Ben I pulled out of Ana's driveway, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Things were falling into place. Ana was finally on board with our arrangement, and I could focus on landing that business deal. As I drove, my mind turned to the tasks ahead. I needed to brief my security team on the new situation and make sure they were prepared for any potential threats. But why was Ana suddenly trying to avoid moving when she was the one that called me herself the previous night? It didn't make any sense. I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the road ahead. I couldn't let personal feelings get in the way of our arrangement. This was business, after all. But as I pulled into my driveway, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't control. Mama Canda greeted me at the door, her usual warm smile in place. “You left this morning in such a hurry. Is everything okay?” “Someone is moving into the house today,” I replied, handing her my keys. “She
AnaI took a deep breath and stepped back inside, the silence of my home a stark contrast to the rising chaos outside. I headed straight to Liam's room, gently shaking him awake.“Hey, baby, time to get up,” I whispered, trying to sound cheerful.Liam rubbed his eyes with his tiny fingers, yawning in his sleep. I had a second thought and decided to leave him to continue sleeping for now.I headed to Beth's room, knocking softly on the door. After our argument last night, I was doubtful she was in the mood to talk to me but I tried nonetheless. “Beth, can we talk?”Beth opened the door, looking sleepy. “What is it, Ana?”I took a deep breath. “We're moving to Ben Pierce's house today.”Beth's eyes went wide. “What? Why?”I filled her in on the basics and the things she needed to know – the protection from Tony, the new life. I of course left out the part where Ben had threatened to throw me in jail if I didn't bend to his demands.Beth listened, her expression growing increasingly susp
BenAfter my disastrous presentation, I took a break from work and drove home. I needed to freshen up, eat one of Mama Canda's special meals so I can think more clearly and strategize for the postponed presentation.That was the initial plan.But somehow, I spent the rest of the day reviewing security protocols and briefing my team on Ana's arrival. They knew the drill - keep an eye on her from a distance and make sure she wasn't being followed.I sat at my desk, staring blankly at the papers in front of me. My mind kept wandering back to Ana. What was her story? Earlier today she had been a little bit erratic and that was suspicious. What secrets was she hiding?'Get a grip, Ben,' I muttered to myself. This was just a fake marriage, a business deal. Don't let it get personal.I sighed, rubbing my temples. Focus, Ben. Suddenly my phone rang. I checked the caller ID to see that it was my father, but my father never calls unless it was for something very important, like business.He
AnaAs we stood looking around the big expanse of a mansion, Liam's eyes widened. “Mommy! Look.” He pointed at the big winding staircase.I forced a smile, feeling a sense of unease. “Yes, baby. It's our new home now.”“OMG, Ana. This house is huge!” Beth's lips parted in shock as she came down from the car and entered the mansion.As all stood rooted to a spot, admiring the house, an elderly woman appeared, a warm smile plastered on her face. She bustled towards us, her bright floral dress fluttering around her.“Well, well, well! Look who's here! Our lovely Ana and… her sweet boy!” She exclaimed, enveloping me in a hearty hug.“You can call me Candace dear.” She smiled and looked straight into my eyes.Her cheerful and confident demeanor immediately put me at ease. Liam giggled, charmed by her infectious energy.She beamed at Liam. “And you, young man, are going to love it here! We've got a whole wing for you, full of toys and games!”Liam's eyes widened, already sold.She turned to
AnaBen's contorted face loomed over me, his eyes blazing with fury as he growled in my face, “You're my property now!” His voice echoed dangerously in the dark room.My eyes flew open and I jolted awake in panic. I threw off the covers and scrambled out of bed. My legs tangled in the sheets, and I stumbled towards the door, knocking over the flower vase in the process. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the dark room.Ben's voice seemed to follow me, echoing ominously: "You can't run away from me. This is my house, and I'll find you in any hidey hole you might want to hide in." He let out a disturbing laugh that sent chills down my spine.Desperate for light, I got to what felt like the door and my trembling fingers searched for the switch. Finally, the room erupted into brightness, and I flattened myself against the wall. My eyes were wide with fear as I quickly scanned the room for the source of the voice.But there was no one else around, it was just me. Relief washed
AnaCandace’s touch was warm and comforting, but her words didn't exactly have the same positive effect.A message from Ben? What could he want now?I finished my meal in silence, lost in thought. Candace’s kindness and warmth only made me more uneasy. Why was Ben being so generous to us? What did he expect in return?His generosity was way too much for someone that's paying a random woman to be his fake wife.Thinking about Ben's motives made me lose my appetite, and as I pushed my plate away, Candace gestured for me to follow her. "Come, child. Let's get that message."I trailed behind her, my heart racing. What would Ben's message say? Was it another trap? I was still paying for the contract trap and can't walk into another.We entered Candace’s cozy room, filled with the scent of lavender and old books. She closed the door behind us and gestured for me to take a seat.My heart raced as I wondered what the message could be.Candace seemed to notice my anxious demeanor and sought t
Ana As we entered the conference room, Ben's confidence was palpable. How could he just shove me into an unfamiliar role and be okay with it? Whatever the outcome? "Remember, Ana, you're representing me and this company," he whispered, his breath cold against my ear. "Don't embarrass me." I felt a spark of defiance. This wasn't part of the deal! But Ben's grip on my elbow kept me in line. Ben took the floor and I settled into my seat, awaiting my turn to present. For a few moments, I fidgeted in my seat. My anxiety grew, as I worried about stumbling through the presentation and disappointing Ben and the investors present. His confident voice filled the room as he began his introduction. I watched, indignant, intrigued, as he commanded the investors’ attention. He spoke of innovation and progress, his words painting a vivid, believable picture. The investors leaned forward in their seats, captivated. My nerves began to settle. Ben's smooth delivery was strangely reassuring. "
BenI entered my office and slammed the door behind me. I had tried my best to hold it together back at the conference room but this shit was infuriating.My face burned with rage as I clenched my jaw. How could this have happened?A lot was at stake. The successful signing of this deal was crucial to the company's future and there was no room for mediocrity.Ana's presentation was excellent, and flawless. It was above average and better than what I'd expected from someone like her. Yet, the deal didn't go through.What a waste! I slammed my hands on the desk, sending files, papers, and stationary flying in all directions.My assistant came running. “Is everything okay, Mr. Pierce?”“You were there, what do you think!” I snapped at him, my frustration getting the better of me.“We're still in the clear, sir.” He said, cautiously stepping into my office. “Your wife did a wonderful job with the presentation. At least this time, they aren't writing us off completely.”I took a few calm