Chapter 4: A Fake Engagement

Harper had barely recovered from the shock of Nathan kissing her when they stepped into the grand ballroom’s main reception area. The buzz of conversation swirled around them, but all she could focus on was the way her lips still tingled.

She wasn’t supposed to feel anything. It was just a calculated move, a necessary deception to solidify their fake engagement.

And yet…

Nathan, of course, looked completely unfazed. He stood beside her with the ease of a man who was always in control, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand as he scanned the room.

Harper, on the other hand, struggled to maintain her composure. She could still feel the weight of every stare, every curious glance from the elite guests who had just witnessed their very public display of affection.

“Relax,” Nathan murmured, just low enough for her to hear.

“I am relaxed,” she shot back through clenched teeth.

Nathan arched a brow. “Then stop looking like you’re about to be interrogated by the FBI.”

Harper exhaled slowly, forcing her shoulders to loosen. She could do this. It was just an act. A business arrangement.

“You should get used to it,” Nathan continued. “People will be watching us. Analyzing us. The more natural we appear, the less likely anyone will question our relationship.”

Harper resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Oh yes, because there’s nothing more natural than being forced into a fake engagement with my boss.”

Nathan smirked. “Technically, I’m your fiancé now.”

She scowled. “I hate you.”

“You’ll have to pretend you don’t.”

Before she could retort, a well-dressed older woman approached them, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Nathan!” She smiled warmly before turning her sharp gaze to Harper. “And this must be your fiancée. My goodness, she’s beautiful.”

Harper stiffened as Nathan placed a hand on the small of her back, his touch light but possessive. “Harper, this is Evelyn Blackwood, my grandmother.”

Grandmother.

Harper immediately straightened, offering a polite smile. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Blackwood.”

Evelyn’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Oh, dear, call me Evelyn. We’re family now, after all.”

Harper’s stomach twisted. She didn’t like lying—especially not to someone who seemed genuinely warm.

Evelyn took Harper’s hand between both of hers. “I must say, you’re a surprise.”

Harper tensed. “A surprise?”

Evelyn chuckled. “Nathan never mentioned he was seeing anyone.” She shot him a knowing look. “But then again, he always has been terribly private.”

Nathan offered a charming smile. “I like to keep my personal life personal.”

Evelyn turned back to Harper, studying her with an intensity that made Harper nervous. “So, tell me, how did you two fall in love?”

Harper’s breath caught.

Nathan had led every conversation so far, controlling the narrative. But this time, all eyes were on her.

Think, Harper.

She forced a soft smile, slipping her hand into Nathan’s. “It was… unexpected.”

Evelyn raised an intrigued brow. “Oh?”

Harper nodded. “We met during a business deal. At first, I thought he was the most arrogant man I had ever met.”

Evelyn let out a laugh. “That sounds about right.”

Harper felt Nathan’s fingers tighten slightly around hers, as if daring her to continue.

“But over time…” Harper hesitated, letting her gaze drift toward Nathan. “…I realized he wasn’t just ruthless in business. He was fiercely loyal, incredibly determined, and—” she hesitated, letting her voice soften, “—when he lets his guard down, he’s actually quite charming.”

She didn’t know where the words came from.

Maybe it was instinct. Maybe it was the way Nathan was watching her so closely.

Either way, Evelyn beamed. “Well, I must say, I like you, Harper.”

Harper exhaled subtly.

“Have you set a date yet?” Evelyn pressed.

Harper’s stomach clenched.

Thankfully, Nathan jumped in. “Not yet. But soon.”

Evelyn clapped her hands. “I can’t wait. A Blackwood wedding will be the event of the year.”

Harper smiled, though inside, she was screaming.

She had just passed her first real test.

And the lies were only beginning.

---

The Morning After

The next morning, Harper stepped into Nathan’s office, barely suppressing her irritation.

“Explain to me why my face is all over the internet.”

Nathan looked up from his desk, completely unbothered. “Because we’re engaged.”

Harper dropped her phone onto his desk, the screen showing an online news article. The headline read:

Nathan Blackwood’s Surprise Engagement—Meet the Woman Who Stole His Heart!

She groaned. “This is insane. Do you know how many people have been texting me?”

Nathan glanced at the screen before leaning back. “Welcome to my world.”

Harper crossed her arms. “This is your world, not mine.”

He shrugged. “You knew this would happen.”

She scowled. “You could have warned me.”

Nathan smirked. “Would it have made a difference?”

Harper exhaled sharply. “What happens next?”

Nathan stood, walking around his desk until he was inches away from her. “Now, we act like a couple.”

Harper’s pulse quickened. “And what does that entail?”

“Lunch dates. Interviews. Public appearances.” Nathan’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “And, of course, moving in with me.”

Harper’s breath hitched.

“I’m not moving in with you yet.”

Nathan’s lips twitched. “You agreed to the contract.”

“I agreed to pretend to be your fiancée,” she countered. “That doesn’t mean I’m packing my bags and moving in tomorrow.”

Nathan studied her for a moment before shrugging. “Fine. We’ll ease into it. But soon, Harper. Very soon.”

She clenched her jaw.

This was already spiraling out of control.

And yet, as much as she hated it, she knew there was no turning back.

She was Harper Blackwood now.

At least, for the next six months.