Chapter 28
Madison
I blinked hard, rubbing my eyes. This couldn’t be real. Maybe the champagne had gone to my head? But no – there she was, perfect teeth flashing as she tossed her hair over one shoulder.
Abigail Whitmore.
My stomach dropped. The bathroom mirror’s confidence boost evaporated as I watched her lean toward Alexander, her
designer dress probably worth three months of my salary. Her laugh carried across the restaurant, making my skin crawl.
What a joke. Here I was, getting all hot and bothered by his touches under the table, believing his whispered dessert promises at his place. And now Abigail sat there, commanding his attention like she owned him.
Alexander had a short history with her last year after meeting her in a pub through mutual friends.
I remembered that night at the pub last year. She’d practically draped herself over him at the bar, her fingers tracing patterns on his sleeve as if marking her territory. They’d left together so quickly like they couldn’t wait another minute. My cheeks burned at the
memory.
–
Why had he bothered with this whole “celebration” charade? The champagne, the upscale restaurant, his hand creeping up my thigh was it all just foreplay before his real entertainment showed up? I touched my neck where his lips had brushed earlier, feeling foolish.
Just an arrangement,” I muttered, watching Abigail’s perfectly manicured hand rest on the table as she leaned forward, giving Alexander an unobstructed view down her dress. “That
all this is.”
He was Alexander Knight, after all
–
a successful businean and notorious playboy. What made me think I was special?
Sure, he’d help with my mother’s medical bills, but that was just another business transaction to him. Another notch in his designer belt.
Their conversation drifted over something about a party. My earlier warmth from his touches faded, replaced by an icy clarity. The champagne bubbles that made me feel light and giddy now made my stomach turn.
I stood frozen, watching Abigail laugh at something he said, her hand inching closer to his on the table. My mind recalled his words from earlier: “To new arrangements.” Maybe I wasn’t the only arrangement he had going.
I took a deep breath and walked back to the table, trying to keep my composure. The closer I got, the more their conversation
became clear.
“So you’ll be there?” Abigail purred. “It won’t be the same without you.”
Alexander’s eyes found mine as I approached the table. He patted the seat next to him. “Ms. Harper, come join us.”
I slid into the seat, hyper–aware of how his thigh pressed against mine.
Abigail’s perfect smile faltered for a split second before recovering. “Oh, Ms. Harper. I didn’t realize you were here.” Her eyes swept over my outfit with barely concealed disdain. “Working late again?”
In her eyes, I was just Alexander’s PA, nothing more. Her rudeness was nothing new to me; it was almost a given whenever
she was around.
“Actually.” I started, but Alexander cut in.
“We’re having dinner together.” His voice carried that authoritative tone that made my insides flutter.
“How nice.” Abigail’s perfectly shaped eyebrows arched. “It’s sweet of Alexander to treat his assistant to dinner.” She waved her hand dismissively “Though I’m sure you have plenty of work to catch up on.”
Alexander’s laugh held an edge. “Madison’s far more than just an assistant, Abigail. She’s essential to everything I do.”
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+25 BONUS
“Really?” Abigail’s tone dripped with skepticism. She leaned forward, giving Alexander another view of her cleavage. “I mean, answering phones and fetching coffee is important.”
“She practically runs my life,” Alexander continued, ignoring Abigail’s attempt at flirtation. “She’s organized, efficient, and cares deeply about my well–being.”
The way he emphasized ‘deeply‘ made my cheeks burn. I took a sip of water to hide my reaction.
Abigail stared at me like I was some kind of alien species.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling like the odd one out at this table. It wasn’t that I wanted Alexander to sing my praises; it was painfully obvious that Abigail didn’t care about anything he was saying.
Alexander seemed to sense my discomfort and reached for his champagne glass. “Let’s toast,” he suggested smoothly. “To good company and even better assistants.”
I raised my glass awkwardly, feeling like a third wheel as Abigail clinked her glass against Alexander’s with a dazzling smile.
“So,” Abigail said, returning her full attention to Alexander. “About that party…”
I tuned out their conversation, focusing on the bubbles in my champagne glass. It felt surreal sitting there while they discussed events I’d never be invited
As they continued talking, I found myself lost in thought about the bizarre arrangement I’d agreed to with Alexander. A
in exchange for financial help with my mother’s medical bills–something straight out of a soap opera. What kind of life had I gotten myself into?
pretend relationship for a
Abigail’s laugh pierced my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. She was stunning, with her perfect hair and flawless makeup. Her dress looked like it cost more than my entire
e wardrobe. I couldn’t help but feel self–conscious next to her.
I glanced at Alexander, who seemed completely at ease. He was leaning back in his chair, his attention split between Abigail’s animated chatter and his champagne glass. The way he reacted to her made me feel small and insignificant.
Here I was, just playing the role of his girlfriend, while Abigail seemed like she could be the real thing. The genuine article.
Alexander’s hand slid under the table and found my knee again, squeezing gently. My heart skipped a beat.
I shouldn’t see him as my boyfriend just because he says so. He’s still that womanizer, and I needed to remember that. It was supposed to be a good thing because if I really caught him cheating, I’d get the money and go away.
I tried to focus on that thought as Abigail continued to monopolize Alexander’s attention. Her laugh grated on my nerves more and more with each passing second.
“You know,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness that felt anything but genuine, “we should really catch up sometime soon, Alex.”
Alex? No one called him Alex. Not even me.
“I’d like that,” he replied smoothly, flashing her a smile that made my stomach churn.
This was exactly why I couldn’t let myself get too attached. Alexander Knight was a playboy through and through. He wasn’t going to change just because of our arrangement.
Abigail’s laugh snapped me back to reality. Her perfect white teeth gleamed as she tossed her hair over one shoulder, every movement calculated for maximum effect.
“I need to step away for a moment,” Alexander said, sliding out of the booth. “Ladies, play nice.”
My stomach dropped as he disappeared toward the restroom. Being alone with Abigail felt like being trapped in a cage with a perfectly manicured lioness.
She waited until Alexander was out of earshot before turning her predatory gaze on me. “Well, well. I must say, I’m surprised
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Chapter 28
to see him here with you.”
I smoothed my skirt, suddenly aware of every imperfection in the fabric.
“That outfit.” She clicked her tongue. “If you’re trying to catch his attention, you’re going about it all wrong. Though I suppose
it’s hard to dress well on an assistant’s salary.”
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