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
AnaI stepped out of the building, my body threatening to collapse under my shaky legs any minute. I glanced around to find the driver waiting by the car, just like in the morning.I was still reeling from my heated argument with Ben. I wondered how I was going to survive 30 days in the same space with him.He would always be around me; in the house, in the office. Soon enough, I might find myself doing something I might regret later. The man was totally unbearable.And yet Mama Canda called him adorable? I'm absolutely sure she has no idea the type of man he really was. A giant asshole!The driver opened the car door and I entered, settling comfortably into the plush leather seat, grateful to be away from Ben's toxic presence.I sniffled and flicked away a single droplet of tears from my cheeks. I would never let Ben get under my skin again. I would do my job and get the hell out of his house once it's over.I fished around in my purse for my phone and called Beth.As I waited for Be
AnaThe next morning, I descended to the kitchen, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.Ben was already seated at the table, sipping coffee and scrolling through his phone.Hmm. He didn't leave early today."Good morning," he said, his tone neutral.I nodded, taking a seat across from him. "Morning."The silence between us was tense, but I refused to break it.As we ate, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. His expression was guarded, but I detected a hint of curiosity in his eyes.What was he thinking?Did he regret our argument the previous day?Or was he plotting his next move?“Why didn't you inform me beforehand that you'll be moving in with a child and a teenager?” He suddenly asked, out of nowhere.“I had no reason to. You didn't leave me any choice.” I answered, pacing my tone so as to avoid losing it and yelling at him.He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Fine. But we are going to have a discussion about it and I'm going to set some rules.”“It's your house. W