Page 38 of Pretend To Be Mine

“I mean, you signed up for this knowing it was fake. You knew there would be public appearances and interviews. So what changed between Thursday when you agreed and now?”

I sank back onto the couch, pressing my free hand against my forehead. “I realized how hard it is. Much harder than I thought it would be.”

“Hard how?”

I was not going to tell my brother that being around Adrian was like drinking from a fountain of aphrodisiacs. “Because I’m supposed to be pretending to be in love with him, but I am just not comfortable around him.”

“Why?”

The question was direct, and I could hear that overprotective tone.

“Not like that,” I said. “It’s just… you know he’s like my idol. Not him, but that whole world. He’s a big deal in the fashion world. It just feels so weird. How is he ever going to take my work seriously when he knows how well I can fake things? And how am I supposed to trust any compliments he makes about my work when I know how well he can fake it?”

Chris sighed. “I guess that makes sense.”

It was all bullshit, but I was glad he was buying it.

“So what are you going to do?” he asked.

“I’m going to tell him I can’t do it. That I’m sorry, but I’m not the right person for this.” Even as I said it, I felt horrible for leaving him in the lurch.

“Okay,” Chris said. “If that’s what you think is best, then I support you one hundred percent. But Lizzie? Can I give you some advice?”

“Always.”

“Do whatever your heart tells you to.”

I closed my eyes, trying to listen to what my heart was saying. But all I could hear was the drumbeat of Adrian’s name, over and over.

“Thanks, Chris.”

“Anytime. Love you, sis.”

“Love you too.”

I hung up and stood in the middle of my apartment, looking at the mess that was my life.

I needed to tell Adrian. I had to end this before it got any more complicated. I wasn’t sure what it meant for the contract we signed, but I would have to take the hit.

I knew I was effectively killing my career before it ever got started. Screwing over the Blackwell family would be a sure way to get blackballed in the industry. But if I completely bombed the fake engagement thing, I was going to take them down with me.

It was better to cut our losses.

I grabbed my laptop from the coffee table and sat down, opening a new email. My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before I started typing.

Dear Adrian,

I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can continue with our arrangement. You’ve been nothing but kind and professional, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. But I’m not the right person for this role. I’m not comfortable with the level of deception required, and I don’t think I can give you the performance you need.

I’m prepared to forfeit the payment and the job offer. I understand if this causes problems for your PR plans. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Best regards,

Elizabeth

I read it over once. It was short, professional, and clear. Everything it needed to be. There really was no point in giving him an essay. I doubted he would read it anyway.

My finger hovered over the send button.