Chapter 3

The next morning, I wake to sunlight filtering through my curtains and the soft buzz of my phone on the nightstand. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I grab it and glance at the screen.

Kieran: Breakfast? My treat.

I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face. Part of me wants to ignore him, to put distance between us before things spiral into something I can’t control. But another part—the part that finds his teasing oddly endearing—pushes me to respond.

Atlas: Fine. Where?

Fifteen minutes later, I step into a high-end café, spotting Kieran in the farthest booth, sipping a black coffee like he owns the place. He looks up as I approach, smirking. "You’re late."

I slide into the seat across from him. "I didn’t agree to a time."

He shrugs. "Fair point. You look like hell."

"Thanks, fiancé. So romantic."

Kieran chuckles, pushing a menu toward me. "Order something. We have a long day ahead."

I glance at him suspiciously. "Why do I feel like I’m about to regret this?"

"Because you have trust issues. Now pick something before I do it for you."

With a huff, I skim the menu and signal the waiter. Kieran watches me the entire time, something unreadable in his gaze. It makes my skin prickle.

As soon as the waiter leaves, I cross my arms. "Alright, out with it. Why are we here?"

Kieran leans back, taking another sip of his coffee. "We need to work on our chemistry. If we’re going to convince the world we’re madly in love, we can’t keep acting like strangers."

I raise an eyebrow. "So this is… practice?"

"Exactly."

I exhale, shaking my head. "This is ridiculous."

"Maybe," he agrees. "But it’s necessary."

Silence stretches between us, filled only by the quiet murmur of other patrons. I study Kieran, searching for a crack in his facade, something that will tell me this is just another business move to him. But the way he looks at me, the way his gaze lingers—it’s different.

And that terrifies me more than anything.

The day drags on with back-to-back meetings, photo ops, and rehearsed displays of affection. By the time the evening rolls around, I’m ready to collapse. But just as I step into my penthouse, my phone rings.

Kieran.

I groan but pick up. "What now?"

"Look outside."

Frowning, I walk over to the window and pull back the curtain. Parked in front of my building is Kieran’s sleek black car, the headlights cutting through the night. He steps out, phone pressed to his ear. "Come down."

"Why?"

"Because if we’re going to fool everyone, we need to get to know each other. Off the record. No cameras, no boardrooms. Just us."

I hesitate, my heart hammering against my ribs. "And what if I say no?"

Kieran smirks, voice dropping into something softer. "Then I’ll just have to keep showing up until you say yes."

Damn him.

I hang up and grab my coat.

I step out of the building, the cool night air brushing against my skin. Kieran leans against his car, arms crossed, a smug look on his face. "Took you long enough."

I roll my eyes. "You’re insufferable."

"And yet, here you are."

He opens the passenger door. "Get in, Atlas."

Something in his tone makes me pause. This isn’t just another staged event. This is different.

I sigh and slide into the seat.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

Kieran starts the engine, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You’ll see."

And for the first time in a long time, I feel the thrill of uncertainty.

The city blurs past in a haze of neon lights and the occasional streetlamp casting long shadows over the road. I glance at Kieran, who’s focused on driving, one hand on the wheel, the other drumming lightly against his thigh.

“So, are you planning on telling me where we’re going, or should I just assume this is some elaborate kidnapping attempt?” I ask, crossing my arms.

Kieran smirks but keeps his eyes on the road. “If I were kidnapping you, you’d already be tied up in the trunk.”

“How charming.”

His smirk widens. “I try.”

I huff, shifting in my seat. The anticipation is starting to grate on me, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing me squirm. Instead, I look out the window, watching the familiar cityscape give way to something less recognizable.

“Kieran,” I say, a little warier now. “Seriously. Where are we going?”

He finally glances at me, his expression unreadable in the dim light. “Somewhere we can actually talk.”

“That’s vague and ominous.”

“Good.”

The car slows as we pull onto a secluded road, trees lining the sides like silent sentinels. After a few minutes, the trees break, revealing an empty overlook with a breathtaking view of the city below. The lights stretch out endlessly, shimmering against the dark sky.

Kieran kills the engine and gets out. I hesitate before following, the crisp night air brushing against my skin as I step into the open.

“You brought me to a scenic overlook?” I ask, skeptical. “What, is this where you dump your enemies’ bodies?”

Kieran chuckles, leaning against the hood of his car. “Only on Mondays.”

“Lucky me.”

He gestures beside him, and after a moment, I relent, hopping up onto the hood next to him. The silence between us is surprisingly comfortable as we take in the view.

“This is the only place I go when I need to think,” Kieran admits after a while, his voice quieter, more reflective. “No cameras, no expectations. Just… space.”

I glance at him, surprised by the honesty. “And you brought me here because…?”

He turns to look at me, his gaze steady. “Because if we’re going to pull this off, I need to know who you are. The real you. Not the person you pretend to be in meetings or in front of cameras.”

I swallow, the weight of his words pressing against me. “And what if I don’t want to be known?”

Kieran’s lips twitch into something softer than a smirk, almost… understanding. “Then I’ll just have to keep showing up until you do.”

Damn him.

For the first time since this arrangement began, I feel like maybe—just maybe—Kieran isn’t as insufferable as I thought.