CHAPTER SIX

CHRISTIAN’S POV

As I sat and waited for a reaction from her, my mind couldn’t help but go back to Rebecca. She was starting to push her boundaries; she was becoming a problem. I don’t like problems; they piss me off.

Even though I hate to admit that this is my entire fault, I should have known better than to fuck my secretary. What the hell was I thinking? It’s not even office romance; it’s more dom and sub.

My thoughts briefly flickered back to Hayley, and I couldn’t help but marvel at her ability to catch me off guard. There was a raw innocence about her that intrigued me, a stark contrast to the polished women who typically surrounded me.

But I don’t want her as a submissive anyway; pure innocence sometimes bores me.

"I’ll Marry you” My eyes widened in surprise, she agreed.

I got up and walked towards where she stood, my body towering over her small figure.

As I kept staring at Hayley, the door to my office swung open, revealing Cassidy’s entrance. I shouldn’t be seeing more of this chick around, but whatever hope my father has given her about us being together is what keeps causing her to always find me.

My gaze turned back to Hayley, who seemed equally surprised at Cassidy’s appearance.

Without hesitation, I leaned in, capturing Hayley’s lips in a kiss. Our eyes locked, and a cloud of shock and unspoken feelings wavered over us. I needed to sell this lie, this illusion of having a fiancée, to make Cassidy leave me the fuck alone.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not running from Cassidy. I don’t need permission from her to fuck whoever I want; turning her down just seemed almost impossible.

She was a persistent pest. Cassidy cleared her throat. Her presence was almost an intrusion at that moment. Reluctantly, I broke the kiss. I heard a small gasp escape Hayley’s lips before I turned my attention to Cassidy’s well-practiced fake smile.

"You again; you just don’t give up. Don’t you have somewhere else better to be? Because why are you always looking for my attention."

Her jealous gaze flickered between Hayley and me; the suspicion was evident in her eyes.

“Well, I don’t think it’s bad to stop over and check on you," She shrugged.

“And have I ever done the same?” I answered

She was silent for a while. "Not once," she admitted almost painfully.

"Exactly, that should give you enough hint," I replied rudely.

I turned to Hayley, my fingers brushing against her cheeks.

“Who is she? your new play toy?” Cassidy scoffed as she dropped her handbag on the sofa, folding her arms.

“Be careful with your words, Cassidy; you would be polite to my fiancée.” I fired back before gazing back at Hayley, and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Fiancee? Christian Montgomery has a fiancée.”

Cassidy’s tone came off as doubtful; she burst into a mocking laughter, clapping her hands like I was making an impressive joke.

"You wouldn’t even date, and now you have a fiancée? Where did you get her from? A local coffee store?” She continued laughing.

I felt Hayley’s body tense up in anger; her hands clenched, and she swallowed.

"I’m surprised your family even let you out of the house with all that bad makeup.”

Hayley delivered one of the most beautiful comebacks I’ve ever heard.

All the smiles washed off Cassidy's face. She took a step closer to Hayley, and I closed the gap between us by wrapping my hands around her waist with a hint of possessiveness.

“You bitch!”

"I normally hate exchanging words, but I have a hard time dealing with people who take cluelessness as a full-time job, so please leave my husband alone.” Hayley continued

“ I don’t like getting physical either, but I can.” She sounded so fierce; it was like one second she was one self-conscious, shy lady, and then the next she was a badass.

"Wow, that’s some nerve you have! Get your hoe under control, Christian.” Cassidy laughed as she backed off.

"So where’s the engagement ring, huh? Show me!"

“Well, if you must know...”Hayley cut me off.

“Here it is. I didn’t want anything expensive, so I got this one. But if I’m going to be a rich wife soon, then I better get used to the lavishness. I might change it." She flashed her fingers at Cassidy. There was a small yet simple ring on it, almost like a promise ring.

This was it. Cassidy was defeated; she just stood utterly speechless. In a matter of seconds, she grabbed her bags; her hands clenched it so hard that I thought the crocodile leather they were made of could tear.

"You two are clowns! And you’re not fooling anyone but yourself" She fired and walked out of the office, slamming the door in a rage.

As soon as she left, I allowed my arm to release its hold on Hayley, and she stepped back lightly. With a hint of amusement in my eyes, I looked at her.

"Your acting was quite good for someone who was confused about the marriage proposal earlier."

“Well, forgive me if you think I’d allow whoever that was to trash-talk me. I might have accepted, doesn’t mean I’m not still clueless” She pushed her hair back.

"I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but I need a wife to prove to my father that I’m ready. And he can hand over the company to me. All you need to do is pretend; let’s sell a lie, and that’s all. I’ll pay whatever bill you have, and I’ll give you extra money for good performance."

"So that’s what all this is about?” She raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in her expression.

"With my points, yes.” I answered bluntly.

"And for how long is this charade going to be?"

"Six months"

She paused to have a quick think as she turned her back on me. She slowly started pacing in the same spot she was standing.

"Since I’ve agreed to this, I can make some rules, right?” She turned to face me.

"I’m way ahead of you.” I walked towards my drawer and pulled it out, bringing a small document from it and throwing it on the table towards her.

She gave me a look of uncertainty before pulling it closer. She flipped it open, and her eyes scanned the document.

The contract had both of our names boldly written on it, along with our dates of birth.

RULES

• If you attempt to back out of the marriage before six months are over, you won’t get paid.

• You have to show a public display of affection whenever you are around the media.

• You may choose to see whoever you want whenever we aren’t together in public.

• Do not tell anyone about the agreement, or it will be canceled.

• You only wear what I tell you to for events or any media presence

• After the contract is done, you will receive additional money and leave.

“Also add that we won’t have sex without consent, or even ever.” She said it in an irritating tone.

"Now that you’re my fake wife, I’ll be sure to add that to the list and reprint.” I assured her.

She took one last glance at the contract while biting her lip. She finally raised her head and faced me.

"It’s settled then, but I need half payment first.” She said, and I smiled and handed her a pen.

"Just sign boldly." I gestured to the contract, and she turned and signed rapidly. It was like she just needed to get this over with.

"What next?" She dropped the pen.

"Pack your things, you’re living with me."