Anna
He slowly pulled away, his gaze lingering on my face. I could feel his breath, the heat between us still humming in the air. I wanted more of him—needed more.
"Simon," I whispered, reaching for him. My fingers brushed against his jaw, and he leaned into my touch, exhaling softly. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, my phone rang, shattering the moment. I glanced down and saw Oliver's name flashing on the screen. When I looked back at Simon, his expression had hardened.
"Look," he said, stepping back slightly. "If this is going to happen, I want you to myself. I don't share. I want all of you."
I swallowed hard. The thought of belonging entirely to him sent heat rushing through me.
He grabbed my hand suddenly, pulling me against him. His mouth claimed mine, his hands gripping my waist tightly. I gasped into the kiss, his intensity both thrilling and overwhelming. "Simon…" I moaned softly as he deepened the kiss. My arms wrapped around his shoulders, and before I realized it, he lifted me off the ground, my legs instinctively winding around him.
When he finally set me down, he cleared his throat, his voice low. "You need to decide." And then—he was gone.
I picked up my phone and called Oliver, my voice trembling slightly. I told him I'd made a decision—I wasn't going ahead with the wedding.
He didn't sound surprised. Instead, he simply said, "I want to talk. I'm sending a car for you."
A few minutes later, I knocked on Simon's door. He opened it, dressed down in joggers, his hair slightly messy.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
"Yes. I'm going to Oliver's place," I said. His face remained calm, unreadable—cold, even.
"Right," he said gruffly.
"I'm going to tell him I don't want to go through with the wedding."
Something flickered in his eyes before a small smile formed. He exhaled, reached for my hand, and squeezed it."Good."
The sound of a car pulling up outside interrupted us. "I'll be here when you get back," he said, leaning down to kiss me softly. I couldn't help but smile as I pulled away.
When I arrived at Oliver's mansion, a woman in her forties wearing a sleek black dress greeted me warmly.
"Ruth!" Oliver said with a wide grin. "Anna, this is Ruth—she's like a second mother to me."
Ruth laughed. "So you're the girl Oliver's been hiding all this time."I forced a polite smile, knowing full well that wasn't true.
"I need to talk to you," I said quietly, turning to Oliver. "It's about the wedding. I… I can't."
He frowned. "What do you mean, you can't?"
"I'm in love with someone else, Oliver. I can't go through with this."
Before he could respond, his father appeared, booming, "Anna! So this is the famous fiancée I've heard so much about!"
Oliver slipped his arm around my waist, his smile wide. "We've been on and off, haven't we?" he said lightly. His touch made my skin prickle—too hot, too uncomfortable. No. No. I came here to end this.
"Well," his father chuckled, "don't tell me you've managed to make an honest man out of my son!" Someone called for him, and he excused himself, leaving us alone again.
"Remember," Oliver murmured, leaning close to my ear, "look in love."
I tried. God, I tried—but everything was moving too fast.
He grabbed two champagne flutes from a passing waiter and handed one to me. "Down this. You'll feel better.""Oliver, I don't.."
"We don't have a choice anymore, I've already made a fuss. Look I'm willing to compromise, we'll divorce earlier and I will double what I am willing to give to you 2 million and I'll buy the house you want" the look in his eyes was one of desperation.
That changed a lot.. that was a lot of money. in that moment I didn't think of simon or anyone else. I saw me, me finally having everything I could ever want.
I nodded
"Fix my tie," he said suddenly.
"What?"
"Fix my tie. Then kiss me."
I handed him my empty glass, my hands trembling slightly as I adjusted his tie. His piercing blue eyes locked on mine. He leaned down, his gaze flicking to my lips. I placed a hand on his jaw and kissed him. His lips were warm and soft, his scent dizzying.
A sharp voice cut through the haze. "Well, isn't this a surprise."
I turned to see a tall, beautiful blonde glaring at us—This must be the girl he is seeing, I could tell by the jealousy and anger painted over her face. My stomach dropped.
"Van? What are you doing here?" Oliver asked, trying to sound casual.
"My father dragged me along," she said coolly. "But it looks like you're… busy. I'll catch you later."She turned and walked away, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Jesse sighed.
"Does she know?" I whispered.
"Yes and no," he murmured.
"What does that mean?"
"I told her I was seeing you, but that we're in an open relationship. So technically, you're fine sharing me."
"What?" My stomach twisted.
"I can't risk her talking. I'll make sure she keeps quiet—if she wants to keep seeing me."
"Okay" I said quietly
As the night went on, Oliver introduced me to more people. At one point, I found myself chatting with an elderly man while Oliver disappeared—upstairs—with Vanessa. There were drinks, appetisers, and distractions to ensure no one realised their absence.
Later, Oliver returned, slightly disheveled. "Hey," he said softly.
"Hey. You okay?" I asked, straightening his tie again. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vanessa descending the stairs, smirking. My chest tightened. Did they—?
"Did you just have sex with her?" I blurted before I could stop myself.
He stared at me. "Not that it's any of your business, but no. We were just fooling around."
I looked away, continuing to fix his tie. "Come on," he said suddenly, "I've got a surprise for you."
We stepped outside into the garden. The night was alive with soft music and murmuring guests.
"Everyone!" Oliver called out, raising his voice. My heart skipped a beat. "I'd like everyone's attention, please."
Oh no. What was he doing?
"I have something I need to say." His gaze shifted to me. I froze as dozens of eyes turned in our direction.
"Anna," he began—using my name like a caress. "We haven't known each other long, but in that time, I've learned just how kind, thoughtful, and loving you are. I never thought any woman could truly… tame me." He chuckled, and the crowd laughed with him."But here you are. The one who did. So, Anna Thomas… will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
I gasped, covering my mouth. He was on one knee, holding a ring that shimmered under the garden lights. My mind spun—I didn't think the proposal had to be this public, cameras flashed as I stood still and processed everything.
"Yes," I breathed, almost without thinking. "Yes, I will."
He stood, grinning, lifting me into his arms and spinning me around. When he kissed me, it was firm, deliberate—a performance. He slid the ring onto my finger and announced proudly, "Everyone, meet my fiancée— The future Mrs Preston ."
His father approached, clapping him on the shoulder. "Congratulations! Finally, someone tamed my son!" he said with a laugh.
I caught Vanessa's glare from across the garden before she turned and left. Oliver sighed. "I'll deal with her later."
"You mean sleep with her," I muttered before I could stop myself.
He looked down at me, his eyes dark. "Watch it," he warned softly.
I swallowed hard, feeling a flush creep up my neck. This entire thing was twisted—I was supposed to be Calling the whole thing off now I'm tangled even more.
Later, after the guests had gone, Oliver led me into a quiet room.
"What was that earlier?" he asked. "The comment about Vanessa."
I exhaled shakily. "I'm sorry, I overstepped. But it just doesn't feel right—you sneaking upstairs with her and then proposing to me. I know this whole thing is fake."
He studied me for a moment before nodding. "You're right. When we're in public, I'll be dedicated to you. Only you."
I smiled faintly. "okay"