The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride

"This is a school drama isn't it?" I yelled in utter disbelief, my eyes widening. " Six months as your wife?" A smug smirk lifted the corners of Kieran's mouth as he leaned back in his chair. "Not exactly, but close enough." The office with its sleek black furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline and an atmosphere infused with power was as intimidating as the man who owned it. My ex-husband Kieran Wolfe, sat opposite me like a monarch on his throne prescribing terms that would decide my family's future. I tried to steady my breathing as I clenched my fists beneath the table. Due to his illness, my fathers business was in danger of failing and had gone bankrupt. I was standing there pleading with the one man who had every reason to shut the door on me. Kieran's voice was sharp but smooth as he said"I'll help your father and save the company. But—" he raised a finger, silencing me. "There are restrictions though. Conditions existed of course.” He always had them with him. "What conditions?"My voice was strained as I asked . His eyes never left mine as he drummed his fingers on the shiny desk. "You'll be married to me for six months. No discussions. " "And after six months?" I took a huge swallow. " We'll go our separate ways just like last time."he said casually. "But you'll act like the perfect wife for those six months. Anything I need including family gatherings and public appearances." . "So in your game I'm just a pawn?"I took offense at the tone he used on me. He leaned forward, amusement shining in his eyes. "Annabelle, you're desperate. Negotiation is not allowed for pawns." I dug my fingernails into my hands. He was right and I hated that. . "And what do I get in return?" I asked in a small voice. If cancer hadn't eaten my father, I wouldn't be here talking to him. "Your father's medical bills paid in full." He said casually as though it didn't matter. "The business stabilized while I stayed in charge. Additionally I promise that no hostile takeover will happen while I am protecting you." Protection? Did I ask him for that?That word lingered like a challenge. " And what do you get?" I asked. " A wife who chases the vultures away. Investors are drawn to stability and nothing screams stability more than having a lovely wife by my side." He said, as he grinned more broadly Anger burned in my cheeks. " You are impossible. " "No Annabelle."he said, his voice lowering to a perilous murmur." I'm smart." A dense oppressive silence hung between us. "So you're serious about this marriage thing? Can't we do it another way." I asked looking at my small purse "I'm dead serious." He answered with his eyes fixed on me." I swallowed hard. I didn't think getting married to my ex husband was a nice idea. Did he even know I had a son for him and this would be difficult? "I must think about this. " "What's there to think about? Your life and the legacy of your father are at stake. Or are you too arrogant to acknowledge your need for me?" His words struck a deeper chord than I wanted to acknowledge and I froze. After all that life had thrown at me, pride had never been a luxury. "You always know how to twist the knife don't you?" I asked, with bitterness lacing my voice. "It's a talent."he shrugged and admitted. My mind raced as I paced the room. Kieran's wife for six months. Could I endure that? Could I swallow my pride and put up with his haughtiness for my fathers sake? My chest tingled with desperation. I couldn't let go of my dad or the business he started from the ground up. I turned to him and looked him in the eye. " Okay. I'll give you an answer tomorrow." He raised his eyebrows a little as though he hadn't anticipated my rapid agreement. "A wise decision. But I have conditions too." I firmly added He crossed his arms and leaned back. "Oh this is getting exciting, everyone has conditions including my pretty ex wife." I disregarded his irony. "Apart from public appearances don't interfere in my private life. And don't make me look bad." His smile soon turned into a grin. "Alright ." After some hesitation I chose to take a chance. "We also won't fall in love. It's all business here." I continued, Kieran's mocking low laugh echoed throughout the room. "Annabelle, don't flatter yourself over falling in love. Among my concerns in this world, that is the least." Embarrassment heated my face but I resisted. "Good!" I yelled.. He got up looming over me. " One more thing." He said in a charmingly informal tone that disgusted me to the brink. My muscles stiffened. "What?" "Tomorrow is a gala and you must attend it. " My mouth fell open. "Tomorrow?"I asked, with my eyes almost popping " Yes, tomorrow. 9:00 pm,sharp.” He reiterated, obviously taking pleasure in my surprise. I had no business with a freaking gala! " But— " I stuttered trying to think of something to object to." That's insane! Tomorrow is supposed to be a meeting with the board over my father's company." "Either accept it or reject it." He said,, I was tempted to scream. Kieran was always in charge and making the decisions which was typical of him. Not when the stakes were so high. I have to attend the stupid gala if my life would bounce back. I nodded, taking a shaky breath. "OK. I will be there ." A triumphant smile curved his lips. "Well done, sweetheart. See, it wasn't that hard immediately you used your brains." Smirking as I gave him a fierce look. " Don't try too hard, Kieran." He laughed, obviously having fun out of my predicament. "Annabelle see you at the altar or sorry see you at the gala." I wanted to slap him but instead my mind was racing with a thousand ideas as I bounded out of his office. This was simple unadulterated madness. But I would do it whatever he wants , if it meant rescuing my father and his business. Even if it meant getting married to the devil himself.