Billionaire's Exhibit Wife

Chapter 2- Proposals And Soirées Pt1

"FIND ME THIS WOMAN!"

Zane had had just about enough of the whisphers and accusations. In the passing weeks, he'd overheard more than a conversation or two regarding the incident, which never occurred.

"He had s*x with another woman the exact same day of his late wife's funeral." The gossips were such... "No surprise there, he'd f**k just about anything with two holes" and such.

"It was probably his coping mechanism" a few giving him the benefit of the doubt. "He just lost someone important to him. Very likely he'd want some companion"

Half true, Zane would say.

"Still, that is very disrespectful " And others, just downright disgusted by this 'deed'. "He could've waited, at least a day, out of respect for the dead"

Though he planned on doing exactly what the rumours were all about that night, the fact that not even a single kiss was shared was what enraged him.

Apart from that...

Zane thought as he ran his eyes over the newspaper. An image of the lady, Elora, unaware of the now prying paparazzi's camera, as she simply took a stroll.

He'd been weighed down by his guilt over the weeks. Having her fired for no just cause.

And though the memory's vague and all blur, he remembers blabbing about family matters, his father's high expectations, his mother's desires... and his wife.

Only God knows how much he told her. How he'd partly been the cause of her death... how he'd given a little push to the already suicidal woman.

"Mr Zane Lowe, Miss Elora Jensen " the butler, Frederick, announced to a spaced out Zane.

He hadn't taken note of the approaching footsteps, nor Frederick who repeatedly cleared his throat after introducing his expected guest.

But he did a lady's perfume. Even though it was a cheap knock-off.

Zane looked up, to once more regard the brown doe eyed, dark curtained hair belle from a less intoxicated observation this time.

He won't deny he hadn't had a drink or three upon awaiting her arrival.

Zane had, however, not expected her to make an appearance. He owed her nothing, so why exactly did she agree to come.

To seduce him perhaps?, he pondered as he took note of her flatteringly above knee length and sleeveless sky blue dress... Or-

"Here's your money sir" she tilted her head downwards, and inserted a hand into the brown hanging purse. Her upper body slightly bows, as she now stretched out both arms with a few dollar notes in it.

I see, Zane notioned with an unplanned smile. 'To return the s*x money. Who would've thought.'

He uncrossed his feet, carefully folds the newspaper, before gently placing it on top the crystal clear counter, beside what would've been his fourth glass of wine.

"How do I know it's complete?" He played, at least on his own, as he now stood on both feet, adjusting his striped navy blue and white necktie.

He'd been way too intoxicated to remember just how much he offered for her service that night.

"You can't " she replied dryly.

Zane now took long strides up to her, she lifted her head and upon noticing his hand was at arm's reach, she lunged at it, clumsily placing the money into his palm.

"Didn't you just get fired Miss Jensen?" Zane questions as he lets go of it, and she, watching the 3,000$ notes all land softly on the ceramic tiles "you need the money more than I do"

She did need it but..Had he seriously expected her to grovel for it? To go on all fours and gather the six 500$ bills like she had no dignity left?

She pondered, feeling insulted.

"I don't want anything to do with you" Elora firmly stated.

"Why?" Zane casually closed the distance between them, stepping on a few notes, whereas Elora did the contrary, as she backed up "Are you afraid of me?"

She was indeed.

After their little chit chat that night, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd been talking to a possible killer.

"How did... your wife die?" curiosity somewhat getting the best of her.

This again, Zane thought irritated "Leave us"

The butler immediately turned heels and exeated the room, giving those two their much needed privacy.

"What is it that you want? More money?" he asked, kicking one of the 500$ bill.

Zane decided to use a different approach to shut her up. The most common tool in politics... Bribery

"I want to know how she died"

But Elora didn't give in.

Of course, she wouldn't! Who in the world returns money!? Especially someone who's on the verge of becoming homeless

"And how the f**k would that benefit you?" Zane was pissed by the tough front she put up. "You tell it to the press, it will fly pass within days, what's your f*****g gain!?"

Elora fell silent. Deep down, she knew he was right. She would gain nothing with this information.

"So I will ask you this only once again, what is it that you really want, miss Jensen?" inquiring, after a moment of calming his nerves.

It took a while before she could mutter her response.

"I want to... To work a white collared job" no matter, Elora had finally succumbed to her desires.

Zane was taken aback. A f*****g 9-5 office job?? He'd expected her to ask for an island or her very own business she could run.

He was the one who now felt insulted.

"You could ask me for anything and that-"

"Yes" she replied, cutting him off. "Just that"

"Very well then" he composed himself despite her dull request.

"I will be needing something from you as well, Miss Jensen"

Zane already knew a lot about her...

For starters, her rent was 2 months late and the landlord was 3 days away from kicking her out... Of course, Zane knew that, he'd done his research.

How she'd taken out loans from two of her accounts and is now in increasing debt load to her bank..he'd done his goddamn research!

Her low level of education, not even halfway through with college, could only get her that far, and working in an office was the peak of her expectations..he'd done his goddamn bloody research!!

Life was f*****g her up good and she needed a way out.

He knew just how hopeless she was and, as any sensible person should, would definitely be using it to his advantage.

But... what could Zane possibly need from this insignificant vermin? Elora must've contemplated so too.

"Be my wife" He proposed to the stranger. "I won’t touch, kiss nor get in anyway too physical with you without your permission." Zane offered a sly smile as he uttered his next words " You...may however do with me as you please."

"If you agree to this, you can work in an office"

That was how bribery worked afterall. A two-way benefit.

"So you can have me killed as well"

Zane sighed. She was persistent, and might not be a good match for this after all.

"All I'm going to say is my late wife, Martha, took her own life. If that is not enough to convince you, then you may leave "

Never sounding desperate during a bribery as it is all part of convincing them there are other options.

Elora knew she couldn't trust this man. Most billionaires would sacrifice a loved one to hold on to their precious riches within a heartbeat.

Even though she wasn't held dear in his heart, at least she could be weary of him.

"But why me..." Elora now pondered, slowly giving in to this tempting offer "Why not any of the beaut-"

"You're right. There's nothing peculiar about you" he flatly laid out as he walked back to the counter before she could start suggesting models or famous celebrities, clasping the newspaper tightly in his hands.

"But all that rumour spreading about like a virus, it is bad for the company's stock." he explained business, tossing the article to the brown sofa.

"I don't want someone who loves me" he explained his personal freedom.

His desires to want to roam around freely with just about any woman as he pleased, and not get anyone sore.

"And I want, to so badly piss off my parents" he explained his pettiness.

All his 27 years of living, he'd done what they wanted and they still were never pleased with him.

He was finally sick of it... Of desperately trying to gain a pair of cold hearted gargoyle statues approval.

Marrying Leah? He liked her enough to not want to hurt her. Either way, this would still be as damaging.

And aside from those reasons, her sense of self righteousness after finding out he'd deemed her a p********e that night was what brought her here. Even though she needs the money... she returned it.

Elora wasn't money minded, Zane notioned. But perhaps somewhat dense.

"So after hearing my request, are you sure that's all you want from me? Will you agree to be my accessory wife just for a life sucking job?" He says, still disheartened by her request.

"I won't have to touch or kiss you. We'll just get married and-"

"Yes, you can f**k as many other guys as you want. Trust I will do likewise " Zane grew exhausted with this back and forth "Yes or no" he wanted his answer now.

Elora simply nipped at her lip as she nodded. "Yes" a hint of uncertainty in the tone backing up her decision, but Zane ignored it. Like he gave an actual f**k.

In one word, if one was to explain why she agreed to this, you could say she was desperate.

And desperate times always called for desperate measures.

No matter, she wouldn't marry this degrading wealthy pig for his money, Elora conditioned herself. She would work for it. And pay off any debt she might attain in the long run.

"You will also have to live with me." He added afterwards "To deceive the press."

'Like you have a choice. You're getting kicked out of your apartment in 3 days. And you're pretty much penniless', Zane processed inwardly.

He, however, continued even without a reply "There's also an event tonight and I'll officially present you as my fiancée"

An event? Tonight?? With more people like you to handle???

"Are we not rushing things?" she expressed her concern.

After all, agreeing to live and wed a stranger was already all too f*****g much to take in. But he had to drop another bomb on her... Just for a bloody office job??