Anna's breath hitched, her lips parting in shock. "Your... l-lover?"
The word barely made it past her lips, her voice faltering over the sheer absurdity of it. Her chest tightened, her fingers clenching the fabric of her sleeves as if grounding herself against the unexpected blow.
Her reaction only deepened the amusement in William's expression. A slow, knowing grin tugged at the corners of his lips before he spoke again. "You heard me correctly. I need someone I trust to pose as my woman."
Someone he trusts...
The weight of those words settled over Anna like a heavy shroud. It makes sense. I have nowhere else to go, no one else to rely on. Putting my trust in him means he can do the same. But why did it have to be this? Why a fake relationship?
The question gnawed at her, and before she could second-guess herself, she voiced it aloud. "Why do you need a fake lover?"
