The Billionaire's Groom

Ethan Chen had planned three hundred and forty-two weddings in his career. He'd handled bridezillas, groomzillas, mother-in-law-zillas, and that one memorable time when the ring bearer's emotional support peacock got loose during the vows. But nothing in his extensive experience had prepared him for Alexander Sterling III. The elevator ride up to the penthouse suite of Sterling Tower felt endless. Ethan checked his reflection in the mirrored walls one last time, straightening his navy blue tie. Landing the Sterling wedding would be the breakthrough his company, 'Ever After Events,' desperately needed. Especially with his sister's medical bills piling up. "Floor 78. Penthouse Suite," the elevator announced in a smooth British accent. The doors opened directly into what had to be the most expensive apartment in Manhattan. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, making Ethan feel like he was standing on top of the world. Modern art pieces worth more than his entire life's earnings decorated the walls, and the furniture looked like it belonged in a museum. "Mr. Chen?" Ethan turned toward the voice and nearly swallowed his tongue. Alexander Sterling III stood in the doorway of what appeared to be a home office, and dear god, the tabloids hadn't done him justice. The man was devastating in person. Tall and athletic, with dark hair styled just messy enough to look effortless, and eyes so blue they seemed almost unreal. His charcoal suit was obviously bespoke, highlighting broad shoulders that tapered to a trim waist. "Yes, Mr. Sterling. Thank you for considering Ever After Events for your special day." Ethan stepped forward, extending his hand. Alexander's grip was firm, his hand warm and slightly callused – surprising for a tech billionaire. "Please, call me Alex. Would you like coffee? Tea?" "Coffee would be great, thank you." Alex led him to a sitting area with a view of Central Park. "Black? Cream? Sugar?" "Black is fine." Ethan sat on the edge of an impossibly comfortable leather chair, trying not to fidget with his portfolio. Alex returned with two cups of what smelled like perfectly brewed coffee. He settled into the chair opposite Ethan, studying him with an intensity that made Ethan's skin tingle. "I'll be direct, Mr. Chen. I've done my research. You're the best wedding planner in the city. The way you handled the Thompson-Hayes wedding last month was nothing short of miraculous." Ethan felt his cheeks warm at the praise. The Thompson-Hayes wedding had indeed been a triumph, though it had nearly given him an ulcer. "Thank you. I pride myself on being able to handle any situation." "Any situation?" Alex's lips curved into a slight smile. "How about planning a wedding in four weeks?" Ethan nearly choked on his coffee. "Four weeks? That's... ambitious. But not impossible. Though it depends on the scale of the event. And of course, I'll need to meet with both you and your partner to—" "You've already met my partner." Ethan blinked. "I have?" Alex set down his coffee cup, leaning forward slightly. "Yes. I'm looking at him." The words took a moment to register. When they did, Ethan was grateful he'd already swallowed his coffee. "I'm sorry, what?" "I need you to marry me, Mr. Chen. Four weeks from today." Ethan waited for the punchline. When none came, he cleared his throat. "Mr. Sterling—Alex—I think there's been a misunderstanding. I'm a wedding planner, not a—" "I'm offering you five million dollars to be my husband for one year." The amount hung in the air between them like a physical thing. Ethan's mind immediately calculated how many of his sister's medical bills that would cover. How many years of struggle it would erase. "This is insane," he managed. "This is business," Alex corrected. "My board of directors is... traditional. When I came out as bisexual last month, they started making noise about my ability to lead the company. They want proof that I'm 'settled.' You need money for your sister's treatment, and I need a husband who understands discretion and can navigate high society events. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement." Ethan's head spun. "How do you know about my sister?" "Like I said, I did my research." Alex stood, walking to the window. "Think of it as an extended business contract. One year of marriage, five million dollars, plus all living expenses covered. After the year is up, we have an amicable divorce, and you walk away with enough money to take care of your sister and expand your business." "And if I say no?" Alex turned, the setting sun casting his profile in gold. "Then I'll find someone else. But I don't want someone else, Mr. Chen. I want the best. And you're the best." Ethan stood on shaky legs. "I need time to think about this." "You have twenty-four hours." Alex handed him a business card. "My private number is on the back. I'll expect your answer by this time tomorrow." In a daze, Ethan found himself back in the elevator, the business card burning a hole in his pocket. As the doors closed, he caught one last glimpse of Alexander Sterling III, looking like every fantasy Ethan had never dared to have. What the hell had just happened?