★RAINE★
A WEEK LATER
"Phew!" I sighed and wiped the sweat off my forehead after dragging the last of my luggage outside the room. I didn't realize I had so many clothes and shoes until Hailey and I began packing for my move the previous day.
"So… if I want to visit, I should come to what address again?" Hailey asked, dragging my traveling bag to the front of the door. I had already taken my bath and arranged everything for my leave when Nathaniel's personal assistant—as he termed himself—said they would pick me up by one p.m.
"I honestly believe you like hearing me bite my tongue trying to say that address. I'm certain you already know it and just want me to say it again." The way she tried so hard to hold in her chuckle gave her away. "Witch," I muttered, shaking my head.
Now seated on the couch beside Hailey, I said, "Father doesn't even know about my moving." I'd told Hailey about Father's response; she had simply said, "It was expected." After that day, I didn't bother calling Father again because I knew once that man made up his mind about something, it stayed that way. The only thing now was to trust Nathaniel—and his six months.
"True. I hope he won't barge into your husband's house when he finds out you aren't here anymore," Hailey sighed, resting her head on top of the couch. "So you're just going to be married for six months?"
"That is true. He believes six months will be enough to cover everything we want to do," I responded, thinking about the call I had with Nathaniel a week ago and how I'd lied that Father was in support. Hopefully neither of them would find out I lied.
Hailey sighed again. "But I don't get it. This is definitely not going to be a hidden marriage. You're going to be out there as Nathaniel Carter's wife… the wife of the billionaire CEO, blah blah. If you guys end it in six months, you know everything may fall on you."
"If we end in six months with Father's company fixed and the debts paid, nothing will fall on me, Hailey. I know you're worried, but I doubt Nathaniel would just let me go without giving me something to fall back on." I soothed her with a few gentle rubs on her bare thigh—Hailey hated covered clothing.
"True, true. Anyway, I hope you guys turn into real lovers and end up married for a lifetime!" she exclaimed, eyes hazing over like she was already imagining me having a baby for Nathaniel. The thought had me flushing deep red.
"You're blushing! Don't tell me you already like him?" Hailey's eyes widened, but I only rolled mine.
"I don't know if it's possible to 'like' someone in… what? A week of knowing them?"
"Oh, don't give me that bull. You've known him since you started dating that person," Hailey brushed me off.
"If knowing him means stealing futile glances at him and never even saying hi, then I guess it counts." Playful sarcasm dripped from my words, making Hailey laugh. We stayed in silence for a few minutes before my phone rang, the ringtone—"Get Back" by Britney Spears—cutting through the quiet. Raising the phone, I saw it was Nathaniel's personal assistant. I picked up.
"Good day, Ms. Mitchell. We are ready and downstairs in the garage waiting," the masculine voice said.
"Alright, I'll be there in a minute." I hung up and stood. Hailey rose too, and we went to pick up the bags. Unlocking the door, we stepped out and locked it behind us.
"So this is goodbye?" Hailey asked, faking sadness.
I didn't buy it—she knew this wasn't goodbye. There was never a goodbye between us. "Hailey, please." We dragged the bags along the passageway, lifting them when we reached the stairs that led downwards. The receptionist widened her eyes when she saw us.
"Ms. Raine, are you traveling out?" she asked.
"Sort of," I answered with a shrug. "I'm still in Munich, just a far distance away. And yes, I'm traveling—seven months at most."
"Oh…" She pouted. "We're gonna miss you a lot."
I highly doubted that. I didn't know most of my neighbors, and I was certain they didn't know me either—I was an introvert at best. "Me too," I said, placing the keys on her desk. I'd already retrieved Hailey's. "I'll call sometimes."
With a final wave, Hailey and I stepped out and walked toward the garage on the other side. There, we saw a red SUV idling, a man—who I assumed was Nathaniel's assistant—leaning on the boot. When he noticed us, he moved quickly to help, unlocking the boot and loading the luggage.
"Are you the one driving?" I asked, squinting. The sun was harsh outside.
"Yes, Ms. Mitchell. Do you prefer to?" he asked.
"No, I don't really know how to drive," I chuckled, waving my hand. "I'm only asking because the sun is much, and I'd prefer if we take a detour to drop my best friend at home. Her house isn't far." I blinked twice. The PA glanced at Hailey, the tips of his ears flushing—probably at her outfit—before looking back at me.
"Definitely, Ms. Mitchell."
"Alright then—"
"No!" Hailey cut us off. "I would love to see my best friend get to her destination first before dropping me," she declared boldly, folding her hands under her bust and pushing her chest out. The PA, luckily, was a man of honor—his eyes didn't wander.
"If that is okay with you, Ms. Mitchell."
Hailey scoffed. I smiled and nodded, and we all entered the vehicle.