Six

It was my first day at my new job, and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as I got up and showered.

Gino had sent a car for me to be picked up and dropped off at the building as he had to attend an important meeting, but he had promised me that I would be in good hands.

As I arrived at the sleek, modern building that housed the company, I was impressed by the buzzing energy and the sense of purpose in the air. I walked through the glass doors and was greeted by a friendly receptionist who directed me to the HR department for my orientation. As I made my way through the bustling office, I couldn't help but feel a ripple of excitement at the thought of being a part of such an innovative company.

“Aw, yes, the new girl.” A man with a clipboard gestured me to follow him, and I was soon introduced to Fiona, a warm and welcoming employee assigned to guide me on my first day. Fiona explained to me the company's mission and vision, which was to create technology solutions that would improve the lives of people and make the world a better place.

Fiona showed me around the office, introducing me to my new colleagues and explaining the various departments and projects at Tech Innovations Inc. As we walked through the open-concept workspace, I was struck by the level of innovation and collaboration happening all around me. Teams of engineers and developers were huddled around whiteboards, discussing new ideas and solutions. Product designers were busy sketching out prototypes, and data analysts were poring over graphs and charts, looking for insights that could drive their next breakthrough. I had never seen anything like it.

I was in awe of the talent and creativity surrounding me, and I couldn't wait to roll up my sleeves and get started on my projects. Fiona was patient and kind, answering all of my questions and guiding me through the intricacies of my new role. She was a seasoned employee with the company for several years, and her passion for the work was contagious.

As the day went on, Fiona and I worked together on various tasks, and she was always there to offer guidance and support. I quickly realised that I had landed in a company that valued teamwork and collaboration, and I felt grateful to have someone like Fiona by my side as I navigated my new role.

Fiona invited me to the office bar to celebrate my first day. As we sat sipping our drinks and chatting, she suddenly mentioned that the company's CEO would be joining us for a drink as well.

I was surprised to hear that the CEO would join us, and I felt nervous about meeting such a high-ranking executive. As I turned to see Gino approaching us, I was shocked to realise the way everyone was greeting him. “Oh, Mr Yarn is here,” Fiona whispered, pointing to Gino. He looked so handsome in his black suit with a white shirt and black tie. His hair combed away from his face, and his eyes twinkled as he beamed. Holding out his hand to shake with those who greeted him, he turned towards Fiona and nodded.

“Good evening, Mr Yarn. This is Harriet. Today is her first day.” Fiona said proudly, and I blushed as Gino focused on me. An amused look on his face made me blush even more.

“Thank you, Fiona. However, I am well aware of Harriet since I gave her the job. I hope you have enjoyed your first day, Harriet.” Now, shall we have a drink?” he winked at me before he turned to gather everyone's attention.

“You didn't say you already met the CEO,” Fiona murmured, looking at me suspiciously. I shrugged my shoulders in response.” I didn't know he was the CEO.” I replied.

"Well, Harriet, it looks like you made quite an impression on Gino," she said teasingly.

I felt my cheeks flush as I recalled how Gino had looked at me earlier. "I-I don't know what you mean," I stammered, trying to play it cool.

Fiona laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, come on. He thinks highly of you. You must have left quite an impression on him during your interview."

“He gave me the job after I accidentally spilt coffee on him. He's been a great help to me since I arrived in the city.”

Fiona's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you spilt coffee on Gino, and he still gave you the job?” she exclaimed, a mixture of shock and amusement evident in her voice.

I nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "It was a complete accident, but he was surprisingly understanding and even made a joke about it."

Fiona chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Well, that's a memorable first impression to make! But it seems like it worked in your favour. Gino must have seen something special in you to overlook a little coffee mishap. He's handsome, and luckily for you, he's single, and I've heard he's been looking for someone special. Maybe you're the one," Fiona said with a sly smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I felt my cheeks flush even more, and I tried to brush off the comment. "Oh, no, no, I'm sure he's just being nice because of...you know, the coffee thing," I said, trying to play it down.

Fiona laughed again. "Well, maybe a little bit of that. But I think there's something more to it. You have a certain spark, Harriet. And I think Gino is drawn to that."

As the evening drew to a close, Gino raised his glass in a toast to the team, expressing his gratitude for their hard work and dedication. I felt a surge of pride and excitement as I raised my glass alongside my new colleagues, knowing that I was now part of a company making a real difference in the world. Damon and Aurora were far away and almost forgotten about.

Gino's gaze lingered on mine, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. I felt a flutter in my chest, and my heart began to beat a little faster. I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled in the light or the way his dark hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.

Just as I was starting to feel like I was melting into the moment, Gino reached out and gently pulled me to one side. I followed him, my senses heightening.

Gino leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it sent shivers down my spine. I felt like I was melting into his touch, like my entire world had reached a standstill.

As we kissed, Gino's hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. I felt a surge of excitement and nervousness, but mostly, I just felt alive. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before.

The world around us melted away, leaving only us lost in the moment. I felt like I was home like I'd finally found a place where I belonged.

As we broke apart for air, Gino's eyes searched mine, looking for something. I didn't know what he was searching for, but I felt I was seeing everything at that moment. The connection between us was palpable, like an electric current that ran through our bodies.

I smiled up at him, feeling a sense of wonder and excitement. What was happening? What did this mean?

Gino's smile mirrored mine, and he leaned in again, his lips brushing against mine in a soft caress. I knew that this was just the beginning of something new, something that would change everything.

“Harriet, I will pay you twenty-five thousand to pose as my wife.”

I felt my heart skip a beat as I processed his words. Twenty-five thousand dollars? To pose as his wife? It was a staggering amount, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of arrangement this was.

Gino's eyes held mine, his gaze steady. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I need someone who can play the part of my wife for a few weeks. I have a business deal that will close soon, and my... associates need to see me as a happily married man. That's where you come in."

I took a step back, trying to clear my head. This was a lot to take in. "What kind of business deal?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Gino's expression turned serious. "A merger. A big one. And my partners are... particular about my personal life. They need to see me as stable and secure. And that's where you come in, Harriet."

I felt like I was trapped in some bizarre dream. A fake marriage for twenty-five thousand dollars? It was unbelievable, but... the money was tempting. And the idea of being Gino's wife, even if it was just for show, was... intriguing.

"What do you need me to do?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Gino's smile returned, and he reached out to take my hand. "Just be my wife for a few weeks. Attend some business functions with me, look good in public... and we'll take care of the rest."

I felt a flutter in my chest as he touched my hand. It was a simple touch, but it sent shivers down my spine.

"I'll do it," I said finally, sounding firm.

Gino's eyes lit up with excitement. "Great," he said, pulling me back into the coffee shop. "We'll start making arrangements immediately, and it's probably best you move in with me for a while.”

What was I getting myself into? Was I going to pretend to be Gino's wife for twenty-five thousand dollars? It was a massive amount of money.

Gino's grip on my hand tightened as he led me towards his car. "I'll have my assistant, Sophia, help you with the arrangements. She'll take care of all the logistics."

I nodded, feeling a sense of disorientation. This was all happening so fast.

I couldn't help but wonder what kind of life I was about to lead. Can I keep up the charade of being Gino's wife? And what would happen when the deal was done?

Gino's phone rang, and he answered it, his voice low and serious. I listened in silence, feeling like an outsider in my own life.

"...Yes, I understand. I'll take care of it. No, I don't need any help. I'll handle it myself."

He hung up the phone and turned to me, his eyes locked onto mine. "I need to go to Paris for a few days. You'll need to come with me. Just pack a few things. We leave tomorrow morning first thing.” I must have looked like an idiot with my mouth wide open in disbelief. “Sure.” was all I could muster up to say.

I felt a surge of panic. Paris? With Gino? What kind of trouble was I getting myself into?