Chapter 39 Back to reality
CHAPTER 39
Back to reality.
ROMAN – POINT OF VIEW
“You know,” Harold says.
“At first, I thought you were full of shit. I thought you were trying to pull one over us, have your way in a very sneaky way, but come on, look at her. Scarlett is beautiful. She is way out of your league, and she would never be with you unless she wants to, so maybe, you’re not the lying bastard people think you are.”
I smile as my heart races, “Love comes for us all. I wasn’t too excited about letting my guards down. Love equals vulnerability, but Scarlett has a way with words and her touch. I was doomed from the beginning.”
He laughs, cheeks flushed in delight, “Women are powerful. The sooner we understand that, the better for us.”
“One more thing to learn from you.” I smile, and he nods.
“About the project, you have nothing to worry about,” He tells me as we walk back to the patio.
“They were worried because of your reputation and insatiable greed, but now, they can’t help but see you in a different light. You could be lying to us, though, so we need more proof. We need proof of a stable relationship, we need you to be a changed man, and if they’re convinced, then it’s yours. It’s always going to be yours. It’s just a matter of time.” He expresses soundly.
I nod, biting down my rage at the continued waste of time.
“I am convinced, of course, but they aren’t. Marjorie and her husband seem in love with Scar, so that’s done. However, I know you have this whole keep it private thing, but it is important to be public with this. Let people see how much you love her. Scarlett is so easy to love, so when you show everyone that, they’ll fall in line. Soon, the headlines will change from scepticism to romance.” He advises, and I frown.
“I understand, but Scarlett is not a fan of the media. She prefers to live behind closed doors. It is also why she wants a simple wedding.” I inform him, with brows furrowed.
“Does she not know what’s on the line? She’s obviously brilliant, so don’t tell me you don’t talk business with her.” He scoffs.
There’s a lot on the line.
“Don’t keep her out of your business. She should be your best friend, your second-in-command. This is important. Explain to her, and then play the game well. In a month, you’ll get the deal.” He assures me.
I nod, my shoulders squared in determination. We need to turn the dial.
“Looks like your wife has mine wrapped around her finger.” He chuckles, a nd I follow his eyes to see Stella and Scarlett wrapped in a tight hug.
Scarlett is easy to love.
___
Two hours later, we are ready to leave, much to Stella’s displeasure.
“We will come back soon, or you should just visit us,” Scarlett suggests, cheeks flushed.
“Oh, we will. Expect us very soon.” She declares, and I chuckle.
After many assurances and promises, Scar and I get in the car, with a trunk full of gifts, and we drive home.
For the first twenty minutes, we don’t say anything. The silence in the car isn’t as uncomfortable as it was last evening, but it is heavy with so many expectations.
“What did Stella speak about in the garden?” I ask curiously once we get to an intersection.
She exhales deeply, “She wants us to get married fast because you tend to wander. She asked about my parents, and I told her they are late. We bonded over grief because she lost her mom two years ago. I banked on the grief because it is something she resonated with. I did as I was supposed to.” Her responses are robotic and clipped.
I know the basis of our relationship, but the least I expect is a smile.
I don’t say anything about it,t though. I get straight to business.
“Harold loves you. You were perfect. However, he wants us to turn on the heat, which means more outings, possible vacations, and many more public sightings. We need to convince them that we are absolutely in love.” I recount what he said and gauge her reaction.
She shrugs, “Whatever you need, Roman.”
She’s pushing me away, or maybe she’s not. This wasn’t supposed to be emotional. I shouldn’t have said anything about Dante and Amara to her. I opened up to her, and now, this is her perfect reaction. Wonderful.
“What do you think we do?” I try again, trying to hear her opinion. Truly, I just want her to talk to me.
I focus on driving but feel her scathing gaze, “We could have a public lunch tomorrow. You could show me your offices, introduce me to more friends like Luca, Damian, and Caleb, and maybe even meet with their women. We can go to the games, all loved up. We can be caught with our pants down, well, something like that.”
I grin, but she is right.
“Do you think we need help with the public outings? My hands are full with business deals and mergers. I can get a Publicist to help us tailor our image.” I suggest with a sign. It won’t take me long to get a good Publicist.
“Won’t that cost more money? Also, won’t it be invasive? The publicist will have to know the truth. More people who know will further complicate things.” She frowns and kicks off her shoes. That single act feels too domestic for my brain.
“Damian will draft a concrete non-disclosure agreement, so we will be fine. The publicist will plan our outings, and hopefully, in a month, the deal will be mine.” I grin, driving out of the highway to a drive-thru.
“Can you order for me? I want to use the restroom.” She yawns adorably, and I nod.
I step out of the car to order and wait for her. Moments later, she returns, but there’s no trace of calmness on her face. She takes the snacks from me, and gets back in the car. I frown, wondering why her mood has switched so fast. Did I do something wrong? What is going on?
I get back in the car and ask cautiously, “Are you okay, Scarlett?”
She nods, “I’m perfect.”
She’s lying to me.
What else is she lying about?