EX-HUSBAND'S BOSS FOR VALENTINE

MARRIED

ROYAL

“Grandma, I close the deal successfully, and I should get this position,” I say as my grandma Beatrice keeps yelling on the phone.

“That is impressive, Royal, but Robert and Roger have wives. That’s a sign of responsibility. Makes them more trustworthy to the board of directors!”

I blink. Is she serious right now?

“Wait, you think my brothers are better suited because they’re married? That’s ridiculous! I’ve outworked them at every—” I stop because there is literally no point arguing with her when she’s made up her mind.

“You better get yourself a wife, or you’ll lose the position, Royal!” she barks, her voice hitting that pitch where I feel it vibrating in my skull. I rub my temple as my patience wears thin, frustration crawling through my bones. That’s when my eyes land on Melania, sitting next to me, scrolling through her phone like none of this is her problem.

She looks calm, and entirely too attractive for someone whose life is as messy as mine right now.

“Well, good thing I’m engaged, so you’ve got nothing to worry about,” I blurt out before I can control myself. Grandma goes silent.

“Royal, this is no joke—”

“And I’m not joking either. My fiancée’s here with me. I was going to make it a surprise. We’re getting married today. Just a small wedding.”

Melania’s head snaps up, her eyebrows shooting high as her mouth opens like she’s about to say something, but no words come out. I keep my eyes on the phone, scared to meet her gaze.

“Put her on video call,” Grandma demands. “I don’t believe you. And she better not be some random floozy you picked up in—”

“She’s gorgeous,” I cut in, hitting mute before she can finish. I turn to Melania, who’s staring at me like I’ve grown a second head.

“Excuse me?” she hisses.

“Please,” I whisper, leaning in.

“Just pretend to be my fiancée for five minutes. I need to get my grandma off my back.” She narrows her eyes.

“You’re out of your damn mind.”

“Maybe, but I’ll owe you one.” She holds my gaze for a second longer, then lets out a dramatic sigh.

“Fine. But you better hope she’s not the type to ask a million questions.”

“She’s not,” I lie smoothly, even though, of course, she is.

I unmute the call and flip to video. Melania sits straight, plastering on a smile that could charm the devil himself.

“Good morning, ma’am,” she says sweetly. Grandma’s eyes nearly pop out of her head.

“Oh my, she’s so gorgeous!”

“Told you,” I say, trying not to sound too smug. Grandma leans in, peering at the screen like she’s trying to see Melania’s soul.

“Why did you keep her from us? She looks so decent.” Then she focuses solely on Melania. “How do you put up with him?” Melania lets out a soft, fake laugh.

“Oh, I know he can be a pain, but underneath it all, he’s sweet. And charming.” I blink. Damn. She’s good.

“I need to have you in my home,” Grandma says. “Why is he throwing you a small wedding? I’ll arrange a huge banquet for the after-party. I want you both at my house today by four.” Before I can protest, she adds, “Be like your brothers and learn how to treat a woman!” Then she hangs up.

I slump back in my seat, loosening my tie. What the hell do I just do? Melania slowly turns to me, one eyebrow arched.

“Your grandma seems like a real treat,” she says dryly. “But I’m pretty sure she won’t be thrilled to find out her future daughter-in-law is still married.” I glance at her, trying to play it cool, but my mind’s racing.

I have less than twelve hours to make her my wife, or I risk losing the empire. We sit there in silence for a minute before it hits me.

“How would you like to get revenge on your ex-husband?” I ask in a casual tone, like I’m offering her a drink instead of a life-altering proposition.

“Revenge?”

“Yeah.” I lean in, my eyes locking onto hers. “Marry me.” Her jaw drops.

“You’re insane.”

“Just for a year,” I say quickly. “No romance. No strings attached. I need to fool my family long enough to secure my inheritance. After that, you’re free.” She stares at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“You’re serious?”

“As a heart attack.” She laughs in a small voice that makes my chest tighten for reasons I don’t want to explore.

“I’ll pay you ten million, plus a house. A car. You won’t even have to live with me. Just total freedom.” She’s quiet for a moment, her fingers drumming against her thigh. Then she looks up, her eyes shining with something dangerous.

“This really means so much to you?”

“Yes,” I reply hurriedly, pressing my lips into a hard line.

“Deal,” she says softly. “But not for the money. I just want to watch my ex-husband suffer, and since you offered on a platter of gold, I’m in.”

“Thank you.” I reach for her hands, and for a second, I almost forget myself in her soft skin. Quickly, I clear my throat, pulling back as I remind myself, This is just business.

“See you at City Hall in two hours,” I say as the plane starts to descend.

**

Two Hours Later

I’m standing at City Hall, and Melania’s walking toward me in a simple white dress that should not look as good as it does. She’s stunning, and I can’t figure out if I’m annoyed or impressed by how much it’s messing with my head. The priest starts the ceremony, but I’m barely listening. I’m too busy staring at Melania.

“Do you take this woman as your wife?” the priest asks. I clear my throat, tearing my eyes away from her lips.

“I do.”

The priest turns to Melania. “Do you take this man as your husband?”

“I do,” she says in a casual tone.

“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” I hesitate, but Melania doesn’t.

She leans in, pressing her lips to mine, and suddenly the world tilts. It’s supposed to be a quick, fake kiss, but the second our lips meet, it’s almost like I can’t ignore it. I pull back faster than I probably should, my eyes locking onto hers. I haven’t had a love interest in a while, and crossing paths twice must mean something, I say to myself.

“Okay, big guy, let’s go fool your family,” her voice cuts through my mind as she smiles at me, and at that moment, I know this woman might just be the end of me.