Page 138 of My Big, Fat, Accidental Billionaire Husband

“Thank you, Anya.” I force a smile. “It wasn’t without its challenges.”

“Your wife certainly helped smooth things over with Jian.” She glances toward Tatiana, who’s engaged in conversation with one of the Costa Rican investors on screen. “She’s quite an asset.”

“She is.” The words come out more fiercely than I intended.

Anya raises an eyebrow. “Well, it seems the Vegas mishap turned out fortuitously after all.”

I’m saved from responding by Arthur tapping his glass with a pen. “If I could have everyone’s attention. I believe our CEO would like to make a toast.”

Fuck.

A toast.

Right.

Everyone turns to me expectantly. I raise my glass, searching for words that don’t taste like ash in my mouth.

“To Serenity Shores. To sustainable luxury that doesn’t compromise our planet’s future. To all of you who believed in this vision and have committed your resources to making it a reality.” I pause, my gaze finding Tatiana again. “And to unexpected partnerships that prove invaluable.”

We drink. The champagne is dry and expensive, but I barely taste it.

The celebration continues around me. I move through it on autopilot, shaking hands, accepting congratulations, discussing next steps. But I’m not really there. My mind keeps circling back to tomorrow. To the end of our agreement. To Nico and my promise.

After what feels like an eternity, the investors begin to leave. Eleanor shows them out, her efficiency as perfect as always. Soon it’s just me, Arthur, and Tatiana in the boardroom.

“Well done, both of you.” Arthur collects his papers. “I’ll have the final compliance reports on your desk by tomorrow morning, Dom.”

“Thank you, Arthur.” I nod as he exits, leaving Tatiana and me alone.

When the door closes, the silence stretches between us, heavy with everything unsaid.

“So.” Tatiana stands by the window, silhouetted against the afternoon sun. “You did it.”

“Wedid it,” I correct her.

She smiles faintly. “Just doing my job.”

“No. You went above and beyond what I asked of you.” I move to stand beside her. “This success is as much yours as it is mine.”

“Careful, Dom.” Her voice is soft. “That almost sounds like genuine appreciation.”

“Itisgenuine.” I turn to face her fully. “You’re exceptional, Tatiana. What you did for this project... for me...”

She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine. “So what happens now? The deal is closed. Mission accomplished.”

The question hangs.

What happens?

The logical answer is on the tip of my tongue.

We get the annulment tomorrow. We go back to our separate lives. You return to working for Christopher. I build my resort.

But the words won’t come.

I lower my voice, just in case anyone is lingering outside, and say instead: “We still have one day left on the agreement.”

“One day.” She speaks just as softly as me. “We certainly cut it close, didn’t we?”

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