Four

Samantha stood in disbelief as Orion arrived at her doorstep the next day by exactly 4pm, picking her up without warning. He whisked her off to an upscale shopping spree, brushing off her protests with a casual, “The wife of a billionaire should never be seen without her crown and diamonds.” That line alone made her fall in love with the idea.

She entered the luxurious boutique looking like a hobo and emerged transformed, dressed in the finest attire—a vision of elegance. Now, she appeared exactly as she had agreed to be: the wife of Orion Sharpe, the multi-billionaire.

When they arrived at the wedding reception at precisely six in the evening, Samantha’s anxiety twisted her insides, but she was oddly pleased to see that Jonathan had lived up to his reputation. Narcissistic and obnoxious as ever, he had only invited people he considered less wealthy than himself. The knowledge that Orion, her “husband,” outclassed everyone in the room by far gave her a small thrill of satisfaction.

At the entrance to the grand hall, an announcer stood, ready to declare guests' names as they entered. Orion smirked at her, and Samantha found herself mirroring his expression, a shared secret passing between them. He took her hand, their matching rings glinting under the lights, and the announcer’s voice echoed through the room: “Mr. Orion Sharpe and Mrs. Samantha Sharpe!”

Gasps filled the room as heads turned toward them. Samantha’s lips curled into a mocking smile. They entered with the confidence of royalty, holding themselves as though they owned the place.

The fairy-tale-themed décor caught Samantha’s eye, and her stomach churned with resentment. Caroline, Jonathan's bride and now her Ex- bestfriend and husband snatcher had always fantasized about a fairy-tale wedding when they were younger, regardless of the groom. And now, she had it.

“They really went all out,” Samantha thought bitterly, recalling Caroline's smug declarations about having the wedding of her dreams no matter what. And here it was, complete with the man Samantha had once called her own.

But this wasn’t about Caroline, this was about a cruel excuse for a man who believed he could get away with just about anything, not giving a thought at who his insane actions could hurt.

Whispers surged through the crowd as they noticed Samantha sharing a last name with Orion, Jonathan’s stepbrother. The room parted for them as they walked, all eyes glued to the pair. At the center of the hall, Orion leaned in slightly and muttered in his sexy accent, “Don’t look now, but lover boy’s on his way.”

Samantha’s gaze shifted, spotting Jonathan approaching with Caroline on his arm, their rings glistening but not as bright as hers. The sight brought an unexpected sense of victory, though brief.

“You actually came,” Jonathan spat, barely hiding his annoyance. “And with a plus one?”

Samantha saw the moment that Jonathan had eyed her with a hunger that was now replaced with an anger and it brought adrenaline rushing through her veins at his audaciousness.

Caroline’s grip on Jonathan’s arm tightened as Samantha flashed a sly smile. “Jonathan, didn’t you invite me? And you did say I could bring someone. What better date than my husband?” she replied smoothly, following their rehearsed plan.

Jonathan’s face twisted as conflicting emotions rushed over him, but the only thing he could muster was a hollow laugh. “You two? Married?!” He barked incredulously, the smile slipping from his face.

“You can’t be serious. It’s been barely a month since our divorce, and let me remind you, Samantha, you were the one who filed, not me.”

Samantha felt the insane urge to smack Jonathan across the face, sensing this Orion placed a hand in hers and her anger seemed to melt for a minute, she replaced a growing scowl to a mocking smile.

Orion chuckled, his hand sliding from her hands to Samantha’s waist as he pulled her close. “I don’t know which part of ‘married’ you didn’t understand,” he said, tipping Samantha’s chin toward him.

Samantha’s breath caught as her eyes locked onto Orion’s lips. This wasn’t part of the plan, but his touch felt surprisingly natural, magnetic. She leaned in, surrendering to the moment.

Jonathan’s voice cut through the charged air, bellowing, “You really think it’s appropriate to kiss my wife in front of me?!”

Caroline gasped, while Orion pulled back slightly, a smug smile on his face.

“Ex-wife,” Samantha corrected coldly, her voice dripping with condescension. “I divorced you, remember?”

Jonathan scoffed. “You’re not divorced. I never signed the papers.” Caroline’s grip on Jonathan’s arm tightened visibly, panic flashing in her eyes.

Samantha saw the opportunity and seized it. She raised her hand, letting the light catch the extravagant wedding band that Orion had placed on her finger, far more opulent than the one Jonathan had given Caroline. Upon closer inspection, it was the very ring Jonathan had given her during their marriage.

She smirked, her eyes narrowing as she said, “Why don’t we let the almost newlyweds enjoy their almost wedding?” She winked at Orion, who took her cue, pulling her into a passionate kiss that left the room reeling.

Samantha nearly moaned at the intoxicating feel of his lips against hers. When they finally pulled apart, Jonathan’s rage was palpable. His fists clenched, and his face flushed with fury.

“Get a grip, Jonathan,” Samantha said coolly. “You’ve already lost. Ex-wife, remember?”

Orion couldn’t resist adding, “She’s with a better man now.” The smugness in his tone made Jonathan bristle with barely-contained fury.

As the tension thickened, Caroline’s attempt to calm Jonathan only made matters worse. The crowd murmured, unsure whether to gawk or retreat. Jonathan growled something under his breath, but Orion’s hand on Samantha’s waist kept her steady.

The party resumed, but it was clear that their dramatic entrance had stolen the spotlight. Waiters approached them with champagne, and they accepted, laughing at the unraveling disaster. Across the room, Jonathan and Caroline argued under their breath, their picture-perfect wedding crumbling under the weight of jealousy and humiliation.

Samantha tossed back another glass of champagne, her laughter growing louder. The alcohol dulled her inhibitions, making the entire spectacle even more amusing.

“To us, babe!” Samantha squealed, drawing even more attention. Orion spun her in a carefree twirl, their laughter echoing through the hall.

Jonathan stormed toward them, his face contorted in anger. “This is my party! I think it’s time you left,” he hissed, but Samantha couldn’t be bothered. She wiped away a tear of laughter and steadied herself against Orion.

“My husband is such a lightweight,” she teased, knowing her words would hit Jonathan right where it hurt.

“This isn’t over, Samantha. Those papers aren’t signed, and I’ll never let you win,” Jonathan growled, but Orion’s response was quick and cutting.

“She’s already won,” Orion said with a smirk. “She’s with me.”

With one last kiss, this one lingering just long enough to remind Jonathan of what he had lost, Orion led Samantha out of the hall. The cool night air hit them as they reached the parking lot, both of them still laughing like conspirators.

To their surprise, they found the car’s tires slashed. Instead of anger, they burst into more laughter.

“Jonathan is so predictable,” Samantha mused between giggles.

Orion shrugged. “I’ll book us a ride to the nearest hotel. The car will be towed, and I’ll drop you off tomorrow.”

By the time they reached the hotel, the alcohol had fully taken hold, and when they discovered there was only one suite left—with one bed—Samantha was too tired to care. They stumbled into the presidential suite, Orion popping open another bottle of champagne.

“To celebrate,” he teased, pouring her a glass. Samantha accepted, sinking into the plush armchair.

Orion, unbuttoning his shirt, turned toward the bedroom. “I need to get the scent of Jonathan’s stupidity off me,” he muttered, and Samantha chuckled, admiring his back as he disappeared into the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the suite, and Samantha, feeling the effects of the alcohol, started to undress. She reached for the zipper of her dress and let it fall to the floor, revealing the lacy lingerie she had worn underneath.

She hadn’t realized Orion was still standing there, watching her. His eyes darkened as they took in every inch of her, and in two strides, he was at her side.

His hands brushed over her shoulders, sending a shiver down her spine. “Today was memorable,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

“But do you know what was most memorable?” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. Samantha froze, her heart pounding.

“You,” he whispered.

That was all it took. Samantha let herself melt into his embrace, their lips meeting in a fiery kiss that erased all thoughts of the original plan.