Fallon
My phone buzzed incessantly, vibrating against the marble countertop. I sighed, setting down the cup of coffee I hadn't touched and glancing at the screen.
Reid Calling.
I had no idea why he was calling again, especially after the whole car situation. He'd already sent a mechanic without my consent, fixed my car, and filled my gas tank—whether I wanted his help or not. The least he could do was let it go.
Reluctantly, I answered.
"Hello, Fallon," he greeted smoothly, as if he hadn't pulled a power move that morning.
"Hi, Reid," I replied, my voice neutral.
"I assume Theo returned your car in perfect condition?"
"Yes. Thanks for that, but I didn't need—"
"You're welcome," he cut me off, clearly uninterested in hearing my refusal of his assistance.
My jaw clenched. This man was impossible.
"Anything else?" I asked curtly.
"Actually, yes. There's a dinner at my parents' place this weekend. Our families want us to attend together."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Another family event? Didn't we just survive lunch with them last week?"
"They want to formally announce our engagement."
Of course they did.
"You know this isn't necessary, right? We could just keep things quiet until the wedding," I suggested, knowing it was a futile argument.
"Fallon," he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument, "this is part of the arrangement. We have to play the part."
I sighed in defeat. "Fine. What time?"
"I'll pick you up at seven."
"I can drive myself."
"I wasn't asking."
The line went dead before I could argue further.
By the time Saturday evening rolled around, I was already regretting agreeing to this dinner. I stood in front of my closet, staring at rows of dresses, none of which felt right for the occasion.
Mia, ever the helpful best friend, lounged on my bed, scrolling through her phone.
"Go with the black one," she suggested without looking up. "It's classic, sleek, and makes you look like a total boss."
"You think?"
"Absolutely. Pair it with those killer stilettos, and Reid won't know what hit him."
I rolled my eyes. "This isn't about impressing Reid."
"Sure, keep telling yourself that," she teased with a grin.
Ignoring her, I grabbed the dress and headed to change.
Reid arrived promptly at seven, looking infuriatingly perfect in a tailored navy suit. His hair, always impeccably styled, gleamed under the porch light.
"You're on time," I noted dryly as I stepped outside.
"I always am."
He opened the car door for me, and I slid in, determined to keep the evening as uneventful as possible.
The drive was filled with tense silence, neither of us willing to break it.
When we arrived at the Callahan estate, the grandeur of the place was as overwhelming as ever. The sprawling mansion was illuminated by soft lights, and valet attendants hurried to park luxury cars.
"Ready?" Reid asked as he helped me out of the car.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I muttered.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Guests mingled, glasses clinking as servers weaved through the crowd with trays of champagne.
Reid's parents, ever the picture of high-society elegance, greeted us warmly.
"Fallon, you look stunning," Mrs. Callahan gushed, her eyes sparkling.
"Thank you," I said politely.
As the evening progressed, I did my best to play the role of the doting fiancée, smiling through conversations and pretending I belonged in this world of wealth and influence.
But then Victoria showed up.
Tall, blonde, and exuding confidence, she made a beeline for Reid, completely ignoring my presence.
"Reid," she purred, her red lips curling into a smile, "it's been too long."
"Victoria," he acknowledged stiffly.
She placed a hand on his arm, her gaze lingering a little too long. "You look good."
I clenched my fists at my sides, forcing a neutral expression.
Reid subtly stepped back, creating distance between them. "This is Fallon, my fiancée."
Victoria's smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. "Oh, of course. I've heard so much about you."
"Funny," I said sweetly, "I can't say the same about you."
Reid's lips twitched, but he quickly masked it.
"Well," Victoria said with a forced laugh, "congratulations. I'm sure the two of you will be… happy."
With that, she sauntered off, leaving tension in her wake.
"Ex-girlfriend?" I asked casually.
"Unfortunately."
"Charming."
He glanced at me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Jealous, Fallon?"
"Not even a little," I lied smoothly.