The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride

The Agreement

The hall was filled with glamour, and people who most likely wore diamonds to bed. And staring at my cheap dress I knew I didn't fit in.

I questioned myself why I had agreed to attend this ostentatious charity gala as I pulled at the hem of my black dress and thought I didn't see the almighty Kieran who had forced me here.

I was already counting down the minutes until I was starting to look like a complete freak.

After a waiter handed me a glass of sparkling water, I looked around the room. Women in glistening dresses laughed as they passed me, making me look small.

Men in fitted suits shook their heads and talked about stocks or whatever other wealthy people were talking about.

This was no longer where I belonged. Perhaps I never did. Suddenly, a surge of energy rippled through the crowd, changing the atmosphere.

Conversations buzzed like static as heads turned. As soon as I followed their eyes I regretted it.

There he was. Kieran Wolfe, towering above everyone else, was devastatingly handsome and exuded that effortless charm that had everyone listening to him.

His dark hair was perfectly styled with not a single strand out of place and his fitted suit fit him like a second skin.

I looked around, hoping to see the heiress everyone had rumored him to be with, but I didn't see her.

I relaxed a bit until I saw some group of women smiling at him like he was the best thing that had ever happened.

Why didn't I think of this when he asked me to come to the gala? My stomach turned over.

Long-buried memories threatened to reappear but I pushed them away. I had changed from that gullible girl. I had obligations and a life to save.

I turned my back in the hopes of blending in with the crowd, but fate, maybe Kieran's absurdly perceptive eyes—had other ideas.

"Annabelle Reid?"

His voice had that deep timbre that used to make my heart race but it didn't now.

My pulse just jumped in annoyance at this point. I forced a courteous smile and spun around.

"Kieran."

He returned the smile but there was something in his eyes: panic? Determination?

"I would like to speak with you for a moment."He closed the distance before I could figure it out.

" I'm a little busy," I said sardonically and made an ambiguous gesture toward the room. His mouth quirked.

"Oh really? Are we networking with the wallpaper?" I had the urge to roll my eyes but I resisted and asked him why I was here.

"We all have different tastes in the company. "His voice was lowered as he leaned slightly closer.

" I need your help." I blinked.

" Excuse me?"

Kieran took my hand before I could object and ushered me over to the stage. My heart was pounding, but it was out of pure panic, not attraction.

" Kieran, what are you doing?" I hissed pulling my hand back

"Trust me," he muttered to himself.

Yes, I do trust him, then, but not this man who had broken my heart into a million pieces.

We came to a halt amidst a sea of flashing cameras and glittering eyes.

As the realization hit me, my stomach fell. He wasn't just speaking to me. He was going to put on a show for the public.

Kieran's voice boomed through the microphone.

"Thank you for coming tonight, everyone. This event is about bringing people together, as you all know."

I looked away shamefully and I wanted the floor to spread out and swallow me.

"And speaking of bringing people together." he went on with ease.

"I want to introduce you to someone very special. I am engaged to Annabelle. "

There were gasps and whispers throughout the room.

My brain was having trouble processing what he had just said so I froze.

Did he just. . . no? He just can't.

" Please. "Kieran gritted his teeth and uttered the word 'smile ' his lips barely moving.

" What the hell are you doing?" I muttered with wide incredulous eyes staring at him

"Saving both our skins." He mumbled.

I made an effort to smile but it probably looked more like a grimace.

As the cameras clicked, they recorded every embarrassing moment. Kieran escorted me from the stage to a more sedate area of the ballroom as the cheering eventually subsided.

I yanked my hand away and yelled.

"Are you insane?"

With a sheepish expression, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I can explain. "

" You better." I said in a voice that was much too low." Because I am currently unsure whether to hurl this glass of water in your face or scream. "

He twitched his lips. "Both sound like fun."

I scowled at him." Start talking." A sigh passed his lips.

"There was never a real engagement with the heiress. Just a PR gimmick to maintain the reputation of my business. However, things became disorganized, and I needed a fresh narrative that was credible."

"You also think that it was a good idea to drag me into your mess?"

"You're the only person I trust."He whispered, catching him off guard by that. After a brief moment of hesitation, I shook my head in anger.

"Kieran this is insane. I have obligations and a life. . . . "

"I know." he said, his tone becoming softer." I wouldn't have taken this action if it weren't crucial."

I wanted to remain angry, to charge out and never return or hear what he had to say. But I hesitated for a moment because of the desperation in his eyes.

"How long do I have to pretend?" I grudgingly asked

" Until the media stops talking,” he promised. My breath left me.

"This is a huge debt you owe me." He smiled with that endearing grin that used to weaken my knees.

"I'm going to give away free coffee forever.” I snorted.

"You'd better include a lifetime supply of chocolate as well. Six months for all this." I threatened.

"Whatever ." He said snatching a glass from a passing waiter.

I couldn't help but laugh a little despite how absurd the situation was.

It might not be the end of the world. Or perhaps it would be the start of a completely different mess.