002

North’s POV

The voice, the cologne and masculine scent belonged to only one person. “Finn.” I gulped, sinking into the wall.

A few moments later, the lights were turned on and just like I had imagined, standing in front of me was no other person than Finn Timber, my ex boyfriend.

Frozen with shock, I remained in a position, my eyes fixated on him as my heartbeat doubled.

After three years of being apart, I never thought even for a moment that we were going to cross paths again, at least not like this.

Despite the separation, Finn still struck a nerve in me. As usual, he stood tall with the same air of arrogance that made my insides clench as memories of our breakup came rushing back.

Finn and I were the perfect couples. Among our friends, we were voted to be the next power couples and our separation came as a surprise to them.

Being a conglomerate heir, Finn wanted a more sophisticated career for me. He was never in support of my career choice and had told me several times to stop chasing my dream.

“Catering isn’t a real career.” He said to me during one of our fallouts.

“You’ll never make it big in that industry. I will let you manage any company of your choice until you are experienced enough to take over it.”

His depressing words were embedded in my mind and I wasn’t going to forget them in a hurry.

It got so intense and then one day, he asked me to choose between him and my dream.

Without thinking twice, I chose my dream over him, believing I had made the right choice as I felt he wasn't the right one for me.

If truly he was, he would have supported my dream and not discard it like it meant nothing.

But here we are again, standing right next to each other.

“You look surprised.” He mused, crossing his arms on his chest, a smirk dancing on his lips with a glint of mischief in his eyes as usual.

“Surprised?” I huffed, matching his gaze and poise.

"I have no reason to be surprised. It’s just that I didn't expect to see you anytime soon.” I shrugged, smacking my lips.

The next sound that rented the air was his soft chuckle.

“Is it funny?" I rolled my eyes at him.

“Three years is enough time for you to forget about our fallout but you haven't. You still resent me.” He smacked his lips.

Finn was getting under my skin and he knew that.

I had something more important to handle but he decided to corner me and now we were chatting about things that were of no importance.

“What do you want?” I gawked at him.

Peering at my wrist watch, I mouthed, “I have to meet with the groom urgently and rectify the issue at hand." I ratted out.

When he still wouldn't spit it out, I turned to leave but he appeared right of me, stopping me from taking any step further.

“What?" I growled.

“Let’s make a deal.” He said, pushing his hands into his pockets. His words made a smile spread across my lips but I was quick to wipe it off.

"Have you gone nuts? We are not even friends, why should I get into a deal with you?" I rolled my eyes in disgust.

Ignoring me, he pressed on, “Five million dollars.”

“Excuse me?”

“I will make it ten, fifteen. Let's settle for twenty, what do you say?"

Dumbfounded, I couldn't say a word.

My lips were heavy.

After what seemed like forever, he pushed his hand into his hair and with a calm tone, he said, “I need a substitute bride.”

For the first time since I stepped into the room, I allowed my eyes to roam about. — It was the bride's dressing room.

My lips spread into a broad smile and before I could realize what was happening, I was shrieking with laughter.

Despite the look on his face, I couldn't stop myself from laughing so hard. “You? A substitute bride?” I laughed again.

It was almost unbelievable that Finn Timber was my anonymous client that made me have sleepless nights.

"This is crazy." I chuckled, locking eyes with Finn who had been staring.

“Mr. Finn Timber, the almighty businessman couldn’t get his fiancée to stick around?” I mocked.

“It’s just a business arrangement. I need someone to play the role next week, and you’re perfect for the job.” He stressed, the look on his face laughable but I held back.

“You really think I would say yes to your offer?” I rolled my eyes. “Come on Finn, you really have to quit being an asshole."

Titling my head to the side, I mocked further, “Your fiancée must have run off because she is sick and tired of you."

“You need money, don’t you?" He ignored me again, making me clench my fist in anger but I said nothing.

“Five million dollars just to act as my wife for a few months… it’s a win-win.” He shrugged, sounding triumphant like he had won me over.

“You don’t know what I need.”

“Don’t I?” He closed the gap between us, lowering his voice.

“You want to build your catering business, but let’s be honest, you don’t have what it takes to pull it off.”

Now counting on his fingers, he said, "You don’t have the connections but with me, you’d get both.”

"The capital for your dream business, the connection and needed support, you will get everything. Think about it.” He urged.

For the first time since this conversation began, I hesitated.

I hated the fact that he was right.

The catering industry was competitive and without strong connections, I had been struggling to make a name for myself.

That explains why I was eager to pull off this job to create an impression on my potential clients.

I had plans, big ones at that but mere dreams weren’t enough. Money moved the world, and right now, I didn’t have half of the money to make this work.

But working with Finn Timber? Becoming his substitute wife?

No. — I gulped, reviewing his words in my head.

My pride was also at stake here.

“Not interested.” I spat, brushing past him.

“Are you turning down my offer? You don't get to see this everyday so…”

"You're doing this for selfish reasons, not because you care.” I snarled, holding back the scream threatening to erupt from my lungs.

“You will help me get this deal and I’ll help grow your business.” He pressed on.

Finn wasn't going to give up anytime soon.

“Take your time North, but we both know you are going to say yes."