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“Why?”
“Because my company’s merger depends on it. After the merger, the marriage will be annulled.”
“I don’t understand, Damien.”
“I need you to play the part of my wife for social events and photo opportunities. I also need you to make Theodore Vale believe we’re in love and truly happy.”
“Who is Theodore Vale?”
“The CEO of another holding company with which we’re in the middle of a merger. He needs us, and we need his clients. Theodore’s company is built on strong family values. He was set to sign the merger agreement before my father passed away. He doesn’t like my behavior and feels I go against family values.”
“Do you?” Her brow arched.
“No. He saw the video of us in Vegas. He came to the office this morning, and I had to lie and tell him you were my long-time, shy girlfriend who prefers a low-key life. Now, he’s coming over here Friday night for dinner and is expecting to meet you. So, I need you to play the part of the happy Mrs. Blackwood.”
“What’s in it for me?” she casually asked.
“I know you’re in between jobs. I also know that working as a legal secretary doesn’t pay shit. So, I’m assuming you’re low on money. That’s why I am offering you a hundred thousand dollars to pretend to be my wife. It’s a short-term deal, Willa.”
“Excuse me? One hundred thousand dollars?”
“Yes. If you agree to help me out, I will have the money deposited into your account first thing tomorrow morning.”
“This doesn’t feel right, Damien. You know one little lie spirals out of control and weaves a bigger web of lies.”
“Look at it this way. Technically, we’re not lying. We are legally married. But nobody has to know we just met. It’s not a big deal, Willa. It’s just going out to a few social events together. I know you need the money.”
“Well, I am down to one hundred dollars in my bank account.”
I sat there, furrowing my brows. “You only have one hundred dollars to your name?”
“Yeah. I had to pay my student loan and pick up some things for these boxes I make.”
“What kind of boxes?”
“Just something for a couple of friends. It’s nothing.”
“See, you need the money, and I need you. Do we have ourselves a deal?” I extended my hand across the table.
“You’ll deposit the money in my account tomorrow?”
“Yes. If you give me your bank account number tonight, the money will be there tomorrow.”
“Fine. You have yourself a deal, Mr. Blackwood.” She smiled, placing her hand in mine.
I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Willa. I appreciate it. And as soon as the merger is finalized, the marriage will be annulled. But I want to make it clear that you will not get any more money.”
“I don’t care about your money, Damien. I’m not that girl. If you don’t believe me, draft up a contract or something, and I’ll sign it.”
I sat there, staring at how beautiful she was. She seemed sincere about not caring about my money, and I found that refreshing.
“I don’t think that will be necessary. I trust you.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “I believe that was hard for you to say. You strike me as a man who doesn’t trust anyone.”
I chuckled. “You’re right. I don’t.”
“Thank you for the wine and dinner.” She wiped her mouth with the napkin and set it on her plate. “I should get going.”