The Billionaire’s Pretend Fiancée

Roman’s POV

“We will send a representative to you with a draft of the contract before the week runs out, you can amend it if you want before I do a final review.” I spoke into the boundary microphone, and my business partners exchanged pleased glances among themselves.

“We will be expecting them and it was nice doing business with you once again, President Giovanni.” One of them replied.

“Very well then. This meeting is now officially over.” I declared before turning off my microphone, and handing the tablet over to Nathan did a curtsey before exiting the conference room.

The business conglomerates trooped out except a middle-aged man who looked like unfamiliar yet familiar at the same time.

It seemed I had seen him somewhere before today, like a younger version of him but I just couldn’t wrap my head around where exactly.

The man walked up to me with a smile and an outstretched hand, “It’s been a while, Romano. Hasn’t it? You’ve grown up well, I know Madam Benedicta and your parents must be very proud of you. I am too.”

I shook his hand tentatively, “Do you perhaps know me? I think I may have seen you somewhere but I just can’t remember.”

He chuckled and pocketed his hands before his expression turned grim, “I was really close friends with Marcus, your dad. It’s sad that death decided to take both him and your mum so soon. You know, I also went to college together with your mum. it was through her that I knew Marcus. Julia, your mum was a really kind and loving soul, she was unreal, like an angel in human form.”

I nodded as my body tensed up with the morbid images of the horrendous car crash that took both of my parents’ lives, on that rainy night seeping into my head.

The conference room was fully air-conditioned but I suddenly felt stuffy and hot, it felt like something invisible was strangling me.

“Don’t look up, baby. Don’t!” My mum’s fear-laden voice wafted into my ears, and I clasped my hands against my ears as I shook my head.

It didn’t take a moment before I realized I was hyperventilating. The man looked worried and he was saying something which sounded like fuzzy, unclear words to me.

I held on to the desk to support my tremoring legs as the man stopped talking and instead patted my back. The feeling of asphyxiation gradually died away and I was yanked back to reality.

I panted heavily as I scrubbed the beads of perspiration, clinging to my forehead off and gazed at the man, “T-thank you.” I whispered, and he nodded.

“I’m so sorry for bringing them up. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable by bringing up sad memories, son.” He said.

I smiled wanly at him, “It’s fine. I’m fine, you don’t have to worry about me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then, I’ll be on my way now. Extend my greetings to the chairwoman. Tell her you met Gavin Santiago.” He said.

“Sure, I will. I mean, I know your name, we are business partners after all.” I said and he nodded before exiting the conference room.

I plopped back onto the swivel chair with a deep sigh as I caressed my temple.

It was then I realized where I had seen that man; he was in the framed wedding picture of my parents which Nana kept in her bedroom.

I thought I was over the hyperventilation bouts that attacked me whenever I thought about the accident.

In the past decade, it hadn’t occurred, so why was it back again? I thought as I headed back to my office.

Immediately I stepped into my office, I knew something was wrong; the door was slightly ajar, and a strange flowery perfume had permeated the ambiance.

“Hi, my love.” I heard that unnerving, provocative voice that I hadn’t heard for the past two years and rage instantly coursed through me.

Lana.

She was sitting cross-legged behind my desk, and as usual she was scantily clad in a skimpy gown.

With my hands clenched into fists, I watched her stand up from my swivel chair and walk up to me with a sultry smile curving her lips.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I spat as she made to loop her arms around my neck.

She remained undaunted at my outburst as she leaned in to straighten my lapels, “You shouldn’t be speaking to your ex-girlfriend in that manner, babe. I missed you so much, did you miss me?” She breathed sensually against my neck.

If it were the Roman from a month ago, I’d have gotten aroused by that action of hers but at that moment, nothing irritated me as much as Lana’s mere existence.

I yanked her hands off me, “Fuck off and get out of my office before I ask a guard to bundle you out. How did you even manage to get in here?”

“I have my ways, babe.” She giggled with a shrug as she wrapped her arms across her chest.

“Get out, Lana. I don’t want to assault a woman but you are really provoking me right now.” I seethed and she sighed.

“Then, you leave me no choice but to do this.” She muttered before pressing her lips to mine.

For a couple of seconds, I was too stunned to move and I just remained glued to the floor like an idiot as she slipped her tongue into my mouth.

When I finally registered what was happening, it was too late because Sofie was standing on the threshold of my office with her jaw slacked, and her eyes widened in horror.

What was she doing here?

Fuck, no.

What had I done?

Instantly, I pushed Lana away from me as I pleaded, “Sofie, I can explain. Please calm down and listen to me.”

“Oh, the fiancée is here.” Lana mocked, rolling her eyes.

“Baby, this isn’t what it looks like, please let me explain.” I rambled as I walked toward Sofie who was still rooted to one spot, but was now staring blankly at me.

“Aw, baby. Are you mad? You shouldn’t be, baby. Roman is too attractive to be with a lowlife like you, do you understand me? Wh-” I darted her a murderous glare, and she swallowed the rest of her statement with a snarl.

“What, isn’t that the truth?” She scoffed, and I had the urge to slap that snicker off her face but I controlled myself and diverted my attention back to Sofie.

“Cara, let’s t-”

Her eyes were teary as she stared at everything in the room but me, “I-I’m sorry for intruding. I’ll be on my now, you can carry on with what you were doing. E-Excuse me.” She interrupted me with a stutter before leaving my office, and slamming the door shut with a loud bang.

“Are you happy now?” I snapped at Lana.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“I’m overjoyed.” She laughed, reinvigorating my anger but I decided to ignore her as I went in pursuit of Sofie.

I desperately hoped I hadn’t ruined everything with my own hands.