Chapter 4:
1486 Words
Linda focused on her work, scrubbing the pool's edge with meticulous care. Unbeknownst to her, Andrew watched from a distance, his gaze fixed on her.
She sensed being observed and glanced up, meeting Andrew's piercing stare. A shiver ran down her spine.
"Why is he staring at me like that?" Linda wondered, her mind racing. "Does he know?" Her eyes darted away, attempting to shake off the feeling.
Pretending nonchalance, Linda continued her tasks, but her thoughts betrayed her. "He must not know," she reassured herself. "If he did, he'd hate me." The weight of her secrets threatened to suffocate her.
Linda recalled her journey to becoming Andrew's maid, solely to be close to him. "I've come too far," she thought, anxiety creeping in. "I won't let my feelings ruin everything."
Memories of rumors about Andrew's orientation resurfaced. "Some said he was gay since he never dated publicly," Linda remembered. Her curiosity piqued.
Just as Linda's thoughts spiraled out of control, James appeared beside her. "The boss wants to have a discussion with you," he announced, his expression neutral.
Linda's heart skipped a beat. "What does he want?" she worried. "Has he discovered my secret?" Fear gripped her, making her hands tremble.
With a deep breath, Linda steeled herself and followed James to Andrew's study, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What would Andrew reveal? Would her secrets be exposed?
Andrew's eyes locked onto Linda's, his tone gentle. "Linda, you seem worried. Is anything bothering you, or do you think you have something to spill out?"
Linda's gaze darted between Andrew and James, her expression guarded. "No, I have nothing," she replied, her voice measured.
Andrew chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "I was just pulling your leg," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I have a proposal for you, Linda. You've been working with me for months now, and I must say, you're a fantastic person."
Linda's wariness deepened, her hands clenched together. "What kind of proposal?" she asked cautiously.
Andrew's grin widened. "Marry me, Linda," he said, his words dropping like a bombshell.
Linda's eyes widened in shock. "Excuse me? I don't get..." she trailed off, her voice barely audible.
Andrew leaned forward, his tone serious. "Yes, marry me. Not a real marriage, of course. A fake one. I'll pay you one million dollars to pretend to be my wife."
Linda's mind reeled as Andrew continued. "I need this inheritance, and you know I must bring a wife home for Christmas to my family. It's a business arrangement, nothing more."
"I'll provide for everything – the wedding, the paperwork, and the divorce after Christmas. You'll walk away with one million dollars, and I'll secure my inheritance. What do you say, Linda? Will you help me?" Andrew's eyes locked onto hers, awaiting her response.
Linda's mind whirled as she pondered Andrew's proposal. "Did he really think I'm worth only a million dollars?" she thought, her pride wounded.
But then she remembered her true identity – the heiress to the Alpha Group of Companies. A sly smile spread across her face.
Yet, another thought overshadowed her pride. "Andrew, my crush, is proposing to me, even if it's just a fake marriage." Rumors of his orientation had once discouraged her.
Now, this unexpected turn of events presented an opportunity. "Maybe this is our chance to be together," Linda thought, her heart racing.
Lost in thought, Linda didn't notice Andrew's approach until he stood beside her.
"Hey, don't think too deeply, Linda," Andrew said, his voice gentle. "It's just a business arrangement. You're working for the money; don't worry about the rest."
James will help get you a real fashion designer and stylist. You need to look the part as the wife of Miraj Company's CEO."
Linda's gaze met Andrew's, her expression unreadable. "You want me to pretend to be your wife, but what about the emotional costs?" she wondered.
Andrew's eyes locked onto hers, his expression softening. "I'll make sure you're taken care of, Linda. Just say yes." His words hung in the air, awaiting her response.
Linda hesitated, her eyes searching for reassurance. "Can I just have a few moments to think about it?" she asked.
Andrew nodded understandingly. "I know it's a lot to take in. What emotional stuff were you talking about, Linda? We're just boss and staff; nothing's attached, no feelings involved."
Linda's gaze lingered on Andrew's, wondering if he truly felt that way. "He doesn't have feelings for me, or does he?" she thought.
She took a deep breath and stepped back. "Okay," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Andrew's face lit up with relief. "Really? You'll be my fake wife?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.
Linda nodded, a mix of emotions swirling inside. "Yes, I'll do it."
Andrew enveloped her in a warm hug. "Thank you, Linda. You're relieving so much stress."
As he held her, Linda felt a flutter in her chest. "Is this a glimpse of genuine affection?" she wondered.
Andrew released her, beaming. "James will handle the details. We'll make this arrangement seamless. Thank you again, Linda." His smile made her heart skip a beat, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held.
The stylist arrived promptly, and Linda was whisked away to a world of fashion and beauty. Dresses, hairstyles, and accessories were carefully selected to transform her into the perfect CEO's wife.
Hours passed, and Linda's metamorphosis was complete. She gazed at her reflection, hardly recognizing the stunning woman staring back.
Andrew entered the room, his eyes widening in awe. "Linda, you're breathtaking," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
"From today on, you're my wife," Andrew declared, his smile captivating. "You need to dress this way; you shine so brightly."
Linda's heart skipped a beat as Andrew's words sent shivers down her spine. She had never felt so alive.
"Tomorrow, we're getting married," Andrew announced, his tone filled with excitement. "We're going to court, and you'll officially become Mrs. Linda Taylor."
Linda's thoughts drifted to the impending nuptials. "Mrs. Taylor," she whispered to herself, wistfulness creeping in. "I wish it was real, not just a facade."
As Andrew offered his arm, Linda took it, feeling like a true partner. For a moment, she forgot the arrangement's true nature.
In that instant, Linda allowed herself to dream of a future where their fake marriage became real, where Andrew's love for her was genuine, and their bond lasted a lifetime.
Andrew's smile lit up the room as he handed Linda a stunning dress. "Wear this for our court marriage tomorrow, okay?" he asked.
Linda's eyes sparkled as she accepted the gown. "It's fine, thank you," she replied.
Andrew's eyes crinkled at the corners. "It's fine, Mrs. Taylor," he teased.
Linda's heart skipped a beat. "Mrs. Taylor," she whispered to herself, savoring the title.
"Yes, it's a fake marriage," she thought, "but at least I'm Mrs. Taylor for now." A glimmer of hope flickered within.
"I'm sure my dream will come true one day," Linda assured herself, her gaze drifting to Andrew.
As she watched him prepare for their court marriage, Linda's admiration grew. Tall, young, and handsome, Andrew embodied perfection.
Linda's imagination ran wild, envisioning their fake marriage blossoming into real love.
Tomorrow, she would stand beside Andrew, promising to love and cherish him – even if it was just a temporary arrangement. For now, Linda would cherish every moment as Mrs. Taylor.
Linda excused herself to answer a call from her best friend, Claire, who was running Alpha Group in her absence.
"Hello, Claire. I'm sorry I haven't been picking up calls," Linda said.
Claire's voice was laced with concern. "You're sorry? You're so carried away with love that you forgot your own company!"
Claire chuckled. "When are you going to tell him your identity, Linda ?"
Linda tone turned serious. "Not even now , Claire I’m going to tell him not now .
Linda hesitated. "Not even now that we're getting married."
Claire's surprise was palpable. "Getting married?!"
Linda confirmed. "Yeah, he proposed a fake marriage to me and offered one million dollars."
Claire scoffed. "You're worth over a million dollars! Alpha Group is estimated at ten billion dollars! Tell him how you feel and your identity!" Linda insisted, "I'm not telling him any secrets."
Just then, Andrew appeared behind her, his eyes narrowing. "What secret are you not telling, Linda?" he asked.
Linda's heart sank, her eyes wide with alarm. Had Andrew overheard her conversation?
Andrew's gaze intensified, awaiting her response.
Linda's mind raced, searching for an escape from the precarious situation.
Claire's voice echoed through the phone, unaware of Andrew's sudden presence. "Linda, are you okay?"
Linda swiftly ended the call, her eyes locked on Andrew's.
The air was thick with tension, leaving Linda wondering how much Andrew had discovered.
Andrew's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, demanding answers.
Linda's secret teetered on the edge of revelation.
- Writer
