Chapter2
1392 Words
Ruby Monroe didn’t believe in fate.
Fate was a convenient story people told themselves when things went wrong.
When her fiancé cheated on her with her own half-sister, people had called it fate.
When she lost her business in Georgia, they called it fate.
When she packed one suitcase and fled to New York with barely enough money to survive—
Fate again.
Ruby called it something else.
Bad decisions.
Which was why she should have walked away the moment Kevin Laurent asked to see her the next morning.
Instead, she stepped into the private elevator of Laurent Tower.
The doors slid shut.
Ruby Monroe had learned something important about powerful men.
They never asked for something unless they were certain they would get it.
Which was why Kevin Laurent’s request to meet the next morning felt less like an invitation and more like a command.
Still, curiosity had brought her here.
The elevator of the Laurent Tower glided upward in perfect silence, carrying her higher above Manhattan with each passing floor.
Ruby watched the numbers rise.
50…
61…
72…
Penthouse.
Of course.
The doors slid open to reveal a hallway lined with dark marble and soft lighting.
Luxury. Quiet. Impossibly expensive.
A woman in a black suit waited for her near the entrance.
“Miss Monroe,” she said politely. “Mr. Laurent is expecting you.”
Ruby nodded once.
Her heels clicked softly as she walked inside.
The penthouse living room was massive—minimalist and elegant with glass walls overlooking the entire city. Manhattan glittered in the distance like a crown of light.
Kevin Laurent stood near the window.
His back was turned, but Ruby recognized him instantly.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Still wearing the same quiet authority that had silenced an entire ballroom the night before.
“You’re late,” he said without turning.
Ruby checked her watch.
“I’m early.”
Kevin finally faced her.
His gaze moved over her slowly, measuring.
Calculating.
He looked different in daylight. Less theatrical than at the gala, but somehow more dangerous.
“Most people arrive earlier when meeting me,” he said.
Ruby crossed her arms.
“Most people are probably trying to impress you.”
“And you’re not?”
“I’m here because your assistant insisted.”
A faint shadow of amusement crossed his face.
Interesting.
Kevin walked toward the long marble table in the center of the room and gestured to a chair.
“Sit.”
Ruby remained standing.
“I’d rather know why I’m here first.”
Kevin studied her for a moment, as if deciding how much honesty she deserved.
Then he slid a folder across the table.
“You’re here because I have a proposal.”
Ruby frowned slightly.
“What kind of proposal?”
“Marriage.”
The word hung in the air like a gunshot.
Ruby blinked.
“…I’m sorry?”
Kevin leaned back in his chair.
“Read the contract.”
She approached cautiously and opened the folder.
The moment she saw the document header, her breath caught.
Marriage Agreement
Ruby flipped through the pages quickly.
Duration: Six months.
Public appearances required.
Residence shared.
Compensation: $10,000,000.
Her fingers tightened slightly on the paper.
She looked up slowly.
“You’re serious.”
“I don’t make jokes about legal documents.”
Ruby closed the folder.
“And why exactly would a billionaire need a fake wife?”
Kevin’s expression remained calm.
“My father.”
Of course.
“Jacques Laurent is stepping down from his position soon,” Kevin explained.
Ruby leaned against the table.
“And he’s choosing which son takes over.”
Kevin’s eyes flickered with approval.
“You’re quick.”
“Basic logic.”
He continued.
“My father believes the future leader of the Laurent empire should represent stability. Family values. Respectability.”
Ruby snorted quietly.
“So your brothers are playing happy family.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re… improvising.”
Kevin didn’t deny it.
Ruby tapped the folder thoughtfully.
“You realize this sounds insane.”
Kevin’s voice remained calm.
“Ten million dollars.”
Ruby’s stomach tightened.
That number again.
Enough to rebuild her entire life.
Enough to open the wedding venue she had dreamed about before everything fell apart.
But she forced herself to stay calm.
“Why me?”
Kevin didn’t hesitate.
“Because you’re believable.”
Ruby frowned.
“Believable?”
“You’re not a social climber.”
“And you know that how?”
“I investigate people before doing business with them.”
Ruby stiffened slightly.
“So you had me investigated.”
Kevin shrugged.
“I discovered some interesting things.”
Her stomach dropped.
“Such as?”
“You’re three months behind on rent.”
The words hit like a slap.
Ruby’s expression hardened immediately.
“That’s none of your business.”
Kevin leaned forward slightly.
“Your landlord filed eviction paperwork yesterday.”
Her pulse spiked.
“How do you know that?”
“I told you,” Kevin said calmly. “I investigate.”
Anger flared in her chest.
“You had no right”
“I have every right when I’m offering someone ten million dollars.”
Silence filled the room.
Ruby looked down at the contract again.
Ten million dollars.
Six months.
Just pretending.
Still…
Something about Kevin Laurent unsettled her.
He wasn’t charming like most rich men she’d met.
He was too controlled.
Too careful.
As if every move he made was part of a larger strategy.
Ruby exhaled slowly.
“What exactly would I have to do?”
Kevin answered immediately.
“You move into this penthouse.”
“Of course.”
“We attend public events together.”
“Pretend to be in love.”
“Yes.”
Ruby looked at him carefully.
“And after six months?”
“We divorce.”
Simple.
Clean.
A business arrangement.
Still, something bothered her.
“Why me?” she asked again.
Kevin held her gaze.
“For the role to work, the woman has to look convincing.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning my father must believe I chose you.”
Ruby studied his face carefully.
“And he will?”
Kevin’s expression darkened slightly.
“He will.”
Ruby picked up the pen on the table.
But she didn’t sign yet.
“I have a condition.”
Kevin raised an eyebrow.
“Let’s hear it.”
Ruby met his gaze without hesitation.
“You never touch me.”
For the first time, Kevin looked surprised.
“Why?”
“Because this is business,” Ruby said calmly.
“And I don’t mix business with emotions.”
A strange expression crossed Kevin’s face.
Something almost like understanding.
Then he nodded once.
“Agreed.”
Ruby signed the contract.
The sound of the pen against paper echoed softly in the quiet room.
Kevin picked up the document and glanced at her signature.
“Welcome to the Laurent family, Mrs. Laurent.”
Ruby leaned back in her chair.
“When does the performance start?”
Kevin’s answer came instantly.
“Now.”
She frowned.
“Now?”
Kevin stood and walked toward the window overlooking Manhattan.
“My father is hosting a private dinner tonight.”
Ruby sighed.
“I figured.”
Kevin turned toward her again.
“And before that…”
He paused.
“We’ll be announcing our engagement.”
Ruby blinked.
“To who?”
Kevin’s voice was calm.
“The press.”
Ruby stared at him.
“You’re announcing this to the entire world today?”
“Yes.”
Her stomach flipped.
“You could have warned me.”
Kevin’s lips curved slightly.
“I just did.”
Ruby stood slowly.
This was madness.
Absolute madness.
But ten million dollars…
And the chance to rebuild everything she’d lost.
She exhaled slowly.
“Alright, Mr. Laurent.”
Kevin watched her carefully.
“Ready to play the role?”
Ruby straightened her shoulders.
“For ten million dollars?”
She gave him a small, sharp smile.
“I’ll play it perfectly.”
Kevin studied her for a moment longer
As Ruby straightened her shoulders ready to play the perfect wife. A soft chime echoed from the pent house intercom
“Miss Monroe….a package just arrived for you”
No sender
Just her name
She opened it, inside was a black card.
Just one word
LEAVE
- Writer
