Page 16 of The Fake Fiancé

I am beginning the process of transferring leadership of Valmonte Global to a new shared leadership model split between Camille and the board. I will remain as chairman to ease the transition, but my responsibilities will drastically decrease. I’m on my way to a new life.

The room is in an uproar, but I feel lighter than I can ever remember feeling. I haven’t even spoken to Elowen; I have no idea where she even is now, but she feels so close to me as I walk out of the boardroom, leaving it all behind. For her…and for me.

Camille runs after me. “Dad…”

I turn to her. “It’s what I want, Camille. Don’t worry, I have a plan. You are more than capable; I know you can do it. And I am always right there with you whenever, if ever you need me.”

“I want you to be happy, Dad. Do what you must do.”

“ I will, sweetheart, always.”

9

ELOWEN

The months that follow are a study in shades of gray. I throw myself into work, taking on a flurry of translation jobs that carry me from Tokyo to Toronto. I am a ghost again, just like I was during those final days in France, absorbing stories without ever becoming a part of them. For anyone else, all the travel would be exhilarating. But it’s slowly killing me.

I try to date. I go for coffee with a mild-mannered archivist, to dinner with a charming musician. They are kind, intelligent, and none of them are Adam Valmonte

The money from the Valmonte job sits in my bank account, a ridiculous sum that allows me to be selective, to turn down jobs that don't interest me. I wouldn’t even have to work for a while if I didn’t want to, but I have to stay busy to try and keep him off my mind.

It doesn’t work, of course. He’s on my mind, and all over the media. Adam is inescapable.

I miss him so, so much.

The headlines are baffling. Adam Valmonte Sells Swiss Chalet. Adam Valmonte Steps Down as CEO. Adam Valmonte Skips Met Gala.

What is he doing? Why is he dismantling this life that he built, the same life that intimidated me so much, but obviously meant everything to him?

I'mat a small literary conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, translating for a French novelist who keeps disappearing and leaving me twiddling my thumbs with nothing to do. I spot him chatting over a coffee and decide that if it’s break time for him, it is for me too. I wander to the refreshments table at the back of the large room. Balancing my espresso in one hand, I peruse the delicacies. I pass over the scones and especially the clotted cream. I’ve already added a few pounds, more than enough for now. I pick up a shortbread. I turn and instantly collide into another woman, spilling my coffee onto my blouse. Looking up, startled but apologetic, I make close-range eye contact with the woman.

“Camille!” My breath hitches. “No way…”

“Elowen, Hi!” She motions toward a quiet corner, and I follow her. My head swivels looking to see if Adam is anywhere nearby. But apparently not.

“I did see your name on the poster. But I’m a big fan of his writing. So romantic, but in a French way. So I made the trip. Well, detour, actually. Since Adam stepped down and put me in charge, I can make things like this happen. Withhishelp, of course.” She points across the room, and my head almostunscrews; it turns so fast. I see Oliver juggling a laptop on a rickety-looking table. He smiles and waves toward us, then frowns and looks back into his screen.

“You’re in charge? Yes, Ididhear that.’

“Yes. More or less. Adam still keeps an eye on things, but he’s basically handed everything over to me now. He’s just never been the same since Chamonix. And I’m sure you’ve got something to do with it. In fact, I know you have.”

I open my mouth, but Camille continues…

“He misses you, Elowen. You know he loves you, don’t you? Not just loves you but isin lovewith you, right?

I close my mouth, but widen my eyes, raise the shortbread to my lips. Camille continues…

“He’s been through a lot. Hey girl, you’re lookin’ good. Now, are you free at 3 PM when this wraps? I want to go shopping. You need a new top. I’m sorry, by the way, forgot to say…my bad! Don’t worry, it’s on Valmonte Global. Gotta dash now. Good luck with the next sesh. At 3, OK, right here?”

I wave to her back and blow a kiss to Oliver as he trots after her, clutching his laptop under his arm.

“Whew, I breathe out after the whirlwind leaves me alone in its wake. I take another bite of my cookie, settle, and make my way reluctantly back to the stage.

I’m already bored with this event, and I’m regretting leaving the States for such a bummer of a job when I feelsomething.

I stand up straighter, pulse kicking up. Trying to keep my cool, I turn in a slow circle…

And then I see him.