Page 8 of Bossy Billionaire's Pretend Fiancée

A genuine smile graced my lips as I lifted the lid to reveal my midnight snack, a reminder of the small gestures that made my life so comfortable.

I savored each bite, along with a glass of milk. With the last bite finished and the glass emptied, I went to the living room, more content than I’d been minutes earlier.

Settling onto the plush couch, a soft sigh escaped me as I leaned back. The large screen television beckoned, and with a few taps on the remote, a movie played, and the story unfolded before me, providing a welcome distraction from the thoughts that had kept me awake.

The fatigue of the day eventually took its toll. My eyelids grew heavy, and before I knew it, I was asleep in a sea of dreams.

A gentle touch on my shoulder woke me unexpectedly. I found Hilda standing beside me.

"Mr. Hartman," she said softly, her voice soothing. "You fell asleep on the couch. Let me get you a blanket."

I nodded, a mix of appreciation and embarrassment tugging at me. I shifted slightly, allowing her to arrange the blanket over me. The soft fabric settled around me like a cocoon, and comfort enveloped me.

"Thank you, Hilda," I murmured gratefully.

"It's my pleasure, sir. Sleep well."

As she retreated, the room seemed to exhale a sense of serenity. I closed my eyes, the weight of the day's thoughts and emotions fading into the background. The movie's glow dimmed, and the mansion embraced me in its quiet embrace.

Chapter Three

Elizabeth

As I woke up, excitement and nervous energy coursed through my veins.

Today was the day I got to interview Alexander Hartman. He's my best friend's brother, so I shouldn't be this excited. But here I am, unable to suppress my fluttering heart and the silly grin on my face.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and sighed, trying to calm my jitters.‘Deep breaths, Elizabeth,’I whispered to myself as if that would magically make my nerves disappear.

But as much as I wanted to convince myself to chill out, the anticipation was relentless.

I’d met Alexander a few times through Allan. He was charming, witty, and undeniably handsome, actually drop-dead gorgeous, but we never seemed to hit it off.

I found him annoying and thought he acted like a condescending prick. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

Today was about me and my potential job, not overthinking a simple meeting.

I checked the time — it was almost 10:00 a.m., and my interview was at 7:00 p.m. I decided to make the most of the day and headed to the salon to get my hair done.

After all, first impressions mattered, and I wanted to look my best. As I walked into the salon, Mara greeted me warmly. On instinct, I grinned.

"Hello, Elizabeth! What can I do for you today?" she asked.

Mara was the best hairstylist in the area. Whatever you wanted done, she would do it with a creative twist.

"I have a big interview this afternoon, and I want a hairstyle that's polished and professional but not too stiff," I explained.

"Got it! Let's give you a chic, sophisticated look that will make a lasting impression," she said, leading me to the chair.

As she worked her magic, my mind wandered. I was excited about the interview, but worry also hovered over me.

What if I messed up?

What if I couldn't answer his questions?

What if he saw right through me and realized I was just a bundle of nerves?

Alexander had that power over me. I always felt intimidated around him, and we barely spoke.

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