Chapter 4

KELLY

The next day, I didn’t go anywhere. Didn’t step a foot in the office. I slept until my body had no more dreams left in it. When it was finally time to get ready for my so-called husband audition, I sat in front of the mirror and went all out.

Flawless skin. Smoky eyes. Red lips. My hair loose, shining like fire under the light. When I tilted my head, I caught myself thinking, 'Wow. Imagine if he saw me like this. Poor man would probably propose before dessert.'

Then I froze.

No. This was too easy.

I wasn’t here to impress anyone... I was here to assess him. See if he was worth my time, my secrets, my hair. Besides… wouldn’t it be fun to watch him underestimate me?

I smiled to myself, grabbed a makeup wipe, and started erasing the masterpiece I’d just painted. Off went the lipstick, the shimmer, the smoky eyes. On went the mole, the thick glasses, and my trusty wig... the one that screamed “introvert librarian with no social life.” I swapped my dress for a shapeless, plain outfit that looked allergic to compliments.

Perfect.

When I stepped out, Mom’s face fell like I’d just announced I was joining a convent.

“Why are you doing this?” she groaned. “I told you I was getting you a makeup artist and a stylist. You said you’d blow my mind. Now you look exactly the same.”

I gave her my sweetest fake smile. “Come on, Mom. I had planned to wow you, but you know… inner beauty matters more, right? If he likes me, great. If not, at least we know he’s superficial.”

She sighed, muttering something about me “having a point” but still looking like a crime against dating.

The drive to her best friend’s house was quiet until we pulled up. Just as we arrived, Dad called. Mom handed me the mission.

“Go inside. I’ll talk to your father. I’ll join you in a minute.”

Fine. Let’s get this over with.

The maid led me into the living room. It was empty... for about five seconds. Then I heard footsteps.

And there he was.

The universe has a cruel sense of humor. Standing in the doorway was him.

Mr. Arrogant. Mr. “Ugly Duckling.” Mr. I-Would-Pay-a-Billion-to-Meet-Sexy-Red-But-Also-Insult-Her-To-Her-Face.

Of all the men in the city….. my mother had picked this one.

His face lit up like I’d walked in wearing a “Kick Me” sign.

“You? What are you doing here? Who let you in?” He stepped closer, his voice dripping with disgust. “I can’t believe you stalked me to my house. What, you think I’m going to pay you? Trap me? I told you already, you ugly little...”

“Oh my God, you’re here!” a voice cut in from behind him.

His head whipped around. And there was Essence, his mother, smiling warmly at me like I was her favorite child.

“Oh, Kelly, darling!” she said.

His jaw dropped. Mine almost did too, but for a completely different reason.

This was going to be fun.

I got up and hugged his mom like she was my long-lost best friend. I could feel his eyes drilling into my skull. Oh yes... choke on it, Mr. Arrogant.

Then my mom walked in, and she and his mom squealed like teenagers, hugging and rocking side to side like this was some kind of dream come true.

His mom beamed. “Ah, it seems you two already know each other. Perfect! Since you both know why you’re here, why don’t you step outside and talk? Discuss, decide, and then come back to give us the good news.”

He nodded stiffly and walked out first. No “ladies first,” no glance back. Fine. I followed, my arms crossed.

The second the door shut behind us, he spun around, jaw tight. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Marry you? Not in this lifetime. Do us both a favor and reject this.”

“Right back at you,” I shot back without missing a beat.

His brows pulled together. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” I said slowly, “that I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth and the only alternative was a cactus.”

He laughed... the mocking kind. “Please. Drop the act. I love someone else. Even if you were the last woman on earth, I’d… pass.” His eyes flicked over me in deliberate disgust. “And you really think this...” he gestured at my plain clothes “..would tempt me? Don’t flatter yourself.”

I leaned in, my voice low and sweet. “Oh, poor baby. Too scared to tell your mommy the truth? Aren't you too old to be tied to your Mom's apron strings?”

His expression darkened instantly. “Watch what you say about my mother, and don't push me. I am not opposed to crossing the line. And you will be the one at the receiving end....trust me.”

I tilted my head, smirking. “And I am not opposed to filing assault charges.”

We glared at each other for a long moment.

“I don’t want to marry you,” I said, slow and clear.

“That makes two of us,” he bit out. “So when we go in there, you tell your mom you’re out. I don’t ever want to see your ugly...”

“Danny, dear!” his mom’s voice cut through from the doorway.

We both pasted on smiles so fast it was almost comical.

Inside, I slid into the seat next to my mom, who was looking at me with stars in her eyes.

“So,” his mom asked, looking right at him, “what do you think, Danny?”

He smiled that fake, golden-boy smile. “Of course my answer is yes. Kelly is your choice, after all, Mom.”

Oh, I saw the game now. Make me the villain so he looked like the perfect son? Cute. Well, two could play.

Come to think of it, maybe this wasn’t so bad. He hated me. I hated him. He wouldn’t bother getting close, and I could live my life in peace while my mom stayed happy. Perfect arrangement. A win-win.

“What do you say, Kelly?” my mom chimed in, leaning forward like she was waiting for me to say the magic word. Both moms were staring at me, expectant.

I flashed my sweetest smile. “Of course, yes. I would love to marry Daniel Knight. I can’t wait to be Mrs. Knight, mom.”

The moms lost their minds.

“Oh my goodness!” his mom clapped her hands. “You’ll have the most beautiful wedding. I can already picture it... white roses, a ten-tier cake, the city’s biggest ballroom…”

“And grandbabies,” my mom added dreamily. “Plump, healthy little angels. Oh, I bet your firstborn will have Danny’s jawline. Or maybe my Kelly’s hair! Wouldn’t that be gorgeous?”

“Twins!” his mom gasped. “One boy, one girl. We’ll be the happiest grandmothers in the country.”

Danny’s face turned scarlet. I didn’t think it was from joy.

They rushed off together to fetch wine for a toast, still babbling about baby names and bridal gowns.

Danny stepped closer, close enough that I could smell the faint trace of his cologne....expensive, sharp, and currently wasted. His voice was a low growl. “You want to marry me? I will make your life a living hell.”

I grinned at him like he’d just promised me a spa vacation. “Looking forward to it, Mr. Husband.”