The Billionaire’s Pretend Fiancée

Roman’s POV

I smiled to myself as I watched the outside world from the glass walls of my office.

The day had strangely gone quite well, and I was in a really great mood because Sofie and I were going on a date later that day.

My smile widened, as I steered my gaze to the small leather box that contained the custom-made choker I was planning on gifting Sofie.

The choker was made by a well-known necklace designer from Paris and I had to admit that I was really impressed with it.

The design was intricately unique just like I wanted. It was a black velvet choker that had some Italian words; L’amato di Roman, engraved on it.

The statement translated to Roman’s beloved in English, and I just hoped Sofie would be pleased with it.

A knock on the door distracted me from my thoughts, and I quickly put the box away before sitting down.

“Come in,” I said and Nathan trekked in.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Would you like me to drive you to the chairwoman’s place? Or are you going on your own, sir?” He asked.

“Nana has been asking to see you since she got out of the hospital, today would be a nice day to see her.” I responded, to which he nodded as I handed him my car keys and got up from the chair.

I grabbed the box of choker necklace, slipped it inside my briefcase before Nathan collected it from me, and led the way out of my office.

“Are we stopping by to pick miss Sofie?” He asked, switching on the ignition.

“No, we’re not. She’ll visit Nana later.” I clarified, to which Nathan nodded before steering the car out of the parking lot.

Soon we got to Nana’s place, and Daniel came out, flanked by two male servants.

“Young master, you are welcome.” He bowed and the younger men followed suit.

I clapped his shoulder, “Thanks. Is Nana awake?”

“Yes, sir. Ever since you informed her of your visit today, she hasn’t slept since she woke up. She seems better and less weak today.”

“Great. That’s good to hear.” I nodded before turning to Nathan, “Hand the keys over to him,” I gestured to the taller man servant.

Nathan did as I said and afterward, we walked into the mansion, and I exchanged pleasantries with the servants who curtseyed to me.

“Romano, you came so early and I see you also brought a guest with you.” I heard a voice that was unmistakably Nana’s utter behind me and I couldn’t believe my ears at first, because the doctor had stringently advised her to do less of walking after her surgery.

I turned around and lo and behold, she was really standing behind me with her walking sticks firmly rooted to the floor and a hearty smile framing her face.

“Nana, you shouldn’t be walking around. The doctor warned you against straining yourself too much, didn’t she? Why then are you up on your feet, couldn’t you have asked the butler to get you whatever it was you wanted?” I softly chided, as I wrapped my arms around her shoulder.

My heart lurched in my chest as I noticed how emaciated and frail she seemed in my hold, even though she was gazing up at me with a smile.

The cancer had really taken a heavy toll on her.

“Please those doctors have no idea what they’re saying. Just because I got a tiny surgery doesn’t mean I’ve suddenly become lame. I’ve been walking around the house as a form of exercise ever since the day I was discharged from the hospital and I’m perfectly fine.” Nana huffed, cupping my face with one hand.

I just sighed and shook my head because I knew there was no way I could win in an argument with my grandmother.

She was just too stubborn and headstrong. I had really taken after her.

“Good day, chairwoman. How are you feeling now?” Nathan asked and Nana turned to smile at him.

“Nathaniel, my boy. I feel as good as ever. How is your family doing?” She asked.

“They’re going great, madam. Elena asked me to extend her greetings to you.”

Nana nodded, “That’s good to hear. Extend my warm regards to her and your children also. If you have time by the weekend, you and your family should come over for lunch, okay?”

“Yes, madam.”

“Oh, figlio. Forgive my inhospitality, I shouldn’t make you stand like this. Let’s head over to the sitting room.” Nana motioned toward Nathan.

“No, Nana. You are not going to the living room, you’re going to rest in your bedroom and I won’t take any excuses from you.” I cut in, to which Nana scoffed.

“Why do you all keep treating me like this? I’m fine, let me do whatever I want.” She muttered as we trekked down the hallway to her room.

“You’ll do whatever you want after resting for at least an hour. Only the heavens know if you’ve been adhering to any of the doctor’s instructions at all.” I countered which made her sigh.

Nathan’s phone then rang and he murmured an “excuse me” before leaving.

I helped Nana into bed, handed her a copy of one of her favorite books, made sure she was comfortable before taking my seat on the armchair opposite to her.

“So how is my granddaughter-in-law doing?” Nana asked which made my lips unconsciously twitch with a smile.

“Nana, Sofie is doing great but please refrain from calling her that. At least for now.” I said and she gasped.

“At least for now? What is this I’m hearing from you, Romano? Have you finally decided to marry her? Have you decided to give up your anti-marriage views?” She rambled out.

“I guess so but let’s not get ahead of ourselves, grandma. We’re still taking it slowly, we want to get to know each other properly before we think about marriage.” I explained.

“That’s great to hear, caro. You have no idea how happy I am to hear this. I really want to hold my great-grandchild or even children very soon.” Nana said, her eyes crinkling with a cheerful grin.

“Yeah, that is never happening.” I deadpanned and watched the smile instantly evaporate from her face.

“What? Why won’t I have a great-grandchild?” She asked, confusion embedded in her face.

“I’m not having kids, grandma. I don’t want them and no, I’ll never change my mind no matter what happens.” I said nonchalantly.

Nana shook her head and heaved a sigh of resignation, “Do whatever you want. You’re an adult and I won’t try to decide your life for you. I just hope you make reasonable decisions that won’t ruin things in the future.”

“Thanks for understanding, ma.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Romano. I’m happy if you’re happy.” She smiled which I returned.

Someone knocked on the door, and I realized Nathan was still outside.

“Nathan, is that you?” I called out.

“Yes, sir.” He yelled back.

“You can come in.” I said and the door creaked open as Nathan walked in.

“I’m sorry the call took so long.” He muttered, bowing to grandma.

“Don’t apologize, dear. It’s fine.” Nana nodded, “Have your seat.” She gestured to the chair beside me.

As Nana and Nathan conversed, a thought crossed my mind and I couldn’t help but ponder on it.

Was I being selfish by not wanting to have a kid to carry on my legacy?