Page 99 of The Temporary Bride

She laughs at that and leans in to kiss me.

Chapter 35

Chloe

Several days later, I’m sitting on the balcony in the evening, the cool ocean breeze rustling nearby palm fronds. My laptop rests on my knees as I work through some emails, but my attention keeps drifting to the statue Tristan got for me. It’s perched on the small table beside me, its black and gold surface catching the light from the setting sun.

I love how it looks out here, how it adds a touch of elegance to the space. But more than its appearance, it’s what the gesture represents that means so much to me. Tristan’s thoughtfulness, his attention to detail, the way he shows he cares in ways that truly matter… like buying that gym.

It seems that there’s no limit to his dedication, his willingness to go above and beyond when it’s my comfort on the line.

As I go through some of the reports and paperwork about the new studio project, I feel a flicker of satisfaction at how things are progressing. But then, something catches my eye, and my brows furrow. I blink, my stomach twisting. This can’t be right.

Construction Lead: Summit Construction. Contact: Spencer Noble.

I double-check the document, my heart racing. But as I read through it again, the reality sinks in. Spencer’s company has been hired for the construction of the sound stages.

My hands shake slightly as I turn the pages, looking for any sign that this might be a mistake, but everything seems to be in order, except for the glaring fact that I never approved this.

What the fuck happened?

I lean back in my chair, staring at the pages in front of me. This is not a small oversight. It’s a massive decision that somehow slipped past me. How did Spencer manage to get involved in this project? Who approved this without my knowledge?

Closing the file with a snap, I take a deep breath, trying to slow down my racing thoughts. It’s a losing battle. Whenever Spencer is involved, “calm” is no longer an option for me.

Anger ends up winning out. It surges through me, almost too much to handle. My hands clench into fists as I stand up, the paperwork abandoned on the table. Without another thought, I head into the house, my mind a mess of frustration and disbelief.

Tristan is in the living room, sitting on the couch with his laptop. As soon as I see him, the words burst out of me, impossible to hold back any longer.

“What the fuck happened?” My voice is sharp. He looks up, clearly surprised by my sudden entrance. “How did Spencer Noble’s company get hired for this? I said no, Tristan. I explicitly said no.”

His brows knit together, and he sets his laptop aside. “We never really finished that conversation about the construction contracts. I met up with Spencer the other day, and he offered us a great deal. It’s better than we’d be able to get anywhere else, so I went with it.”

His words hit me hard, and my anger flares up again, hotter than before.

“You what?” My voice rises. “You went with it? Without consulting me? After I specifically said I didn’t want anything to do with Spencer Noble?”

Tristan’s expression shifts to one of frustration. “I was trying to get the best deal for us. This project is important, and his offer was too good to pass up.”

As I take it all in, I can feel myself starting to lose it. My breath quickens, and I shove at his chest, my anger and panic blending into a single, overwhelming force. “You shouldn’t have gone behind my back!” I shout, my voice shaking. “We’re supposed to be partners!”

Tristan blinks, worry crossing his features as he tries to reach out to me. “I’m sorry. I thought⁠—”

“No!” I cut him off, my words tumbling out in a rush. “I don’t want Spencer working on any part of this! He can’t—he’s not—” My voice breaks, and my sentences fall apart as my composure goes with them.

Tristan steps closer, his hands up in a gesture of peace. “It’s okay. Whatever it is, I’ll take care of it. We can fix this.”

But I can’t calm down. The betrayal, the anger, the fear—all of it feels like it’s drowning me. I push him away, unable to handle being touched right now. “Don’t! Just don’t! You don’t understand!”

“Then help me understand. Please, let me⁠—”

“He—he already took so much from me. He can’t have this, too!”

He blinks, his brow furrowing. “Wait. What do you mean by that?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I snap, my voice rising. My heart pounds in my chest, like it can feel Tristan getting close to my deepest wound. “Just fire Spencer. Now.”

But he doesn’t let it go. He steps closer to me, his eyes searching mine. “No, it does fucking matter,” he insists. “What are you talking about?”