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Fourteen
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-21 17:15:44
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Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Fifteen
~Fallon~The dining room table was drowning in wedding plans. Fabric swatches, floral arrangement samples, and endless seating charts covered every inch of the polished wood surface.And Reid?Nowhere to be found.I stared at the chaos before me, my frustration simmering beneath the surface. For weeks, I had been the one juggling meetings with the planner, answering endless emails, and making every single decision about this wedding.Our wedding.Except Reid had barely lifted a finger.The sound of the front door clicking shut broke my train of thought.“Finally,” I muttered under my breath.Reid’s heavy footsteps echoed through the hall, and moments later, he appeared, looking entirely too composed for a man walking into a battlefield. He loosened his tie and glanced at the table, his brows lifting slightly.“Busy day?” he asked casually.I folded my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. “You think?”He ignored my tone and strolled over, picking up a seating chart. “Who’s this… Lillian St.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Sixteen
~Fallon~The soft chime of the boutique’s doorbell greeted me as I stepped inside, the scent of fresh roses and vanilla filling the air. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over racks of satin, lace, and tulle.I felt the weight of it immediately—this was the moment. The one every little girl supposedly dreams of. Only, my dream had never looked like this.“Miss Prescott,” the sales associate greeted with a bright smile. “Welcome to Maison Leclerc. We’re honored to help you find your dress today.”I managed a polite nod, my palms already clammy.The only person more excited than the boutique staff was, of course, her.Mrs. Callahan—Evelyn—floated in like she owned the place, her eyes twinkling as they met mine. “Fallon, darling! I just know today is going to be magical!”I fought the urge to bolt.Instead, I plastered on a smile. “Let’s hope so.”Truth be told, I wasn’t even sure why I was here. This wasn’t a wedding built on love—it was a contract
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Seventeen
~Reid~The sound of billiard balls cracking against each other echoed through the private lounge, accompanied by the low hum of jazz from the overhead speakers.I lined up my next shot, calculating the angle as the familiar voice behind me broke the silence.“You’re overthinking it.”Without looking up, I replied, “I always think.”“You always overthink,” my best friend, Luke Hayes, countered, leaning lazily against his pool cue with a smirk. “Maybe that’s why you suck at this game.”With a sharp tap, I sent the cue ball gliding across the green felt. It clipped the corner of the solid three ball—just barely—sending it into the pocket.I straightened, giving him a pointed look. “Still winning, aren’t I?”Luke chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. Remind me again how you manage to beat me without ever having fun?”I ignored his jab and chalked my cue. “Are you here to lose, or to lecture me?”“Both,” he shot back easily. “And to find out why you’ve been so goddamn tense lately.”I glanced up at him,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Eighteen
~Fallon~The ballroom at the Callahan estate was breathtaking—white orchids cascading from towering centerpieces, the soft flicker of candlelight casting everything in a golden glow. It was perfect.And I hated every inch of it.Not because it wasn’t beautiful—it was. But because it felt like I was starring in a play I hadn’t auditioned for. A dress rehearsal for a wedding that, in every way that mattered, wasn’t real.I barely had time to gather myself before Evelyn appeared, radiant with excitement. “Fallon, darling! You look stunning!”I forced a smile. “You outdid yourself, Evelyn. This is… incredible.”She beamed, squeezing my hands. “I just want everything to be perfect for you two. The press is already buzzing—‘The Wedding of the Year,’ they’re calling it.”I fought the urge to cringe. Of course they were.Evelyn’s eyes sparkled. “Now, all you and Reid have to do is enjoy yourselves. And remember,” she added with a wink, “tonight’s about showing everyone what a perfect match yo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Nineteen
~Fallon~The bass from the speakers thumped so hard I felt it in my chest. Multicolored lights flashed across the room, casting everything in a wild, electric glow.I didn’t know how Mia managed it, but she had somehow rented out an exclusive rooftop lounge and turned it into a private party that screamed her. Bright balloons, a custom neon sign that read Fallon’s Final Fling, and a bar fully stocked with my favorite cocktails.I should’ve known she would go all out.“Surprise, bride-to-be!” Mia’s voice cut through the music as she bounded over, her face practically glowing with excitement.I gaped, taking it all in. “Mia, what is this?”She grinned wickedly. “It’s your bachelorette party, obviously. And before you start, no—there’s no escape.”I shook my head with a laugh. “You’re insane.”“And you love me for it.” She shoved a drink into my hand—a pink concoction that smelled like it could knock me flat. “Now, let’s get you properly celebrated!”The Chaos BeginsMia had invited a mi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Twenty
~Fallon~The morning air was thick with the scent of roses and jasmine, the entire Callahan estate buzzing with the chaos of final preparations. Soft music floated in from the garden, where rows of pristine white chairs faced an altar wrapped in ivory silk and fresh blooms.It was everything a bride could dream of.But my chest felt tight—like I couldn’t breathe.I sat before a massive mirror, my reflection almost unfamiliar. The stylist pinned the final strands of my hair into an elegant updo, soft tendrils framing my face. My makeup was flawless—dewy skin, soft blush, and lips painted in the palest rose.I looked… perfect.But inside, I felt anything but.The gentle knock on the door barely registered before it opened.“Fallon?”I turned, and there stood my mother.Her expression softened the second her eyes met mine. She was radiant, dressed in an emerald gown that complemented her olive skin, her dark curls pinned up elegantly. But it was her eyes—warm and familiar—that nearly und
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Twenty one
~Fallon~The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of blush and gold as Reid and I stepped into the grand reception tent. The soft hum of string instruments welcomed us, the air thick with the scent of roses and champagne.Applause erupted the moment we entered, guests rising to their feet in celebration. Cameras flashed, capturing our every move.I felt Reid’s hand on mine—firm, steady.The perfect couple.The perfect lie.His touch still burned. It was going to take some getting used to especially as we would have to keep up appearances for a long time. The applause faded as the lights dimmed, a single spotlight warming the polished dance floor. The soft notes of a familiar song floated through the air.Reid’s voice was low beside my ear. “Ready for the show, Mrs. Callahan?”My breath hitched at the name—a title I hadn’t quite made peace with.But I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze with a smirk. “Lead the way, Mr. Callahan.”His lips quirked slightly before his
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract Twenty two
~Fallon~The hotel suite was breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the glittering city skyline, a grand canopy bed draped in soft white linen, and the faint scent of jasmine lingering in the air.It was everything a couple could want for their wedding night except I wasn’t sure I could breathe.The door clicked shut behind us, and suddenly, the room felt too quiet.I was hyper-aware of every sound—my heels clicking against the polished floors, the soft rustle of my gown, and Reid’s steady, measured footsteps just behind me.I stopped by the window, my fingers grazing the cool glass as the city lights sparkled below.Reid’s voice, low and smooth, broke the silence. “Nice view.”I swallowed. “Yeah.”I felt him near me but not touching—just close enough for his presence to heat the air.But it wasn’t the view making my chest tight. It was the weight of everything unsaid.The wedding had been exhausting—a parade of smiles, champagne, and perfectly staged momen
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21
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Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and eight
~Reid~I kissed her.And now, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.The warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.The way she had melted into me, just for a second, before pulling away.The soft hitch in her breath, the lingering taste of her on my lips.I should have let it go.I should have walked away, filed it under mistakes I won’t make again, and kept my distance.But I couldn’t.Because it didn’t feel like a mistake.It felt inevitable.And that—that was the part that terrified me the most.This was the problem with pretending. I wasn’t supposed to want her.This arrangement had been clean, structured—an unshakable foundation built on logic and necessity.We were business partners wrapped in a pretty package of public appearances and carefully curated affection.And I’d been fine with that.Until I wasn’t.Because somewhere between the forced smiles and the staged moments, the lines blurred.Somewhere between fighting her and defending her, between resenting her and needing her—I
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and seven
~Fallon~It was just a kiss.Nothing more.Nothing less.I repeated the words in my head as I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling like it held the answers to my rapidly spiraling thoughts.A kiss meant nothing.Not when it was part of a bet.Not when it was Reid Callahan.And yet my pulse still skipped when I thought about it. He was messing with my head.The way he’d looked at me—sharp, heated, entirely too confident. The slow, deliberate way he’d closed the space between us, like he’d been waiting for an excuse. The brush of his lips—firm, steady, undeniable.It had been a game.So why the hell was I still thinking about it?I groaned, throwing an arm over my face.This was ridiculous. It was embarrassing too.I needed a distraction.Anything to pull me out of my own head before I did something stupid—like replay the moment in my mind for the hundredth time and analyze every single second.I rolled over, grabbing my phone from the nightstand.Bad idea.Because the first thing th
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and six
~Fallon~ The moment I lost, I knew I was in trouble. Reid didn’t gloat. He didn’t smirk, or throw out some arrogant remark. No. That would’ve been too easy. Instead, he just looked at me—calm, unreadable, with the kind of patience that sent my pulse into a full sprint. And then, in that low, even voice that always got under my skin, he said, “I believe I won.” I swallowed. “So it seems.” The air between us thickened. He leaned back against the couch, fingers tapping idly against the armrest like he had all the time in the world. “You remember what’s at stake?” Like I could forget. A kiss. Not just any kiss. A Reid Callahan kiss. And if the almost kiss from the other night was anything to go by, this was about to be a problem. For me. Because despite every warning, every reason I had to not feel things, my body had other ideas when it came to him. And now? Now, I had to face the consequences. I lifted my chin. “Fine.” Reid’s brows lifted slightl
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and five
~Fallon~It started as a joke.Well, technically, it started because I caught Reid answering emails again during breakfast, despite claiming he was taking the day off. And since I was no better—scrolling through my social media feed while pretending to sip my coffee—it spiraled into a full-blown challenge.“No work emails,” I declared, setting my phone down with a dramatic flourish. “And no social media.”Reid arched a brow, clearly unimpressed. “You do realize your entire career is built on social media, right?”“And your entire life is built on work,” I shot back. “Which is exactly why we need this. A full day of unplugging. No distractions, no notifications, no meetings. Just… existing like normal people.”He huffed, setting his coffee down. “And what’s in it for me?”I smirked. “If you win, you get to kiss me.”His expression didn’t change, but I felt the shift—the sharp attention in his gaze, the way his fingers drummed once against the table.“And if you win?” he asked, voice lo
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and four
~Fallon~I had no idea how I ended up here.Well, actually—I did.Reid had come home earlier than expected, looking ridiculously put-together despite what I knew had to be a brutal day at work. Meanwhile, I’d been lounging on the couch, wearing an oversized sweatshirt and no intention of doing anything productive when he casually dropped a question that sent my entire evening spiraling into enemy territory.“Do you play chess?”I blinked up at him. “Are you being serious?”His lips twitched. “I don’t joke about strategy, Fallon.”Of course he didn’t. I could already picture it—Reid Callahan, eleven years old, probably reading The Art of War between school exams and power plays on the playground.But I wasn’t about to let him think he had the upper hand.“Fine,” I said, stretching lazily before standing up. “But if we’re playing something, we’re making it interesting.”That’s how chess turned into a full-blown game night.And now here we were—an hour and three games deep, sitting cross
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and three
FallonIf the press wanted a spectacle, I’d give them one.Because I wasn’t about to let some random nobody run my name through the mud and get away with it.My phone buzzed again, the screen flashing with a name I’d been ignoring for the past half hour.Mom.I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose before finally giving in and answering.“Fallon,” she said the second the call connected. “I assume you’ve seen the headlines.”“No, Mom. I just woke up and thought the entire internet was blowing up for fun.”She sighed, the exasperation practically vibrating through the phone. “I told you this would happen. People will always look for cracks in a marriage like yours. The only way to win is to ignore it.”I rolled my eyes. “That’s not winning. That’s surrendering.”“It’s strategic,” she corrected. “If you don’t acknowledge it, the story dies faster. Engaging gives it power.”I paced the room, jaw tightening. This was so like her. The constant need to present the perfect image, to
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and two
~Fallon~ I woke up to war. My phone was vibrating off the nightstand, the screen lighting up with notifications so fast I could barely process them. I grabbed it, groggy, scrolling through an endless flood of texts, missed calls, and push alerts. And then I saw it. “Billionaire Reid Callahan Spotted on an Intimate Dinner Date—Where Was His Wife?” My stomach dropped. The article was everywhere. Attached were pictures—Reid at a sleek, exclusive restaurant, seated across from a woman I didn’t recognize. She was gorgeous. Brunette, sophisticated, leaning in just close enough to make the photos look damning. The kind of woman the press would love to call his real match. I scrolled faster, my pulse hammering. “Reid Callahan and mystery woman share a private dinner—sources say Fallon Callahan was nowhere in sight!” “Trouble in paradise? Callahan marriage not as picture-perfect as they want you to believe.” “Who is the woman seen dining with L.A.’s most powerful billionaire?” Th
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One hundred and one
FallonI should not be this affected.It didn’t even happen.That was what I told myself as I unpacked, folding my clothes with unnecessary precision. That was what I repeated as I lined up my skincare bottles on the bathroom counter, arranging and rearranging them in a way that made absolutely no difference.It didn’t happen.He didn’t kiss me.He was going to.My hands froze over the drawer I’d been stuffing with newly purchased lingerie I had no actual plans of wearing.God.I closed my eyes, exhaling sharply.I was losing it.Because Reid Callahan had almost kissed me, and I’d been waiting for it.That was the worst part.Not the fact that my heart had practically lunged out of my chest, or the fact that my breath had caught when his hand slid to my jaw. Not even the way my lips had parted in pure, helpless anticipation.No.The worst part was the way I’d wanted it.The way I’d been ready for it.And the way I’d felt like a complete idiot when his phone rang, dragging him back to
Fallon’s Reid: An Arranged Contract One Hundred
~Reid~The house was dark when we stepped inside. Quiet. Like it hadn’t even noticed we were gone.I set our bags down by the staircase, rolling my shoulders to ease the stiffness from the flight. Fallon stood a few feet away, one hand on her hip, scanning the space like she had to reacquaint herself with it.Home.It should’ve felt like a relief to be back, to slip into familiar routines and put the past few days behind us. Instead, there was something restless in the air. Something unspoken.Something I wasn’t ready to face.Fallon exhaled, tilting her head back and stretching, her sweater riding up slightly with the motion. My gaze flickered, completely without permission, to the bare sliver of skin between the soft fabric and the waistband of her jeans.I looked away just as fast, flexing my hands at my sides.This wasn’t the time.Not when my mind was already tangled with everything that had happened on this trip. The banter, the closeness, the easy way she fit into my life when
