DANIEL'S POV.I was sitting in my office, staring at the computer screen and trying to focus on work. It was the day before my fake wedding with Jessica, and I was feeling nervous. I knew it was all just for show, but it still felt weird to be pretending to marry someone.Suddenly, my office door opened, and I looked up to see my father standing there. He had a golf club in his hand and a smile on his face."Hey, son," he said. "How about we go for a round of golf? Just you and me, before the big day tomorrow." I was surprised. My father and I had never been close, and he had never shown much interest in spending time with me. But I could tell he was genuinely trying to connect with me, and I it felt weird. "Sure, Dad," I said, standing up from my desk. "Let's go."We drove to the golf course in silence, but I could feel the tension between us. I knew there was a lot of unresolved issues between us, and I wasn't sure if golf was going to solve them.As we started playing, my father
JESSICA'S POV.I sat on my bed, staring at the white dress hanging from the closet door. In less than twenty-four hours, I would be walking down the aisle, pretending to marry a man I barely knew and didn't love. I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. This was crazy—what was I thinking?Just then, my phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the screen to see that it was Julia. Thank God, she was the only one I had right now. "Hey, Julia," I said, answering the call."Hey, Jess! How's it going? You know ... Tomorrow?"I sighed, knowing that I couldn't keep up the pretense with her. "Honestly, Julia, I'm freaking out. I can't believe that I agreed to this fake wedding. I'm seriously rethinking my decisions.Julia's voice was soothing, her words reassuring. "It's okay, Jess. You know that you don't have to go through with this if you don't want to. But if you do decide to go ahead with it, just remember that I'm here for you. You can
DANIEL'S POV.I woke up on the morning of the wedding feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was the day I would officially marry Jessica, the woman I had hired as a maid and barely knew anything about. I got dressed in a black t-shirt and jeans headed over to Schumann's apartment after shooting Jessica a text. Schumann was my closest friend, so he had agreed to be my best man for the day. As soon as I arrived, he handed me a glass of scotch and we sat down on his plush couch to chat."So, are you ready for today?" Schumann asked, taking a sip of his own drink. "Why do you look so gloomy?"I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "I think I'm ready. It's just a contract wedding, right?"Schumann chuckled, sarcastically. "Yeah, just a contract wedding. No big deal."We chatted for a while longer, discussing what life would be like for me and Jessica after the wedding, and Schumann offered his support and advice, which I appreciated.As we talked, my phone rang. It was my
JESSICA'S POV.As the reception wound down, I found myself standing at the entrance, greeting guests as they left. I plastered a smile on my face, thanking them for coming and wishing them a good night. But inside, I felt hollow and empty. This was not the wedding I had envisioned for myself, and I felt like a fraud, pretending to be happy when I was anything but."Congratulations, Melissa," a random redheaded woman came up to me with her kid latched onto her arm. "Your dress was so stunning by the way, but I couldn't wait to get you alone for this."Get me alone why? Just as I was about to ask her what it was, Greg came up to us with a big smirk. "The dress was from our line. If you're ever interested in our dresses, then we got you?""Oh ... Yeah the dress ...was awesome," the woman said, awkwardly, looking flustered and angry that Greg had interrupted. "I'd keep you in mind, surely.""Thank you. I'll be looking forward to it," Greg said, before throwing me a salute and walking awa
DANIEL'S POV.I woke up with a stiff neck and sore limbs. My eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the curtains and I saw Jessica still sleeping peacefully on the soft looking bed. I couldn't help the envy I felt at that moment. My back was as stiff as a rock. It was all thanks to Mum who had gone ahead and booked this so called 'romantic' suite. The plan between me and Jessica had been to go to our separate rooms after the wedding, but Mum just had to butt in and ruin everything. Despite my obvious frustration though, I couldn't be that mad at her. She didn't know her son was a fraud and a liar. She thought he was just a regular good old son, getting married to the woman of his dreams. All she meant was good. Memories from the night before flooded my mind as I yawned and I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Yes. The fake wedding had been a complete success and I was well on my way to becoming really close with my father—both in business and personal life—but the
JESSICA'S POV.My mood had shifted for some reason. I was suddenly more positive than I'd been the night before, after I'd taken a shower. As I got dressed, I made a decision to dress up a little more than usual. I wanted to look good, even if it was just for myself. I put on a bright yellow sundress and a pair of sandals, and took a little extra time to style my hair. Gianna had inspired me to try harder on my appearance and after the way I saw the way I looked on my wedding day, there was no way I was going back to how I used to look. I was going to take a it step by step. When Daniel walked into the room from the bathroom, he did a double-take. "Wow, you look amazing," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. I did my best to not stare at the wet t-shirt stretched across his shoulders or the short shorts he was wearing. At least he was wearing a t-shirt. I didn't know how I'd have felt if he came out shirtless. "Thanks," I said, feeling a little self-conscious. "I just felt l
DANIEL'S POV.I woke up that morning with a mix of grogginess and anticipation. Today was the day Jessica and I were going to travel to Hawaii for our "honeymoon". As I got off the makeshift bed I'd made on the floor, I stretched my sore back and limbs and went straight for coffee. After I got my caffeine urge settled, I glanced towards Jessica's side and saw her still sleeping soundly. Our flight was by ten in the morning, she couldn't be sleeping this soundly when we had to get ready. I went over to the bed planning to wake her up—maybe even shake her a little—but then the peaceful expression I saw on her face stopped me in motion. Jessica looked young and innocent as she slept. It was at this moment all her features became very visible to me, and I must say they were very lovely features. Beautiful and luscious hair, small button nose that was so cute it hurt, heart shaped lips that I hadn't forgotten how they felt against mine, and the icing on the cake, her soft and kissable l
JESSICA'S POV.Stepping off the plane, the warm tropical air enveloped me, tinged with a hint of salty ocean breeze. The excitement buzzed in my chest as we made our way through the bustling terminal, hand-in-hand. I'd suppose Daniel was holding me just incase anyone knew us here like he's said. His dad had connections here. As we walked towards the car rental area, Daniel turned to me with a mischievous grin. "Ready for some fun in Hawaii, Mrs Snider."Mrs Snider. That was my name now? I hadn't even thought of it that, that was going to be what people will refer me to. I decided to play along just for fun. "Absolutely, Mr. Snider. Let's make this honeymoon unforgettable.""Okay wife," Daniel chuckled and the sound made my chest tighten. His laugh was amazing and contagious. Wait, did I just compliment his laugh?That was it. I'd gone mad. Daniel picked up our rental car, a sleek convertible that looked like it cost a fortune and I got in feeling overwhelmed at all the luxury I'd b
DANIEL'S POV.ONE YEAR LATER.I walked through the front door of our new cozy home, my heart brimming with excitement and anticipation. After the whole Lori incident, I'd come clean to Jessica about every single girl I'd played in the past, and because Jessica was so big hearted and understanding, she'd forgiven me, and we decided to bury all that in the past. Our journey to letting go of the past had started from getting a new home. Dad had arranged for a purchase for a new house immediately I'd told him abouy it. And though I felt like he was once again helping me out and treating me like a child—he'd explained that buying that house for us was his way of saying sorry for how bad of a father he'd been. After that day I'd come clean to him about the contract, he'd made it his everyday goal to show his remorse, and I didn't mind. I'd forgiven him already just as I'd forgiven myself for being such an asshole in the past. A smile graced my lips when my nostrils filled with the sweet aro
JESSICA'S POV.The road stretched out before us, illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. Daniel's grip tightened on the steering wheel as we made our way home from his parents' house. The meeting had been pleasant, filled with laughter and delicious home-cooked food. And then the feeling of being known as the real Jessica and still receiving love from them felt good. Suddenly, the shrill sound of my phone shattered the silence inside the car. Startled, I fumbled to retrieve it from my purse. The caller ID displayed an unfamiliar number, and a surge of anxiety coursed through my veins. I had learnt to be weary of calls from unknown numbers these days. "Who could this be?" I whispered, uncertain. Daniel shot me a worried glance, his brows furrowing in concern. I think he was scared it was the stalker too. "I don't know, but you should answer it. It might be important."Taking a deep breath, I swiped the screen and brought the phone to my ear. "Hello?"A voice on the othe
DANIEL'S POV. As the morning sun peeked through the curtains, I slowly opened my eyes, feeling a strong wave of contentment wash over me. I turned my head to the side and saw Jessica lying next to me, her tousled hair framing her beautiful face. Last night with her had been the best night of my life, an eye-opener to the beauty of the world of sex with an emotional partner, and not just some shitty hookup. A smile immediately spread across my lips as I remembered vividly all the events of last night. She had been unpredictable and amazing, everything I'd ever wanted in my dreams. "Hey," I whispered, my voice still husky from sleep. "Good morning, beautiful."Jessica stirred and opened her eyes, greeting me with a sleepy smile. "Good morning, handsome," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Last night was... amazing. I didn't know you had all that in you, I totally get the Daniel Snider hype now," she joked, laughing at her own humour. I chuckled softly, reaching out to brush
JESSICA'S POV.I tiptoed out of the bathroom, wrapped in a fluffy towel, steam still wafting in the air. My heart however, raced as I realized I wasn't alone. There, standing by the door, was Daniel, his eyes widening in surprise. I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks, making me acutely aware of my semi-nakedness. And then I let out a startled gasp that cut through the silence. I'm so sorry, Jessica,"he stammered, his voice laced with a mix of panic and regret. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was wondering if you weren't home, and ..." he trailed off like he didn't know just what to say next. My voice trembled as I hurriedly wrapped the towel securely around myself, still stuck in surprise. "Daniel, what are you doing here? Why didn't you at least try to announce your arrival?" "I... I didn't think anyone else was home," he managed to reply, with his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I came back early, and I was worried when I found the house so quiet. I... I'm sorry, Jessica. I don'
DANIEL'S POV.As I wrapped up another exhausting day at the office, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The clock had seemingly ticked at a snail's pace, each minute passing by with an agonizing slowness. I yearned for the comfort of my humble abode, and talking to Jessica. But fate had other plans for me that evening.Just as I was about to shut down my computer and bid farewell to my colleagues, a faint ping emanated from my phone. I glanced at the screen to find a text message from Bianca. The name alone sent irritation down my spine, a reminder of the reckless past we shared. Her message was brief but desperate, pleading for a meeting at a nearby coffee shop. A mix of curiosity and caution filled my mind, and after much deliberation, I replied with a reserved agreement to be there. Now, behind the wheel of my car, my mind raced with questions. What could she possibly want from me after all this time? Was it another attempt to rekindle the flame that had long since burned out?
JESSICA'S POV.I watched Daniel as he buttoned up his crisp white shirt, his face showing focus and determination. He was about to head off to work, and I knew it was now or never to tell him my plans for the day."Daniel," I called out, catching his attention. He turned to me, his eyebrows raised inquisitively. "I just wanted to let you know that I'll be going out today to visit Julia."His expression shifted from curiosity to concern in an instant. I could see the worry lines etching deep into his forehead. He walked over to where I stood by the door, his steps deliberate and measured."Jessica, are you sure about this?" He asked, his tone tinged with worry. "You remember what happened the last time you went out alone. And I'm not sure it's safe for you to go with your leg still unstable." I nodded, memories of that fateful day flooding my mind. But I had healed considerably since then, though not completely. At least I could stand on my two feet and move around better than before.
DANIEL'S POV.The day after we'd arrived from the airport, Das had called me concerning work. "What's up Dad?" I'd asked while I ate the delicious sandwich Jessica had made for me before she went and locked herself in her room. I'd wanted to go after her and find out what the problem was, but I figured she was going through a lot and had a lot to think about, so maybe she'd needed that time to just rest and think all by herself."Daniel, my boy. How are you?" Dad greeted, cheerfully. " I heard that you just got back from your Mum. How was your flight?"I'd remembered how eye-opening and tensed it had been, and decided to lie instead. " It was great, but I'm tired. You know how me and flights are.""I'm sorry to hear that, son, because you have a lot of work on your plate. You're resuming tomorrow by the way," he said, his tone swiftly switching to business mode. A groan left my lips and I fisted another sandwich groggily into my mouth before saying, "I know Dad. But can I just get
JESSICA'S POV.As I looked up to the warm Hawaiian sun streaming through the windows, the realization hit me like a wave crashing on the shore. Today was the day Daniel and I had to pack up our things and leave this somewhat paradise behind. The bittersweet feeling hung heavy in the air as I glanced over at Daniel, who seemed lost in his own thoughts.Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the closet. It was as if the room itself reflected our somber mood, with clothes scattered on the floor and suitcases waiting to be filled. I tried to focus on the task at hand, folding my clothes neatly and placing them into my suitcase, but my mind wandered back to the memories we had created here.The sound of zippers being pulled closed filled the room as we moved in synchrony, our actions speaking louder than words. There was an unspoken agreement between us to keep our emotions in check, to not let them spill over and disrupt the process of leaving. We had to be strong for each other. The past
JESSICA'S POV.Whoever it is that wanted to kill me was going too far. It was like whoever it was that was doing this had one sole aim only, which was to harm me. The first time was a hit and run, and then Daniel had told me about the phone call he'd gotten that day, and then yesterday, the person had come directly to hurt me. I woke up that morning with a renewed sense of excitement. Today was the day I would get to finally leave this sterile hospital room that had been my home for far too long. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I could hardly contain my joy as I glanced over at the man sitting in the armchair beside my bed, my contact husband, turned companion. He was was asleep with his mouth open, and though that was supposed to be gross, it looked so cute to me. He'd fallen asleep while watching a movie on his iPad, as he was waiting for me to get ready. Daniel had started off as a stranger, a jerk, a man I barely knew, but over the cou