THE BILLIONAIRE VAMPIRE'S FAKE BRIDE

CHAPTER 002

CHAPTER 002

ISADORA’S POV

Isadora sat motionless, staring at the performer on the other side. He was anything but casual. His smile never faltered, even though his piercing blue eyes seemed to be staring right through her. Even though he was portraying the role, it felt... too ideal.

She kept thinking the event was some kind of complex joke. Was there a hidden camera of some kind here? Were cameras positioned nearby, anticipating her "yes" response before she burst out laughing?

She glanced over her shoulder. The waitress's cheeks were flushed with shame as she continued to struggle with a jumble of chicken strips.

With that same intense, almost calculating look, she turned back to Renan, who was sitting there. "Is this a joke of some sort?" Isadora hardly maintained her composure as she spoke, her voice quivering.

Renan did not recoil. "Isadora, I'm serious. I know the idea sounds crazy, but that call I ignored earlier was a reminder. Tonight, I have an event. People are expecting to meet my wife because they believe I'm married, and I can't afford to let them down. I urgently need a wife.

Uncertain if she had heard him correctly, Isadora blinked. "What do you say? Can't you hire an actress to play your wife for the evening since you're a millionaire?"

Renan gave a headshake. "I'm asking for your help because I don't know you, Isadora. I'm facing a challenging situation, and you require assistance. For one night, pretend to be my wife, and I'll make it worthwhile. You won't have to work for a year because I'll pay you enough."

Isadora's thoughts were racing as she shifted in her chair. Something about the idea didn't sit right, even though the words were too alluring.

"One night?" To ensure she heard him correctly, she repeated his words.

Renan nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Just one night. You can then leave. I'll take you to my house after we get you some clothes. Easy."

As her mind attempted to process the situation, Isadora experienced a chill. The situation was... crazy. She whispered, her voice trembling a little, "If you weren't a well-known actor, you'd sound like one of those guys who lures women into traps."

Renan's expression changed from one of surprise to a faint giggle. "A serial killer?"

Isadora grinned and said, "Yeah, luring random women and bringing them to your house." Wouldn't you agree that this could be perceived as typical behavior associated with a serial killer? As a movie star, you know how this appears.

Renan's face turned red. His untidy black hair fell into his eyes as he shifted in his chair. To be honest, I don't watch those kinds of films. I dislike feeling afraid.

Isadora felt a skip in her heartbeat. She was surprised by that response, which was so honest and unguarded. Perhaps he wasn't an absolute stranger.

"So," she went on, her voice more steady now, "we go shopping, you take me to your house, I act like your wife, and then what? What's the catch?

Leaning forward, Renan's voice became more solemn. "You go to the celebration. When people see you as my wife, they will be pleased and depart. That's all."

"Are they members of your family?" Isadora raised an eyebrow in question. The whole "just pretend" thing didn't appeal to her.

"Something like that," Renan uttered in a mysterious manner.

"What comes next? What should I do?

Renan shrugged and said, "Anything you want, as long as you maintain the act." We're trying to convince them that our blissful marriage is all that matters.

With nerves running high, Isadora bit her lip. She didn't throw elaborate parties. She wasn't even sure if she would fit in. However, Renan Ribeiro? Was Renan Ribeiro, the well-known billionaire actor, a real person? Was he real? He was not a scammer.

Her voice was small as she asked, "What if I mess up?"

The deep dimple in Renan's chin seemed to soften the edges of his serious expression as he smiled. "Isadora, you won't make a mistake. Simply be who you are. They are looking for someone genuine and grounded, and you are just that. They wouldn't put their trust in an actress or model.

Isadora didn't like the idea of acting like someone she wasn't and playing a part. However, the promise of a year without financial worries was irresistible. It was difficult to ignore.

"Okay," she said slowly as she considered her options. "I'll carry it out." However, I have a requirement.

For a second, Renan's smile wavered. "A requirement? What is that? He squinted a little.

With a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, Isadora declared, "I want my mouse back."

Renan blinked, obviously startled. "Your mouse?"

She gave a nod. Yes, my old boss did indeed take my custom gaming mouse. I want it returned. Are you able to assist me with that?

After a moment of stunned staring, Renan started laughing. "Isadora, you're unique. I'm curious now, but I could buy you a thousand mice. Why is this one so crucial?

Isadora grinned more broadly. "When a well-known person demands it back, I want to see his face. The true fun part is that.

Renan's eyes brightened, and his laughter was sincere. "Agree. Let's start now. "We have several stops to make, and my driver is waiting."

Isadora, her thoughts still racing, followed him. When she first walked in, she hadn't noticed the elegant black car parked outside, but now that she did, everything seemed so... real.

Still trying to comprehend what was happening, she slipped into the seat across from Renan in the comfortable car.

Renan gave her a quick smirk. "Isadora, where do you work?"

Automatically, Isadora rattled off the instructions. Her mind was still attempting to comprehend how she had transformed from a normal woman to a phony wife for a single night.

Despite his amusement, Renan remained silent as he observed her. She gave him a glance. "What's so funny?"

His smile remained on his face as he shrugged. "Nothing. Thank you for agreeing, that's all. I had no backup plan and was running out of time.

Isadora took a deep breath. "Well, after everything, I hope you're still grateful."

"I have no doubt," Renan said steadily as he leaned back in the leather seat. "Isadora, you'll succeed. Have faith in me.

For an instant, Isadora found herself on the verge of believing him because of his almost overwhelming confidence.

The driver's voice interrupted her thoughts, "Sir, we're here. Is parking a fee?

Renan shook his head. "No, everything has been resolved. We'll return shortly. Please wait here.

Isadora trailed behind Renan as they exited the vehicle and made their way to her previous workplace.

Her former boss, Sr. Luiz left his office as soon as he saw her. "Ms. Lúcia, what are you doing here? I believed I had warned you not to return. When he saw Renan standing next to her, his icy tone wavered.

She saw her former boss pause for the first time as Renan flashed his flawless smile. "Isadora claims to have left something here. I think it's a gaming mouse.

Luiz gave her a fierce look. "I'm positive nothing of hers was left behind, but I'll check the box."

Renan remained unflinching. "Please, I beg you. It holds significance for her.

No one was surprised when the box was checked and the receptionist, Lúcia, came out with the mouse in her hands like it was a treasure.

"This it?" She batted her lashes and cooed at Renan.

Renan grinned in amusement. "Yes, that is the one."

Isadora took it out of Lúcia's hand and gave it a close inspection. The mouse's artwork remained unaltered and immaculate. She owned it.

Isadora put the mouse to her chest and said, "Thanks."

Renan gave a nod. Fantastic. Let's start now."

Lúcia wasn't finished yet, though. Uncomfortably, she squeezed Renan's arm against her chest. "You can't go just yet, can you? Simply sign something for a fan.

Isadora tried not to laugh. Lúcia continued to pretend to be the devoted fan.

Renan laughed briefly and courteously, then signed a document for Lúcia. "Here you go; we have to leave now."

A pout formed as Lúcia held the paper to her chest. "You're actually heading out already?"

Renan waved halfheartedly, his eyes never leaving Isadora. "We have the mouse we came for. I have to go to a dinner now. Miss, it was a pleasure to meet you.

As Isadora followed Renan out, she nearly burst out laughing. Lúcia's expression was one of jealousy and incredulity.

Isadora realized as they were leaving the building that the real work was about to start: finding an outfit that would make her look like she was at a billionaire's dinner.