Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Willa
He wanted me to stay. I wanted to stay. But I disagreed with him when he said that getting married was the worst thing that could happen. It wasn’t. The worst thing that would happen was my heart breaking again if I casually got involved with him.
Damien Blackwood was a man no woman could easily forget. When I bumped into him at the buffet in Vegas, I was mesmerized by his deep and resonant voice. It had a hint of charm and carried authority, making it difficult to ignore, not to mention his looks that would make any woman weak in the knees as he made mine. I’d go along with his plan and act like the happy little wife. I didn’t have a choice. I needed the money he offered. But even if he didn’t offer me money, I’d still play along to help him.
I walked through the door and found Matt and James snuggled on the couch.
“Why are you home already?” Matt asked.
Walking to the freezer, I grabbed the pint of chocolate ice cream, grabbed a spoon from the drawer, and sat in the oversized chair across from them.
“We had dinner, and I left.”
“We didn’t expect you home tonight. We figured you’d be sleeping with your husband.” James smirked.
“I’m pretty sure he wanted to, but I couldn’t. It’s best to keep my heart out of this deal.”
“What do you mean? What deal?” Matt asked.
“He told me we need to stay married a little longer and asked me if I would be willing to play the happy wife. In exchange, he’s giving me one hundred thousand dollars.”
“WHAT?!” Matt quickly sat up.
“Why the sudden change of heart on his part?” James asked. “I thought he was pushing to end this marriage as quickly as possible.”
“Something about a merger for his company. I’m not really sure. He just needs me for dinner on Friday night with a client and for a few social engagements.”
“And the money? When do you get that?” Matt asked.
“He said it will be in my account in the morning.” I smiled.
“Cha-ching! Do you know what this means?” Matt asked. “It means you can start your breakup box business.”
“I know.” I grinned. “I can get that up and running and then start looking for a new job. Although being a legal secretary doesn’t sound thrilling anymore.”
“That’s because you’re rich as sin!” Matt clapped.
“A hundred thousand dollars isn’t being rich as sin. And if I’m not careful, that money will be gone quickly. I’m heading to bed.” I stood up, put the pint of ice cream back in the freezer, and went to my room.
* * *
The following morning, I climbed out of bed, made coffee, grabbed my laptop, and sat on the couch. I smiled as I pulled up my bank account and stared at the $100,000 balance. Picking up my phone, I texted Damien.
Thank you for the money.
You’re welcome. Thank you for agreeing to go along with my plan. What are you up to today?
Not much. You?
I’ll be in meetings all day. I have to head to one now. I’ll talk to you later.
Bye, Damien.
I set my phone down, grabbed my coffee mug, and brought it to my lips as I sat and figured out a name for my business. I needed to be careful because, as great as the breakup boxes were, I would want to expand into other boxes someday. So, I came up with the name Curated Chaos and started creating a business plan.
I needed a break, so I looked up wholesalers in the area and found one in Chelsea. Grabbing my purse, I took the subway and went shopping, collecting items for the other thirteen breakup boxes I needed to send out. This was way cheaper than Target, but if I were to turn this into a proper business, I needed to be more creative and really amp up the boxes. A smile perched on my lips as an idea swirled around in my head.
* * *
It was Friday afternoon when my phone rang, and Damien was calling. It was the first time I’d heard from him since Tuesday morning.
“Hello,” I answered while brushing my teeth.
“Why do you sound funny?” he asked.
“I’m brushing my teeth.”
“Oh. You can call me back when you’re done.”
“No. It’s fine. Keep talking.” I spat in the sink.
“Theodore Vale and his wife are coming over at seven o’clock. Can you be at my penthouse around four o’clock and bring some of your things to set around so it looks like you live there?”
“Sure. I can do that.”
“Great. Also, don’t forget to wear your wedding ring.”
“I won’t.”
“My housekeeper, Connie, will be there preparing dinner when you arrive. She’ll let you up.”
“Got it. I didn’t know you had a housekeeper.”
“Now you do. Connie is great, and you’ll like her. I’m coming, Charlie. I have to get to a meeting. Louis will pick you up around three thirty and take you to the penthouse.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later.” I ended the call and set my phone down.
After wiping my mouth with a towel, I brought my finger up to my lips and thought about what to bring to Damien’s for our fake living situation.