Chapter 9

AARON

“Dude, you need to be nicer to her if you want this to be believable,” Connor scolded, his feet propped up on my desk. He’s the only person who can get away with that.

“Look, I’m trying, okay? But you don’t just go from disliking someone for months to liking them overnight. Just get her an appointment with the stylist.”

“Done,” he said, leaning forward. “You know, she’s a nice person. If you’d get over the hate and realize she’s innocent in the whole feud between you and your dad… she’s pretty likeable.” He shrugged. “She didn’t ask to be dragged into the middle of you two.”

He had a point. But I was too stubborn to admit it, and if I wanted this arrangement to work, I had to at least try to be nicer to her.

“Please surprise me. I don’t think I’ll survive if I see her in that hideous sweater again,” I muttered, and he let out a chuckle.

“Chill, I hired professionals,” he said, sipping his coffee. “They’ll take care of it. You know, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start with some PDA before the engagement. Test your acting skills and all.”

I gave him a look.

“You can’t just announce your engagement out of the blue,” he shrugged, popping a grape into his mouth. “You should take her out on a date. Make a few public appearances with her.”

“A date?” I raised a brow.

“Mhmm. Soft-launching the relationship.”

“Soft launch? What even is that?” I sighed in aggravation.

“You should consider it, though. You both get to know the basics about each other and form a believable story of how and when you met. Remember, you can’t afford to mess this up.”

He made a lot of sense right now—not a new occurrence. He is Connor Hawthorne, after all. Didn’t earn his reputation by being basic.

“You make sense, you dimwit. I’m surprised.”

“When do I not make sense?” he grinned.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Venus walked in, glasses bigger than her face, dressed in a cream-colored outfit. At least she wasn’t wearing that sweater. Venus isn’t bad to look at—not really. She just never put effort into how she looked. That would have to change.

“I brought in my resignation.” She didn’t even blink at the sight of Connor’s feet on my desk. She placed the paper down without a fuss.

“Good.” I hated to admit it, but she’s one of the best PAS I’ve ever had.

“Have you received any calls yet?” Connor asked.

“Yes, I did. My appointment’s at four.”

“Have fun,” he said in a sing-song voice, making her chuckle.

“Sure will,” she replied, turning to leave.

“Venus.”

She paused and turned back.

“Thank you.” This was me… trying to be nice.

She looked surprised, like I just told her I was Superman.

“Wow… uh, thank you.” She rushed out of my office.

“Aww, look at you trying,” Connor teased.

“Shut up,” I grumbled, and he raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Your father's back,” he said.

“When?”

“An hour ago. Bumped into him at the entrance.”

“He—” I stopped when I saw a phone on the desk. It wasn’t mine or Connor’s. It was Venus’s. An idea formed.

“I guess it’s a good time to start some public display of affection,” I smirked. “I’ll be back.”

I rushed to the lift, hoping Venus hadn’t left yet. When the doors opened, she was already near the entrance.

“Venus, wait.”

Everyone in the reception turned toward the voice—me. I never address anyone by their first name. Everyone knows that. And it’s no secret I disliked Venus.

“Yes, Mr. Sinclair?” she asked as I approached. All eyes were on us. She looked like she’d rather disappear.

“You forgot your phone.” I handed her the scrap she called a phone. The screen was shattered—yeah, that’s going to have to change.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling.

I lowered my head to her cheek and gave her a quick peck. She froze. There were audible gasps.

What better way to get on my father’s nerves than by hard-launching a relationship with the PA he hired? Rumours spread fast. I couldn’t wait for his reaction.

Venus recovered quickly and gave me a shy smile.

“Stop, people are looking,” she whispered, nudging me.

“Let them look,” I shrugged. “I’ll walk you out.” I took her hand and led her through the building.

At my car, I turned to her. “Good. That was good.”

“A little heads-up would’ve been nice,” she muttered.

“I apologize. My driver will take you home, just give him the address. He’ll also pick you up for your spa appointment.” I smirked. “Let the games begin, girlfriend.”

She looked at me like I’d grown a second head.

This was going to be fun.