The Billionaire Fake Fiancée

“I think it's high time you got out of that bed!” Sarah announced as she drew the window curtains open. She sat back on a small chair next to the bed. “You can't keep living like this. Besides, lying in bed all day does not fix the problem.” Kate reluctantly sat up in bed. “But I was counting on that contract...” she said with a tired sigh. She stared lazily around the room. Her gaze fell absentmindedly on the pile of clothes on the floor. Those were the clothes she had worn to the event-planning pitch two days ago. “...but that arrogant son of a b***h. To hell with him!” “If I were to say, you shouldn't have insulted him—” “You mean—” “Not there at the meeting?” Sarah suggested. “I know I overreacted. You know... you know...” Kate said, raising both her hands and shoulders simultaneously. “It was really a bad day for me. Can you imagine? My car broke down on the highway that day.” “I had to call a cab to take me to the venue. I was fifteen minutes late for the meeting... and he was nothing but a spoiled brat!” Kate cried. “Can you imagine what he said to me?” “And what did he say?” Sarah inquired. “He called me an incompetent lowlife,” Kate said, continuing to sob. Sarah moved closer and held her. “Who does he think he is to call you a lowlife?” “Anyway, that's all in the past now. You have to get out of bed right now, clean yourself up, and get ready. We're going out for brunch.” “And at least figure out a way to raise money for Davy's logistics. I think that would be a good start.” Kate's phone rang for the second time. “Are you not taking the call?” Kate checked the caller ID and dropped the phone back onto the bed. “Is that Daniel?” Sarah asked. “No. I don't know who the hell this is.” “Then pick up the goddamn phone!” The phone rang for a third time before Kate finally answered it. “It’s Ryan Johnston...” Kate sat up straight and adjusted her clothes while Sarah watched in amazement. “Is this Miss Kate Malcolm?” he asked. “Yes... I mean, yes. This is Kate Malcolm speaking.” “Who is it? Who is it?” Sarah whispered. “R-Ryan,” Kate replied in a low tone, covering the phone. “So, how are you, Miss Malcolm?” “I'm fine,” Kate responded. “I hope to meet you in Groveville at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. I have a business offer for you.” “What business?” “You'll find out once you get there. Don't forget, do not be late,” he said before ending the call. Sarah watched expectantly, waiting to hear more from Kate. “Who the hell is he to talk to me like that?” Kate lashed out. “And, what did he say?” Sarah asked curiously. Kate limped down the bed and headed straight into the bathroom, without saying another word. Kate and Sarah were sitting under the tree in front of the café. The tree provided shade for those seated outside. The cool morning air came with a gentle breeze that brushed against their skin. Kate was enjoying a cup of coffee with a slice of apple pie, while Sarah opted for tea instead. Sarah watched the couple seated next to them for a moment before turning her attention back to Kate, who was busy scrolling through her phone. "So, how's Daniel?" Sarah asked, breaking the silence after their order arrived. Kate looked up at Sarah. She hadn't heard the question. Sarah repeated herself, this time more clearly. "I asked how things were going between you and Daniel." Kate let out a heavy sigh and took a sip of her coffee. "I think he's fine," she answered reluctantly. A brief silence fell between them. Shortly afterwards, Sarah resumed. "It's been more than three years now. At least give him a chance." Kate looked away, feeling guilty. "Daniel is a great guy, but... I don't think I'm ready to go that far with him." "He's just not my type." "I understand, Kate. So, away from that topic, have you made up your mind about meeting Ryan Johnston tomorrow?" "I'm not so sure." "You dare not waste the chance to save your late father's legacy just because of your bruised ego." "I know. I need the money for Davy's logistics, but I can't stand being around him. Sarah, you don't understand. Like... this guy is so annoying." "But it's just business. You're only doing it for the money, right?" Sarah reassured her. "Look, you don't have to like him to work for him. Besides, it's only for a while. Right?" Kate nodded slowly, still unconvinced. “But the event-planning pitch is off, and the contract has already been awarded. So, what other business could he possibly be talking about?” Kate asked. “Whatever the job is, you'll take it and get it done. You hear me? This is no time to be picky,” Sarah said with finality. “Okay... fine! That's enough about me. So, how is little Kevin taking your marriage plans with Marcus?” “I think they're getting along well enough. Kevin is still struggling to accept Marcus into his life.” “Poor kid!” Kate exclaimed. “Things wouldn't have been this hard if only his father had stuck around.” “Yeah... the son of a b***h chose to start a new life with his mistress, and that's fine by me. I'm glad I met Marcus. He is such a good man.” Kate smiled as she watched her friend become happy again. Kevin was nine months old when Sarah found out about her ex-husband's affair. It was an incredibly difficult time for her, but she had to make a choice. After their divorce, her ex-husband became careless about his son's welfare. Sarah had borne the burden of raising Kevin alone. Then, four years later, Marcus stepped into their lives. “Did you know Kevin had always wanted to go to a baseball game? And you know what? On his fifth birthday, Marcus took him to see one live,” Sarah said excitedly. “I'm happy for you, my friend. You deserve to be happy again after all these years.” “You can say that again,” Sarah replied.