1

ROSE

“It’s a sin to celebrate a day like today on your own,” interrupted Ross, my best friend and boss’ brother. Despite his rumpled suit and dirty blond hair, he stole the attention of many of the hostesses who passed our table. 

I locked my phone and flashed a smile. "I'm not a married person." 

His eyes drifted over my face. "No, but you are the puppet master who accomplished the impossible." 

"It's not that bad." 

“Now I know something is wrong with you. Are you… sad that Edwards is getting married? His voice was lower than usual. 

I laugh. "What." 

"Then what's the matter?" 

My head floated, and a few spirals of hair fell in front of my eyes. I ran my hand down my skirt to smooth out a few non-existent wrinkles. The cheerful lavender fabric stands out against my brown skin, making me seem a lot happier than I feel. “I just received an email saying I didn't get the job.” 

"Damn. I'm so sorry to hear that. I know how hard you worked during the interview presentation." 

After many months of giving presentations to the Human Resources department of West Company, they refused to transfer me. It burns more than it should. Although I wasn't exactly looking for the stars in the low-level HR position, I had a good idea of ​​a promising future. One thing that can be beneficial to the multitude of dyslexia stuck in business. My plan can take the company to the next level, if only they give me a chance.

You can try again next time.

My smile wavered. "I guess it's not." 

"That's some bullshit if you ask me." 

I laugh. "That's right. At least Edwards never found out. Can you imagine if I told him and then I didn't even get the job? He would never let me down. " 

He has a tendency to gloat." 

"Therefore, the party." I pointed at the huge dome of the airship with a grin.

Ross raised an eyebrow at the flashing neon lights. She said Yes. "Whisper. He will love it. " 

I brushed my eyelashes with fake sweetness. "I was simply planning a party like he asked me to. He should have specified the type of event he wanted. .”

“Remind me never to irritate you.” 

"I have a whole plan for the day that happens." 

Ross faked a shiver. 

"Edwards wanted to see her before the announcement." 

His eyes widened. "Why did you let him do that?" 

“Umm… because he hasn't met her yet?” 

"Exactly! That's why it's such a terrible idea!" Ross ran his hands through his dense  waves

. 

my brother, it won't take much convincing.” 

“She signed the contract. It was a done deal.” 

“If you say so…” He shrugged. 

"Maybe I should go check them out." I turned towards the elevator. 

Ross put his arm around mine. "No. You're staying the night." 

"But-" 

“Perhaps you are right. Edwards wouldn't risk losing it all now by doing something stupid. Even he knows when to hold back.” 

"Now I know you're lying." 

He chuckled. "Come on. Let's go inside and wait for Edwards. Just think about how he would try so hard not to frown and fail. Hell, I don't think I've seen him that much to look back. someone's direction without mocking since— ” He interrupted himself.

"From?" 

He avoided looking into my eyes. attack every night.”

I patted him on the shoulder and laughed. He is my boss. "

“Doesn't make it any less true. I'm surprised to say that the sub is not removed because of that kind of abuse. " 

I let out a chuckle. 

"Callahan." Edwards' voice boomed.

A few strays jostled inside the ballroom when Edwards' voice was heard. 

"He sure knows how to clean a room, ' Ross said. 

Whatever I found happiness in Ross' eyes died as soon as Edwards stopped beside us and frowned. The air turned into something cold, with Edwards' icy glow at risk. reverses climate change His massive body blocks my view of the entire foyer.The spotlight behind only accentuates the sharpness of his lines, bringing out the shadows. dark in his eyes and jawline. 

Compared to Ross's golden boy look with blond hair and blue eyes, Edwards reminded me of the depths of the ocean — cold, dark, and eerily quiet. Like a monster lurking within reach, it only took one breath to turn someone into his prey. From his dark hair to the grimace that is permanently etched into his face, he gives off a feeling that makes everyone turn around.

Yes, everyone, except me. Some might say he earned my loyalty through a paycheck, but that's not the case. We share a mutual respect that has stood the test of time. Although the first few months we worked together were difficult, my commitment to success as his assistant helped pave the way for our relationship today.

Somehow we click even though we're opposites in every way. I am a black woman. He is a white man. I smiled and he scowled. He wakes up early every morning to work out while I won't be caught dead at the gym unless going to a smoothie at the cafe. We couldn't be more different if we tried, but we made it work. Or at least I do.

I stepped between the two brothers. “Edwards, what are you doing out here? Is it time to announce?

Edwards looked away from Ross and looked down at me . Most people cower under his gaze, but I straightened my spine and looked straight at him like nana had taught me. 

"She quit." 

I blinked. “Who quit? Wedding planner? “ 

No. Wife. Belinda.” 

“Anne quit?!”

Ross dared to look smug. 

Edwards didn't take his eyes off my face as he activated all my carefully orchestrated plans. She." 

"This can't be happening." I don't believe he ruined my days of hard work. Find him a wife willing to marry him and have his children. for him to become CEO and earn his inheritance is almost impossible. Refuses to believe that

doesn't change the truth.

so…” Ross said, 

“This is all your fault.” I glared at him. 

Ross raised both hands in the air. "No! It's not my fault. My brother's attitude is bigger than his cock.” 

Edwards smacked Ross on the back of the head. I ignored their argument as I crossed the carpet, circling around. them. 

"You should run away while you have a chance." Ross finished his glass before stealing my half-finished flute 

. 

Ross' nostrils flared. He clenched his fists at his sides before he took a deep breath and let the anger melt away from him. He turned his attention to me. “That's why my grandfather made that inheritance clause in the first place. He knew Edwards wasn't ready to be CEO and thought a family could soften his heart. I mean, how can someone like him inspire the masses when he is always looking to destroy everyone around him?

Edwards clenched his jaw . Ross raised his eyebrows in silent mockery. 

I pointed to Ross. "Don't act like a kid and use that big brain of yours to get us out of this mess." Edwards' eyes were focused on me as I turned towards him. “And you stop taking your anger out on other people. Your getting into trouble has nothing to do with Ross and everything to do with you.” 

He just looked at me with those empty eyes that I hated more than anything. 

Ross scoffed. “Of course he screwed this up. His latest software update does not include a manual on how to be a decent human being.” 

"You're both hopeless," I grumbled under my breath as I grabbed the phone and dialed Anne's number. It rings twice before going straight to voicemail. I called back but this time the voicemail picked up right away. "Damned!" 

"No answer?" Ross has the ability to listen with pleasure. 

"What did you do?" I hissed in Edwards' direction. 

Edwards picked up an invisible piece of lint from the sleeve of his coat as if it were the most boring conversation of his day. "She's not cut for work." 

“And what do you want me to do with that information given the fact that we have hundreds of people waiting to hear about your engagement to some mysterious woman? I have ringing in my ears.” 

He looks at me with narrowed eyes, and I glare back at him with my hands on my hips.

Ross makes a loud sound as if to remind us of his presence. “I also want to know how things are going. Father will be delighted to hear of Edwards' failed engagement. " 

Oh my God. While his father was unaware of Edwards' letter from Brady Kane detailing the claims to his inheritance, he wasn't stupid. After all, there's a reason he's a successful businessman. I have no doubt that if he caught the faintest sign that this engagement was fake, he would go to Brady's attorney. And if the lawyer believes him, Edwards could lose everything. 

Think about it, Rose. Think. I tried Anne's number one more time, hoping the third time was a charm. Voicemail can be heard loud and clear through the speaker of the tiny phone. 

Ross whistled before exploding. "It was the sound of the future of Edwards dying." 

“You don't have somewhere to stay? A nut bar perhaps? "Edwards snaps. 

"Why pay for alcohol when I can get it for free with just a penny of yours?" Ross grinned as he swung his champagne flute in the air. 

I try to tweak them as I weigh my options.

What can you do? Quit once and for all? 

No. I refuse to give up now. Not when I almost helped Edwards reach his goal. 

You can call the backup you have, but Edwards made her cry

- “You know, Rose is still single.” Ross' smile turned sinister. "It's only natural for her to get into the role because no one understands you better than her." 

“No,” Edwards snapped. 

Wait. 

Right. 

I! 

It's not like I have a lot of things stopping me from stepping in as a surrogate. With no boyfriend to talk to or commit to first, I could easily replace Anne.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Well, if not me, then who? We are out of time and suitable fiances.

I opened my mouth, only to be interrupted by a squeal from Emma, ​​Edwards' wedding planner. "There you are! I'm wondering where the fiancé snuck off to." Emma's high-pitched voice echoed, 

"You can't pay for this kind of entertainment." Ross finished my glass first. as she leaned against the table and smiled. 

"Where's the fiancée I rarely hear of?" Emma waved her cardboard tray like a magic wand. 

I'm glad I kept Anne's identity private in case something like this happened. 

You can't seriously think about marrying him. You don't even love him.

I don't need to love him. It's a contract, not a love match.

Edwards interrupted my thoughts, “Beatr—” 

“Her name is Emma, ​​dear.” I pressed my hand to his chest. His body stiffened, and I patted him again in a way that said act naturally. 

His dark eyebrows pulled back as he stared down at my hand as if he wanted to rip it apart finger by finger. "What are you doing?" His words were sharp enough to pierce my hand-finished exterior. 

"Saved you the hassle of having to introduce me and explain our story." I shot him the sweetest smile I could manage under the circumstances. 

Are you really going to do this, Rose? the voice of reason speaks. 

I don't see many options here.

This is marriage! It's not something you can withdraw from when you're scared. 

I shut down all thoughts that opposed my plan. That was just a few years of my life. 

What if you have a baby?!

Well, I've always wanted to be a mother. 

YES. In five years! 

At least I can start my five-year plan a little ahead of schedule.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned my attention back to Emma. I stepped out of Edwards' stiff arms before taking his hand. The muscles beneath his suit tensed, visibly tightening beneath the material of the jacket. 

Great. We'll have to deal with his aversion to your touch later. "Emma, ​​I wasn't completely honest with you when we talked on the phone." 

Her smile faded. "OH." 

“I was a little hesitant about introducing myself as anything but Edwards' assistant before meeting you in person. See, I've been with the Kane Company for a while, and you know how easily rumors spread. She bowed her head as she clutched the 

clipboard to her chest. "Of course. I get it. 

“I was scared of what people would think about me dating my boss, but we couldn't hide it anymore. We don't want to hide that." My voice cracked without me trying. 

Edwards' only sign of distress was the way he winked at me twice. I have never seen him blink twice. Not when a deal he made for two years blows up and certainly not when his grandfather dies. 

It makes me… insecure. 

I stiffened my spine and turned back to Emma. “We are ready to move forward with our future. There's no reason to keep our love a secret anymore." 

Ross hands me two thumbs behind Emma's back. He deserved an Oscar before prompting Edwards to smile with two middle fingers. 

Emma's whole face lit up as she took our hands. "Oh! Tonight must have been a big deal for both of you, for many reasons." Her eyes fell to my bare ring finger. 

"Oh that's right. The ring!" I turned my gaze to Edwards. 

The tic in his jaw is present for all to see. 

Sorry, Edwards, I'm saving you from ruining your entire future, even though it doesn't seem so right now. 

Edwards jerked his hand away from mine. He pulled from his pocket a platinum strap with a beautiful solitaire diamond. I was a little surprised by the elegant ring. It's no different from the ungainly monstrosity I chose for his future wife, which just confuses me. Did he choose the wrong one at the store? I knew I shouldn't have trusted him with something so important, but he refused.

Emma raised her eyebrows in silent question, pulling me back to that moment. 

“I asked Edwards to keep it because we needed to resize it. That damn thing flew off my fingers as soon as I jumped into his arms after he proposed.” 

"Oh no!" Emma pouted. 

Ross looked into Emma's eyes. "I told my brother that proposing in the rain was a bad idea, but he insisted it was the perfect moment because Rose loved them." 

"I've never seen anyone kneel faster than him." I winked at Emma and her cheeks flushed pink. 

Edwards' frown became clearer, which just made me laugh. 

“The man almost tore his Tom Ford in half while chasing that ring. My brother has never panicked like this before, so it's a good thing he found it before it fell down the storm drain." Ross put an arm around Edwards' shoulder, and Edwards immediately shoved him away. 

“Did you see all of this on the video? I would highly recommend it to the guests! ' Emma smiled brightly. 

The back of my neck was hot. "Oh no. Edwards's proposal was spurred on at this point. It was so romantic - 'I inhaled as the devil grabbed my left hand, and goose bumps on my skin. He followed the trail when pulled the ring onto my finger.

"Oh look! It's fitting after all! ' Emma clapped her hands. I swear she only has two volume settings—loud and shrill. 

“He must have found some time in his busy schedule to finally re-size it.” My cheeks are hot. 

Edwards pulled on the strap once, testing the fit before putting his hand in his pocket. 

I trace the diamond with my finger before pulling on the ring. The band didn't budge. I cleared my throat and tried to put on a smile. "I think it's stuck." 

See Anne has a smaller finger than mine. Can I take a break tonight? 

“In different ways,” his voice was low enough for only me to hear. Something about the depth of his voice sent chills through my body. He stepped out of my proximity, and I took a deep breath. 

He adjusted his jacket. "It's time to get started with this program." 

A program. No more no less. A fake marriage was meant to save my boss from losing everything he had worked for all his life. 

The thought sent a new wave of panic inside me, stronger than ever. I tried to tell myself that it was just a marriage on paper, but nothing seemed to calm the fast beating of my heart.

Edwards' gaze touched mine as if he could sense my growing anxiety. My reality was like a bad sunburn, and I found my breathing becoming more and more difficult with each passing second.

I just signed up to help Edwards — for better or worse. 

Until death separates us.