Fiance Next Door

By Ashlee Price

I married my fake fiancé and now… I want a divorce. I've known Mason since we were kids and next-door neighbors. Back when I was more interested in his brother. Scandalous, I know. All of that is in the past. The only thing that matters now is my dying father's last wish. His dream is to walk me down the aisle. Mason is the man who can help me fulfill that dream. But his billionaire status has attracted a vicious enemy. And I can't trust him. Mason is playing me. Should I leave him even if I find out that I'm pregnant?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashlee Price
• Release date: Nov 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223380221

Book preview

Prologue ~ Once Upon A Rainy Night

Mason

Ten years earlier

Pellets of rain bombard the roof. Elsewhere in the house, it may sound like a soothing patter fit to lull a baby to sleep. Not here in the attic. Here, the sky has just declared war on the house. Its chance of winning? The same as that of my father becoming a senior partner at his accounting firm before he turns fifty. Or of my mother missing an episode of Modern Family or a speck of mold on the bathroom wall. Or of anyone in Eastport forgetting the fact that my older brother scored the goal that won the country the FIFA U-17 World Cup five years ago. Or of my little sister ever liking crabs even though we live in the state famous for them. Zero.

This house has stood for more than half a century. Or so I've been told. It has withstood freezing, sweltering Maryland, home to raging snowstorms, equally unforgiving summers, and deluges of rain just like this, which can go on for days in summer or winter. The age and the strength of this house is most apparent here in the attic. Above my bed, thick wooden beams that have lost the gloss of their varnish support the equally drab ceiling. Nothing but the flimsy remnants of cobwebs for me to see up there. The bare walls creak when assaulted by strong winds but don't budge an inch. The glass windows are filmed with a permanent haze and stuck to their sills. They rattle, too, when gales blow, but show no signs that they'll shatter anytime soon.

That's probably why I like it up here. It feels safe. And quiet, when it's not raining like this. I don't hear my parents fighting from here. My nosy little sister is too scared to come here. And if I often have the bass guitar of my favorite rock bands screeching out of my earphones, well, that's not noise. That's music. And adrenaline. It makes my fingers go faster on the keyboard.

I tap my fingers on the mattress. They itch. Oh, what I'd give to have a keyboard right now, to have my music, to have my laptop back. Without it, I feel like a vampire, without a heart or a soul. But Mom has been holding it hostage since finding out I hacked into the computer of the insufferable jock at school and then posted the video of him singing a Shakira song on the school's social media site. Not a bad song, and his singing was decent, too. His dancing? Less remarkable. Still, it was pretty harmless. Leaking it only did damage to his image of being the alpha dog at school - a misdemeanor compared to the crime he and his friends committed last week of leaving used condoms in Ed's locker. Ed, the school nerd. Weird, true, but brilliant. Helped me with an algorithm I was struggling with once - not the kind of stuff I forget.

Too bad high school is like a pack of wolves. Make that fickle, fragile wolves dizzy with hormones, drugged by social media and driven by one thing - the need to be liked. Show one weakness and they all turn against you. Alpha one day. A potential meal the next.

Poor Payne.

Anyway, no one could prove I did it. I left no trace, of course, wiped out all my fingerprints. Payne said he knew I did it, that he'd make me pay. I told him if he tried, I'd leak something else I'd found. Something... less decent. End of conversation.

So why don't I have my laptop? Simple. Giselle tattled. She told Mom about it and Mom didn't give me a chance to explain. Nope. No presumption of innocence in this household. At least, not for the rebellious middle kid. No trial, even. She just told me to surrender my laptop. End of conversation.

Lesson? Never trust your little sister to keep her mouth shut.

At any rate, I'm a vampire now. I've got no purpose. Nothing to do. Nothing to keep the noise of the rain away.

The bombardment continues. No sign of retreat or surrender. Shit. Has it always been this noisy?

I decide to take cover. I'm not going to play the civilian casualty here.

I get out of bed and head downstairs. Usually, the creaky steps announce my descent throughout the house. Right now, though, the rain is so strong I can't even hear them. Good. My mom won't know I'm on my way to raid the ref.

She's nowhere in sight here on the second floor. I can see light from under her door, though. I have half a mind to go in there and ask for my laptop back, but the other half shuts that notion down. Asking won't be enough. I'll have to beg, puppy-dog eyes and all. Then I'll have to put on a charming smile, make her laugh, and if that doesn't work, I'll have to promise her I'll be good, that I'll even do the dishes twice a week. At least, that's what my brother does. And it usually works. Then again, that might be just because it's him doing the whole routine.

And even if it could work, I don't want to do it. Charming? Not me. I'm not funny, either. And I can't promise I'll be good when I'm pretty sure I did nothing wrong. I don't make promises I can't keep. I shouldn't have to beg for something she shouldn't have taken away from me. And I'm definitely not doing dishes.

I proceed down the other staircase. The light is on in the kitchen. An invitation.

Yeah, right. It's because my dad isn't home yet and there's dinner on the table.

I ignore that and head straight to the ref. Let's see. Some leftover casserole from breakfast this morning. Half a BLT sandwich - probably the half Giselle couldn't finish. I'm not touching that. Macaroni and cheese. Ham. Pickles. A slice of chocolate cake. Chicken wings. Nachos. Now we're talking.

I take the box of wings and the soggy nachos and start eating them on the counter. I make it through three wings before the back door opens and Giselle shows up. She stands in the doorway with her hands on her hips, her favorite pose these days.

Well, look who's here. I lick my fingers. My little sister, the newly certified suck-up. And here I thought you didn't have any talent.

She pouts.

So what did tattling to Mom get you? A new nail polish? Permission to go on a date with Payne's little brother?

Her eyebrows go up slightly. What? She thought I didn't notice the way she looks at him?

She sighs as she approaches the counter. He doesn't even know I exist.

I click my tongue. Poor Giselle.

She scowls.

Why don't you run to him and tell him what you think I did, too? Maybe he'll reward you with a kiss.

He doesn't care about his brother. They hate each other.

Really? I pick up another wing. Then he and I might just get along.

Another sigh. You know Lee doesn't hate you, right?

Lee. That's what she's called Leander since she could talk. It was all she could pronounce. The fact that she still does tells me just how much she still adores him. And that she's still a baby.

I don't know that, I answer.

Giselle shakes her head. I can't believe you're saying Payne and Lee are the same.

I didn't.

Well, neither are you and Cody, so you won't get along.

I shrug. Fine.

She rests her elbows on the counter. And just so you know, Mom didn't reward me with anything because I didn't ask for anything.

I look at her. Sure you don't want a fancy new case for your phone?

I'm not a dog who does tricks for treats.

I throw the bone I've just nibbled in front of her. She flicks it away with a look of disgust.

Gross.

Okay. You're not a dog, but I know you're no saint, either. What are you after?

Nothing, she answers in an irritated voice. Then she draws a deep breath. I didn't tattle on you, okay?

You told Mom about something you saw me do that you weren't supposed to see in the first place, which got me in trouble, I point out. I'd say that's tattling.

I wasn't tattling. I was... bragging.

Bragging?

She fidgets with her silver bracelet as she looks away. I actually thought what you did was kind of cool.

That innocent look on her face lets me know she's not lying. She admires me for what I did. Heck, she's even blushing. How sweet. At least, I would have thought so if she hadn't gotten me in trouble with Mom.

Well, it doesn't matter, does it? I tell her. What matters is you couldn't keep your mouth shut. Thanks to that, I don't have my laptop.

Giselle gives me a look of remorse. I didn't think Mom would take your laptop away.

What? You thought she'd be thrilled? That she'd think it was cool, too?

Her arms drop to her sides. I'm sorry, okay?

Apology not accepted.

You know what? Why don't you go and tell Mom I'm eating her chicken wings? I suggest instead as I grab another. Maybe this time, she'll give you a reward.

She rolls her eyes. Why don't you tell her yourself? Maybe she'll give you your laptop back as a reward.

I doubt that.

Well, I won't. Giselle shows me her back as she walks to the fridge. I'm not supposed to be here anyway.

That reminds me. Shouldn't she be having a sleepover next door?

I just came to get some cheese slices to snack on. She opens the door of the fridge. Aster likes them.

I know. As much as it annoys me, I know Aster Higgins more than I like to admit, more than I wish I did. I know she's a year younger than Giselle and used to dress like her. I know her mother died when she was ten and that she lives with her overprotective father, Noah. I know she likes the color of her hair - deep reddish gold like a sunset sky, like her mother's and the coat of the retriever she used to have - but keeps it short because neither she nor her father knows how to braid it. I know she has a collection of scarves. When it's winter, she wears a different one each day. I know she loves to draw and she's good at it. I know she likes to dance in her room when she's happy and that she watches sappy movies when she's sad because tears don't come easily to her.

I know all this because Aster grew up right next door, because I can see her room from mine, because Mom and Giselle talk about her all the time, and because I've been fascinated with her since the day we moved here. That day, she was wearing purple overalls and a white shirt with a pink collar. She was five and looked like a doll. I was nine, and until then, I didn't think anything was adorable. I didn't even find my own little sister adorable.

Now, she's fourteen. Adorable no longer applies. She no longer wears overalls or anything pink. Green is her new favorite color, I think. I wouldn't say she turned out bad, though. Just yesterday, I caught a glimpse of her in a chartreuse dress that showed off her slender shoulders and I thought she'd look good in a prom dress, maybe even better than any of the girls in my senior class. I'd invite her if I was going, but I'm not. I'd probably go if I could take her with me, but I won't even ask. I'm pretty sure she'd say no.

There's one more thing I know. Aster Higgins worships my brother.

She has since she was five. For a time, she'd actually follow him around. He was her hero, her prince. Somewhere along the way, those wide-eyed stares turned into sideways glances accompanied by blushing cheeks and a twitch of the corner of her mouth. When Leander left for college, Aster cried. Will she cry for me? Not likely.

How is she? I can't resist asking even so.

Giselle closes the door to the fridge. Aster? She's fine. Just swamped with schoolwork like every other eighth-grader. I'm helping her with a math project.

I arch an eyebrow. I thought you hated math.

I do, she admits. Want to take my place?

No, I answer quickly.

I could, but no.

Giselle takes the corner off one of the cheese slices and pops it inside her mouth. Why do you ask?

Because her mother's death anniversary was last week.

No reason. I glance out the window at the rain, which shows no signs of letting up. It's still pouring.

I know. She walks towards the window and looks up at the sky. What did anyone do to you, huh?

I say nothing. Giselle's not talking to me anyway. A moment of silence settles. Then a phone rings.

My mom's phone. I realize now that she left it charging beside the bread box.

Giselle and I look at each other. I know what she's wondering about. Should she answer the call? Should she bring it to Mom? I nod because I'm okay with either. Giselle puts the cheese slices down and unplugs the phone. Her face lights up when she sees the screen.

Ah. It's Leander calling.

Lee? Giselle puts the phone to her ear. It's Gi. How are you? Mom's upstairs. She left her phone here in the kitchen. Do you want to talk to her?

I roll my eyes. Of course he does. Isn't that why he called her phone?

Giselle doesn't budge from where she's standing, though, so maybe the answer is no. She doesn't say another word, either. Her eyes grow wide as the blood drains from her face. My heart stops for a moment and then begins to race. I don't want to jump to conclusions, especially because I know Giselle tends to overreact, but right now, she's not reacting at all. It scares me.

I go to the sink to wash my hands, then stand beside her so I can hear the conversation. I can't, though, and Giselle won't pause to tell me what's going on. I can't even catch her gaze. She's... lost.

Okay, she finally says feebly. Bye.

She puts the phone back where she got it but doesn't plug it back in. Her hand is shaking.

Giselle? I ask her.

She doesn't answer.

I place my hand over hers. Finally, she looks into my eyes.

Giselle, what did Leander say?

Before she can answer, I hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Moments later, my mom enters the kitchen. She sees the mess on the counter and gasps.

Mason. She inspects the mess more closely. You were eating my chicken wings?

I was hungry, I tell her. I get hungry when I'm not on my computer.

Her eyebrows go up. Mason Graham Burke, you -

Mom, Giselle interrupts.

My mom turns to her. What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at - ?

Lee called.

He did? She walks towards Giselle. What did he say? Is he alright?

Giselle shakes her head.

My mom pauses, realizing that something's not alright. She throws me a questioning glance, but I shake my head and step back.

She puts both hands on Giselle's shoulders. Giselle, tell me what happened to Leander.

I hear the fear in her voice.

Giselle draws a breath. He... was in an accident.

My mom gives another gasp as her hands clasp over her mouth.

My shoulders tighten. An accident?

He's in the hospital, Giselle goes on. Because he hurt his arm.

His arm, Mom mutters.

I know what she's thinking. At least it's not his leg, not the leg that's kicked so many winning goals in the sport he excels in.

Her hands go to her arms. Is it broken?

They don't know yet, Giselle answers. But he said he's fine.

My mom lets out a sigh of relief. She places her arms around Giselle.

Thank God.

My eyebrows crease. That's it? I thought that it was more serious.

He's fine, Giselle repeats against my mom's shoulder. But he's also not.

My mom steps back. What do you mean?

Giselle purses her lips. A tear leaks out of the corner of her eye.

Giselle?

He was in the car with... Sharon.

No surprise there. Sharon has been Leander's girlfriend since the seventh grade. She's his first love, his high school sweetheart. They picked the same college. They'd be living together if not for the fact that Sharon's parents don't want them to. Not until they get married, which to everyone, including me, is just a matter of time.

How is she? my mom asks.

Another tear streaks down Giselle's cheek. That can't be good.

She got thrown out of the car, she says in a quivering voice. She's... dead.

A lump forms in my throat. I guess there's no wedding now.

Giselle breaks into a sob as soon as she's delivered the news. My mom hugs her. I just stand there, watching them drowning in grief. What do I do? What can I do?

The sound of the screen door falling shut behind me puts my thoughts back in focus. I turn my head in time to catch a glimpse of red hair.

Aster.

She must have come here to check on Giselle because Giselle was taking so long. And she must have heard the news.

Shit.

Aster!

I run after her. Cold shards of rain stab my shirt, my arms and the top of my head. The soft ground squishes beneath my bare feet.

I shouldn't be out here under the rain. I should have worn shoes. I should have grabbed an umbrella. But those aren't the thoughts running through my head right now. All I can think of is that I have to catch up to Aster.

I finally do on the patio behind her house. I reach out and grab the sleeve of her sweater. As she turns around, the edge of her umbrella nearly hits me in the face and I let her go.

Her eyes grow wide as they take in my appearance. Mason, you're soaked!

She holds her umbrella over my head and nearly steps on my feet.

And you don't have shoes.

Nope, I say.

As she lifts her head, I find myself gazing straight into her brown eyes. For a second, I hold my breath before it escapes me.

Is it true? Is Sharon...? Is she...? Aster looks away.

Dead? I finish her question. That's what Giselle said Leander told her.

She shakes her head. That's terrible. I can't imagine the pain Leander must be feeling right now. He loved her so much. He must be so devastated and so alone and so helpless and -

He'll be fine, I cut her off. He's a big boy now.

I can't stand to keep listening to her outpouring of sympathy for Leander. The expression on her face tells me she didn't like my remark, though.

And he's not going to be alone, I add. I'm sure my mom will head over to his side as soon as she talks to my dad.

Nothing is going to keep her away from her favorite son at a time like this.

Aster nods. It's just... It's so unfair, you know. Leander and Sharon, they were a perfect couple.

No such thing.

She doesn't like that, either. Oh, come on. You saw how they were together.

I say nothing.

Fine. They weren't perfect, but they were great. They were... so in love and now, this happens.

Nothing is fair, I tell her.

Some people never find who they're looking for. Some people find each other only to be torn apart by an accident or some natural disaster. And some people find themselves unable to stay away from a person even though that person barely knows they exist, or worse, are in love with someone who doesn't love them back.

I know that, Aster agrees. But this, this is a tragedy of epic proportions.

That I disagree with. A hurricane wiping out half the country. Internet going back to dial-up. The Elder Scrolls not having a sequel. Those are tragedies of epic proportions.

People die all the time, Aster, I say.

A flicker of anger crosses her eyes. Now, I haven't just annoyed her. I've offended her.

I'm just saying, I try to soften the blow.

The damage has already been done, though. I can tell from the creases on her forehead.

Your brother's girlfriend, the girl he loved, just died, Aster points out. And you can't even feel a shred of sympathy for him?

Now you're being unfair, I tell her. I never said -

Then again, I'm not surprised. What do you know about love? You've never been in love, have you?

I don't answer.

You've never looked at a girl the way Leander looked at Sharon. You've never smiled after whispering something in a girl's ear the way Leander used to do with Sharon.

I frown. Wow. You were watching them pretty closely, weren't you?

Her jaw clenches. Do you know how rare it is for someone you love to love you back?

More than you know.

I think people take that for granted, you know. Some people meet each other and they just click like two pieces of a puzzle. They're really meant to be beside each other, to complete each other. But there are more people who can't have the person they want, no matter how bad they want that person.

I know.

No, you don't, Mason, Aster tells me. You've never wanted anyone. You've never cared about anyone or anything.

Oh, is that how she sees me?

You don't need anyone. That's your problem. So you just push everyone away.

I never pushed you away.

You think you'll be fine that way, but guess what? You won't be. One day, you'll find yourself alone and lonely and miserable and you'll wish there was someone you needed, someone you wanted so badly you couldn't keep yourself from thinking of her, someone you cared enough about to go after and -

My lips cut off the rest of Aster's speech as they seal hers. Plump, soft lips. Warm like the ray of sunlight brushing against your icy cheeks on the first day of spring.

I could go on kissing them, but I don't. I muster every ounce of willpower in my body and pull myself away from Aster's magnetic field.

She looks at me with wide eyes as I catch my breath. Then she clasps a hand over her mouth.

What was that? she asks in a voice barely over a whisper.

A kiss.

I mean why?

Because I want you. Because I've been looking at you the way you've been looking at Leander.

Aster's eyes narrow. Are you making fun of me?

No. I shrug. I just wanted you to shut up.

I can't tell her the truth. She won't believe me. She doesn't want to. She's already made up her mind about me. To her, I'm a cold-hearted jerk.

So I'll act like one.

You can take your hand off now. I'm not doing it again.

Her hand falls from her face. Her eyes narrow even more. Unbelievable. How dare you interrupt me like that? Have you no respect?

Now she's wiping her mouth with the back of her hand like I've just given her some disease.

Leander would never do anything like this.

Leander. Always Leander.

Are you sure? I ask her in an irritated voice. "Now that he's finally single like you've always wished he