Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty Three

Third–person POV

Richard waited anxiously in his car outside Amber’s apartment building. They had agreed that he would pick her up so they could go together to meet his parents. He had called her the previous night to inform her of the meeting, and to his surprise, she agreed immediately, her voice filled with unexpected confidence as she assured him that he had nothing to worry about.

But Richard couldn’t shake off his nerves. There was a lot at stake, and he didn’t want Amber to make any mistakes or say anything that might give away the fact that their marriage was a contract, a business arrangement. He wanted her to blend in seamlessly to win his parents‘ trust and approval.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally caught sight of Amber making her way down from her apartment. The sight of her took his breath away. She looked completely different from what he was accustomed to seeing.

Today, she had dressed elegantly, exuding a sense of sophistication that he hadn’t witnessed before, and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, studying every detail, from the way she carried herself to the grace with which she moved.

Amber, noticing his intense gaze, arched an eyebrow and asked, “Is there something wrong with how I’m dressed? Did I miss the memo on the dress code?”

Richard quickly composed himself, realizing that he might have been staring for too long. “No, no, nothing’s wrong at all. I’m just… surprised. You look absolutely beautiful, Amber.”

She scoffed, a hint of amusement touching her eyes. “Well, Richard, just because you’ve only seen me in casual fits or like a black widow doesn’t mean I can’t pull off looking stunning every now and

then.”

A smile tugged at Richard’s l*ps, and he shook his head. “No, of course not. I just… I didn’t expect this, that’s all.”

Amber smirked and threw him a playful look. “Careful now, Richard. Don’t go falling for me just because I’ve glammed up. We still have a contract to uphold, remember?”

Richard chuckled, a knowing t

Ad skipped.

That will never happen.”

With a playful roll of her eyes, she darted toward the car, gracefully sliding into the passenger sea

Chapter Twenty Three

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As Richard started driving, he couldn’t help but steal glances at her, admiration clear in his eyes. He had never seen this side of her before, and for the first time, he felt a sense of pride at the fact that she was going to be the woman everyone would refer to as his wife.

Amber turned to him, her voice uncharacteristically soft. “Richard, I meant what I said. I won’t make any mistakes, and I won’t let your parents catch onto the fact that we’re not truly in love. All you

have to do is trust me.”

Richard glanced at Amber, who was sitting beside him in the car. He could sense the tension radiating from her, mirroring his own nervousness.

“Amber, I trust you completely to handle yourself well in front of my parents,” he said, his voice gentle. “But if, at any point, you start feeling nervous or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to let me know. Remember, we’re in this together.”

Amber nodded. “Thank you, Richard. I appreciate your trust. I’ll do my best to make a good impression.”

As her hand nervously fiddled with the edge of her dress, Amber turned towards him, her eyes filled with worry. “What should I tell your parents if they ask us how we met and fell in love?” she asked delicately. “I mean, they might not be too fond of the fact that we’re getting married so soon after my divorce. I need to give them a believable story!”

Richard understood her concern. Their rushed marriage could raise eyebrows, especially considering Amber’s recent divorce. Taking a deep breath, he searched for the right words. “Honestly, coming up with elaborate stories about love is not my strong suit,” he admitted with a rueful smile. “I did tell them the basics–that I’m madly in love with you. But if they start digging deeper, I need you to act like I’m the only thing that matters to you.”

Amber visibly cringed at the prospect, causing Richard to chuckle. “I know, it sounds very cringe. But they’ve always valued relationships and love. If you can convince them that I’m your rock and that I mean everything to you, I think they’ll be more accepting of our marriage.”

She let out an exaggerated sigh, playfully rolling her eyes. “Oh great, I have to pull off an Oscar–worthy performance.

Richard joined in her laughter, relieved to see her tension ease, if only for a moment. “I have faith in you, partner. Just be your charming self, and everything will be fine.”

Amber shook her head, a small smile tugging at her l*ps. “Alright, Richard. I’ll do as you ask. I’ll

make sure your parents believe that you are my rock and my world.” She paused, then glanced at him, i

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Chapter Twenty Three

glimmer of humor in her eyes. “Even if it does sound cringeworthy,”

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As the car turned into the driveway of the grand Romero Mansion, Amber’s jaw dropped in awe at the sight before her. The sheer size and magnificence of the mansion were breathtaking. Unconsciously, she let out a gasp, capturing Richard’s attention.

He glanced at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Impressive, isn’t it?” he remarked, his

voice tinged with a teasing tone.

Amber blinked, her surprise evident on her face. “Richard, this place is huge! I mean, wow!” she

exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine astonishment.

Richard chuckled softly, gesturing towards the mansion. “Amber, you keep acting like you weren’t

married to Kayden Black, who, might I add, is pretty wealthy himself. I thought seeing extravagant

places wouldn’t surprise you anymore.””

Amber scoffed, a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, please,” she retorted. “The Black family mansion is

nothing compared to this. Besides, the Black family is full of weirdos, so I was too busy thinking

about how to play the fool to them and make myself into a submissive daughter–in–law. I didn’t really

pay attention to what the house looked like.”

Richard couldn’t help but laugh at her response, the tension of the upcoming charade momentarily

dissipating. He stepped out of the car and walked around to Amber’s side, opening the door for her.

Taking her hand gently, he helped her climb down from the car.

for our Pr

“Ready performance?” Richard asked with a playful grin, his voice filled with

anticipation.

Amber sighed and rolled her eyes, reaching up to straighten her dress. “I guess I have no choice, do I

“she replied, her voice laced with mock drama. “But for you, my rock, and my world, I’ll do my best

to play the perfect daughter–in–law.“”

17:13 Fri, 23 Feb 20