Of Ruins and Gentle Hands

Stupid Game

MARISSA

“Yes.”

His answer was quite short like he had no idea of what was happening. Well, I couldn’t blame him for ruining the wedding. Miles already did that.

“I am the man in the video. I could not afford any blemish on my reputation.” He added. I still could not get over the shock.

My phone kept buzzing. My step-mom, my dad and even that traitor herself. They wouldn’t stop calling and when I could no longer bear it, I switched off my phone.

“I was about to suggest that.” He spoke and I let out a sigh before leaning on the side mirror.

“It was you? You were the man in that hotel?” I arched my brows.

“How did you get in that hotel? How did you get into the room?” He probed.

I really didn’t know. It was three weeks ago. A client had wanted to submit some documents. When the client came around, we weren’t around.

The client was upset and said he wasn’t coming back and we had to come get the document before the day ends. I was assigned that job and I went and I could swear I walked into the hotel. What I didn’t understand was how I woke up the next morning, nearly unclad and wrapped with a shirtless stranger.

The man was quite asleep and out of shame, I could not catch a glimpse of his face before leaving. Needless to say, I was fired the next day because I ‘stood’ up a big client. I didn’t tell anyone about it because I was ashamed and could not explain how it happened.

I forced myself to believe it never happened and I was just imagining things.

What I didn’t understand was how Miles found out about it. Thank God whoever this man was had stepped in. Rather than Miles, I would have been the one facing the humiliation he faced.

“Did you...” I questioned, unable to say the words.

“I don’t know what it is you are talking about, young lady but let’s just say.... you weren’t supposed to be in my room at the time. Unfortunately, I do not have full knowledge of how you ended up in my room but I am certain I didn’t get intimate with you.”

Neither of us uttered a word as his driver drove. I could not stop thinking of how everything had played out. After a couple of minutes running through the road, we arrived at a bar. The door opened to accommodate just me and him and as soon as we got in, it closed.

“This is kind of my personal bar. When I want some privacy, I come here and it remains closed until I am done.” He explained. “Drink as much as you can. Drown yourself. Wash away your sorrows.”

“I don’t drink.” I spoke; my voice raw from crying. I was hurt and heartbroken. Embarrassment was still burning in my throat. “By the way, who are you?” I probed.

“Sterling Vance.” He started. “Sometimes, the best way to forget is not to drink...” He poured himself some drink and swirled it in the glass. “.... but to plan revenge.”

“Revenge?” I looked at him sharply and he nodded.

“Do you want to hurt them? You know..... I think it might interest you that this step sister of yours was the one who set you up. She set us up and made the video but I have my ways around things and that’s why the video never made it to the projector like they planned.

Their plan was to embarrass you so he could have a reason to marry her. Not to brag but,... all thanks to me, their plans failed. Are you sure you don’t want to hurt them?”

“I don’t think I want to hurt them.” I whispered and shook my head. ‘I just....i just want to stop feeling like I was never enough. I want to stop being the girl who got left at the altar with her step-sister’s betrayal playing on a projector.”

He looked at me, long and hard. “Marry me.”

I choked on my breath. “Excuse me?”

“Marry me.” He repeated, calm as anything. “I’m not asking for love. I don’t even believe in it but I need it for something important. You need an escape. I need a contract.”

I blinked, staring at the man. “What did you think I was doing where you picked me up from? The bridesmaid?” My brows furrowed. “I was the bride! I was left at the goddamn altar!” I stood up and threatened to walk away.

“You should listen to what I have to say.” He held my hands. I was already thinning out on patience. Heck, I was just trying to figure out my life. This was the last thing I expected. All he wanted was to use me. “That video.,. It won’t be too long before they get it out.

I don’t know where else the video has gone but we have to act fast. You will pretend to marry me. You get your dignity back, you get paid and you get to show up at every event he’s at, looking like you’ve already upgraded.”

“I don’t know who you think I am but I am not interested. I am trying to heal not to get into another affair that would cause,....”

“I am not asking you to be with me forever. I am not asking you to fall in love with me. It is just a contract marriage for two years. We don’t have to get intimate. Also, that way, you get to heal without any man hitting on you.”

“What’s in it for you?” I questioned and folded my hands.

“You weren’t alone in the video. I was in it with you and if the news goes viral, my reputation would be dragged. In case, you haven’t noticed, I am the CEO of Vance corporation.”

I arched my brows. This was him? Everyone knew Vance corporation. Never could I have imagined he was the CEO of the great Vance Corporation.

“ I am helping you as well as myself. It is not going to be intimate or anything like that. We can also have a contract drafted out to suit your desire.

All you have to do is follow my lead. Are we game?”

I stared at him for a second. He looked so calm like he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell. I picked up my purse and walked away. There was no way I would be a part of this stupid game.