Chapter 7

The interior of Tate Global Developments, Nathan's real estate development and investment firm, screamed luxury.

The large windows and glossy floor gave off this classy vibe that couldn't be mimicked.

Dressed in a burgundy skirt suit, I looked stunning.

The deep red tone of the suit contrasted beautifully with my green eyes.

The material hugged my figure, hinting at my small waist and curvy hips.

The skirt stopped above my knees. The perfect length to flaunt my long smooth legs.

I made sure to cover the ugly bruise Ethan had left on my cheek with makeup.

“Good day miss. I'm Madeline Grey, I'm here to meet CEO Nathan Tate”

The secretary eyed me warily.

“Do you have an appointment with him?”

“No… but—”

“Then you can't see him”

Her outright rudeness threw me off guard. I drew in a calming breath.

“Can you at least call him? He's expecting me”

“No appointment, no visit” the rude lady planted her hands on her hips and stared me down.

“Listen, I know you're just doing your job, but Mr Tate asked to see me, and I don't have all day–”

“Mrs Madeline”

I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

I gave the rude secretary a knowing look before turning to face Nathan.

“Hi Mr Tate”

His usually cold gaze swept over me, but this time without the previous disapproval.

Dressed in a black suit, he looked drop dead stunning.

I admired how he always had a ‘perfect’ appearance; not a strand of hair, or button out of place.

“Let's go into my office, we have a lot to talk about”

I wasn't ready for the sudden contact of his palm on my lower back, gently ushering me towards his office.

I snuck a quick peek at the secretary. She looked like she was battling the urge to roll her large eyes and spit venom at me.

Good

Stepping into Nathan's office felt like stepping into business.

The cool grey tones felt a bit oppressive… just like him.

“Coffee?”

Nathan sat in his grand swivel chair, crossing his long legs.

I shook my head.

The wide floor to ceiling window behind his desk flooded the office with light. The light cast a shadow around his figure.

“So…what's your final verdict” he leaned back in his chair and suddenly I felt small and helpless under his gaze.

“I'll accept the contract— but… on my terms”

I spoke quickly, not sparing my already spiraling brain a second to conjure reasons why this was a mistake.

“Good choice”

Nathan slid a document across his desk. I stared at it briefly.

“Having second thoughts?” his cool voice broke the uncomfortable silence.

“No”

I hated how perceptive he was.

“When do I get to add my terms?” I closed the document after skimming through it.

“Whenever you please. Now that we've come to agreement, our contract has been initiated. I have an event to attend by 6pm. You'll be coming with me”

I stared at him dumbfounded

“...what?”

_______________

This was the second time I was getting a ride in Nathan's car. The first time didn't end well, so hopefully this time would.

“Where did you say we're going again?”

I fixed my gaze out the window, I was feeling more nervous than usual.

“Cedar Dining. It's an upscale restaurant I love visiting, the perfect place for us to be caught”

“Caught?”

I was confused.

Nathan nodded subtly, his gaze fixed on his phone.

“Our contract is in effect now. Our first task is to grab attention. Let's stir up some drama”

I stared at him wide eyed. That definitely did not sound like something he would say. He was too much of an organized person to actually want to deliberately drag attention.

A deep chuckle snapped me out of my reverie.

“Why are you so surprised?”

Did he just laugh?

“Well…it's a bit odd to hear you say something like that”

“Like what?”

He finally tore his gaze off his phone and fixed it on me.

That wasn't helping my nervousness, I wished he'd look away.

“Let's stir up drama”

“That's what we're going to do”

His piercing gaze lingered on me.

“You know I haven't actually gotten a divorce, so this is a bit messed up”

“The sooner you finalize it, the better. For now, consider this the… entry act, or the trailer”

“Trailer?”

“Yes, to poke the public and get them interested”

“Interested in our movie?”

“Yeah, you can put it that way”

I let out a small laugh, drawing Nathan's gaze again.

“This is all so crazy”

Cedar Dining turned out to be completely different from my expectations. The warm hues of deep brown and cream gave it a warm earthy look. The subtle greens completed the look.

I took Nathan's outstretched hand as he gently helped me out of the car. The warmth of his palm strangely calmed me.

The small stares people started throwing our way didn't go unnoticed. Some of them probably had started taking pictures.

Well…let the drama begin.