of foods.

We sat on the comfortable chairs. I was sat next to Fenix on my other side was Ian. He has not said a word but he was visibly excited to be here.

The maids filled our plates and I looked down at the food.

"I told them to prepare everything. If you don't like something feel free to tell Margaret." I lifted my eyes to Fenix's mom.

"No it's fine really. Thank you." She nodded and we all dig into the dinner.

Ian silently eat in his seat while Cillian and Bridget made conversations.

"How did you meet?" The question was directed at both me and Fenix.

Umm... we haven't really talked about this. When he visited my home we didn't even discuss this. Even when he called me, we didn't remember to actually think about a story.

"I met her at Nino's restaurant and I immediately knew that I won't be able to stay away from her." Fenix spoke confidently, without hesitation. Wow he was good. If I didn't knew about our situation, I would have believed him.

I was also glad that he decided to speak. I would have probably said something stupid.

Bridget almost got teary eyes. She grinned and nodded her head. "When I met Cillian it was the same." She said to me.

"We met at a charity event hosted by his father. I was supposed to get engaged to another man. Cillian practically kidnapped me from my engagement party. It made a huge problem but we overcame everything." She told the story like it was a normal way to met your husband.

My eyes widened but nevertheless I smiled at her. They looked to be still very much in love. I never saw that with my parents. It was refreshing.

"Then we soon had Fenix. He was such a moody little kid. I thought he was going to end up like his aunt Daphne. Has he told you about her?"

I shook my head. I know nothing about your son or your family, I wanted to say.

"Then we have a lot to talk about." She winked and Cillian asked Fenix a couple of questions about our upcoming wedding. Bridget seemed to want a big wedding celebration but Fenix presided on a very small one with close family.

I will only have Aspen to invite which I'll also have to tell her that I'm an engaged woman now.

Thankfully the wedding will be small because I don't think I would have survived a big one. I have already discussed with Ian about me getting married.

I still don't know if he is able to grasp what that means. He was just very excited to live with Fenix.

My heart tore apart at the lies pouring out of my mouth. Ian didn't deserve this. But at the same time I wanted to give him a better future than what I had.

If this was the way, then I had to risk it.

The dinner soon finished and I was glad they didn't ask too many personal questions. I guess Fenix warned them on the questions about Ian's mom and my family.

They were very sweet the whole night.

When we were done, we retreated to the living room and soon Fenix left to take a call.

Cillian took Ian to the garden to show him the fountain.

It was only me and Bridget now.

"Have you chosen a dress?" She asked while taking a sip of the tea.

"Oh... no. I still haven't." I answered truthfully.

"I would love to help you pick it out. I'm a fashion designer. When I was younger I use to model as well. My parents weren't really happy with my career choice but I loved it. Still do." There was no doubt she still looked like a model.

"I'm glad you have a fashion sense. Many people are afraid of little colour." Her comment made me blush and I thanked her with a smile. I have never gotten a compliment on my style.

People always gave me weird looks.

We talked for a few more minutes and it was time for us to leave because Ian was going to school tomorrow and he had to go to bed soon.

"I'll go and look for Fenix." I stood up and Bridget lead me to the balcony where Fenix was.

I opened the glass door and stepped outside. The weather was warm yet chilly at the same time.

Closing the door behind me, I walked over to him. One of his hands was resting on the railing while with the other one he was holding the phone to his ear.

As soon as he heard me approach, he said goodbye to whoever was on the other line and turned to me.

His suit jacket was off and he was left in a white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

There was a certain beauty about him. It was not a regular one. He was not what I use to find attractive. The lines on his face were rough and so was his muscular body.

Raw masculinity was radiating off of him yet he was a very pleasant person to have around.

"I just wanted to ask you when are we going to leave." I circled my hands around me and closed the distance between us.

"We can go if you want." He said and leaned on the railing while folding his hands in front of him, making the muscles on his arms bulge.

My throat went dry and I averted my eyes, not wanting to stare at him.

My eyes caught a sight of Bridget and Margaret by one of the windows, looking our way. They were both smiling and exchanging words.

Well this was awkward.

"Your mom and Margaret are spying on us." I said and nervously chuckled. The lump in my throat forcing me to cough a little.

"I expected nothing less." Fenix said and smirked. He took a step towards me and my body stilled.

"Relax, Elsie." He whispered and unfolded his hands, bringing one to my hair and tucking a strand behind my ear.

"Pretend that they are not there." He leaned down and said those words close to my ear. Oh...so we were supposed to act.

This is what I had to prepare for but I was not doing a good job.

I closed my eyes and the intoxicating cologne he had on, made its way to my lungs. He smelled divine like always.

"We should go." His voice reached my ears again and this time his lips went to my forehead and he pressed a light kiss on my burning skin.

My heart skipped a beat and I had to remind myself that we were acting. My eyes were still closed as his lips lingered on my forehead for a few more seconds.

"Let's go." He intertwined our fingers slowly and I lost the ability to talk, so I nodded twice.

I heard him chuckle lightly and felt the blush deepen. I hurried next to him and we got inside.

What was I doing?

Get yourself together Elsie. This is just a show for his family and nothing else.

And finally an update😅

Have a nice day everyone! A lot of love from me🫶💋

🤍🤍🤍