Previously: Kai told the press that he and Hilary are engaged to be married.


How was I supposed to know it'd lead here?


I spare Spencer a brief look as I'm shuffled unceremoniously into the car while he holds the door open. I'm not sure what that look is because my face is still numb, but he returns it with a sympathetic grimace.

When the door closes, Kai and I are left in the quietest of silences. I don't think either of us breathes. I know I'm not. At least I don't think I am.

Breathe.

I gasp for air.

Kai glances at me, his sharp eyes critical. "Are you going to be okay?"

I hold up one finger. My index, for clarity. I'm not that mad yet, not that I don't have a right to be.

I take another deep breath. "That was the scariest thing I've ever done,"

"What, that? You've never given a presentation before?"

Spencer has gotten back into the driver's seat and we're slowly emerging from the underground parking garage that Kai and his team led me to once the "announcement" was over. Even as we drive, reporters are getting as close to the car as possible, their cameras flashing through the tinted windows. I hope they're not getting anything good.

"That was not a presentation. A presentation is something you work on and prepare for. You know facts and have an idea of what to say. You don't have cameras in your face, and you're also not being ambushed by having someone tell the entire world you're getting married."

I stare at him, the reality of what happened becoming clearer. "You told them we're getting married!"

He shrugs, returning to his phone. "And you told that girl we're dating without asking my permission."

His argument is so asinine that I struggle to find my words. "Emily is my cousin, not the entire city! And I only told her we're dating, not engaged. And I told you that we were going to break up in a matter of weeks. What's your big plan to undo this mess?"

I stared at him, waiting for his oh, so intelligent response.

Kai looks straight ahead, sour frown pulling at his lips. "I'm thinking."

"You're thinking?" I ask, doubt stressing my voice. "Are you particularly good at thinking? Because I always assumed you were, but now I'm beginning to wonder..."

"That's enough," His dark eyes slide across the car's back seat, zeroing in on me. Gone are the charming smile and agreeable expression – dare I say, it was close to adoring - that he assumed on stage.

I fight against the pull to shrink back. While his stony appearance is scary, I am no coward. Within moments, his face relaxes into something more neutral.

"I understand that you're stressed, Hilary," he says slowly, "and this was not in your plans. It will be worth your time, that I can guarantee."

I shake my head and sink back into the soft leather, watching the city from the window. We'd only been driving for a few minutes and I'm beginning to recognize buildings from my neighborhood.

"You're dropping me off at home? Is that safe?"

"For now. The media will be more concerned with my family tonight. But we'll probably relocate you to a better place soon. If there's an issue, just call and I'll move you tomorrow."

"You're going to force me to move?" Every minute, there's a new revelation.

"For your safety," he answers, looking at his phone. He isn't doing his normal scrolling, but the screen is constantly blinking as messages flood in. "I thought you were concerned."

"I know. It's just..." I trail off. I have to laugh at the, quite frankly, ridiculous situation. "This is my entire life you blew up in a matter of seconds. This affects my job, my family, future prospects. Everything."

That catches his attention and he turns to me, his face is still passive as if this has nothing to do with him, but I think I can see a speck of compassion deep in his eyes.

"It sounds stupid to ask, but why me?" I say softly. Kai must have so many people he can pick from. Any number of them would be willing and probably better prepared for this situation than I could ever be.

He blinks a few times, clearing away whatever it was that I saw. His eyes tracking over my face. "I will explain everything once we're alone." My gaze travels over to Spencer in the front seat, wondering if he's someone to worry about. His eyes are trained forward, giving the impression that he's deaf to our conversation.

When we pull in front of my apartment, Kai directs Spencer to park somewhere out the way but to call him if there are any suspicious figures lurking around.

It feels strange having Kai follow me up the rickety stairs to my apartment. The metal handrail shakes with each of his firm footfalls and I can't quite remember the state I left it in this morning. I think it's clean. Mostly.

Soft sunlight streams in through the windows. From the front door, my small worn couch sits to the right and the small kitchen to my left. Straight ahead is the door that leads to my equally small bedroom and bathroom.

I mean, I always knew the place was small, but I usually preferred terms like 'quaint' and 'cozy'. However, with Kai standing in my doorway, there's no way around it.

The place is downright tiny.

"Would you like something to drink?" I ask, closing the door behind him. He steps aside just a bit, his hands in his pockets as if he is afraid to break something.

"Water is fine, thanks,"

It takes me seven steps to get into the kitchen. "Feel free to sit anywhere," I say as though he has any other option but the lumpy couch. When I return, he's seated at one end, left leg draped over his right and somehow, he makes my space seem even shabbier.

I set the glass in front of him on the scratched coffee table. Unsure where I'm supposed to sit since there really is only one place and he's taking up most of it, I smooth down the dress that was given to me and perch myself on the edge of the couch, facing in his direction.

I sit, hands folded over my lap, and wait for him to explain as he promised.

He seems distracted with my glassware. I look at the water. Knowing that I had made sure it was clean before I brought it to him, I can't imagine what his problem is. So, I ask him.

"You work hard at a reputable company, and yet this is all you can afford?"

"Um," I look around, "that's rude. I paid for all of this stuff."

Kai sets the glass down again and turned towards me on the couch. Our knees brush together as he moves and I tuck mine even closer to the couch.

"I know. I've looked into you."

"Creepy. Again." I say, referencing when he left me his email.

He chuckles. "You took my picture, so who's really the creep?"

Touché.

"It wasn't like I hired anyone to follow you; just what could be found online with an easy search. I wanted to see what your motive could be." His tone is impartial, revealing none of his personal thoughts or feelings on the matter. These are just facts to him.

"I didn't have a motive,"

His laughter is mocking but still boyish. "You absolutely did, or have you forgotten how we've arrived here today?"

Having been properly shut up, I roll my eyes.

"You just didn't have the usual motive. And I'll admit, I found your story bizarre but interesting enough. When I looked into your internet history, I couldn't believe how..."

When he trails off, I supply a word. "Normal?"

"Boring,"

"Oh."

"You are so boring on paper. Straight A student, top tier university, only one job in five years. On social networks, but not active,"

My shoulders slump. "It's mainly for family."

"I could barely make it through, I was so bored."

'This girl has no life. Let her live a little,' That's what he said in his office. So, this is what he meant.

"But then you jumped out a window, and I thought, this girl is not boring."

"I did not jump, I crawled. And it was for you."

"I'm aware,"

I slouch on the couch. I'm pouting but I can't help it. This man who makes my city apartment look like a trash heap just dragged my entire existence through the mud. Excuse me if I feel a little sorry for myself.

"After that, you had a little bit more of my attention. You stuck to your word regarding the deal, you extended yourself to attend a dinner with someone you clearly have some distaste for, and then you fixed a scheduling issue for me as if it were nothing, without being asked. And you asked for nothing in return, other than my silence on the matter."

"Okay, so I'm also a fool," I say dryly.

"I doubt anyone has ever told you this, but you have a knack for solving problems. A little unorthodox in the procedure, perhaps, but a talent nonetheless. You think quickly and you're decisive with your actions. I wasn't lying when I said you would be valued at Hiwatari."

"You should have told me the details first," I say, "I might have said no."

"The original offer was real." He takes another sip of the water and I get the feeling he doesn't usually talk this much.

When he doesn't continue, I feel the need to prompt him. "So, how did a real job turn into me pretending to be your wife?"

"Fiancée. Temporarily," he corrects. "As for why you, I know you're here, you've proven that you're more than willing to lie for your own benefit. And, most importantly, you're backed into a corner because to expose me would be to expose yourself."

"That's a leap to take. I could have said no."

He's avoiding looking at me. "Maybe that's why I didn't give you the option." There's an edge to his voice. "You still could. If you say no, it will damage my name and reputation, but that's very much an option for you."

I sigh heavily, worn out and exhausted already. I have no desire to ruin anyone's name, much less Kai Hiwatari's. However, I get the feeling that he's not any more excited about this strange turn of events than I am.

I brush my bangs away from my face and, upon not feeling them, remember that they've been gelled back by Gian and his two giggly dolls. Feeling annoyed, I furiously pull at the pins in my hair to let it down.

"Hey," Kai grabs my hands and holds them away from my head. "Look at me."

I dare to lift my eyes to meet his. He stares down at me, and his serious expression is sobering.

"I know it's frustrating, feeling like your control is being stripped from you. I've been there. All I promise you is that you won't regret helping me. I don't ask for help often, so when I do, I make sure it's well worth it."

There's such a determination in his voice – the sure knowledge that he's right – that I have no choice but to believe him.

"Okay,"

Kai arches an eyebrow. "Okay?"

"Yes," I say, firmer this time, though I feel no more sure about this. "I'll help. Let's do it."

He sits back and observes me silently as if I've surprised him. Didn't he just list all the reasons why he picked me?

"First things first," he starts, gathering himself back into business mode. "I'm going to pay you."

I wave my hands, alarmed. The last thing I need is to feel like I'm selling myself. "That's not necessary, I already have a job."

"It is necessary because next, I'm going to tell you that you need to quit your job."

"What?"

"You're engaged to be the future Mrs. Hiwatari. If this was real, managing our house and social life would be your job. And it is until this is over."

I gape and stutter. "I don't know if I can do that. I've worked so hard to get where I am, you have no idea."

"Hilary, you can set the price you want to be paid, but I will set the terms, and this term is not up for negotiation."

This must be the same tone he takes with his business associates because I get the distinct feeling I'm being bullied. The thing is, I've never responded well to bullies.

"This is my life, Kai. My entire life. I would have never asked this of you."

He stays quiet, watching me with a stern stare.

"You've asked me to move, to quit my job? And what about when this is over? My name will always be tied to yours now. What will that leave me with?"

"As I said, I'm going to pay you. Enough that it won't be a concern for a while. Along with that, when this is over, I'll make sure that any job you want is open to you, though my hope is we're still on good enough terms you'll consider working for me."

Back to this? "I still think that would be weird,"

"I don't care, Hilary." Kai answers immediately. The sharpness sends a shock through me. He shakes his head. "I do not care whatsoever what other people think. I know talent when I see it and I'd be an idiot to let it walk away."

"So, the position was really real and not just a ruse to get me here," I gesture between us, referring to our predicament. I know he said it earlier, but I still can't believe that.

"I'm was never going to be in that office permanently. I wanted to leave it with someone I can trust to do the job. Unfortunately, no one at that office has shown me anything I can rely on. Except you." Then bitterly, he adds, "And you didn't even work for me."

His words, while sound flattering, don't change the fact that this is a stupid idea. Still, for whatever reason, I can't refuse him. "Okay, okay," I rub my face and pat my cheeks. The feeling is starting to return but they're still tingling. I resign myself to the situation. "I'll move if I have to, but I'm not quitting my job yet."

Kai opens his mouth and I put up a hand to stop whatever he is going to say. "If you're really as influential as you say you are, I'm sure you can arrange for me to take a leave for a while and return when we're done. Speaking of which, do you have an end date in mind or what?"

Judging by the terse stretch of his lips, he isn't happy not getting his way, but Kai carries on. "I'm still planning. Don't worry, though, you won't be stuck with me forever."

"I'm not worried," I say. What I mean is that there are worse people I could be stuck in a fake relationship with. However, I think he takes this as me being difficult. Kai rolls his neck and then his shoulders.

"Wait," I draw out slowly, as another thought occurs to my overly saturated mind. "When you say I'll have to move, you don't mean in with you, do you?"

Kai's eyes slant, irritated. "Of course not. It's not like I want you around all the time. But you will need to move to a better neighborhood if you're going to be representing the Hiwatari name, not to mention someplace with a little more security."

"Because the media," I nod understandingly after seeing the frenzy this afternoon.

"Because the stalkers," he clarifies. "The media is crazy, but they're not going to hurt you, they just want their story. The stalkers - they'll burn your house down to be rid of you."

I stare, waiting for him to laugh. "Are you serious?" I ask when he doesn't.

"Yeah, but don't worry. We'll have you in a new place soon."

What have I gotten myself into? Will I ever be safe again? What about my family; they're not going to track my parents down, right?

"Though to really sell this, we'll be spending a lot of time together. I would be prepared for some uncomfortable situations."

I groan, burying my face in my hands. Just when I was coming around to the idea, he adds another layer.

"You'll be fine."

"It's just," I sit up straighter so I can look him in the eye and he can see how weary I am. "It's a lot to take in."

"I know it's a lot. Honestly, you don't even know the half of it yet,"

"No," I cry, reburying my face.

"Hilary," Kai says, sighing tiredly. When I don't lift my face, he puts one hand on the top of my head and forces me to face him. Once he's sure of my attention, he says, "I appreciate your efforts."

It's not 'thank you' by any means but I get the sense that he doesn't say those words often.

In my contemplation, he's pulled out his phone and is now texting someone. "I'll leave so that you can get some rest. We'll talk more about this tomorrow. I would recommend not going into work, but I have a feeling you're not going to listen,"

"Nope," I pop the 'p' but smile when Kai side-eyes me.

"Spencer will bring up your bag,"

"Oh. Yeah," I'd completely forgotten about it in the bustle of everything.

He stands and walks around the other side of the couch to reach the door. "I'm sure your family will have a lot to say. Until we get our stories straight, stay away from details."

"Okay," I drag myself up to let him out. My energy is almost completely gone and in the time we've spent talking, the sun has begun to set, leaving us in shadows. "Hey, you never told me why you needed this,"

He turns when he reaches the front door so that we're facing each other in the dim room. The sun's orange light brightens one side of his face, leaving the other side blue with shade. "You know how you have a difficult cousin?"

"Actually, I have three difficult cousins but go on,"

"The Hiwatari's and their ilk are Emily's on steroids. Every single one of them."

"Even you?"

"Especially me."

"Okay," I nod. "I would like to rescind my offer to help. You're on your own."

He smirks. "It's too late. I've already started the process."

I laugh, though nothing about this is funny. Also, I have no proof that he's joking, I just hope he is.

"Like I said, we'll get to the details tomorrow."

We both turn towards the door when we heard steps lumbering up the stairs before a knock at the door. Kai opens it, peeking around first before reaching out and pulling in my bag.

I take it from him. "Thanks. You too, Spencer!" I shout so he hears me. I hear a deep chuckle and then more lumbering as he descends. "I never realized how much noise those make."

"Have a good night, Hilary," Kai says, stepping outside the door into the evening air.

"Good night," I reply gently. If I try really hard, I can pretend he's actually my boyfriend dropping me off at home after a date and not my partner in crime to deceive his family and everyone else in the process. I press my forehead against the closed door as I hear his quieter footsteps leaving.

I suppose that's the fantasy I'll have to get used to if I want this to be believable, and I do. For Kai, at least.


Not as exciting as the previous chapter, but neccessary. I think I've struggled the most with this chapter so far - what needs to be in it verses too much verses not enough content. I'm at the point where if I mess with it anymore, it'll be ruined, haha. The next chapter does pick up again. It'll be out next week!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I was overwhelmed with the responses and the things everyone said. Even the status page makes me smile to see people coming back and reading. I really love it.

To the Guest that commented "Awesomeeeeeee" with no less than 7 e's at the end: Thank yooooooou!

To James Birdsong: You're comments are always so cherished. I really appreciate the effort it takes to return to a fic and read from where you left off. I smile whenever I see your name.

Please take care everyone. Until next time - Konix