Page 121 of The Substitute Fiancée

We lie down. She faces the wall. I’m behind her, wrapping my body around hers.

“What are you doing?” she murmurs. “I still hate you.”

“I know. But tonight, we call a truce. Tonight, everything is okay between us.”

Her body relaxes against mine.

“Just for tonight,” she repeats.

And I know what she doesn’t say. Tomorrow, I’ll have to let her go.

I stay awake long after she falls asleep, memorizing the warmth of her body against mine.

Because this might be the last time she lets me hold her in my arms.

39. Academic Committee

Samantha

I shouldn’t be comforted by his arms.

And yet, I am.

Whatever happened between us didn’t erase years of shared tenderness and friendship. He was my safe place for a long time. Long before we became a couple. With him, I could be myself. He’s one of the few people who cared enough to truly see me.

And that makes our current situation all the more painful.

When I wake up, he’s gone.

It’s better that way.

On the pillow beside mine, a simple scribbled note:

You’re going to succeed. I know it. They won’t be able to do anything but bow before the beauty and power of your work.

I set the paper down, unable to decide what to do with it.

Despite everything, the night was restful. I’ll always be grateful that he came, even though it doesn’t erase his words or his accusations.

I get ready quickly, add a bit of makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes.

In the living room, Mara and Emelyne are waiting for me with breakfast: pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice.

“You’re going to blow them away,” Emelyne reassures me, handing me a croissant.

“No doubt about it,” Mara adds.

But their smiles are too wide. Their voices a little too bright.

They’re scared for me.

*

The presentation room is on the third floor, at the end of the hallway.

White walls. Harsh lighting. A large table behind which three people are seated.

Ms. Mainville gives me a discreet, encouraging smile.