Marrying the Billionaire

CHAPTER THREE

The distant sound of my alarm awoke me as I threw my hand around everywhere trying to turn it off. After a solid minute of looking for it in vain I groaned loudly into my pillow and forced myself to get up. I sat up slowly on the edge of my bed trying to figure out what had woken me up this early. Then it hit me, today was the day I dreaded. Today was when I was finally going to get a job at my husband’s company. Did his employees even know he was married though? I guess I’d find that out later at the hr department.

I went to the bathroom and started my daily morning routine as I tried to figure out what exactly I’d wear to an interview where I was basically going to demand for a job and invoke some meaningless threats if necessary. Things I do just to get my dad off my back with his lectures. He’d be speechless when he decides to call again and finds out I’m actually being the perfect wife. I’d decided some time back since everything I loved was snatched heartlessly away from me, I’d just go by my parent’s bidding and prove to them that I’m so much better than their pathetic image of me. Some people would say that I was actually the one being pathetic, but hey, I still cared about my family too much to just abandon them. So to most maybe it would look like I was scrapping for my dad’s acknowledgement. And now that I was thinking about it maybe that’s what I was actually doing. I didn’t know and I didn’t want to think about this topic any further.

I quickly finished drying my hair and headed to my wardrobe with an inkling of an idea of what I wanted to wear. I needed to look intimidating and elegant. Enough to get a job, maybe not too powerful looking or they’d be too scared to hire me. But wait, wouldn’t that be perfect to get a higher up job. Hmmm….

I scanned my clothes then finally managed to settle on what I’d wear. I opted for my white halter top and black skinny official pants. I eyed myself in the mirror and decided my outfit still needed something; I just looked like I was going out for a photoshoot or something. I checked my wardrobe and my peach blazer caught my eye. I never actually thought I’d ever wear it when my mum forced me to buy it. I pulled it on and liked how it was bringing my outfit together. I looked at my clock and saw it was almost seven. If I wanted to have breakfast before I left I was clearly running late. I quickly scanned my heels and settled on a pair of nude coloured five inch heels. I decided on carrying my black Michael Kors leather tote. I went over to my dresser and carefully did my makeup. I decided to go for a natural look. I pulled my hair into a high ponytail and admired how my dark curls were nice and wavy and bouncy and all. I wore my silver watch and grabbed my stunners from the table. Looking at my full length mirror I was proud of how I’d turned out. I struck my power pose then stepped out confidently.

I knew I didn’t have time to prepare breakfast for myself so I just decided I’d stop by whichever coffee shop came by first on my way. I grabbed one of Killian’s car keys ignoring the maid who was coming to chastise me no doubt and quickly headed for the garage.

I pressed the unlock button and was pleased to see that I’d unlocked his matte black jeep wrangler. Today I was going to feel most powerful. I quickly got in and drove out partly expecting the watchman to refuse for me to pass. Thank God he opened without too much drama.

It was already 7:27 I wasn’t too late. I stepped on the gas hoping the traffic wouldn’t be too much. But just in case I knew a couple of shortcuts. The traffic wasn’t as heavy as I thought it would be for a Monday. Maybe everyone was just too lazy or busy hating themselves or Monday. I didn’t care I was happy. I stopped by a small cosy coffee shop.

An old woman smiled warmly at me and welcomed me trying to usher me to a seat.

“I’m actually in a hurry sorry, just give me a large cappuccino to go, and a brownie thanks.”

I watched her, smile still on her face go behind the counter and slowly take herself round the kitchen humming to some tune. She was so slow if she wasn’t so old I’d have left already. Five minutes later she handed me my coffee and brownie then slowly went over to the cashier. I hurriedly removed a twenty dollar bill. According to the menu my bill came to around nine dollars.

“Keep the change.” I smiled sweetly at her then left.

7:39. Hooowww!!! This wasn’t even possible. Time was practically flying.

I placed my coffee on the cup holder and my brownie next to my bag then continued with my journey in a rush. Would I really get whoever was in charge though? Maybe they haven’t reached or were in a meeting. Oh well. I’ve already come this far I might as well finish my mission. If I wasn’t wrong I should be about ten minutes away from CPMason. I took a sip of my coffee and stepped on the gas.

I decided to park in the company’s basement as I quickly gulped down my coffee. I need it. I’d barely taken more than three bites of my brownie before my phone started vibrating near me.

Oh wow! My beloved husband was calling.

“Skylar.” I answered brightly.

“What brings you here?”

Straight to the point. Sure, let’s not waste time on mere pleasantries.

“I’m here to get a job,” then a brilliant idea suddenly popped in my head. “Be a darling and get one for your dear wife?”

“Come to my office now!” he hang up immediately. He sounded furious. I might be in trouble. I took a big bite of my brownie sipped some coffee, grabbed my bag and left. Immediately I entered everyone’s eyes were on me. I headed straight for the receptionist’s desk.

“Hi, how may I help you?” the receptionist said with a trained smile on her face.

“Hi, where’s Killian’s office?” I assumed I looked extra official since I’d switched my stunners for my spectacles on my way up. They could easily be confused for being a fashion accessory but I actually needed them.

I could tell she was confused as to whom I was but it wasn’t her job to ask.

“7th floor. It’s the only office. You need a passcode to access the floor.”

For real! I mentally rolled my eyes. I looked at her expectantly waiting for her to tell me but she just looked at me.

“What’s the passcode?” I asked her with a forced smile.

“Only Mr. Keith and his assistant know. She has to come down and take you if you have an appointment.”

I was struggling to stay positive. It was too early to get my day spoilt. I dug through my purse for my phone and dialled Killian’s number. He picked on the second ring.

“What the f**k’s your passcode? Better yet come get me.” I muttered lowly trying to restrain my anger but I was pretty sure Ms. Receptionist heard everything I was saying. I noticed the shocked look on her face as she struggled but failed to mask it.

He scoffed then cut. I looked over at….I squinted my eyes a bit to read her nametag, Brittany.

“Where can I wait, Brittany?” she pointed over to the sofa just opposite the reception. I smiled slightly at her and went over to seat.

I was just getting comfortable when I felt someone looming over me. I looked up to see the girl from the other night looking down at me as if she’d forgotten me. This b***h. I noticed her slight smirk as if she’d won something then she suddenly broke the silence.

“Mrs. Brooks?” there was something about the way she said it. This girl should really keep her guard up. She’s really trying me.

I gave her a sickly sweet smile and stood up. I easily towered over her since already without the heels I was still taller than her. I smiled a bit remembering yester night and watched as her bravado suddenly failed her. She took three quick steps back and nearly fell over but managed to keep her balance.

“Mr. Killian awaits you. Follow me.” She turned and started leading me towards the elevator. So she wasn’t a model as I previously thought but the infamous secretary. Damn. Today she’d worn a tight beige skirt that had a slit behind between her legs and stopped around mid-thigh. Her white chiffon top had a killer cleavage. I really don’t blame Killian for tapping this one.

There was that usual elevator awkward silence then we finally reached his floor. She got out first leading me down the hallway. She stopped in front of a huge mahogany door knocked twice and opened the door.

“Your wife, sir.” She announced holding the door wide open for me.

Killian looked up from his papers and took in my outfit.

“Don’t let anyone interrupt us Paige. Hold off all my appointments.” She nodded dutifully and left closing the door carefully behind her.

He turned his attention back to me. “Sit.”

I took my time going to the chair and sat.

“Why do you want to work? Here especially. I’ll give you money daily if that’s the problem.”

“I’d like to work close to my husband. Is it so wrong for a spouse to want to be close to her fated partner? Is it so wrong for me to love my darling husband and want to be nearer to him?” I was being extra I know.

“Don’t be so dramatic.” He eyed me as if weighing his options and having an inner debate then finally sighed. “What position do you want?”

My face immediately lit up. “Fin-“

“I was joking. I’m not giving you a job and an option to choose what you want to do. You’ll be my personal assistant. I’m sure you know what that entails. I’ll have my lawyers draft up a contract and you’ll be presented with it before the end of the workday.”

My heart dropped. This wasn’t at all what I wanted. I should’ve just stayed home.

“Before I forget, we’ll be going public with our relationship status. My grandfather will be discharged soon and he’ll get suspicious.”

I loved the old man but him being discharged now, I just wasn’t ready. I already knew that he loved me as a daughter ever since that time I worked at the hospital he was admitted in at the time. I hated that I had to lie to him in order for me to get married to Killian. I had him believe that I was head over heels in love with Killian and wanted to marry him. I convinced him to push Killian into marrying me under the impression that it was just a business deal, which is what I had intended for it to be, but Frank was a sappy romantic, he wanted his grandson to finally settle and give him great grandkids. Both of us would end up happy, his grandson will settle and I will get the cash for my family. With him aboard the ship nothing could stop us. Regardless of the fact that I didn’t plan on keeping up my end of the deal.

“So when will we announce our marriage?” I asked him after I’d managed to swallow the lump lodged in my throat. He looked thoughtful for a moment then came to a decision.

“Today.” He bent over and pulled something out of the drawers.

“Here. This is only temporary so don’t lose it. That’s my grandmother’s ring that apparently goes down from generation to generation.”

He handed me a beautiful vintage tiny box. I carefully took it from his hands and opened. I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. What I was looking at was the most beautiful thing I’d ever laid my eyes on. It was a beautiful white gold ring with a princess cut diamond that just pulled you in. I plucked it from its safe haven and looked over at Killian feeling like I was violating everyone in his lineage by even touching it.

“Won’t you put it on me, darling?” the last part came out a bit strained but I could tell I took him by surprise.

“Come.” He agreed immediately and that took me by surprise. I didn’t think he’d agree. He pushed his chair back as I went round to his side. My heart was going wild in my chest. He took my hand softly and slipped in the ring. It was a perfect fit. That was insane. His hand lingered a bit sending my heart into a wilder frenzy. He slowly pulled his hand away and I quickly stepped back. Confused as to what just happened.

“I know the perfect way for us to go public without much work on our end. Follow me.” He stood up and left his office with me rushing quickly before him struggling to keep up with his pace.

He led us into what I assumed was the employee lounge and quickly took my hand in his. My breath hitched in my throat as everyone’s attention turned to us.

Killian cleared his throat to get the room to quiet down then announced in his bossy voice, “This is my wife, Mrs. Skylar Brooks. She’ll be working with us as of tomorrow. Acquaint yourself with her in your spare time.” He nodded his head and pulled my hand a bit to follow him. I was speechless. That was just like a normal everyday announcement. But, oh well, he knew what he was doing.

As we got into the lift he let go of my hand and I instantly missed his warmth. I was a bit grateful though, I did not like the way I was reacting to him and all this was just too weird.

“There’s a gala tonight we should attend. Paparazzi will be there. Dress to kill, I’ll pick you up at 7:30. You may leave now.” He finished just as the elevator dinged on his floor. I wanted to punch him in his gut so bad. I followed him though, for my purse, nothing too crazy.

He raised his perfect eyebrow at me but I ignored him and just increased my speed so I was walking alongside him. How was he still towering over me even with my heels? I was at least 6 feet tall now. He pushed his door open and I quickly slid in before him. I knew there was no way he’d hold it open for me.

I grabbed my purse that I’d left by the chair. “Will you come home with the contract?”

“Yes.” I walked over to him and caught his tie just before he could sit. He looked at me bewildered.

“What’s your favourite colour?” I asked him in the sexiest voice I could master and looked up at him through my lashes pushing my boobs up his chest. If anyone asked me what the f**k it was I thought I was doing, I wouldn’t have an answer.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d carry yourself with a bit more dignity.” He pulled his tie from my grasp and sat down his attention immediately back to his work. That felt like a stab right through my heart. He’d managed to shred all my dignity with that one sentence. I think the female goddess in me may have died even. I still tied to keep my head up though. I turned and walked out hoping I looked confident to anyone watching me.