Chapter 5 My Wife

Emery's POV

I had no choice but to agree to Terrence's terms. To save my mom's company, we'll keep our fake marriage for a year.

After completing the contract, we were now at the bank paying for what my stupid half-brother had loaned.

Ten million dollars, even if for Mr. Jones, it was a huge amount and he could only pay in installments. But Terrence paid it off without blinking an eye.

"Thank you, Mr. Gray. I apologize on behalf of my colleagues for threatening your wife." The manager of the bank who actually threatened me bowed his head at Terrence apologizing. His two-sided face really disgusted me.

Terrence didn't bother to glance at the manager and took me out of the building.

"Thank you," I said after we got in his car again.

Terrence silently handed me the legal documents containing the ownership of the company. It's still under Ethan, my stepbrother's name, but I will make sure to get it back. I will not let him ruin the company that belongs to my mom.

"I've done my part, and don't forget your duty. Or I'll take over your company without showing any mercy."

I rolled my eyes and looked at him. "I won't run away, mister. Just drop me off at a bus stop. I'll manage after that."

"Give me your home address. I'll drop you off at your house."

"What for? There's no need for you to know about my house."

"You're my wife—my pretend wife rather. I need to know where to find you if you're not at my house."

"Fine!" I scoffed and shook my head.

I told him the address and he really dropped me off. I just lazily waved at him while he stared at me.

When I entered the house, I saw Dad and his wife arguing about something. Three men were standing in front of them and it looked like they were harassing them.

"Emery!" My evil stepmother looked at me with blazing evil eyes. I looked at her boredly.

"What have you been doing, woman? These people are saying that you haven't paid the loan. What did you do with the money that you got from Mr. Jones? You're just as useless as I thought."

I gritted my teeth and glared at her. Without saying anything, I took the document off my back and showed it to the people in front of us. "Didn't your manager inform you? I just paid the loan."

"W-We're sorry, ma'am. We should take our leave now."

I lifted my chin and pressed my lips together when Martina, my dad's wife, laughed mockingly.

"Look how she played her cards well. Your skills are really amusing, Emery. Did you satisfy that old man last night?"

"Stop it, Martina!" Dad glared at his wife and just when I thought he was finally on my side, he looked at me and said… "Thank you for doing this for our family, Em."

Our family? I laughed mockingly as I folded the paper and looked at him again with a blank face. I can't believe him!

"You know why I did this, Dad."

He nodded and softly stared at my face. "Yes, and I know you won't disappoint me. Get along with Mr. Jones, Em. Make him happy since he really helped us. If not for him, we—"

"Please!" I growled as I gritted my teeth. I took a deep breath and looked at him with hatred. He never fails to disappoint me.

"I will get my position back, Dad. I will ask the board to put me back in position because I will really not allow a stupid gambler and good-for-nothing mama's boy to bring my company down."

Martina gasped. "How dare you insult my son, Emery!"

I just smirked at her before I went upstairs to get my clothes. Just for a year. I need to endure this for a year. God! I hate my life!

***

Riding my own car, I went to the company first. I need to know the situation in the company. I'm sure the board is pissed because of what's happening.

"I need to talk to her now! Call her!"

A familiar voice welcomed me after I reached the floor of my office. A familiar man, arguing with my executive assistant, is in front of my office.

"Miss Craig is not here, Sir. I'm sorry."

"No! Tell her to come out or I'll ruin the door."

I gritted my teeth and roamed my eyes around. My employees are watching and some are even filming the scene.

"Bonnie," I called my assistant who looked very relieved after seeing me.

"Miss Craig, he's insisting on seeing you."

"I'll handle this."

She looked hesitant but I ignored her and went to my office. Mr. Jones immediately followed me. The employees outside were watching so I had to close the blinds.

"What the hell was that, Emery? You came to me asking for my help, but you didn't attend the wedding?"

I sighed and looked him in the eyes. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jones. Our deal is off."

"What? Do you think the bank will give you consideration?"

"I already paid the bank, Mr. Jones. So, the deal is off."

His forehead creased and I can see that his anger has intensified. "Are you kidding me? I'm willing to give you money with only marriage in return, but you have the guts to say that? Who do you think you are? Do you think someone will give you that large amount of money just like me? Huh?"

I nodded, "Fortunately, someone did. I'm sorry again, Mr. Jones. For wasting your time."

He shook his head and angrily pointed a finger at me. "I will make sure you'll regret this. I will make you pay for fooling me, you gold digger bitch!"

After Mr. Jones left, I shook my head in disbelief. I opened the blinds and sat on my chair, massaging my forehead, but the door swung open again and the person I didn't expect to see here entered.

"Terrence," I called his name as I looked outside the glass wall of my office. Great!

"Why are you here?" I asked with a creased forehead.

He roamed his eyes before he sat on the couch and looked at me. "Visiting my wife."

I laughed without humor. "Don't even try to make me laugh."

"You just did," he said as he stared at me blankly.

I gritted my teeth and glared at him. "Why are you here, Terrence? My employees will be curious and will make a fuss because of you."

"Let them die of envy."

I rolled my eyes. "You're so arrogant!"

"I saw Mr. Jones outside. Was he your supposed husband?"

Looking away, I answered. "Yeah."

"He's a perverted old man, sicko."

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

He smirked. "You have to take an absence today. You're coming with me to my company."

"Why would I?" Raising an eyebrow, I asked.

He walked towards me and I was shocked when he grabbed my swivel chair and pulled me closer to him. His hands rested on the armrest of my chair as he bent forward and moved his face closer to mine.

My lips parted in shock as the corner of his lips rose, showing an arrogant smirk.

"I'm gonna introduce my wife to the board of my company."