The Billionaire’s Pretend Fiancée

Chapter 5

5.

Chloe's POV

“Are you freaking kidding me right now?” Freya exclaimed after I explained everything to her. I had met her in the house waiting for me and she didn’t fail to scold me for not telling her anything even though she got a whiff of what happened with me and Mike, but what shocked her more was the fact that I told her I was Ethan's pretend fiancée.

“I can’t believe you would agree to such a thing after what Mike did to you. That foolish scumbag betrayed you like I predicted and even duped and scammed you. Still, you’re willing to trust another man?” She asked and I sighed.

“I won’t be too foolish to fall desperately in love again, Freya. Ethan promised to help me get back at Mike. I want to take advantage of that opportunity. Besides, it is clearly stated in the contract that it was just for the show and there would be no feelings attached. I’m about to get sent out by Mrs. Smith because of the house rent and Easton offered to move in with him to make it more believable. You’ve got to trust me on this one.”

She scoffed and folded her arms. “That was how I trusted you with Mike but what did that sleazebag do? He cheated on you and scammed you. I’m done trusting you in any matter that involves men, Chloe. You’ve been through a lot already. I don’t want you to go astray anymore. I don’t want this man that claims to help you to take advantage of you like Mike did. I want you to be happy.” She placed her hand on my shoulders, tears gathering in her eyes.

“The only thing that can make me happy now is to watch Mike suffer and beg for my mercy. As far as Ethan will grant that wish, I have nothing to lose.” I was persistent with what I wanted. I will make sure he regrets the day he decided to toy with my feelings.

Freya sighed. “Why move into the same house with a stranger? Why not move in with me instead?” She whined.

I forced a smile. “Don’t worry, Freya. I’ll ask him to allow you to visit me whenever you want. I’ll also keep my job and we can still see each other everyday.”

She nodded and brought her phone out. “Hand over that card he gave you to me. I need to do a check on this man and know who he truly is because I’m certain you haven’t done it,” She said and I rolled my eyes before handing over the card to her. “Ethan Evancho,” She called as she typed his name into the search box. Her eyes widened instantly and she looked at me.

“What?” I asked her and she showed me the phone. “Chloe, he is a multi billionaire! I should have known I'd heard that name somewhere before. He is among the top five wealthiest billionaire bachelors here in California!” She squealed.

I quickly took the phone from her and went through his pictures and articles about him. No way! He was indeed rich and a prominent figure in the business world. I also saw an article where he mentioned his parents pressuring him to get married and he told the public he would announce his fiancée soon.

In his biography, I saw that he went to Kings Light High School. I also attended the same school but how come I haven’t seen him there before? I tried to search out his childhood pictures to know whether I’d recognize him but I couldn’t find any.

“Chloe?” Freya called and I looked at her. “Do you have any idea what this means?” She asked.

“Of course I don’t. I have no idea what’s going on here. If he was this rich, I’m sure there are heiresses who are in the same position with him; wealthy and as good looking as he is that would want to be his fiancée. Why on earth did he choose me? How did he even know me?” I snapped.

“Chill, babe. He might want something from you or he might be a stalker,” She shrugged and I huffed. “Fact is he is filthy rich and is in the best position to help you get back your penthouse. He is an Engineer and an Architect, and his company deals with land and buildings plus sales and purchases of houses. This is your chance to get back what was taken from you.” She said and I saw a bit of sense in her advice. All I needed to do was act like his fiancée while making Mike suffer. This is actually a good opportunity to use this to my advantage.

I balled my fists. Watch out, Mike! I’ll come for you wherever you are!

The day went by faster than I had expected. Freya got an emergency call from the bank and had rushed there, leaving me at home. My eyes darted to the wall clock.

“4pm? s**t!” I exclaimed immediately and I recalled that Ethan said I should be ready by six. I quickly took my bath and tied a towel around my waist when a knock sounded on the door. Thinking it was Freya, I opened the door and ladies trooped in on a single file with clothes and make up kits in their hands. I stared at them in shock.

“What are you all doing here? I’m sorry, you are in the wrong house.”

“No, silly. Mr. Evancho asked us to come make you over for the event. We do not have much time as your driver will be here by six, so please cooperate and we will be done before you know it!” The leader smiled and clapped her hands.

The girls pulled me to a chair before I could protest and they started working on me. I didn’t think it was necessary to hire all these people just to dress me up. He had so much money to flaunt, huh?

An hour and a half later, they were done and brought a standing mirror for me to look at myself. When I saw my reflection, I couldn’t believe I was the one.

“Is that really me? Am I seeing things?” I asked and they giggled.

“It’s you, ma’am and you’re gorgeous!” They exclaimed and for the first time since yesterday, I smiled genuinely.

I was glowing as I admired the dress I had on. It was a long purple dress, with a V-neck and a slit in the middle. The sleeves were transparent with intricate embroidery all over. It was a stunning piece and it showed off my figure.

My eyes went to the silver shoes that matched the dress perfectly. My shoulder length blonde hair was styled to perfection.

“Wow!” I exclaimed.

We heard a car horn and one of the ladies checked. “Your ride is here, ma’am. Time to dazzle them at the event. Mr. Evancho won’t be able to take his eyes off you!” She giggled and I sighed.

If only they knew.

They handed over a purse to me and I collected it as I walked out to behold a purple stretch limousine waiting for me. My eyes widened. Did he have to go this far? I heaved a deep breath and approached the car. A guy dressed in black, whom I assumed to be the driver stepped out and opened the door for me.

He bowed as I entered the limousine. It was really beautiful inside. He closed the door and got into the car as he drove me to the company.

I got down from the limousine as lights flashed in different dimensions. Before the news reporters could get to me, some men in black hurriedly blocked them while others led me into the building.

“Wait here while we go call the boss.” They said and I nodded. They left immediately but two remained with me.

“If it isn’t the broke ass b***h!”

I frowned as the i***t held Bertha's waist. He had the guts to show his face here and still approach me after everything he did. He was about to come close but the men blocked him.

He laughed. “Seriously? You now go around with bodyguards? We cleared your accounts, b***h. Where on earth did you get the money to hire bodyguards? Or did you have a hidden account and didn’t tell me? Gosh, you weren’t a faithful girlfriend after all.” He clicked his tongue.

“She even wore expensive clothes. What are you even doing here? Broke and desperate bitches shouldn’t show up in places like this!” Bertha spat, mockery dripping from her tone.

I balled my fists and was about to talk back.

“Ma’am, the event is about to start and the boss needs to see you before that.” One of the men whispered to me and I sighed.

“Karma is real,” was the only thing I said to them before following the men into the elevator. I could hear them laughing as the elevator door closed. I fought back the tears that gathered in my eyes. The girls suffered to do this makeup and I can’t afford to ruin it and spoil this night for Ethan.

We got to Ethan’s office and the men left us alone. He had his back turned to me with a glass of wine in his hand and at one point, I thought he wasn’t going to turn.

I was about to talk but he turned and smiled at me. He was dressed in a suit as usual but why did he look hotter this evening? He walked to where I stood and looked into my eyes.

“You look breathtaking.” He complimented.

“Thanks. I was told the event is about to start. Can we go now?” I requested.

He was quiet for a while before dropping the glass of wine on his desk. “Sure, let’s go tell the world you’re mine.”

“Calm down, tiger. I’m just your fake fiancée. There’s no need to be suddenly possessive.” I folded my arms and he chuckled as he led me back to where the event was being held.

He made me stand in the curtains and came up to the stage first. “Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to today's auction event,” He said and they all clapped. “There are lots of beautiful items to be displayed today but before that, I’d like to introduce you all to my long awaited Fiancée, Chloe Zander!” He announced and I came up on the stage.

Cameras flashed in different directions as the hall thundered with applause. He wrapped his hand around my waist and I stiffened. I heaved a deep breath and forced a smile.

My eyes searched the crowd until it landed on Mike and his “main girlfriend”

Their eyes were wide in shock as they looked at me. It brought a smile to my face to see them so stunned and wide eyed.

More surprises were coming.

This was just the beginning!