Jack’s client couldn’t stop staring at me. His gaze made me uncomfortable, but I couldn’t afford to be as reckless as him, so I did my best to endure it without flinching.

“It’s a pleasure to have you at my hotel, Mr. Jack, and to be doing business with your telecommunications company,” Pablo, the new client, said with a broad smile.

“We’re glad you chose us as your provider, and we’re at your service for any changes or requests you may have,” Jack replied, maintaining his usual seriousness.

“I’d like to start by changing the secretary, haha!” Pablo chuckled, clearly amused with himself.

“My secretary isn’t part of the package. Besides, let me inform you that she’s also my future wife. I’ll ask you to refrain from making such comments,” Jack said, standing up and shaking Pablo’s hand with an air of finality.

We left the hotel, and as usual, Jack remained stoic. Yet when we got into the car, he broke his silence.

“Cristina, even though we’re getting married, you’re free to do whatever you want in private, just as I am. There are no boundaries, but I’ll ask that you be discreet,” Jack said bluntly.

“Mr. Jack, you don’t have to worry. While we’re married for these two years, I won’t be involved with anyone else. It’s best to avoid scandals,” I responded, my eyes fixed on my knees, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

“That’s entirely your choice. I won’t interfere with your decisions,” Jack replied, his face unreadable.

Twenty-five minutes later, we arrived at my house. Jack, ever the gentleman, got out to open the door for me. As I stepped out, Jack noticed a few reporters discreetly filming us.

“Cristina, they’re recording us. I need to make it look like I’m in love with you,” Jack said, placing his hand gently on my cheek.

“What do you mean, sir?” I asked, a wave of nervousness washing over me.

Without answering, Jack kissed me—softly, warmly. It was clear that this kiss was for show, a calculated move to convince the press that we were truly in love. And yet, despite the situation, I couldn’t help but respond to his kiss, nervous but savoring the moment.

“Forgive me. I hope we won’t have to do this too often,” Jack said as he pulled away from my lips.

“Don’t worry, sir. I understand,” I replied, my voice tinged with embarrassment. Jack walked me to my door and waited until I was safely inside before driving off.

The moment I stepped into the house, I was startled by Luka, standing in the doorway as if he’d been waiting for me.

“Luka! You scared me. What are you doing there?” I asked, placing a hand on my chest to calm my racing heart.

“I saw you kissing your boss. You said this was just a business arrangement, but it doesn’t look that way,” Luka replied, his arms crossed over his chest.

“I told you the truth, but the press was filming us. You know we have to keep up appearances in public,” I explained as I started heading up the stairs.

“I understand. Goodnight,” Luka replied, his voice heavy with resignation.

The next morning, I woke up early, took a shower, and put on my best office attire—after all, today was my wedding day. I went downstairs, only to find that Luka had already made breakfast.

“Good morning, Luka,” I said with a smile as soon as I saw him.

“Morning. I made some toast and milk for us to have before heading off to work,” Luka replied, sitting down at the dining table.

“Thank you so much. I was about to make something myself. You’re such a sweetheart,” I said, sitting down across from him.

After about thirty minutes, I was at the telecommunications company where I worked. As I waited for the elevator, the doors opened, and Jack stepped in with me.

“Good morning, Cristina,” Jack greeted me as soon as he entered.

“Good morning, sir,” I replied, glancing sideways at him.

“Are you ready to sign the papers today?” Jack asked casually.

“I think so, sir.” Suddenly, the elevator started making strange noises, the lights flickering on and off. Something was wrong. My heart began to race.

“Oh no! I hate elevators. I only use them because our floor is so high up,” I said, squeezing my eyes shut tightly.

“Relax. Everything will be fine. They’ll come for us soon,” Jack reassured me with surprising calm.

“I’m terrified. I can’t breathe; I feel like I’m running out of air,” I gasped, panic rising in my chest.

Without hesitation, Jack wrapped his arms around me, trying to comfort me and calm my anxiety. Ten agonizing minutes later, a technician arrived and freed us from the elevator. I thought I couldn’t stand another minute in that confined space. As soon as I was out, I rushed to the bathroom to wash my face and recover from the fright. Ten minutes later, I was back in Jack’s office, ready to start the workday.

“I’m sorry for the delay, sir. I needed a moment in the bathroom,” I said, feeling much calmer.

“No worries, Cristina. After that scare, you’re allowed anything,” Jack replied with a rare, slight smile, which took me by surprise since he rarely ever smiled.

“Thank you, sir. If you need me, I’ll be at my desk,” I said, turning to leave.

“Wait a moment, Cristina. Please, take a seat,” Jack said, looking up from his papers. I sat down, expecting him to discuss work, but instead, his request surprised me.

“We need to come up with a pet name for each other to use in public. In private, we’ll continue as usual,” Jack explained, catching me off guard.

“I understand, sir. Do you have something in mind?” I asked, hiding my nerves.

“I don’t know yet, but when we’re in front of others, call me whatever comes naturally, and I’ll do the same,” Jack said, holding my gaze.

“Very well, sir. I understand,” I replied. After that brief but unexpected conversation, I returned to my desk, my mind racing with thoughts of what name I could possibly use for him in public. The thought made me anxious.