Rejected by my ex, Claimed by the CEO

Chapter Twenty one

“I want to make it official when we get back from here. Before well, you know.” I stopped myself from saying anymore before it was too late.

Gino paused mid-sentence, and the brightness in his eyes dimmed slightly as he processed my words. "What do you mean?”His brow furrowed in confusion, but a hint of intrigue laced his tone.

I took a deep breath, my heart racing as I prepared to explain. "I mean... let's make this real, let's commit to what we started." The vulnerability of suggesting something so serious made my stomach flip, but I forced myself to continue. "I am ready to let go of the past, Gino. If we have a framework for this, maybe it will help me stay focused on what’s ahead rather than what’s behind."

Gino leaned back slightly, studying me. His expression softened, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. "You’re serious about this," he said slowly, almost as if he were testing the waters of my conviction.

I nodded, feeling a mix of fear and excitement at acknowledging the truth. "Yes, I am. After everything, I just want a fresh start. I don’t want the shadows to hold me back anymore. I think this might be what I need to truly embrace this new chapter."

He rubbed the back of his neck, contemplating my words, and I could see the flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "But are you ready to take this step? It's not just about us being together for the experience of it. A contract marriage means we’re bound to each other in a way."

My heart raced as I considered his question. Did I truly want this? “I think we can navigate this together,” I said earnestly. “We both have our reasons, and if we’re honest about our intentions, it could be good for us. It’s not just about the contract—it's about moving forward, side by side.”

Gino sighed, whether from exhaustion or deep contemplation, I couldn’t tell. “You know I care about you, Harriet," he said finally, his voice low and earnest. “But what happens after this? Once we go back home? What does it mean for you, for me? I don’t want us to trap ourselves in a situation we can’t manage.”

“I’m not saying we have to live a lie,” I replied, my voice steady. “But I think we can make our own rules. We’ve both been through a lot, and being together, even in this unconventional way, could help us heal. Besides, I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side but you.”

He took a moment, letting the weight of my words settle between us. Then, slowly, the corners of his mouth turned upward in a smile, hesitance melting away like butter on warm bread. “You’re something else, you know that? Always challenging me to think.”

“Is that good or bad?” I teased, my heart swelling with hope.

“Definitely good,” he said, eyes twinkling again. “Okay, let’s explore this together. Let’s figure out what this contract marriage means for us and how to make it work. But we have to be honest with each other—especially if feelings start to blur the lines.”

“Agreed,” I said, relief flooding through me. “This feels right.”

Finally, as the clock edged toward midnight, we decided it was time for sleep. Gino turned off his laptop and slid under the sheets, and I joined him, feeling a warmth envelop me as we snuggled close.

“Tomorrow’s a new day,” he murmured, his voice soothing as he brushed back a strand of hair from my face. “We’ll tackle it together.”

I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder.

As I drifted off to sleep, my mind shifted between dreams and reality. For the first time in a long time, hope flickered within me like the lights of the Eiffel Tower shining outside our window—a promise of new beginnings and the courage to face whatever lay ahead. This wasn’t just an escape from the shadows of my past; it was the start of something entirely new, filled with possibility and adventure.

The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow in our room. I blinked into the brightness, disorientated but remembering. Paris awaited us.

“Harriet,” Gino whispered, nudging me awake. “It’s time to rise and shine. My meeting’s in just a few hours!”

I stretched, a mix of excitement and nerves flooding my system. “Alright, let’s do this!” I replied, pushing myself up and swinging my legs over the side of the bed.

As I got ready, I felt the thrill of the day ahead. Gino had a chance to make waves with his business, and I had a chance to rewrite my story. The echoes of doubt from the past felt further away than they had the night before.

By the time we had breakfast at a small café down the street, I watched Gino converse animatedly with the waiter about the coffee and pastries, his energy infectious. I took in the sounds of laughter, conversations, and the soft melody of French music playing in the air.

“Are you ready for today?” he asked, catching my gaze and smiling genuinely.

“I am,” I replied, raising my coffee cup in a toast. “To bold moves and fresh starts!”

“To bold moves and fresh starts!” he echoed, clinking his cup against mine. “I will be right back.” Gino told me as he headed to the toilets.

I sat there for a moment longer, soaking in the beauty of Paris—a city I had dreamed of, yet was now alive around me. I pulled out my phone to check for any lingering messages from Sandra or Damon, but I hesitated. No—to truly embrace this new chapter, I needed to let my past stay in the shadows.

But I couldn’t push away the feeling of unease that I knew wouldn’t be letting me go freely any time soon.