Chapter Four: Tessa

I paced in my small living room, the cold sleek card in one hand, my phone in the other.

This was a terrible idea. Why did I have to succumb to pressure so quickly?

Yet, the image of Clarissa's gloating face, illuminated by the golden ring I had never received, was enough motivation.

Sucking in a shaky breath, I stopped pacing and dialled the number, holding my phone tight.

"Ms Hayes." His voice, deep and smooth, instantly reached my ear. My heart stuttered.

"I'll do it."

"You'll do what?" He asked, the lack of urgency in his voice only heightened my anxiety.

"I'll be your wife for a year."

"Smart choice." He said smoothly.

"But I have a condition." I said, needing some control over this chaos.

"And what might that be?"

"I want a wedding ceremony."

Some seconds of silence stretched between us.

"Is that necessary?"

"Yes. I know we're technically married, but I have my reasons for wanting a proper, public wedding."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, that's all."

"Good. Hire a wedding planner. Do what you need to and send me the bill." He said, sounding already bored with the topic.

"Thank you." I breathed out, relief flooding me.

"One more thing. Tessa?"

The way my name rolled off his tongue was endearing. I loved it.

"We're having dinner tonight. See you at seven." He hung up before I could respond.

It was after the call that the magnitude of my decision dawned on me. I had just agreed to be fake married to a billionaire stranger I had a one night stand with.

My life was the prelude to a cliché rom-com, only this was real. And I doubted if it would end happily.

I scrolled through social media to distract myself from my thoughts, and the air immediately knocked out my lungs.

Clarissa and Austin. There were pictures of them, her hand thrust forward to display her ring, announcing their engagement.

She had the audacity to tag me. I was seething.

My phone rang instantly. It was Sana

“You saw it?” She went straight to the point as always.

“Yup.” I popped the ‘p.’

“That girl is such a bitch! I saw through her fake ass as soon as I met her.”

“She was there for me at a time nobody else was.” I muttered.

“I’m having dinner with Owen tonight,” I said, changing the topic before I spiralled into friendship regrets.

“Ooooh!” She squealed so loud I had to take the phone away from my ear.

“Jeez calm down.” I chuckled.

“Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“I’m telling you now.”

“See you in twenty.” She said and hung up. Everyone was hanging up on me today.

Exactly twenty five minutes later, my doorbell rang.

“You drove down here to get deets because I said I was having dinner with Owen Carter?” I asked, amused.

“That name right there, that’s more than enough reason to fly across the country just for deets. However, that’s not why I’m here.” She snapped, pointing a long, perfectly manicured nail at me.

“What then are you here for?” I asked in confusion.

“To get you prepared. Duh.”

“I don’t need to-“

“Shhhh!” She hushed me quickly, her eyes glittering.

“Fairy godmother Sana, is here to save the day.”

“Don’t tell me you brought the toolbox.” I sighed.

She grinned. “You know I did girl.”

“Oh lord,” I muttered.

This was going to be one hell of an afternoon.

Over the next few hours, she gave me a whole spa day. Did my nails, styled my hair, picked out

my dress, heels and jewellery and of course did my makeup.

Even with the hours of head start, she still managed to make me a few minutes late when

Owen’s driver arrived that evening.

I looked down at the sleek, black luxury sedan waiting in the building's parking lot.

“Now that’s a fancy car…” Sana whistled.

“I know right.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?”

“I’m nervous. I wish you could come with me.”

“Trust me Tessa, you got this. You’re looking like a snack and I’m sure he can’t wait to rip this

dress off you tonight.”

My nose scrunched up. “Ewww. That was one night.”

Her loud laughter made me feel a little at ease.

“Who says it can’t happen again? I know you enjoyed it.”

“I can barely remember it.” I muttered, fighting back my blush.

“You were sore in the morning. That’s a good reminder.” She winked.

“You’re unbelievable.” I laughed, shaking my head.

“Go on,” she pushed me out the door. “Have fun!”

The chauffeur was waiting for me as I climbed down the porch.

“Good evening Ms Hayes.” He said as he opened the door to the backseat for me.

“Good evening,” I said as I slipped in.

I felt utterly out of place, riding in a chauffeur driven vehicle on my way to a 'date' with a billionaire.

The drive was silent, except for the faint sound of soft music coming from the radio.

I stared out the window, letting the beautiful night pass my sight.

About half an hour later, he parked in front of this fancy restaurant.

I felt nervous all of a sudden as I was led to the rooftop.

When the door opened, I let out a gasp.