Chapter 1

“You’re getting engaged to Henrietta Sargent tomorrow, and you’re telling me you love me? Do you even believe that yourself?”

The woman’s voice was syrupy sweet, laced with a practiced pout.

“It’s just an engagement,” the man said dismissively. “I need her right now. Don’t start throwing a tantrum at a time like this.”

“I know. But…” The woman’s voice filled with worry. “You’re not actually going to marry her, are you?”

“Who would want to marry her?” he scoffed in disgust. “She barely says a few words a day, all cold and arrogant, acting like everyone owes her a million dollars. I’m sick of her condescending attitude, like she’s doing me a favor just by existing. We’ve been dating for years, and she won’t even let me touch her. Who is she trying to impress with that saintly, holier-than-thou act?”

“But what if her family pressures you to get married right after the engagement? You’re an A-list, award-winning actor worth a fortune! She’s just an executive assistant to a CEO. She’s marrying up, big time. You think her family would let a catch like you get away?” the woman pressed, her tone sharp with discontent.

He snorted. “Then I’ll get a fake marriage certificate to shut them up. Once my contract with the studio is up, we can leave this all behind.”