FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS (Ophelia Corrigan) novel Chapter 142

CHAPTER 142

MIE

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” the stranger said, his tone easy. “Though I’ll admit I enjoyed getting your attention.”

“You did.” I said, recovering my composure. “But I was waiting for someone.”

“A man?”

The question came with a suggestive smile. I kept mine polite and took a discreet step to the side.

“My fiancé. He and Margareth should be around here somewhere.”

The man raised his eyebrows, like that information had made the conversation even more interesting.

“Then he’s a lucky man.”

“That’s kind of you to say.”

“It wasn’t kindness, miss. Just honesty. You have a beauty that’s hard to ignore.”

Before I could find an answer, I heard footsteps behind me.

“Jamie.”

Simon’s voice came firm, without needing to rise. When I looked back, he was crossing the veranda beside Margareth.

His expression was calm, but his eyes passed over me and locked on the man in front of me.

Simon stopped beside me and placed his hand on my waist.

He didn’t pull me, didn’t make a scene. He just brought me close enough that anyone would understand I was with him.

“Simon, this is Sheik Faruk Al-Rashid,” Margareth explained. “He’s one of our oldest clients. Faruk, this is Simon Hart. And this is his fiancée, Jamie.”

“A pleasure,” Faruk said, extending his hand.

Simon took the greeting. The two shook hands a beat longer than necessary.

“The pleasure’s mine,” Simon replied.

His voice came out cordial. His eyes, not so much.

“Faruk came to talk about the party he’s hosting next weekend,” Margareth explained. “It’ll be a special celebration. His fourth wedding.”

I turned to Faruk, surprised.

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“Fourth wedding? Wow. You must love getting married as much as you love getting divorced, huh?”

Margareth opened her mouth, but Faruk just let out a low laugh.

“Actually, Jamie, my wivès stay with me.”

For a moment, I didn’t know what to say.

“A-all of them?” I stammered, still shocked.

“All of them. And we live in the same house.”

I looked at him, trying to decide if he was joking. Faruk looked perfectly serious.

“And they get along?” I asked, curious.

His smile widened just right, without losing composure.

“Most of the time.”

“Good Lord,” I whispered, under my breath.

Beside me, I felt Simon go still. His hand was still on my waist, but his fingers tightened a little more into the fabric of my dress.

“I’m sure Jamie would never go for something like that,” he said, in a calm tone. “Isn’t that right, babe? You’re monogamous. Radically monogamous.”

I turned to Simon. He kept his eyes on Faruk, but his thumb moved slowly against my waist.

“Funny. I was about to say the exact same thing,” I said, with an innocent smile.

Then I leaned into Simon like I was just fixing his collar.

“If you ever got another woman, I’d kick you in the balls,” I whispered.

The corner of his mouth lifted.

“I’ll try to remember that.”

“Do me that favor.”

“What a charming couple,” Faruk observed. His gaze came back to me. “In my country, we’d say your \fiancée is worth more than a chest of rubies, Mr. Hart.”

The compliment was aimed at Simon, but Far weuk’s eyes lingered on me.

“Thank you,” I said, answering for Simon as his hand slid from my waist to my back.

He didn’t interrupt Faruk or try to compete with the compliment. He just kept me close, with a posture so secure the gesture spoke for him.

“It was a pleasure meeting you both,” Faruk said, unshaken. “I hope to see you at next weekend’s party. You’re both invited.”

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“Oh, thank you for the invite…” I said. “But’re still working out the details of our wedding.

fcourse I hope you find everything you’re looking for here.”

“I think we already have, Simon said, looking at me.

Margareth picked the conversation back up about the booking.

She explained the date options and available üimes, while Simon asked practical questions about setup. staff, and guest access. He was attentive without being difficult. When he disagreed with a detail, he did iy politely and firmly, without letting the conversation drift.

“The date you mentioned is still available,” Margareth said. “I can hold it while we finalize the details.”

Simon looked at me.

“What do you think?”

“I want it to be here,” I said. “If you’re still on board.”

“I already told you I liked the place.”

“Then let’s book it.”

Simon turned back to Margareth.

“You can confirm the date. We’ll move forward with the booking.”

Margareth smiled, relieved we’d come to a decision.

“Perfect. I’ll send the documents over today and include the decoration options we discussed.”

“Great,” Simon said. “Thanks for handling this.”

“It’ll be my pleasure. And, Miss Jamie, I’m so happy you chose Whitmore House.”

“Me too. I can’t wait to come back.”

After we said goodbye to Margareth and Faruk, Simon laced his fingers through mine and led me outside. The cool afternoon air hit my face as we walked down the steps. Ahead, the Bugatti waited by the entrance.

¡

“You’re quiet,” I said.

“Am I?”

“You are.”

“Maybe I’m thinking about our little Casanova sheik’s party,” Simon said, with a mocking smile.

I glanced at him sideways.

“The wedding party or my answers?”

“Both.”

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