Chapter 13
Apr 30, 2025
Miranda’s POV
The air smelled of fresh roses and the faint scent of coffee as I stood by the front window, glancing at the time on my phone for what must’ve been the hundredth time.
Today was the day of my wedding dress fitting. And Damon was late as usual.
Typical.
Just as I was about to sigh for the umpteenth time, his sleek black car pulled into the driveway.
He stepped out like he had all the time in the world, dressed in a charcoal-gray suit that hugged his frame way too well for my comfort. My heart skipped a beat, which I immediately scolded myself for.
“Hey,” he said smoothly, walking up to me.
“You’re late,” I replied, folding my arms.
He ignored my tone and leaned in to kiss my cheek. I stiffened. The audacity. Then, like a true gentleman, he opened the car door for me.
I raised a brow. “What’s with the chivalry? Did you hit your head on the way here?”
He smirked. “Maybe I just feel like playing the part.”
Playing the part? Hmm.
I slid into the passenger seat without another word, but I was already watching him from the corner of my eye. Something felt off. Damon wasn’t normally this… charming. We drove in silence, the hum of the engine the only sound between us.
The bridal boutique was already bustling with activity when we arrived. The lady in charge welcomed us with a bright smile.
“Miranda, you’re right on time! And Mr. Aldridge, so good to see you again.”
I gave a polite nod while Damon smiled as though he were already a pro at pretending.
As the consultant led me to the changing room, I paused. “You staying?”
He shrugged and leaned against the wall.
I rolled my eyes and stepped into the changing room. One by one, the dresses came out. A-line, mermaid, off-shoulder, ball gown, each more elaborate than the last.
I tried on the third one, a satin piece with intricate lace detailing and a plunging neckline. When I stepped out, Damon’s eyes actually widened.
“Wow,” he said, and for once, it didn’t sound like an act.
“Too much cleavage?” I asked, fidgeting with the neckline.
He stood and walked around me, inspecting every angle. “You’ll definitely have all eyes on you.”
I blushed, cursing my pale skin for betraying me.
“You look beautiful,” he added, softer this time.
I cleared my throat. “Thanks.”
Dress after dress, he offered compliments that were strangely thoughtful. And I hated how much they affected me.
Finally, after hours of spinning, pinning, and posing, I settled on a mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline and beaded details that shimmered when I moved.
“This one,” Damon said before I even asked.
Our eyes met in the mirror. I nodded. “Yeah. This one.”
We left the boutique with garment bags and tension trailing behind us. Damon held the door open again as I slid into the car.
Halfway home, he broke the silence. “We need to talk.”
I glanced at him. “About what?”
“Us.”
I raised a brow. “There is no ‘us.’”
“Pretend us,” he corrected. “We need to act like we actually like each other. For our families. Especially yours.”
I looked away, the weight of his words settling in my chest. “Is that why you kissed me earlier?”
He nodded, eyes focused on the road. “Thought it might help sell the story.”
I let out a soft laugh. “I was going to suggest the same thing. As long as my grandfather’s still breathing, I want him happy.”
He gave me a side glance. “Then we’re agreed. We fake it. Until we make it.”
I nodded. “Agreed.”
After a pause, I asked, “Are you seeing anyone right now?”
His brows furrowed. “Why do you ask?”
I shrugged, feigning casual. “Just curious. That day at the office… a woman came to see you. I saw you two kissing.”
He let out a chuckle. “Oh. That.”
I arched a brow. “You’re laughing?”
“She was just a fling,” he said. “Not someone important.”
I crossed my arms. “A fling? On your first day at work? That’s some record-breaking behavior.”
“It was… a moment of weakness,” he said, still amused.
“I had a bad impression of you after that,” I admitted.
“Clearly,” he said with a grin.
“And now I’m marrying you. Life is funny.”
He tilted his head. “You still think I’m a playboy?”
“Let’s just say I haven’t ruled it out.”
After a beat of silence, he asked, “What about you? Are you dating anyone?”
I shook my head. “Nope. Haven’t had the time.”
“Hard to believe,” he said. “You’re beautiful, smart, and feisty. Someone should be chasing you.”
I looked out the window. “I’ve been busy. And picky. And honestly, nothing has felt right in a long time.”
“Maybe you just haven’t met the right person,” he said.
I turned to him. “Maybe.”
The car pulled into the driveway of the mansion. As the engine quieted, the silence between us stretched.
I reached for the door, but paused. Then, before I could overthink it, I leaned in and kissed him.
