[ S E R A P H I N E ] Wow. Just wow. I don't know why I believed him when he said this is “just another fancy house”. This isn't a house! This place is the definition of grand. Huge. Imposing in every way. The first mansion I've been invited to. And not one room disappoints. The cream and gold color scheme reminds me of a modern castle, and knowing Mrs. Tomassini's impeccable taste, I'm sure just the furniture in here cost them at least a million euros. I hide a frown when she tells me there are eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, excluding the maid's quarters by the poolside. They don't have any kids. Who's using all those spare rooms? Because I'm sure Dominico isn't. Just minutes ago he said he rarely sleeps here. We're surrounded by luxury and big, gorgeous artworks, but he doesn't look the least bit impressed. I mean, I get it. This is his childhood home, after all. I don't think any of this is new to him. But I don't doubt his stepmom. The garage alone looks bigger than my

[ S E R A P H I N E ] I hope he likes redheads, too. This wig isn't even three months old, but it's already got signs of wear and tear. Some of the color has faded, and under bright lights, some sections look a pale shade of pink. But it still looks cute on camera, so I'm keeping it until the roots disintegrate. After I finish sending the last of my newest photos to my sugar daddy, my phone buzzes in my hands. I yank my mask off and gawk at the screen.It's him. Angelo. Finally, his name flashes across my notifications panel, his first message today accompanied by his usual greeting. [ Hi baby. Sorry for the late reply. Work problems since yesterday. ] Before I can start typing my response, he sends another message. [ You look so fucking hot and cute in these pics. ] [ You still like me with red hair? ] My heartbeat quickens before I can even send my reply. The funny feeling in my belly only grows as I rack my brain for something else to say. While I'm mentally organizing my next

[ S E R A P H I N E] Cooking and having dinner with Dominico take about an hour and a half. Once we're done eating, a sense of relief gradually replaces the worry I've been trying to hide with smiles and little laughs. Dominico sits next to me when I stretch my legs on the couch. Although he looks tired and a bit stressed, he's still on his phone. Must be checking his emails and his news feed. We sit in silence for what feels like the longest minute before I muster the courage to strike a more serious conversation. “What's that new job offer you were saying?” I stare at him, my curiosity piqued. “Is it full-time?” “No. But it pays better than your current job.” He glances at me with a smirk. I fling him a fairly dubious look. “Urgent hiring. Double your current paycheck.” Double? Wow. I'll take the offer right now if he really thinks I can do the job, and without undergoing months of training for the role. “What's it about? Is it a temp job at your company?” “No. It's got noth

[ S E R A P H I N E ] “The heart often wants what it can't have.” I know because I'm speaking from experience. This time around, it's an entirely different situation. And with a completely different guy. Yet my feelings are the same. I shouldn't get my hopes up. A part of me thinks this is a terrible idea. But, reason almost always becomes background noise whenever I'm this close to him. This kind, giving, brave, tough, beautiful man who seems determined to solve my problems... although he just might be my biggest problem of all. It's the first time he's kissed me like this, and while our lips touch and tease, a rush of conflicting emotions flood through me. Nervousness. Excitement. Relief. Anxiety. It's not torrid, but it's not gentle, either. I'd say he's the best kisser on my secret, invisible list. And I'm pretty sure kissing isn't the only intimate activity he's good at. We're standing beside his work desk, our temporary privacy just about convincing me to take control. W

[ S E R A P H I N E ] “When did you two start talking?” “Few months ago.” “Right.” Dominico stands beside the coffee maker to get near me while the rest of my parents' modest dining room stays quiet. They're upstairs. Probably sleeping already. Our dinner with my pretend husband-to-be wasn't as eventful or awkward as I imagined. I think my parents actually bought our whole act. “We just chat. No calls.” “Ah...” Dominico makes a face and cocks his head. “How d'you know for sure he's a guy your age?” “He sent me a few photos and videos.” Does he want to know how I met Angelo online? Jeez... I hope not. My fake fiancé doesn't need another reason to convince himself that I'm not girlfriend or wife material in any way. I turn off the faucet and step away from the sink, unsure of what else to say. “Am I not allowed to ask about him?” “I didn't say that.” Feigning a neutral face, I grab my phone beside the coffee maker and internally chide myself for leaving the screen unlocked. I