Eden's Pov
When I get back to the guest room, he's no longer there. I decide to follow the trail, peeking into a few other empty rooms before I finally find him all the way up on the top floor, in what must be his personal bedroom.
He's on a phone call, his back partly turned to the door.
"Don't come... it's complicated right now. It's not really what you think, okay? I'll explain it all soon, I promise." His voice is low, strained.
I knock gently on the wide open door, not wanting to startle him. He turns and stops talking the second he sees me. "I have to call you back," he says into the phone and ends the call without waiting for a reply.
"What is it this time?" he asks, sounding a bit exasperated. I glance at the clock. It's almost noon now, and in a bit it'll be evening. I can't believe I'm still stuck here with this guy. I won't be going home, my mom suddenly acts like she hates me, and I feel like a complete fashion disaster in this torn wedding dress.
"Look, I know my makeup is smudged," I start, clearing my throat awkwardly. It's the first thing that comes to mind.
[What a fantastic start to a calm conversation, Eliza] Lotus chimes in, her sarcasm practically dripping in my head.
"I know right?" I respond through my thoughts. "I'm just putting it out there before he has a chance to judge me for it."
[Of course... a great way to totally blow your mission. Again.]
"Why you... little f-ck..." I mentally snap back.
"You were saying?" Lorenzo's voice cuts through my internal argument and I let out an awkward, forced chuckle. This is even more awkward than I expected.
"Ah... yes." I force a smile, strolling further into the room before sitting on the very edge of his bed. It's much softer than the one he put me in, and larger too. The whole room is quite simple, decorated in neutral colours of white and grey. There's not much personality, but I do love the large floor-to-ceiling windows on one side; it feels modern and futuristic. "We've both had a long day, believe me. You can probably imagine how rough mine was. I just really need to change out of this dress. Can I borrow your phone to call someone to bring me some clothes?"
[A request, really? That's your idea of a conversation?] Lotus sighs.
"Questions are great starts to conversations, Lotus," I shoot back mentally.
"You could wear something of mine for now," he offers. "I've already called your home. Your mother said your things won't be sent over until tomorrow morning." He sits down next to me, his weight making the mattress sink gently. "I've called a personal shopper. They'll get you some fresh clothes in a bit. In the meantime, you can wear my stuff... if that's okay with you?"
My voice pitch increases with disbelief at his offer. "I can't wear a man's..."
[You had better say yes, or I am deducting points for rudeness.] She sounds like she's threatening me.
"Yeah, sure, that is so nice of you," I laugh through my teeth, doing my best to conceal my utter discomfort at the idea.
"Sure, I understand how hard this must be for you," he continues, "especially since your sister is currently with your ex-husband, and I—"
"What?" The word comes out as a yell. It's completely unintentional, and I'm momentarily grateful Lotus doesn't immediately deduct points for the outburst.
"Yes," he says, looking at me carefully. "Xavier got out on bail. They're sort of dating again, from what I heard."
My reputation. My social standing. God, I think I'm going to pass out. Eden Hawthorne and that pig? Together? How could Eliza do this to me? How could she go back to that fool while wearing my body? I just need these points or whatever. I have to keep my emotions in check. What have I been reduced to? Struggling for a few bucks? I just need to scream into a pillow.
"That's... okay," I force a light chuckle, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. "You know how these things are. You just brush it off and move on."
"I just want to assure you that I'm not like that with Robbin," he says, steering the conversation back to his favorite topic. "We've been dating since high school and—"
"You couldn't marry her because your parents wouldn't let you, I've got that. You've made it perfectly clear..." I sigh and run my hands through my messy hair. "So.. what do you want from me? What's this 'arrangement'?"
He clears his throat, looking uncomfortable. "Something that would umm..."
[Mission complete! +100 RP. Withdrawal access is now pending.]
A genuine, relieved smile curls on my lips. I don't have to listen to this anymore. "I would really love to chat more about your relationship, but umm... I really, *really* need to shower now. I'll see you around then."
"Yeah," he says, and he sounds oddly defeated. "I guess we'll just have to tolerate each other. You play wife and I play husband. Don't you feel cheated?"
I sit up straighter, my interest piqued for a second. "In what aspect?"
"Being with a man you don't love and who doesn't love you. How could we possibly make that work?"
"I don't know," I say with a shrug. "We could always get a divorce."
"Seriously?" He looks surprised.
"When I get tired of you. Marriage sounds fun, Stefano."
"Lorenzo."
"Right. Think of it this way," I say, getting up and heading for the door. "It's just you and me here in your staffless house. Forever. Like a life sentence."
"What?" he asks, confusion all over his face.
"Exactly. People do it all the time, some even with matching outfits. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it." I grin at him over my shoulder and wink. "Husband."
[Withdrawal Access Granted.]
Perfect.