"I can't fall in love with you?" Gina asked, her voice laced with scepticism, her eyelids fluttering as she searched for the truth in Mark's eyes.
"Yes, you can't fall in love with me," Mark whispered, his voice barely audible, his gaze piercing hers.
"You don't love me, and I don't love you. This is just a contract, a mutually beneficial arrangement. We need to be clear on the terms, Gina.
Gina felt her heart race, her palms growing sweaty as Mark's words hit her like a cold shower. She had thought, maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something more. But Mark's words crushed that hope, leaving her with a hollow feeling inside.
"That night," Mark continued, his voice detached, "was just a favour, a one-time thing. Don't read too much into it, Gina. I did what you asked, and that's all it was."
Gina's gut tightened, her fists clenching involuntarily as she fought to keep her emotions in check. She had thought she was ready to move on from Williams' betrayal, but Mark's words brought it all flooding back. She wasn't ready to fall in love again, to risk being hurt again.
"Clearly not," she replied curtly, her voice barely above a whisper, as she turned back to the contract. She couldn't afford to get emotional, not now.
She had to focus on the task at hand: convincing Mark's family and the world that they were a couple, and getting her revenge on Williams in the process.
The contract was clear: three months, no emotions, no attachment. Just a business arrangement. And she was willingly to accept this term just to get her revenge on Williams.
"Accepted!" She picked up the pen and sign, sealing their contract.
She wouldn't have regret for this because this was the best result so far… that's what she thought.
"So, where did you two meet?" Chairman Hughes asked, his voice booming across the dining table. The array of dishes before us was impressive, but his appetite was non-existent. She forced herself to take a bite, the food tasting like ash in his mouth. Her nerves were on edge, her eyes darting to Mark for support.
His face was a mask of calm, but his eyes urged her to speak. She swallowed hard, her throat constricting. How could he do this to her, put her on the spot in front of all these people? The room seemed to grow quieter, the guests leaning in, eager to hear their story.
"I…" Gina began, her voice barely audible. She cleared her throat, buying time. What could she say? What lie could she concoct that would sound believable? Mark's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if willing her to come up with something convincing.
"We met…at a charity event," Gina stammered, the words tumbling out. "Yes, a charity gala. We were both supporting the same cause, and we struck up a conversation." Her voice sounded hollow, even to her own ears. She dared not look at Mark, fearing that her eyes would betray the truth.
"I don't know that my grandson is into charity! He doesn't sound convinced as his eyes bore into hers, Gina swallows and as if sensing her fear, Mark's hand slides into hers in a comforting way.
"He is," Gina assured, assuming they knew about Mark's efforts.
"Mark has been doing amazing work in charity homes, that's how we met." Gina smiled warmly at Mark, taking in his handsome features before turning back to his grandfather, Chairman Hughes' eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing.
"You seem like a foreigner," he stated, his voice low and gravelly. "Your accent, it's not from around here."
She took a deep breath, preparing to spin a tale that would convince the mafia lord.
"I was born and raised in Seattle, on the west coast of the United States, where my parents still live…lived," She corrected herself, a pang of sadness hitting her chest. "After their passing, I decided to move to New York, to start fresh in a new city, a new country." She hoped her lie sounded convincing enough to pass muster with the perceptive Chairman Hughes. Gina's heart raced as she waited for his response, her fate hanging in the balance.
"Hmmm" he sighed and both of us stared at each other hoping it was convincing enough for him. She was afraid that she might be thrown daggered at in an impulse.
"Very well, then," Chairman Hughes replied curtly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"I'm proud that Mark has made some effort, at least. Today would have been his last day as a Hughes, had he not met you." The man's gaze bore into hers, his eyes cold and calculating. Gina felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the weight of his words.
She was scared of him, scared of the power he wielded with such precision. His aura was terrifying, a palpable force that commanded respect and inspired fear. She had seen wealth and opulence before, but nothing compared to the sheer magnitude of the Hughes' empire. And yet, despite his vast riches, Chairman Hughes was willing to disown his own grandson simply because he didn't have a fiancée or wife. The thought sent a chill down my spine.
"Enjoy the dinner, everyone," Chairman Hughes announced, his voice booming across the table. The room fell silent as he stood up, his eyes fixed on me for a moment before shifting to Mark.
"It would be nice to have you both for the night." His gaze lingered on Mark, a hint of a command in his voice. "Follow me, there's a lot to discuss Mark."
The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Mark and I exchanged a nervous glance.
We knew that we had to tread carefully, that our fate hung in the balance. With a sense of trepidation, Mark rose from his seats then did the unexpected when he bent over to kiss her cheeks.
"I will right back darling? Gina lovingly and watched him follow Chairman Hughes out of the dining room.