Hired Love

After a heated session of wild sex and an even longer shower, the next morning, Stacy and her supposed fiancé went down for brunch. Since it was a bit windy, her mother had requested a small outdoor picnic. The entire family was in the garden under a big tree they'd used as a shelter and a ridiculously wide blanket someone had spread on the grass on which the picnic baskets were placed surrounded the area.

Roman held her hand as they walked towards everyone. As usual, they were the last to arrive. Stacy hadn't felt as close to a man as she felt with Roman. She hardly remembered what it was like before he'd entered her life. If anyone had had any doubt about if they were in love, there sure was none now.

He kissed her forehead before letting her go to say hello to her mom and aunts. She was aware of the ridiculous smile on her face, knew she probably looked like a smiling deer caught in headlights. She didn't care. If it was what it took to be happy, then she could look as stupid as was possible.

"Stacy, honey. You can't smile like that in public. It's creepy." Her mom said when she went to kiss her cheek.

She laughed, "Good morning, mom."

"I'm happy you're happy. Have a seat."

Brunch was going well, considering. Her mother didn't have a problem trading her childhood stories for little bits of Roman's caresses and kisses on her. She didn't mind too much except for the fact that they were all embarrassing. This was what it felt like to be loved, she figured. She had a family who would do anything for her and a love she knew otherwise but wanted to be real.

A giggling Olivia instantly hopped on Roman's neck, ignoring her seething father. Everyone laughed at the look on his face. Stacy knew he wasn't as hurt as he looked. If anything, he was happy to have some alone time for himself.

"I really want to thank you all for coming. I hope you've been having fun. Thank you for sharing this time with me and for being true." Heather said with a small smile.

Stacy leaned forward to squeeze her hand, smiling back.

Everything was perfect.

"But are you really true though, Stacy?" Claire suddenly spoke up.

Her head snapped to her sister's. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean."

Fear gripped Stacy. She kept her face emotionless, letting go of her mother's hand. A corner of Claire's lips curved upward, her blue eyes cold. She wouldn't dare.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

At this point, everyone was staring at them. Everyone but Roman. He kept his gaze fixed on the blanket, his breathing heavy. The tension was so thick, a knife could've cut through it.

"Claire," She glanced to their mother to see her confused expression. "Don't."

"Don't what, Stacy?" Claire echoed, her eyes daring.

"You-"

"Don't tell everyone you brought home a complete stranger and are passing him off as your fiancé?"

Stacy's heart skipped several beats. Aunt Emma's gasp mixed with the hard thumping of her heart were the only sounds she heard. Her eyes closed shut and she could feel the tears coming. She could've lied, could've denied it but what would that get her? At some point, she knew she'd have had to give her mom a reason as to why she and Roman weren't together anymore. She just didn't think it would come now.

"Claire, shut up." Aunt Phoebe said angrily. "Just stop talking."

"She has always been your favorite, no? Is that why you're covering for her?"

Stacy stood on her feet the second a tear ran down her face. "Mom-"

"Is it true?" Her mother whispered, her eyes watering.

Stacy's heart broke. Where would she begin?

"Ma'am, with all due respect-" Roman began.

Heather's head snapped to him. "Shut up. I was speaking to my daughter. I don't even know who the hell you are."

Ten curious eyes looked up at Stacy. The tears were rolling in waves now. "I did it for you, mom. I didn't want to disappoint you by coming alone and...and I panicked." "Heather-" Aunt Phoebe started.

"You knew about this, didn't you?" Heather asked her, sniffing. The betrayal in her eyes was unmistakable. Stacy recognized it because she'd felt it before. "Yes, I found out yesterday. But in Stacy's defense, she only did it because Claire slept with her boyfriend."

"Oh, sweet Lord." Heather moaned.

Aunt Emma's gasped louder. Stacy felt her world slowly falling apart with each word. She found Benedict's eyes, saw the pity and them and broke into sobs. "Who, this?" She gestured to Matt. "You can have him back. I like my men strong-willed and hard to get. He's neither."

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "You literally have no shame, Claire." Benedict threw at her harshly.

Roman's arms held her, drawing her close to him. "I'm an only child but even I know that are things a sister should never do to another sister. You're a horrible person, Claire and I hope you find peace." Claire chuckled, slapping away Matt's hand from her body. "I'm a horrible person and yet you're the one leading an innocent woman on? Are you so blind that you can't see that she's in love with you?" "Please stop," Stacy begged.

"Let's all calm down and talk about this like adults," George said, clearing his throat.

Roman held Stacy's face in his hands, pulling her head up to face him. "Please tell me she's lying."

He looked like he was in physical pain. There was nothing else to fight for. It was now or never. Their secret was out in the open. Nothing else mattered but here and now.

"I can't tell you that."

She forced herself to maintain eye contact when all she wanted to do was run and hide in a dark corner where no one would see her again. This was the worst day of her life. He shut his eyes tightly, clenching his jaw. "Why not?"

"Because it's true."