Not The Billionaire

by Noorman, Krista

  She wasn’t sure how long she stood there before she finally pulled out the iPhone Kurtis had given her and did a search for Augustus Schultz. There were headlines galore about the playboy brother of the Schultz family and his many escapades and brushes with the law, including the paparazzi photos the ladies at the office had been gossiping about—ones of Gus in some guy’s face and another of him falling over drunk outside a bar.

  She scanned through other photos until she noticed a familiar face. Her heart skipped a beat as she took in the photograph of Kurtis standing between Skylar and Augustus at a past fundraising event. Only, the caption told an entirely different story.

  “Skylar, Sebastian, and Augustus Schultz at this year’s Schultz Foundation fundraiser.”

  She dropped her phone onto the floor, making a loud crack. Luckily, she had that protective case or it definitely would’ve shattered the screen.

  Kurtis is Sebastian?

  The pounding of her heart was loud in her ears, and her eyes burned with tears as she bent down to pick up her phone. Another hand reached for it at the same time, and she looked up into the eyes of Augustus Schultz.

  “Hey, Genevieve.” As he lifted her phone to hand it to her, his eyes fell on the image on the screen before darting up to meet hers. “I can explain.”

  Genevieve snatched the phone from his hand and stood, pushing past him as she made a beeline for the exit.

  “Please, let me explain.”

  “You’re sick,” she spit out. “All of you.”

  His hand grabbed her arm as he caught up to her. “He was going to tell you.”

  “When? He’s had plenty of opportunities.” She was trembling now.

  “I don’t know, but his plan was always to tell you.”

  “Well, isn’t that big of him?”

  “He cares so much about you, Genevieve.”

  She didn’t know what to say to that. The tears burned in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She yanked her arm out of his grasp and ran to her car. He caught up to her just as she drove out of the parking spot, squealing her tires as she left the place and the people she never wanted to see again.

  Genevieve lay crying on her bed, face buried in her pillow, as Rhonda’s fingers softly combed through her hair and gently caressed her back, calming and comforting her. She’d been crying for an hour, and she was nearing the point where there were no more tears left to cry.

  She sniffled as she turned her head to rest on her cheek and looked up at her sister. “I’m such a fool.”

  “No, you’re not.” Rhonda lay her hand on Genevieve’s cheek. “You couldn’t have known.”

  “They all knew. Every single one of them. They lied to me, and I fell for it. I’m sure they’ve all been having a good laugh over this.” Sadness and grief washed over as she pictured him. “I can’t believe he lied to me.”

  She was wrong. There were still plenty of tears left to cry.

  Rhonda lay down and faced Genevieve. “I’m sure there’s some kind of explanation.”

  “I don’t care.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “Nothing he can say will make me understand why he did this.” She glanced over at her alarm clock and sat up in a panic. “How am I supposed to go to this gala now? I can’t face them. I can’t get up in front of them and introduce Skylar. I can’t look any of them in the eye after this.”

  Rhonda sat up and took her hand, squeezing it between her own. “You are the strongest person I know. You will get through this.”

  “I don’t know how.”

  “I know it’s really messed up what they did, but you have done an amazing job with this fundraiser. Just get up there and show them that they didn’t break you. Don’t let them win.”

  She lay back down on her pillow as details of the past two months flooded her mind. The way he avoided spending time together at the office. The day he’d whisked her away to the chocolate factory because his own father and Wayne Middlebury were standing outside the main entrance. His close relationship with Skylar—his sister! The rooftop garden, where they wouldn’t be seen working together. Taking her into the beach house—his family’s beach house. Mrs. Middlebury recognizing him at the regatta that morning.

  Remembering all those moments made her livid. Why hadn’t she done a little research before taking the job? She could have easily looked up the history of the Schultz family and found more information there. But she’d been so anxious to leave behind her other job that she’d taken the position, trusting the wonderful reputation and notoriety of the Schultz Chocolate company.

  What a joke.

  Her thoughts returned to all the sweet moments she’d shared with the man she thought was Kurtis, and her heart began to ache. How could she have been so oblivious to his lies?

  Rhonda was right. She couldn’t stand by and let him get away with this. She had to go there and tell him she knew who he really was. And even though facing him was a heartbreaking prospect, she knew exactly what she was going to say.

  TWENTY-THREE

  Genevieve was nowhere in sight. Sebastian had purposely waited until the gala was well under way before he arrived, standing toward the back in the shadows, staying out of sight for fear of someone outing him. Skylar had told him Genevieve would be seated with their family toward the front, but she wasn’t at their table. He scanned the room, surprised not to see her there.

  It appeared the evening was going off without a hitch. The band they’d hired was playing some jazz tunes, guests were enjoying the music out on the dance floor, while others were placing their bids at the auction tables.

  He glanced around and took in the warm glow from the lighting and the candles. The place looked amazing all lit up at night. The only light missing was hers. He knew the second she walked into the room, the whole place would shine.

  His biggest regret of the day was not being able to spend it with her, not being there by her side as everything they’d worked on came to fruition. But he couldn’t have shown his face and risked ruining her day. Instead, he’d spent the afternoon making special preparations for tomorrow to take her out and spoil her and celebrate the success of the event. That is, if she was still talking to him after tonight.

  While away in California, he had decided it was time to tell her the truth. He’d been praying about it, hoping she would find it in her heart to forgive him. He had no idea what was going to happen, but he couldn’t let it go on anymore. It would be the most difficult conversation they’d ever have, but come what may, he had to do it. No matter how afraid he was that this would change everything, he couldn’t go on lying now that he was head over heels in love with her.

  Fifteen minutes had passed since he’d arrived, and the time was nearing for Genevieve to take the stage and introduce Skylar, who was giving a speech and awarding the regatta winners their trophies. Why wasn’t Genevieve there yet? He pulled out his phone, thinking he might call her, and noticed it had died at some point during the day. He wondered if he’d missed any calls.

  He shifted his stance and scanned the room again. Where was his beautiful girl?

  Just then, he spotted her, looking like she’d stepped out of the 1920s—long hair pinned up in golden waves, a black headband with a little feather sticking out, strings of pearls around her neck, and the flapper dress she’d told him about. The fringe swayed back and forth against her calves, and the fabric clung to her curves in just the right way, which made his pulse pound a little harder as he watched her walk toward the stage.

  “Gen,” he called out to her, but she didn’t hear him.

  He was channeling Gatsby at the moment in his brown wool suit with coordinating button up v-neck vest and two-tone oxfords. He’d even worn a fedora to complete the look. Genevieve was going to love it, and they were going to be the best looking couple on the dance floor.

  That’s all he wanted. One dance with her at the end of the night. One more chance to hold her in his arms and kiss her lips before he took her
aside and told her the truth. He just prayed it wouldn’t be the last time he ever got to do those things.

  When Genevieve stepped up onto the stage, Sebastian could tell something wasn’t quite right. Her eyes were puffy, and she wasn’t wearing the signature smile that usually lit up her face. Instead, she was staring at the microphone, hands trembling as she gripped it on its stand, like she needed something to hold her up.

  She lifted her head, and their eyes met. Her lips parted briefly, and he thought he might get to see those cute dimples of hers after all, but she didn’t smile. Not at all. Instead, she pressed her lips together, like she was fighting herself from crying.

  His heart ached. He wished he knew what was the matter. He wanted to make it all better for her. But what came out of her mouth was not what he was expecting.

  “Good evening, everyone. Welcome to tonight’s gala. I’m Genevieve Willis, event coordinator for the Schultz Foundation.” Her voice was shaky, and she took a deep calming breath before continuing. “My dad always told me that honesty is the best policy. It’s cliché, I know. People say it all the time, but he used that phrase more than once while I was growing up, and it’s always stuck with me. My whole life, those five words have made me strive to be an honest person. Not just for myself, but to make my dad proud of me.

  “Before coming to work for the Schultz Foundation, I had never worked for a company filled with such honest and generous people. I never knew it was possible to find a company that had so much integrity and felt so much like a family. Putting together this regatta has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the heart of this company. Because of the Schultz Chocolate family, I’m seeing everything in a whole new light. And that’s the honest truth.”

  People around the room began to clap then, but she kept talking.

  “And now I’d like to introduce you to the man who has made the biggest impact on me since I arrived. A man who believed in me when I wasn’t sure I could pull off this event in six weeks’ time. A man who helped me with every last detail of this gala and took absolutely no credit for it.”

  Her eyes fixed on Sebastian’s, her tears sparkling under the spotlight, and he was hit with a sudden sense of dread.

  “He’s a man of many talents … and many faces.”

  His stomach dropped. She knows.

  “The president of Schultz Chocolate. Sebastian Schultz, everybody.” She stopped looking at him and simply walked off the stage and toward the exit, not introducing Skylar, who stood staring with her mouth hanging open as Genevieve rushed to the exit.

  Sebastian heard Skylar take the stage, apologize for the confusion, and begin talking about the regatta as he bolted after Genevieve.

  “Gen!” He called after her in a loud whisper, but she kept walking until they were outside. “Genevieve!”

  She spun around to face him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Of course not, Kur—” A sob interrupted her.

  “I’m sorry.” His heart ached in his chest. He wanted to touch her, to take her in his arms and comfort her. Her tears were making him crazy. He hated that he’d done this to her. “You have no idea how sorry I am.”

  “Why would you do this? Why not tell me who you were from the start?”

  Someone walked out of the building then, and Genevieve swiped the tears from her face.

  “We shouldn’t talk here,” Sebastian told her. “Let’s go somewhere more private.”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you ever again.”

  “Gen—”

  “Don’t call me that. In fact, don’t call me anything. You lied to me about your name, so you don’t get to use mine anymore.” More tears fell.

  “Please, hear me out.”

  “Why should I?”

  “Because there’s a good reason for what I did. I promise you.”

  “I’m not sure any reason would justify someone lying like this and getting family and friends to play along with it.”

  He could see how livid she was. “I’ve had a bad track record with relationships in the past.”

  “I can see why.”

  “Please trust me when I say I’ve never done anything like this before.”

  “Am I supposed to feel special?” She rolled her eyes.

  “I’ve been burned before, and I wanted to get to know you and have you know me without the money coming between us.”

  She shook her head in disgust. “Do you have any idea how humiliated I am right now? I trusted you.” Her voice began to raise. “I trusted your sister and Franky … and your brother. He pretended to be you. Is this some kind of sick game you all play together?”

  “It wasn’t like that.” He wanted to get down on his hands and knees and beg her to hear him out, but if she wouldn’t, could he really blame her?

  “I can’t deal with this.” She turned and started walking away.

  “Genevieve, please. I care so much about you. I’ve fallen in l—”

  “Don’t!” She spun on her heel and glared at him. “Don’t you dare say it.”

  He could almost feel daggers from her eyes shoot through him. He took two steps toward her, which had her holding her hands up and stepping backwards to get away from him.

  “It’s the truth,” he told her.

  She let out a hysterical laugh tinged with pain. “The truth? I’m not sure you know what that is anymore.”

  With that, she walked away and left him on the sidewalk, staring after her. His worst nightmare had come true—but it was a nightmare of his own making.

  When Monday rolled around, he wasn’t sure he’d see Genevieve at all. He’d been away from his office a lot over the past six weeks, helping her with the regatta, but it brought him comfort to be there this morning. Answering calls and messages, trying to stay busy so he wouldn’t think about how majorly he’d screwed up his entire future with the woman he wanted to spend it with.

  He’d known he was in love with her for a while now. But now, none of that mattered. She would never speak to him again. She wouldn’t even give him a chance to explain, and at this point, he didn’t feel like he even deserved to be heard.

  He stayed hidden away in his office all morning, immersing himself in day-to-day tasks.

  A little after two o’clock, a soft knock sounded on his door.

  “Yeah, come in,” he nearly growled.

  The door opened slowly to reveal Genevieve’s beautiful face looking back at him.

  His heart skipped a beat, and he stood as she entered. “Hi.” He couldn’t hide the hope in his voice as he spoke that one little word.

  “Hello.” He hated how formal she sounded.

  She walked to his desk and lay a piece of paper in front of him.

  He read the first line, and panic shot through his body as his eyes met hers. “Letter of resignation? You’re quitting?”

  “I can’t stay. Not after everything.” She stared down at the letter. “I’m utterly humiliated, and there’s no way I can face your family again, knowing they all knew the truth and kept it from me. I can’t trust any of you anymore.”

  “Genevieve, we need you here. I meant it when I said you’re a breath of fresh air in this company. The regatta was the most successful fundraiser we’ve ever had.”

  She got a hint of a smile at that. “I’m glad.”

  “You can’t leave. Schultz needs you.” He reached out and gently lifted her chin to get her to look him in the eyes. “I need you.”

  “Kurt—” She paused at her mistake, then pushed his hand away. “See, I can’t even call you the right name. Your real name. I didn’t fall in love with Sebastian Schultz, and it feels wrong to call you that.”

  He rounded the desk and moved toward her. “Love?”

  Her cheeks immediately colored.

  “You love me?” His heart warmed as he stepped closer.

  “No.” She angled away from him. “I loved th
e man I thought you were. But that’s not who you are. I don’t even know you at all.”

  “You do know me, Gen.” He stepped into her personal space and raised his hand to touch her cheek.

  She tilted her face to the side, but not completely away from him. “I told you not to call me that,” she whispered.

  “I fell for you too, you know.”

  Her eyes met his, and though she was hurt and angry, he could see the love there. Everything around them faded away as he leaned in, longing to press his lips to hers, to show her how much he loved her.

  “No.” She shook her head and pushed against him at the last second. “Stop. This is too confusing.”

  His soul ached with disappointment as he stepped back, giving her the space she asked for.

  “Please accept my resignation and leave me alone.”

  She flew out of the office, taking his heart with her, and he sank into the nearest chair. He’d never felt like his heart had been ripped out of his chest before, but he had to believe this is what it would feel like. The ache was excruciating. Her absence was devastating. He wasn’t sure if there was anything he could do to make her understand.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  After years at her former employer, she had felt no remorse at all when she finally left and moved on to a new job. But only two months had passed since she’d stepped into the Schultz building, and leaving now gutted her. The work had been wonderful and challenging, the people kind and welcoming, and she loved feeling like she was truly a part of a family and that the work she was doing actually meant something.

  How could I have been so stupid?

  As her final day at Schultz Chocolate was coming to a close, she gathered her belongings. Not that she had much there to gather. She took the little name plate from her desk and placed it in a box along with a couple frames containing pictures of her family and Charisma.

  “I can’t believe you’re actually leaving.”

  Genevieve was surprised to see Skylar standing before her with arms crossed over her chest. It was the first time she’d seen her since the regatta. She had kept to herself since giving Sebastian her notice, quietly serving her time until her two weeks were up. It had probably been foolish to think she could get out of there without seeing a Schultz.