Chapter 2

(Caleb's POV)

It was finally the night of the most awaited annual Carter charity event. Unfortunately, I have been feeling under the weather since this morning after waking up from a killer headache.

Because of this event, my workload is packed more than ever and I had been traveling back and forth from the Carter main headquarters to several branches to handle management matters personally without a day's rest.

I may love working but I also know how to appreciate rest days once in a while. And right now, spending some time alone in my penthouse with a cup of coffee and a book sounded good.

I casually fixed my tux while looking at my reflection in the glass window of the library.

A part of me is relieved that Lucas is handling the problem regarding my father's Will. Of course, I trusted my cousin. Josh is clever, smart, and an overall good kid. He's a Carter after all but I can't help but worry about him. Sometimes, there's a look on his face that spells trouble. I just hope that things will turn out fine.

The butler, Rick, appeared in the library doorway after knocking on the open door. "Sir? your secretary is here."

Sudden spots flashed in my vision and I had to hold on to a nearby wall to keep myself from getting out of balance.

"Are you alright, sir? You look pale and unwell." the butler was immediately on my side, supporting me. My suit jacket was on his other hand, while the other was on my back.

"I'm fine. Thanks, Rick." I accepted the butler's assistance who was holding out my suit jacket open for me as I smoothly slides my arms inside it.

"Shall I call for the doctor, sir?"

I shook my head slightly, "No...no. Just get me some medicine for my headache."

"Understood. I will let your secretary in shortly."

After downing a tablet of medicine for my raging headache, Kent, his secretary, came into my office wearing a red suit and a full-face skull mask.

If Rick didn't tell me of my secretary's arrival, I would have mistaken him for some lunatic who got past the mansion's security.

"What in the world are you wearing?"

Kent was putting a paper bag on top of my desk when his hand froze midway. "S-sir?"

"Do you have another event to attend that I don't know of?"

"N-no, sir." Kent immediately answered me, "I'll only be at the Carter charity event." I was now looking at him as if he's been spouting nonsense which made Kent even more confused.

"What's the mask for then?"

"It's for the charity event, sir. It's a masquerade-themed party that you approved of yourself a few days ago."

A looming headache threatened me once again as if I hadn't taken medicine to ease the previous one. I let my body collapse on the leather sofa before running a hand over my face.

I swore I looked over everything before signing it for approval. Damn it. How did I miss this?

It was no use thinking about this anymore though. It's not like the event theme can be changed when everything's already set for tonight. There should be no more room for any more mistakes.

The night's not even started yet but I have already let out another exhausted sigh. Truthfully, this has never happened before because I rarely made mistakes when it comes to working. I really must be sick then.

Limousines and expensive cars queued up on the long and wide driveway. The women wore lavish dresses and glittering jewelry while the men are in tuxedos and expensive-looking clothes. Their eyes are covered with a variety of colorful and plain masks as they walk up the red carpet leading to the entrance of the building. Some stay to pose for the dozens of cameras flashing even almost blinding my eyes.

The vehicle went to a stop when the building where the event is being held came into view. I went out of the car before smoothening the lapels of my suit jacket as soon as I reached the walkway to the entrance.

"He's here!"

As soon as one reporter spotted me, everyone else followed, and in a second, the media was all over the man. Cameras started to record my every move at every angle so I quickened my pace since the blinding flashes were making my headache return.

Rick followed me from behind as the Carter security team assigned for the event held the media back to make way for us.

"Caleb look at the camera!"

"Looking good tonight, Caleb!"

"How does it feel to be a part of the top 100 most attractive men alive?"

The reporters continued to probe me while their phone recorders and microphones are practically shoved at my face if not for my security team.

"Sir, are the rumors true that Mrs. Cecille Carter will take over the Carter Enterprise?"

That one last comment made me stop in my tracks. I never entertained the media if it was not an official interview set up by the company but this comment pushed my patience to the limits.

How in the heavens were they even able to know that? I made sure the security of company information was kept tight so, why?

Breathing in slowly, I brushed the comment off, not giving anyone room for satisfaction while I resumed walking down the red carpet to the revolving glass door of the building.

Once I entered the venue, I spotted Cecille Carter, my stepmother, she bid goodbye to the social circle of wives she's been chatting with and gracefully made her way to me.

"Caleb," she called and the look of disapproval on my face made her want to laugh.

If it was up to him, I wouldn't let Cecille attend this party. I never treat her as a second mother because she never treated me as a son too. It is pretty obvious that she only wants the money of my sick father. She's a nurse of my father, maybe she seduced my father and they ended up getting married. But after a month, my father passed away. I know this is her plan. To steal my inheritance, even this company that my father and I worked hard for.

"What are you doing here?" I ask while not looking straight at her. Her face makes me annoyed.

"You don't look so good." she began while taking my hand to hers, "-In fact, you look sick. I think you should go home for tonight."

I pulled my hands from her. She's acting. Looking worried? As if!

"I'm okay." the tone of my voice came out hard and it sounded mad.

She smirked.

I was about to argue with her when an old man's laugh reached both of our ears.

"Cecille!" the voice called and Cecille greet the man walking toward us.

"George. I'm glad you could make it."

He chuckled, "Of course. I wouldn't miss a Carter event."

Cecille turned to me who slightly nodded my head. "Caleb, I haven't formally introduced you two yet. This is Mr. George Sy of Sy Group-"

"Yes, founder of one of the biggest confectionery manufacturers in the country. It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Sy."

"Ah! Is this your son?" son? I smirked while looking away at them.

But Cecille proudly smiled at the old man, "Why yes... George, this is Caleb, CEO of Carter Enterprises."

The old man caressed his belly and nodded his head. "Hmm, very promising and quite young as well. How old did you say he was?" his eye shone as he turns to look at Beatrice while asking her.

"-you see, my daughter here might be the same age as him." the old man added.

"Katarina." he called and a lady who seemed to be Josh's age stepped out from behind the old man. "-introduce yourself to them."

She stared at the old man before stiffly nodding her head.

"Katarina Sy. It's nice to meet everyone." she quickly said before going back behind her father.

She seemed surprisingly brave for someone so timid-looking when she stared me straight in the eye without flinching when she introduced herself.

"Katarina is not only beautiful but also a well-mannered girl. Don't you think they look good, Beth?"

Cecille let out a short laugh. "Oh, I don't meddle with my son's private life."

I wanted to scoff at that but I held it in. There is one reason why Cecille didn't push me to this family's daughter, she prayed that I should not get married this year so that I won't get the inheritance.

"That's a shame-" he pouted at Cecille before turning to me, "-but your son might be interested himself?"

A line of my thought ended when I heard the man talk to me. As I was about to respond and disagree with the old man, my phone suddenly rang.

"Excuse me, I have to take this call, " I announced before walking away from the group, leaving the old man hanging.

As soon as I was far from them, I answered my ringing phone, especially after seeing the name of the caller. "I would have appreciated it if you had called earlier."

The other line chuckled playfully. "Sorry, Caleb. I was busy preparing what you asked me to."

"You sure?"

"Yeah... I will introduce her tomorrow, she's a theater actress, so she may be good at acting."

"Okay, I'll meet her tomorrow." I ended the call.

I sighed. I can't believe that woman rejected my offer. I saw how desperate she is as soon as I saw her thrown outside by her employer. She has beautiful and innocent features, she is very different from any woman I've met before, she is the perfect piece in my plan to get all the inheritance left by my deceased father.

She needs money and a job. I need a fake wife. It's a win-win actually but that woman rejected my offer, so I need to find a replacement as soon as possible.

***

The event successfully ended and thankfully my stepmother Cecille didn't make a scene.

I was about to exit the building in the parking lot located on the ground floor when a flash blinded my eyes making me step back.

Seriously? How did they manage to get here on the ground floor?

I run back inside the building and close the glass door. I hide in the corner from the reporters who keep flashing their cameras taking a photograph of me as I rub my hands in my face as this is so frustrating.

Ever since my father died, the press is getting more and more annoying as if they are more focused on my daily life and that sucks!

I saw someone running towards me. It's her!

She was about to open her mouth, maybe to call me but I grabbed her arm and pinned her close to the wall with my hand covering her mouth while my finger was on my lip in a shush.

"Mffmhffm"!

"Shh, the reporters are outside. Do you want to get a photograph?" I said in a whisper to her ear.

Looking closely, we seem to be in a small empty hallway that leads to a janitor's closet based on the cleaning equipment neatly stored there. Somebody must have left the door open.

I leaned in to take a peek from her side to check if the reporters are still there.

When I seemed to have confirmed that they are already gone, I let out a sigh of relief.

I then noticed how close we are before I quickly backed away from her, releasing my hold on her. "My apologies..."

"I-it's fine... I mean, I-I'm fine."

The two of us awkwardly spent a few more minutes standing still trying to regain composure before I cleared my throat to break the silence. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here to tell you something important." I let her eyes meet with mine at the mention of the last word.

Desperation and determination crossed her face while she clenches and unclenches her fists as she anxiously waits for my response.

I peered at the woman in front of me, only to notice her wet clothes and disheveled appearance.

"I-I'll do anything you want. Just hear me out, please." She announced when I didn't reply to anything she said.

"Please..." the last word came out more like a whisper as she looks down at her feet to hide her tear-threatened eyes.

I sighed. I strip off my coat and placed it on her shoulders.

"I'll listen to you in the car. Follow me."