It had been a week since the business event, and Lorenzo was back in his office, the hum of the city just beyond the windows, the usual bustle of phone calls, emails, and meetings surrounding him. Yet, despite the busy schedule, his mind kept drifting back to the night of the event. It wasn't the business deal that stuck with him, nor was it the conversation with his father that was so heavily focused on marriage and legacy. No, what lingered was the image of Amara—her cool, poised demeanor, the way she held herself despite the obvious discomfort of being surrounded by people she didn't belong with. The curiosity about her hadn't faded.
But that thought was quickly silenced as he turned to his desk, where Violet, his secretary, was standing with a folder in hand, her smile as sharp as ever.
Violet had become more than just his secretary over the past week. They'd developed a deeper connection, one that started with casual flirtations but soon turned into late-night distractions and playful teasing. It was an easy dynamic—fun and relaxed, like a game neither of them wanted to stop playing. Still, there was something else about Violet that drew him in, something that kept his attention more than he cared to admit.
"Another day, another set of problems, huh?" Violet said, leaning against the doorframe, her voice smooth but laced with an underlying warmth.
Lorenzo glanced up from the papers scattered across his desk, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Something like that. You know, I was just thinking about you earlier."
Her eyes narrowed, a teasing smile pulling at her lips. "Oh, really? I thought I was just another distraction to you."
Lorenzo chuckled, leaning back in his chair, his gaze locking with hers. "Well, maybe you are, but you're also the most interesting distraction I've had in a while."
Violet raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, huh?" She stepped closer, setting the folder down on his desk. "I guess I've become quite the topic of your thoughts then."
Lorenzo didn't answer immediately, choosing instead to study her, the chemistry between them growing thicker with each passing moment. "Let's just say," he started, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone, "I like having you around."
Violet's lips parted as if to say something, but she hesitated. After a beat, she spoke again, her voice softer. "So… about that night," she said, eyes focused on him as though she was trying to read his expression. "What happened with that woman? You seemed... distracted."
Lorenzo's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a small sigh. He leaned forward in his chair, his fingers absently tapping against the edge of the desk. "You're not wrong," he muttered. "I was distracted. My father and his business deals, trying to play matchmaker... and then there was Amara."
Violet tilted her head, curiosity written all over her face. "Amara? So, tell me about her. I saw the way you looked at her that night."
Lorenzo looked away for a moment, his thoughts swirling. "She's… different," he said slowly. "Not like the women I'm used to, you know? She's not into the same things I am. But my father seems to think she's a perfect match for me. She's got this whole 'classy' vibe—good for a wife, I suppose. But as for everything else…" He trailed off, shaking his head. "I'm not sure if she's really my type."
Violet leaned in a little, her gaze intense as she locked eyes with him. "You're not sure?" she repeated, her voice lowering. "Then why were you so distracted by her? You've never been the type to be unsure, Lorenzo."
Lorenzo chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know. Maybe it's just the whole idea of it all—the pressure from my father. The marriage. The expectations." He paused, meeting her gaze once more. "But I'll tell you one thing, Violet. You're more my type than Amara."
Violet's lips parted in surprise, though she quickly masked it with a sly grin. "Oh, really?" she teased. "And what exactly makes me your type, Mr. Garcia?"
Lorenzo leaned back, his gaze roaming over her, lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "You're sharp. You know how to keep me on my toes, how to make things interesting. And you're not like the other women who just want to be seen with me. You've got your own thing going on."
Violet chuckled, her voice low. "I like the sound of that."
But then her expression shifted, something thoughtful crossing her face. She took a step closer, her tone more serious. "So, what are you going to do about your father's proposition? The marriage. The takeover. Are you just going to let it all happen, Lorenzo?"
Lorenzo's jaw tightened as he sat back in his chair, staring at the desk in front of him. He didn't have an answer. His father's proposition was clear: settle down, marry Amara, and take control of the company. The plan seemed simple, but Lorenzo wasn't sure he could stomach the idea of being tied down, of playing the role of a devoted husband when he wasn't sure he even believed in that kind of love. And yet, the allure of power and control—the company, the CEO position—was undeniable.
Violet watched him closely, studying his expression, before she spoke again, her voice a little quieter. "What if… what if you marry Amara but fake it? Pretend it's all about love at first sight, the perfect romance. Act like you're smitten by her. That way, your father gets off your back, you get your position as CEO, and you don't have to worry about actually being in love with her."
Lorenzo looked up, his brow furrowing in thought. "Fake it?" he repeated, the idea swirling in his mind. "You think that would work?"
Violet nodded, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Why not? You're good at pretending. Hell, you've spent your whole life pretending. You're already great at being the charming bachelor who makes every woman believe they're the one. So why not do the same with Amara? Pretend you've found your soulmate, go through the motions, and let your father think you're doing exactly what he wants. Meanwhile, you get to stay in control."
Lorenzo sat up straighter, his mind racing. "You think I could just pretend? Make everyone believe I'm the perfect husband and CEO?"
Violet's gaze softened, her expression genuine. "If anyone can pull it off, it's you. You've got the looks, the charm, and the connections. You just need a little help making it all look real. And Amara—she might be a good person to go along with it. It wouldn't be hard to sell the idea that you've both fallen in love."
Lorenzo leaned back in his chair, considering it. Maybe it was crazy, but Violet's suggestion felt like the perfect solution to his dilemma. He could keep his freedom, gain his father's approval, and still take over the company. And if it meant playing the role of the lovestruck husband for a while… well, he could manage that. But he still need to think about it.