Page 17 of The Fake Husband
If there's anything I learned from these past forty-eight hours, it's that you should never force yourself to be someone you're not. The right person will like you for who you are—disgusting flaws and all.
The proof? River. I wasn't kidding when I said he's seen me at my worst. Bringing me tampons? Check. Tending to me when I thought I was dying from flu? Check. Bringing me to the hospital because of an infected toenail? Check.
River was there through all of that and still liked me, still chose me.
River drapes an arm behind my chair, and I scoot closer and lean against him.
If Derek and Alice truly love each other, then good for them. From the bottom of my heart, I don't care about them. Whatever it was between River and me has changed from fake to real.
Maybe, in a way, I can thank Derek and Alice for that. If not for the pressure to look like I really moved on, I wouldn't be here.
This is my life now. I'm okay with this.
The reception is held on the resort's main terrace, white lights strung overhead, the infinity pool gleaming just below us. The same pool where last night River's hands were?—
"What are you thinking about?" River's voice is low in my ear. "You're smiling."
I nod toward the pool. "Just admiring the view."
"Ah. Yes. Beautiful. Lots of privacy, too."
I chuckle, and River cuts off the sound with a kiss that leaves me breathless. God, I cannot wait for this party to be over.
Priyanka and Alec stop us near the railing, and we know they're about to ask the deets. I squeeze River's hand. We got this. We've had practice. The story has smoothed out over the course of the weekend. The edges no longer catch.
"Nadine! And the famous husband. Good to see you both." Alec shakes River's hand enthusiastically. "Have to say, I was surprised to hear about marriage. Never even knew you were dating someone."
"Nadine likes her privacy," River says.
Priyanka waggles her eyebrows at me. "So, what? Vegas? How'd you do it?"
We've planned for this, but River answers before I can. "Small ceremony, just us and one witness. Nothing fancy. When you know, you know."
Alec bumps his elbow with River's. "How'd you two meet, anyway?"
River interlocks with fingers with mine. "Freshman year of college, actually. Through her best friend Rachel, my twin sister."
"Twins! Wow. And you waited that long to make a move?" Priyanka laughs.
"I played the long game," River says, and his eyes meet mine with a look that contains several things at once—amusement, warmth, and something quieter that I'm still learning how to read, something that makes both my core and my chest clench.
The reception flows around us in eddies of conversation and laughter. River stays close, his hand occasionally finding my lower back or my elbow, planting kisses on my temple or forehead, his attention returning to me even when engaged elsewhere.
From the outside, you'd think I was the social one, but no. River is actually more experienced with socializing, mostly because of his high-end clients.
"I'm going to grab another drink," River says. "Same?"
"Please."
He squeezes my hand once before disappearing into the crowd, leaving me alone at the edge of the terrace. The sunset behind me, staining the sky pink and orange over the ocean, is beautiful, but I cannot seem to take my eyes off River's retreating back—the broad shoulders, the confident walk.
A flash of white blocks my view. Alice, bride of the hour, was still sparkling despite hours of mingling and champagne toasts. Her dress rustles as she positions herself directly between me andmy view of River, as if she can't bear the thought of me looking at something I want.
"The resort is gorgeous, isn't it? I'm so glad you could make it." Alice leans in, dropping her voice to a confidential whisper. "I have to admit, when Derek told me you were bringing someone, I was surprised. A husband, no less. We had no idea you were even seeing anyone. You're always so private at work."
"I keep my personal life separate from work. Always have. Besides, if you didn't know, maybe because you didn't matter enough to me."
Alice laughs like we're sharing a joke. "Of course, of course. It's just … and forgive me for being direct, but we're friends, right? I'd like to think we're friends since we work at the same company. Did you actually get married in Vegas? Was Elvis there? I always thought Vegas weddings were for bets or … impulsive people who might get divorced a week later."
