Rejected by my ex, Claimed by the CEO

Chapter eleven

“I just started as a receptionist," I said, directing attention to Gino's mother. "I'm enjoying it so far. It's a great environment, and I’m learning a lot."

Gino's father nodded appreciatively. "That's wonderful! A good receptionist is the backbone of any business. And don’t get me started on the importance of first impressions. You’re already off to a fantastic start with that dress,” he added, gesturing at my outfit.

Gino chimed in with a playful glint in his eye. “Told you she would stun everyone, didn’t I? Harriet is also quite talented at organising events. We might need her for family gatherings!”

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks again at the compliments and the easy banter Gino shared with his family. They made me feel part of their joyful chaos.

Just then, Gino’s mom stood up, heading toward the kitchen while calling back to us, “Who wants dessert? I made my famous tiramisu!”

A chorus of excited responses followed, and I felt my nervousness dissipate as the night unfolded like a warm embrace. Gino squeezed my hand briefly under the table, reminding me I wasn’t alone.

Something beautiful happened as we savoured the delicious dessert a few moments later. Discussions flowed into laughter, and I found myself sharing light stories about my childhood, strange pets I'd owned, and even embarrassing moments from my awkward teenage years.

Everyone chimed in with their tales, and before long, we laughed uproariously—you’d think we’d known each other for years. Gino, animated and playful, started playing a ‘Most Embarrassing Moment’ game, and it became a riot as secrets were shared and roasted with love.

As the night wore on, it was clear that Gino’s family embodied love, laughter, and acceptance. I felt more at ease with each shared story, realising that perhaps the notion of wanting to impress could be set aside in favour of simply being myself.

After the dishes were cleared and the evening drew to a close, Gino’s parents approached us, a hint of warmth in their eyes. “Harriet, we’re so glad you could join us tonight. You fit right in,” his mother said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

“Thank you. It’s been delightful,” I replied, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

Gino’s dad added with a wink, “You should come over more often. We could use your charm to keep our boy in check!”

Gino rolled his eyes playfully while I laughed along, feeling the affection in the air wrap around me like a cosy blanket.

As we collected our things and headed for the door, Gino leaned in close and whispered, “You were incredible tonight. I knew they would love you.”

I nudged him playfully as we stepped outside into the cool evening air. “Only because you were with me,” I replied, glancing at him beneath the soft glow of a street lamp.

“Still, you shone,” he confirmed, and I could see sincerity in his eyes as we walked to the car. Once we buckled up in the car, I noticed how Gino hesitated before opening a small package. My eyes widened in surprise at the amount of cash he had stashed inside it.

“This is for you, as per our agreement.” He handed it to me, and I shook my head. I couldn't take it from him. It didn't feel right for me to take his money.

“Gino, I know I agreed to do this for the money, but I can't take it,” I said. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can do this. It's a huge lie, and all those people who love and adore you will be so upset if they find out I'm not your love.” I sighed.

Gino’s expression shifted from playful to serious as he processed my words. “Harriet, I understand how you feel,” he said, his brows furrowing slightly.

I stared at the bundle of cash in my hands, the fresh bills feeling both heavy and foreign. “But what if things go wrong?” I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “What if they find out before you’re ready? I don’t want to be the one to hurt your family.”

He reached over, gently taking one of my hands in his, his grip steady and reassuring. “Look,” he said softly, “I promise it won’t come to that. My family trusts me, and I won’t put you in a position where you have to lie. I want you to feel comfortable. But I also want to keep this going, which takes resources.”

Looking into his eyes, I saw sincerity and a hint of desperation. I shook my head, torn. “I just don’t want to be a part of something that feels so wrong. I can’t help but think about your parents and what would happen if they found out. They were so warm and welcoming tonight. I don’t want to betray that.”

“I get it, I do,” he said, his voice earnest. But think about it this way: you’ve been a massive part of tonight. You made it easy for me just to be me and enjoy my family without the pressure of expectations or questions. You were fantastic with them, and I don’t want to lose that.”

“Are you sure I’m worth this?” I asked quietly, feeling vulnerable. “What if it just complicates everything?”

Gino leaned closer, the warmth of his presence enveloping me. “You’re most certainly worth it, Harriet. You can’t see it, but you’ve brought a light into my family’s home that they've missed for a long time. You have a way of connecting with them, and that’s something I can’t fake.”

His argument tugged at a part of me that yearned to believe in the goodness of this charade. “But we’re pretending,” I insisted, though the conviction in my voice felt shaky. “We’re playing parts in a story that isn’t true.”

“Sometimes the best stories start as pretend. Look at us; we’ve created something genuine from this ‘lie.’ Why can’t we continue until we figure it all out?” His eyes held mine, and I could feel a flicker of hope mingling with my doubts.

I took a deep breath, the decision still heavy but now accompanied by a flicker of excitement. “Okay, I’ll do it,” I said finally, holding my hand.

Gino clasped my hand around the cash, his touch warm and reassuring. “Thank you, Harriet. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

As he started the car, I leaned back in the seat, feeling a mix of anxiety and thrill coursing through me. Damon’s face kept popping up in my mind, and I could not shake the feeling that something was about to go off.