Chapter 44

Max’s car was already waiting outside when I stepped out of the building. Sleek. Black. Immaculate as always. The engine was running, and the moment he saw me, he got out and jogged over to open the passenger door.

I pasted a soft smile on my face, the kind I’d learned to wear lately, warm enough to seem real, faint enough not to be mistaken for sincerity.

“You look beautiful,” he said, eyes sweeping over me like I was something he’d bought and was admiring. “Work must’ve been good to you today.”

I chuckled lightly. “Deadlines and emails. Nothing glamorous.”

“Well,” he said, gesturing to the seat, “let me be the highlight of your day.”

I slid in without comment.

The ride was filled with soft music, his usual playlist of R&B classics and the occasional glance from him that I pretended not to notice. He kept trying to reach for my hand on the console, and I kept shifting just enough to make it seem like I hadn’t noticed.

The restaurant was cozy, dimly lit, and tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The kind of place that looked like it was made for whispered secrets and promises people had no intention of keeping.

We were led to a booth near the window, and Max didn’t waste time ordering for both of us, like he already knew what I liked. Maybe once upon a time, he did. But that version of me was long gone.

“This place is perfect,” I said as I settled in, adjusting my cutlery. “Quiet. Romantic.”

“I wanted it to feel special,” he replied, sipping his wine. “Tonight matters to me.”

I nodded, keeping my smile in place. “It’s nice. Thank you.”

For a moment, he just looked at me. Like he was trying to read something in my face. Then he leaned forward slightly, elbows on the table, voice low.

“You really surprised me yesterday.”

I tilted my head. “How?”

“Saying yes to me.” His eyes searched mine. “I didn’t expect it. I hoped for it, but… I thought I might’ve lost my chance.”

I let out a soft laugh. “Well, I’ve had time to think.”

He reached across the table then, hand warm as it closed around mine. “You made the right choice, Lila. I know I haven’t always gotten things right, but I swear, this time… I’ll prove to you that you can trust me. I will be here for a long time. You and the baby… I’ll do right by both of you.”

I gave a small nod, eyes meeting his, but I didn’t say anything. Let him fill the silence. People who lie tend to talk too much.

The food came a few minutes later, steak for him, grilled chicken and mashed potatoes for me and we ate in relative peace. He kept the conversation light, commenting on the wine, the lighting, the couple two tables away who seemed to be having a terrible date.

But then the mood shifted.

Subtly.

Almost unnoticeable.

“So…” he began, carefully cutting into his steak, “how’s work? Things picking up since the launch is coming close?”

I paused, just slightly, before nodding. “Yeah. We’ve been busy. Final stages now.”

“That’s amazing,” he said, chewing thoughtfully. “You must be stressed.”

I smiled faintly. “It is a normal package that comes with the work and I'm already used to it.”

“Anything I can help with?” he asked, tone still casual. “I mean it. I want to be part of everything. Your life. Your work. The baby. I want to know what’s going on in your world so I can show up the right way.”

I took a sip of water before answering. “That’s thoughtful.”

He leaned forward again. “I’m serious, Lila. Especially with the launch. You mentioned it was a pretty big deal. I mean, I’ve done a few art exhibitions myself and although it's not the same as what you are doing, you will agree with me that it is similar. I know how messy they can get behind the scenes.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve done art exhibitions?”

“Back in LA. Nothing major, but I know how much coordination it takes. Finding the best artworks, sourcing for investors and clients, last minute crises.” He laughed. “I can’t tell you how many late nights I spent calming panicked clients.”

Right.

I stirred my mashed potatoes. “Well, this one is pretty organized, actually. Drew’s been on top of most of it.”

Max’s expression didn’t shift, but I noticed the flicker in his eyes at Drew’s name.

“Still,” he said, voice smooth, “you’re the heart of it all, right? I’m sure everyone looks at you. I’d love to see the rollout plan sometime. Maybe even throw in a few ideas if you’re open to it.”

I tilted my head. “You want to be part of the launch?”

“I want to be part of your life,” he corrected gently. “And if that includes your work, especially something this important then yes. I want in.”

His fork paused midair. “Unless you’d rather I stay out of it.”

I gave a small smile. “I think I’m just used to doing things alone.”

“Well, you’re not alone anymore.” His voice softened, gaze intense. “That’s the whole point.”

I looked down at my plate, letting the weight of his words settle.

It would’ve been easier to believe him if I hadn’t seen him with Kimberley. If I hadn’t heard the slight calculation in his tone every time he circled back to the launch like he was trying to pick a lock.

He wasn’t here just to support me.

He wanted access.

Information.

Control.

But I had to play this right. Be the perfect image of trust. Of devotion. Let him believe he was getting closer.

“Maybe,” I said slowly, “I could show you some stuff. Later. Once we’re past a few final approvals.”

His eyes lit up. “That would mean a lot.”

I nodded, then changed the subject. “How’s Kimberley?”

That did it.

For a split second, his smile faltered.

“She’s fine,” he said quickly, too quickly. “Why?”

“Oh, just wondering. You guys work closely, right?”

He waved a hand. “We have a few overlapping clients, and run a few businesses together but nothing serious. Strictly business.”

Right.

I smiled. “That’s fine. I just remembered her from the charity ball, that's all.”

The rest of dinner passed in a haze of half truths and staged laughs. He paid the bill without hesitation, insisting on walking me back to the car with his hand gently on my lower back.

When he opened the door for me again, he leaned in a little. “This feels right, Lila. Being with you. I’m so glad we’re here.”

I nodded, quiet. “Me too.”

He drove me home, hands relaxed on the steering wheel, occasionally stealing glances like he couldn’t believe his luck.

I let him walk me to my door but didn’t invite him in.

Not yet.

As I turned the key, he touched my arm. “Goodnight, beautiful. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Max.”

He waited until I stepped inside before he left, and when I looked through the peephole, I saw him still standing there for a moment, like he was making sure I hadn’t disappeared.

I leaned against the door, exhaling deeply.

He was definitely hiding something.

And now I knew for sure whatever Max wanted from me, it wasn’t love.

It was leverage.

But if he wanted to play the long game, he had no idea just how far I was willing to go to beat him at it.