by Sierra Rose
ACCIDENTLY MARRIED
TO
THE BILLIONAIRE
Part 3
By
Sierra Rose
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Available now! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01691UD4G
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Rebecca is an aspiring actress. While at a fancy cocktail party, the socialites begin to pick on her. And that’s when she claims she’s dating the billionaire host of the party. When he goes along with it, Rebecca is in shock. And when this billionaire offers her a proposition she can’t say no to, she dives straight in.
Available now! http://www.amazon.com/Seduced-My-Billionaire-Boss-Book-ebook/dp/B0185Z25TK
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My Despicable Ex Part 1 – US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FXAG6MS
My Despicable Ex Part 1 – UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FXAG6MS
She thinks he’s despicable. He wants her back…with a vengeance.
BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41TVh-9mvI4
Short blurb: A woman must travel around the globe with her despicable ex in order to get her hands on her inheritance.
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What happens when a woman has to face her one night stand at the office?
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Star Crossed MC Lovers – Book 1 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BZC54AM
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Read a sample of The Pretend Billionaire Groom here!
http://authorsierrarose.com/2016/03/16/sample-of-the-pretend-billionaire-groom/
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Chapter 1
Brandon’s lawyer stopped by and Marj invited him inside. Brandon owned the huge home and the condo, plus many other residences he resided. She had no idea how her husband owned so many places, but he did. If she had her way, they would just stay at the townhouse. But Brandon loved his mansion and missed it terribly, so they moved in for a while.
The multi-room mansion had a ballroom, a tennis court, and even an Olympic size pool. The stunning exterior was decorated with plenty of greenery from colorful flowers to creeping vines stretching over the veranda. Her favorite part was the beautiful garden, complete with water fountains and fairy lit trees that stretched out around the property.
Paul asked Marj to host a last minute party for Brandon. He wanted to gain favor with another CEO so he could buy some kind of stock before it went public. According to Paul, it was a brilliant business strategy.
“Brandon is expected to bring out the wife once in a while,” Paul said. “People want to meet you. You’re the woman that tamed the billionaire playboy.”
“Am I an advantage or an accessory?” Marj asked.
He smiled. “Why darling, you’re both.”
“Okay, then. If I can help Brandon in any way, then I want to.”
“Great.” He then handed her a slip of paper.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a list of all the places we’ll need you over the next few months.”
“Fishing?”
“It’s just a weekend in a luxurious cabin in northern Wisconsin. You’ll love it!”
Skiing?”
“Who doesn’t love a weekend in the Alps?”
“Fundraising events? Lunches? Awards dinner? More cocktail parties.”
“You’re a corporate wife. Get used to it. Besides, most corporate wives love this stuff. It’s a fantastic perk, don’t you think?”
“Um…” She glanced down at the paper. “You want me to go out four to five times a week?”
“Yes, because that’s what expected. Oh, I’ll send over someone from PR to help you with strategic choices of designer outfits and give you tips on how to interact with everyone. I can’t thank you enough for being there for your husband. You’re selfless, loyal, and deeply committed. We can’t thank you enough. Just know that sacrifice and compromise are part of the unspoken deal.”
“So I’m learning.”
“Just remember, you couldn’t have this lifestyle without Brandon, so you owe him.”
Marj let out a long breath.
Don’t go off on the man! It won’t help things.
“I stand behind Brandon,” she said. “Whatever he needs, I’m there.”
“That’s my girl. Marj, you’ll make an excellent hostess and social facilitator. Brandon takes excellent care of you, does he not?”
“And I take excellent care of him right back,” she retorted.
“I’m sure massages, homemade dinners, and sex does help ease Brandon’s stress.”
It took everything not to punch him.
“Unplanned travel and unpredictable work hours can be very wearing,” he continued. “Taking care of your husband and making him happy is your number one job.”
“Of course. But I love to work, too. And I’m very good at my job. How am I ever going to go back to my old job with this new schedule you’re giving me?”
“Corporate wives don’t work. Unless they’re running their own Fortune 500 companies. And I don’t think you are, sweety.”
“But I love my job. Brandon told me I could eventually go back to work.”
“Listen, the day you said, I do. Well, it’s the day you chose corporate wife over corporate career. So forget the corporate climb up the ladder. That ship has long sailed. Your place is at Brandon’s side as his loving and adoring wife. You’re the wife of a prominent, powerful man. Your schedule must revolve around his. Like most CEOs, Brandon has civic or business commitments almost every night.”
“I know,” she muttered.
“Welcome to the big leagues. It’s a privilege, a duty, and a shitload of work. Many women would kill for your position.”
She glanced away.
“Listen, he said. We’ll find a way to focus on your talents. I know how smart you are. I’ll hook you up with a non-profit organization, and you can pour all your intellect and creativity into.”
“Since I’m strictly forbidden to follow the corporate path, I’m just curious. What’s a typical day like for me, Paul?”
“You can be found patronizing the arts, having lunch with prestigious women, or doing volunteer work like a Good Samaritan.”
“I love to volunteer or raise money for charities.”
“Then see, it’s all good.”
Marj smiled. It was fake and pasted on, but she kept up the charade.
“I want to live a life where I feel valuable because of what I’m doing and contributing,” she said. “I don’t want my identity to be dependent on Brandon.”
“Don’t be intimidated by living in Brandon’s shadow. Sure you married the CEO of one of the world’s largest corporations. But you’re a big part of the package, too. Behind every man is a good woman.”
She bit her lip hard. “Um, this was a good talk.” She bit her lip hard. How the hell could she get
rid of him? “Yeah, um, nice chat, but I must politely excuse myself. I have to do some grocery shopping for an elderly friend of mine.”
“I can hire somebody to shop for Maria, the lady that used to live next door to you.”
“Wow. I guess there are no secrets. Well, I don’t mind going.”
“Your main focus is Brandon, okay?”
“Right.”
“I have some cookies to bake.”
“Your cook could always make those.”
“Oh, no. You’re really getting through to me. I want Brandon’s cookies made with love. Because it’s my job to make sure he’s happy.”
“Oh, okay then.”
The idiot didn’t even know Brandon shouldn’t have cookies because of his diabetes. This man knew absolutely nothing about Brandon.
They said goodbye and Marj wished she could kick his ass into next week as he left. Instead, she pasted on a fake smile and waved. Because that’s what a good, corporate wife does.
***
The night of the party finally came. Marj wore an embellished silk gown in a rich aquamarine hue, and Brandon wore an expensive, designer tux.
Brandon squeezed her hand. “You can so do this. You’re charming and beautiful.”
She smiled. “Thanks. But so much has gone wrong. The ice sculpture arrived in pieces. The flowers never showed up. The catering service had too many call offs and canceled. Remember that old saying: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.”
“The best-laid plans can go haywire. But you turned it around. Because my wife is quick on her feet.”
Marj smiled.
“I wonder where the linen cocktail napkins disappeared too,” she said.
“It’s okay. Paper napkins will work fine.”
She watched an elderly gentleman bite into a stuffed mushroom.
“If anyone finds out all the appetizers were made by culinary students, it’ll be front page news. It’s all I could get at the last moment.”
“Nobody knows. And I sampled some of their tasty snacks. They’re absolutely delicious.”
Marj had helped them plan what to make. They all decided on stuffed mushrooms, crab puffs, baked artichoke squares with sun dried tomato pesto, avocado wrapped in prosciutto, gourmet cheeses cut into diamond shapes served with water crackers, spiced walnuts, and caviar with toast points.
“These appetizers are too die for,” a woman in a red, strapless gown said. “Who is your caterer?”
The twenty-year-old culinary student smiled. “We’re new in town. We’re called Kathy’s Catering.”
“Do you have a business card?”
“I just ran out. Everyone is asking for my services.”
When the woman walked away, Marj smiled. “Catering service?”
“You know. I think I could run one!” Kathy said. “And these people love my food.”
“After culinary school,” Marj said.
The girl smiled and headed back to the kitchen.
Marj greeted all her guests in the ballroom with a big smile as they arrived. She said a few words to really make them feel welcome.
“I just went to a glittering sit-down dinner in the Buckingham Palace ballroom,” a woman said in a fancy silver gown. “And it wasn’t even as nice as this party.”
“Why thank you,” Marj said.
“I’m Janet Sanson. I’m a reporter for People Magazine. I’m covering this event tonight.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you. I hope you’ll have a lovely time.”
She grabbed a flute of champagne as a smile curved her lips. “I’m sure I will. Oh, there’s Janet Fleebano. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Sure.”
Marj glanced around and saw how happy everyone looked. The wine, champagne, and appetizers flowed freely. Things had started out crappy, but she’d been able to turn it around.
“Who’s the best lawyer in town to break a prenuptial agreement?” a wealthy man asked another gentleman.
Marj chuckled and tuned out the conversation. She went around and made sure each guest was happy and having a great time. She listened as they talked about their nips and tucks, charities, wines, cigars, their glamorous vacations, the best caterer in town, best restaurants, and upcoming weddings. The women gave all the other women non-stop, profuse compliments about their gowns, hairstyles, makeup, and the selected jewelry for the evening.
After greeting all her guests, she walked over to Brandon and looped her arm in his.
“Hello, darling,” she said with an adorable smile.
He kissed her on the cheek. “Sweetheart.”
Brandon looked so damn handsome in that tux. She couldn’t believe she was his wife and hosting his party. It almost felt like a dream. He took her hand in his, and they walked around the ballroom. He proudly introduced her to a sea of countless faces. She smiled, nodded, and laughed, working her charm.
Marj was the perfect, bubbly socialite.
“They love you,” Brandon said, pulling her off to the side.
Marj could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She never fit in this kind of world. “They accept me?”
“Yes. Now please don’t cry now,” he softly teased.
“I never thought I could pull off something this huge.”
“But you did. And I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, honey.”
“Just think, in a few days, we’ll be relaxing on the beach in Mexico.”
“You work so hard. You definitely deserve this. Just promise me you’re going to relax?”
“How can I relax if you put on that little, black bikini I picked out at the mall?”
She playfully swatted at him.
“How did your business deal go?” Marj asked.
“Barley Jackson has agreed to my terms. He’s going to sell me stock in his company before he goes public.”
“Oh! That’s wonderful.”
“I owe it all to you. His wife just loved you. She wants to have lunch next week. And she also wants you to help her run the wine tasting next month at The Saint Paul Athletic Club. All profits go to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland.”
“I’d love too.”
Marj smiled. Maybe she could be the perfect wife Brandon needed. If he could just learn to balance out his life a little between her and work, they could have the best of both worlds. She never wanted to take him away from his job. She knew how important that was to him. Marj just wanted him to spend quality time with her on a routine basis like most normal husband and wives did. She loved Brandon with all her heart. If they were going to build a relationship, then they needed to spend time together. Especially since they hadn’t even dated properly. It was just all about balance. Surely, they could do this, couldn’t they?
When Marj looked up, she saw a familiar face in the crowd. Why was her ex-boyfriend here? A shudder shot down her spine.
“Luke,” she whispered.
When he headed toward her, she tried to lose him by heading for the kitchen.
“Marj,” he called. “Wait. Don’t run away.”
He grabbed her arm, and she yanked free.
“What are you doing here?” she said. “I didn’t invite you. Party crasher!”
“My company is making a deal with yours. They flew me in.”
“Then deal with my husband. I have to go.”
“You look gorgeous as ever,” he said with that handsome smile. “Your dress is so sexy. That color always did look good on you.”
“Thank you. But go flirt with somebody else. I’m happily married now. And you have other obligations…like a son with another woman.”
He blew out a long breath. “Can we go somewhere and talk? Perhaps outside. I’d love to get some fresh air.”
“No way. One picture with you alone, and I’ll be on the nightly news.”
He reached for her hand and led her outside away from everyone.
She pulled away. “No,” she said. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“I need closure. And I know you do too.”
“You know what strings to pull.” She sighed. “I can’t believe you’re even here.”
“Oh, come on. Just give me five minutes. We’ll go somewhere where nobody will see us. Protecting your privacy is my utmost concern.”
“I’m happy now,” Marj said.
His gaze narrowed. “Are you? Truly?”
“Yes.”
“I fucked up. Big time. And I’m sorry. I just want to apologize to you alone. It’s the least I can do so I can sleep at night.”
He started to lead her away and she didn’t fight him. They walked across the yard to a hidden location from prying eyes. It was dark and she was sure nobody could snap a good picture if they found her.
Luke glanced up. “Aren’t the stars beautiful? I remember when we used to lay out a blanket and stare up at them when we camped in the mountains. Do you remember that?”
“Our camping trip was wonderful. Everything went perfect.”
“After we got the tent up. Remember how botched up it was? We couldn’t pitch a tent to save our lives.”
Marj laughed. “We were hilarious. And the tent kept collapsing no matter what we did.”
“Those were some good times.”
“Yes, they were.’
“Do you miss us?” he softly asked.
“Sometimes. But I’ve moved on. Especially after I saw the pictures of your bouncing, baby boy. It really helped to put things into perspective.”
“I couldn’t sleep last night at the hotel,” he said. “All I could think about was seeing you again. And you’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”
Their eyes locked.
“You’re trembling,” he said.
“It’s chilly out here.”
He ran a finger across her face. “Sure it’s not seeing me?”
“How could you show up here? I’m trying to host a party. And now I’m all rattled. This is just like you!”