TITLE Marriage in name only: A billionaire contract marriage

Fate had one thing in store for Ana, but she didn’t know it yet. She swore at it when the frustrations got the better part of her. “Damn thrifted shoes.” Ana cursed as she stumbled over the pavement. The bottom part of her black pump heels had just come off. And wasn't it just her luck. Of all the days anything could help her day get on to a bad start, it had to be today. She glanced at her watch, 8:30 a.m. Her interview was not till 9:00 a.m. She knew risking it to get a new pair of shoes- which was money she didn't plan on spending, was not worth it. However, she still contemplated getting the shoes and being late for her job interview, or getting into the building with one heel in hand and one on her feet. She grimaced at the image in her head. She’d be kicked out before she could even prove herself. She glanced around, but no store was in sight. Well, a*****e she could afford at least. Taking out her phone, she dialed her best friend’s number. “Hey, love. Aren't you meant to be biting your fingernails out of nervousness for your interview?” Her best friend, Bee asked as she picked on the first ring. Ana responded, “One, I've got a problem, two, hey, I've stopped biting my fingernails.” Before Bee could respond, Ana went on. “I'm close to the building, but my shoes literally came apart and now I have only one walkable shoe and I’m standing in the street cursing at the universe for letting this happen to me.” She ended, ignoring the confused and worried stares passersby gave her as she stood helplessly on the pedestrian lane, bad heel in hand. “You wore the croc heel, didn't you? I told you, those were made from crocodiles Ana. That's animal cruelty and now their spirits have come back to haunt you and ruin this interview for you. I told you to wear the bland, black heels. No animal had to die for that one to be made.” Ana frowned in frustration. “You're not helping Bee. This office is literally in the central business area. So they really are no stores around here that I can easily walk to. I mean I see a Ralph Lauren store, but we know I can’t afford that now. I don’t want to be late for my interview. I just called to see if you can get here with a pair of heels for me. I’d have voted for a pair of flats but the outfit I'm wearing doesn't support that so.” “I'm at the supermarket getting noodles for Jason. He wants ramen. But I'll grab a pair as soon as I get home and bring it to you.” “Okay, love. I’ll text you the address just in case you forgot. Please hurry Bee, I have less than 20 minutes.” They said their goodbyes and Ana hung up. Luckily for her, her house was within walking distance of the office. Well, maybe the universe didn’t hate her so much. She hoped Bee would get her before the clock struck 9 But if she didn’t, Ana resolved to go in regardless. She had nothing to lose. Except for her pride and the job she was interviewing of course. Ana took off both heels and walked all the way to the building. She would wait for Bee there. *** It was 8:50 am. A busy Monday morning in Boston. Ana lingered at the entrance of the office building. After explaining to the security why she had to linger of course. She didn’t want to come off as weird even though she knew she did holding her broken heel in hand. She loved the office location primarily because it was close to home. She really hoped she would get the job. Ana gazed at her surroundings. Boston in April was beautiful. The sun shined brightly and the city was decorated with blooming flowers and vibrant colors. The weather was comfortable and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and a stroll. Ana noticed Tourists were already dropping in for the activities lined up for the next couple of months. She could see the cars queued waiting for the traffic light to turn green so they’d drive off. The people on the sidewalks headed to their various destinations. She looked at their feet, all with functional shoes, moving on with their lives. She looked at hers and sighed. 8:50 a.m. Bee was not here yet. Ana could wait no longer. Taking her right shoe, she slammed the heel on the ground repeatedly. Using her hands, she heeled onto the block end and dragged it till the heel came off. Tucking the bits into her bag, she dusted her hands, inserted her feet into the now improvised flats, took out a little sanitizer, and sanitized her hands. She adjusted her hair and her jacket, ready to walk into the building. She glanced at the security looking at her and back to her feet worriedly. Ana didn’t care. She walked into the building. The blazing beams of sunlight were quickly forgotten as she stepped into the sky-rise building. Ana had a goal for today, to walk into the conference room, be on her best work behavior, ace that interview, and secure the job. She ignored the whispers that spoke loudly in her head, filling her with thoughts of nervousness and panic. Sucking in a deep, shaky breath, she adjusted her feet in her now flat shoes. It was downright uncomfortable to walk in it as it altered her steps. But Ana had no choice, and she was determined to make this interview. She passed through a security check, presented her interview slip, and was directed on how to get to the third floor, the venue for the interview. People moved around the establishment in dark shades of formal attire. It seemed they had a dress code here. Everyone looked engaged and sharp. Bella relaxed her shoulders a bit, delighted she had opted for a navy blue blazer, a sleeveless white buttoned chiffon blouse, and navy blue pants. Judging by what she saw as she walked into the building and headed towards the elevator, it seemed her choice of outfit was not disastrous. What her shoes did to her, however, was. The huge elevator which featured mirrors on every side took her steadily to the 3rd floor. She reached the front desk and walked towards the receptionist. “Good morning,” Ana started. “I’m here for the 9:00 am Interview. My name is Ana Bright.” Ana introduced herself to the pretty receptionist. “Good morning Ana. I was worried for a second you would be late for your interview. But you’re still three minutes early so just take a seat.” She said, pointing to a comfy-looking couch snuggled by the wall. “The HR, COO, and communications manager will be here shortly. Just have a seat, relax, and you look really beautiful.” She ended a genuine smile embracing her face. Ana smiled too. It was astonishing what a compliment could do. "Thank you— Millie,” Ana replied reading her name off the tag settled on her shirt. Ana turned to the seat where she was directed and sat down. Her phone vibrated as the brown door to the meeting room silently opened and a young, tall male garbed in a 3-piece suit stepped out. She long pressed the side button, shutting off her phone just as the man inquired; "Miss Ana Bright?" He asked, his gaze leveled. Ana got up and replied, "Yes Sir, that's me." He gave her, "We will see you now." She straightened her trousers, grateful that the length covered a bit of her shoes. "You got this." She muttered to herself. Nothing would make her lose the slightest bit of concentration. Ana welcomed an ephemeral lapse in concentration as she stepped into the meeting room. The large expanse of windows exposed a stunning view that Ana appreciated. "Thank you for being here on time Miss Bright. Please, have a seat so we can proceed.” Taking her seat, Ana continued to plaster a smile on her face while carefully crossing her legs to hide the disaster that was her shoes. She steeled her spine and the interview began. . ***** The interview ended at 9:30 a.m. Ana had submitted a few ideas and spoke about her experience, ethics, and skills she hoped to bring. “Thank you, Miss Bright. The team will get back to you within a week with our response.” The man she later identified as Mr. Williams, the HR said. Bella smiled as she shook his hand, her grip firm. "Thank you, sir. I look forward to it." She thanked the others and walked out of the room. After exchanging goodbyes with Millie. She headed out of the building. “Hey Ana.” She heard her name as she walked out of the building. Turning, she saw her friend Bee. “Bee” she exclaimed as she went in for a hug. “Sorry, your call came in but I was already going in for the interview.” “It’s okay babe,” Bee replied. “I decided to wait regardless. I knew it wouldn’t take too long.” Bee glanced at Ana’s legs and broke into laughter. “You broke the other heel too.” Ana lightly smiled as her friend laughed at her. “It is called innovation.” “Well here innovator,” Bee replied, dropping a pair of flat shoes. “Change into that.” Ana changed immediately. She didn’t need to be told twice. Arm in arm, they started off home. “How’s Jason doing?” Ana asked Bee as they walked side by side. Bee threw a knowing look at Ana. “You worry too much. But he’s good. Had his ramen, he was sketching something before I left.” She just couldn’t help but worry. “But while we walk all the way home even though you know I hate walking, why don’t you tell me how your interview went? Did they notice that their soon-to-be staff walked in with broken shoes? And I’ll tell you about the hottie I saw walking into your building just a few minutes before your interview was over.” Ana nudged her friend. “The interview was pretty short, straight, and good. Tell me about your hottie.” Bee happily began. Ana was grateful for the distraction and grateful for her friend. She looked at Bee as she chatted happily. Her ginger curly fro glistened as the rays of sunlight bounced off it. She was really beautiful. She squeezed her hands just a bit more. Just a little more time, she thought, a little more time and she knew she’d give the two most important people to her, the life they truly deserved.