An Unfair Dismissal Forced Her Into the Contract of the Most Arrogant and Irresistible CEO
The Art of Pretending
Grace stood in the marble lobby of Sebastian’s penthouse building. She was clutching a single suitcase and questioning every decision that had led her to this moment.
Three days had passed since she signed the contract that would change her life. The document had been thorough and professional, outlining every detail of their arrangement with the precision of a business merger.
The elevator climbed forty floors in silence. Grace wondered what she had gotten herself into.
The contract specified that she needed to live with Sebastian to make their relationship believable. Separate bedrooms, of course, but sharing living space with a virtual stranger felt overwhelming.
Sebastian answered the door himself. He was dressed casually in dark jeans and a white button-down shirt.
Without the formal business attire, he looked younger and somehow more approachable. “Welcome to your temporary home,” Sebastian said, taking her suitcase.
“Your room is down this hall. I think you’ll find it comfortable.” Grace followed him through living spaces that belonged in architectural magazines.
Everything was pristine and expensive. There was Italian leather furniture and abstract paintings that probably cost more than her annual salary.
She felt like an intruder in this perfect world. Her bedroom was larger than her entire previous apartment.
It had its own bathroom and a walk-in closet that was already filled with clothes. Grace stared at the designer dresses and suits, all in her exact size.
“I took the liberty of having a stylist select some appropriate attire,” Sebastian explained. “We can’t have my girlfriend looking anything less than perfect.”
The word “girlfriend” sent a strange flutter through Grace’s chest. It was just a title, part of their business arrangement.
But hearing him say it made everything feel more real. A soft meowing sound drew Grace’s attention to a corner of the room.
A magnificent Persian cat sat watching them with intelligent golden eyes. Her fur was cream-colored with darker points, and she carried herself with regal dignity.
“This is Luna,” Sebastian said. Grace noticed his voice softened when he spoke about the cat.
“She’s particular about people, so don’t be offended if she ignores you at first.” Grace knelt down and extended her hand toward Luna.
The cat studied her for a moment before gracefully approaching. To Sebastian’s obvious surprise, Luna rubbed against Grace’s palm and began purring.
“Well, that’s unexpected,” Sebastian murmured. “She usually takes weeks to warm up to anyone new.”
Grace scratched behind Luna’s ears, smiling as the cat’s purring intensified. “Animals have good instincts about people.”
“Indeed they do,” Sebastian said quietly. Grace caught something meaningful in his tone.
Their first public appearance was scheduled for Saturday evening at the Metropolitan Children’s Hospital Charity Gala. Sebastian had chosen the event carefully.
He knew the guest list would include society reporters and business associates who would spread word of his new relationship. Grace spent hours preparing.
She worked with a professional makeup artist and hair stylist who transformed her into someone she barely recognized. The emerald green gown Sebastian had selected hugged her curves perfectly while maintaining elegant sophistication.
When she emerged from her room, Sebastian was waiting in the living area adjusting his bow tie. He wore a classic black tuxedo that emphasized his tall frame and broad shoulders.
When he saw Grace, he stopped mid-motion, his expression unreadable. “You look beautiful,” he said simply.
But there was something in his voice that made her pulse quicken. “Thank you,” Grace replied, suddenly self-conscious under his intense gaze.
Sebastian offered his arm. As Grace took it, she felt the solid warmth of his body through the expensive fabric.
“Remember, we’ve been dating for two months.” “We met at an art gallery opening.”
“You’re an independent marketing consultant now, taking time to explore your creative interests.” Grace nodded, trying to memorize their fabricated history.
“And how do we act around each other?” “Naturally,” Sebastian said as they entered the elevator.
“We’re attracted to each other but still in the careful early stages.” “Affectionate, but not overly familiar.”
The charity gala was held in the grand ballroom of the city’s most exclusive hotel. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over women in designer gowns and men in perfectly tailored tuxedos.
Grace felt like she had stepped into a fairy tale, albeit one where she was playing a role. Sebastian introduced her to a steady stream of people.
All of them seemed genuinely charmed by their apparent relationship. Grace found herself relaxing as the evening progressed.
She discovered that Sebastian was an attentive and considerate companion. They were sampling hors d’oeuvres when a stunning blonde woman approached their table.
She was tall and elegant with a polished beauty that spoke of expensive maintenance and genetic good fortune. Her silver dress clung to her perfect figure.
She moved with the confidence of someone accustomed to being the center of attention. “Sebastian darling,” the woman said, kissing both his cheeks in an overly familiar gesture.
“I heard rumors you were seeing someone new, but I had to see for myself.” Sebastian’s posture tensed almost imperceptibly.
“Victoria. I didn’t know you were back in the city.” Grace recognized the name Victoria Sterling from business magazines.
She was an heiress and socialite who had been linked romantically to Sebastian. Two years ago, the relationship had ended in a very public and messy breakup.
It had dominated gossip columns for months. “I returned from Paris last week,” Victoria said, her eyes never leaving Sebastian’s face.
“Business is expanding beautifully.” “And who is this lovely creature?”
The way Victoria said “creature” made it sound like an insult wrapped in silk. Grace felt Sebastian’s hand find hers under the table.
His fingers intertwined with hers in a gesture that felt surprisingly natural. “This is Grace Mitchell,” Sebastian said, his voice carrying a hint of possessive warmth.
“Grace, meet Victoria Sterling.” Grace extended her free hand with a confident smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Victoria.” “Sebastian has told me so much about his past.”
It was a subtle power play, suggesting that Sebastian had confided in her about his previous relationships. Victoria’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly.
“How wonderful that Sebastian is sharing his history,” Victoria replied smoothly. “I suppose when you’ve been as close as we were, those memories never really fade.”
Grace felt an unexpected surge of jealousy at the implication. This woman had shared intimate moments with Sebastian and had seen sides of him that Grace could only imagine.
The emotion surprised her with its intensity, blurring the lines. Victoria excused herself to mingle, but her presence lingered like expensive perfume.
Grace tried to shake off the unsettling feeling the encounter had created. Sebastian noticed her distraction.
“Don’t let her get to you,” he said quietly. “Victoria has a talent for psychological warfare.”
“I’m not bothered,” Grace lied, taking a sip of champagne. Sebastian studied her face with those penetrating blue eyes.
“You’re a terrible liar, Grace Mitchell.” Before Grace could respond, the orchestra began playing a slow waltz.
Sebastian stood and offered his hand. “Shall we dance?”
Sebastian pulled Grace close. One hand rested on her waist while the other held her hand against his chest.
She could feel his heartbeat through the fabric of his shirt, steady and strong. The scent of his cologne enveloped her.
It was something masculine and sophisticated that made her want to move closer. “You’re doing beautifully tonight,” Sebastian murmured, his breath warm against her ear.
“Everyone believes we’re completely smitten with each other.” “Are we supposed to look smitten?” Grace asked, surprised by how breathless her voice sounded.
Sebastian’s hand tightened slightly on her waist. “Absolutely. In fact, I think we need to be more convincing.”
Before Grace could ask what he meant, Sebastian leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. The kiss was soft and brief but somehow more intimate than anything she had ever experienced.
It was clearly for show, performed in full view of the other guests. But Grace felt her knees weaken at the contact.
When Sebastian pulled back, his eyes held an expression she couldn’t read. “Better?” he asked quietly.
Grace nodded, not trusting her voice. The kiss had been part of their act, she reminded herself.
Nothing more than good performance art. But the way her heart was racing suggested her body hadn’t received that memo.
Later that evening, they sat on Sebastian’s terrace overlooking the city lights. Grace had changed into comfortable clothes.
Sebastian still wore his tuxedo pants and white dress shirt. The bow tie was discarded and the top buttons were undone.
Luna was curled in Grace’s lap, purring contentedly. “Thank you for tonight,” Sebastian said, swirling brandy in a crystal snifter.
“You handled Victoria perfectly.” “She’s still in love with you,” Grace observed, stroking Luna’s soft fur.
Sebastian was quiet for a long moment. “Victoria was never in love with me. She was in love with what I represented.”
“Status, wealth, social position.” “And you? Were you in love with her?”
“I thought I was,” Sebastian admitted. “But looking back, I think I was in love with the idea of being in love.”
“Victoria fit perfectly into the life I thought I was supposed to want.” Grace studied his profile in the soft light from the penthouse.
“What kind of life do you want?” Sebastian turned to meet her gaze.
“I’m not sure anymore.” “Tonight, watching you charm everyone at that gala, seeing how naturally you fit into that world while still remaining completely yourself…”
“It made me question everything I thought I knew about what I need.” There was something vulnerable in his admission that made Grace’s chest tight.
This wasn’t the cold, calculating businessman she had met a week ago. This was a man who seemed as lost as she felt.
“Sebastian—” Grace began, but he held up a hand. “Don’t,” he said softly. “Whatever you’re about to say, don’t.”
“This arrangement works because we both know where we stand.” “Complications would ruin everything.”
But as Grace looked into Sebastian’s eyes, she realized that complications had already begun. The line between pretending and reality was blurring.
She wasn’t sure either of them would emerge from this arrangement unchanged. Luna stretched and yawned, breaking the tension of the moment.
Grace smiled and scratched the cat’s chin. “At least Luna approves of me,” she said lightly.
“Luna has excellent judgment,” Sebastian replied. There was something in his voice that suggested he wasn’t just talking about his cat.
As they sat in comfortable silence, Grace wondered what she had gotten herself into. Six months suddenly seemed like both an eternity and not nearly enough time.
The game of pretending had begun. But Grace suspected that before it was over, both of their hearts would be very real casualties.
Three months into their arrangement, Grace had settled into a routine that felt dangerously comfortable. She woke each morning in Sebastian’s penthouse.
She shared coffee with him while Luna wound between their chairs. She spent her days working on consulting projects or accompanying Sebastian to business functions.
To the outside world, they appeared to be the perfect couple. But Grace knew the truth was far more complicated.
One quiet Sunday morning, Grace discovered Sebastian standing on the terrace with his phone pressed to his ear. He was speaking in rapid French with an edge of frustration.
When he noticed her watching, he quickly ended the call. “Everything all right?” Grace asked, settling into the chair beside him.
Sebastian was quiet for a long moment, staring out at the city. “My sister called from Montreal,” he finally said.
“She’s having problems with her restaurant again.” Grace was surprised.
In three months of living together, Sebastian had never mentioned having a sister. “I didn’t know you had family.”
“Natalie is five years younger than me,” Sebastian explained, his expression softening. “She moved to Canada after our parents died to pursue her dream of becoming a chef.”
“I send her money regularly, but she’s proud and hates accepting help.” “How did your parents die?” Grace asked gently.
Sebastian’s jaw tightened. For a moment, Grace thought he wouldn’t answer. “Car accident,” he said finally.
“I was supposed to be in the car with them that night.” “I stayed late at the office instead, working on some deal that seemed important at the time.”
The pain in his voice was raw and unmistakable. Grace reached over and covered his hand with hers.
“Sebastian, that wasn’t your fault.” “Wasn’t it?” His blue eyes met hers, filled with anguish.
“If I had been there, maybe I could have prevented it.” “Maybe the timing would have been different, or they would have taken a different route.”
Grace squeezed his hand. “You can’t live your life carrying that guilt. Your parents wouldn’t want that for you.”
Sebastian stared at their joined hands for a long moment. “How did you get so wise, Grace Mitchell?”
“Life experience,” she said softly. “I blamed myself for my father leaving when I was twelve.”
“I thought if I had been a better daughter, he would have stayed.” “It took years to realize that his choices weren’t about me.”
Sebastian turned his hand palm up, threading his fingers through hers. The gesture was intimate and natural.
Grace felt her heart skip. “Thank you,” he murmured.
They sat in comfortable silence, hands intertwined, watching the city come alive below them. Luna jumped onto Grace’s lap, purring as she settled in for a nap.
The moment felt perfectly peaceful. Grace realized she could easily get used to this kind of life.
That thought terrified her. As the weeks passed, Grace noticed subtle changes in Sebastian’s behavior.
He smiled more often and laughed at her stories about Luna’s mischievous antics. Sometimes he forgot to maintain the careful distance their contract required.
There were moments when she caught him looking at her with an expression that had nothing to do with their business arrangement. One evening, they attended a corporate dinner where Sebastian was being honored.
Grace watched him accept the award with genuine humility. He spoke passionately about the importance of giving back to the community.
She found herself falling a little more in love with the man behind the powerful exterior. After the ceremony, they were approached by James Morrison.
James was a business rival who owned a competing tech company. He was handsome in a conventional way, with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Sebastian, congratulations on the award,” James said, shaking Sebastian’s hand with calculated warmth. “And you must be the lovely Grace I’ve been hearing so much about.”
James lifted Grace’s hand to his lips in an old-fashioned gesture that lingered longer than necessary. Grace felt Sebastian tense beside her.
“I was wondering,” James continued, his eyes never leaving Grace’s face. “If you might like to have lunch sometime this week.”
“I’m always interested in meeting talented marketing consultants.” Grace glanced at Sebastian, whose expression had gone dangerously cold.
“That’s very kind,” she replied diplomatically. “But I’m afraid my schedule is quite full.”
James persisted. “Perhaps dinner, then? I know an excellent French restaurant that I think you’d enjoy.”
Before Grace could respond, Sebastian stepped closer to her side. His arm slid around her waist in a possessive gesture.
“I’m sure Grace appreciates the invitation,” Sebastian said, his voice carrying a subtle warning. “But as you can imagine, her evenings are generally occupied.”
The tension between the two men was palpable. James smiled, but there was something predatory in his expression.
“Of course. But Grace, if you ever find yourself free, you have my card.” As James walked away, Grace felt Sebastian’s muscles remain coiled with tension.
“He’s always been a competitor,” Sebastian muttered. “Are you jealous?” Grace asked, surprised by her own boldness.
Sebastian looked down at her, his eyes intense. “Absolutely.”
The admission hung between them like a live wire. Grace’s breath caught at the raw honesty in his voice.
“Sebastian—” she began, but he shook his head. “Don’t say anything,” he murmured. “Just dance with me.”
On the dance floor, Sebastian pulled Grace closer than ever before. She could feel every line of his body against hers.
She could see the conflict in his eyes as he struggled with feelings that went far beyond their contract. “This is getting complicated,” Grace whispered.
“Dangerously complicated,” Sebastian agreed, his forehead resting against hers.
