His mansion

CHAPTER 2

Bella stared at her phone.

Fifty thousand dollars has been transferred to her account.

For the first time in weeks, she could breathe.

The money wouldn’t clear her debt, but it would buy her some time.

Her phone rang.

The same unknown number.

“Have you got the money?” a man demanded.

“Yes. I have fifty thousand”

“That’s not what you owe.”

“I know. I’m working on getting the rest.”

“You have until Friday, Bella. Don’t make us come looking for you.”

The call ended.

Bella slipped her phone into her handbag.

Three days. She had three days to find the remaining money.

At least Eric’s ridiculous arrangement had given her a chance.

“Miss Jordan!”

She looked up to find Rachel standing beside her desk.

“Mr. Holdings wants to see you.”

Bella sighed. “Again?”

Rachel laughed. “Whatever you did, good luck.”

Eric was reviewing some documents when Bella entered his office.

“You called for me, sir?”

“Sit.”

She obeyed.

He pushed a black folder towards her.

“Your agreement. Read through it carefully.”

Bella opened the folder. It contained the terms of their fake engagement, including her payment and responsibilities.

“Have you read it?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. You’ll move into my house this afternoon. My mother is expecting us tomorrow, and I don’t want any mistakes.”

Bella looked up.

“Your mother knows?”

“She knows I’m engaged.”

“But we’ve barely discussed anything.”

“That’s why we’re discussing it now.”

He handed her another sheet.

“These are the details of our relationship. We met at a charity event eight months ago. I proposed in Paris three weeks ago.”

Bella scanned the page.

“What if she asks how I knew you loved me?”

Eric raised an eyebrow.

“Do you need me to write you a romantic speech?”

Her cheeks warmed.

“No, sir.”

“Then use your imagination.”

Bella returned her attention to the paper.

“Will I have my own room?”

“Obviously.”

She nodded, relieved.

“One more thing,” Eric continued. “When we’re around my family, stop calling me sir. Call me Eric.”

“Alright.”

“And don’t forget that we’re supposed to be in love.”

Bella almost laughed.

That would be the hardest part.

That evening, Bella packed her clothes into a small suitcase.

She had three decent dresses, a few office outfits, and two pairs of heels. It wasn’t exactly a billionaire’s fiancée's wardrobe, but she would manage.

Her mother called while she was folding a dress.

“Have you eaten?”

“Not yet, Mum.”

“You need to take better care of yourself. You’re always working.”

Bella smiled faintly. “I’ll be fine.”

“When are you going to get your own apartment? You can’t stay with me forever.”

“Mum, we’ve discussed this.”

“And I’ll keep discussing it. I want you to be independent, but I need to know you’re ready.”

Bella glanced at her suitcase.

She couldn’t exactly tell her mother she was moving into her boss’s mansion.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Good girl. Don’t stay out late.”

“I won’t. Goodnight, Mum.”

After the call, Bella sat on her bed.

She hated keeping secrets from her mother, but explaining her situation would only create more problems.

For now, it was better this way.

At four o’clock the following afternoon, a black Mercedes pulled up outside Bella’s house.

The driver stepped out.

“Miss Jordan?”

“Yes.”

“I’m here to pick you up.”

He collected her suitcase and placed it in the boot.

Bella glanced back at the house before entering the car.

Her mother believed she was attending a work retreat.

It wasn’t entirely a lie.

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped before an enormous black gate.

As it opened, Bella stared at the mansion beyond it.

The building was magnificent, with tall glass windows, perfectly trimmed gardens, and a fountain in the centre of the driveway.

“Is this Mr. Holdings’ house?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Bella had worked for Eric for almost a year, but she had never imagined he lived somewhere like this.

The car stopped.

A housekeeper approached and greeted her.

“Welcome, Miss Jordan. Mr. Holdings is waiting inside.”

Bella followed her into the house.

Before she could admire the enormous chandelier hanging above the marble floor, a familiar voice interrupted her.

“You’re late.”

Eric was waiting at the foot of the staircase, dressed in black trousers and a white shirt.

Bella glanced at her watch.

“I’m only five minutes late.”

“I don’t remember asking for an explanation.”

She pressed her lips together.

Some things about her boss would never change.

“Come with me.”

He led her upstairs and opened a bedroom door.

“This is your room.”

Bella stepped inside.

The room was huge. A king-sized bed with white and grey beddings stood in the centre, with a dressing table, a private bathroom, and a walk-in wardrobe.

“It’s beautiful,” she admitted.

“It’s a guest room. Make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

“We’re having dinner with my mother at seven. Be ready.”

Bella turned towards him.

“Your mother is here?”

“She arrived this afternoon.”

“You could have told me!”

Eric gave her an unimpressed look.

“I believe I just did.”

Before Bella could respond, a cheerful voice came from the hallway.

“Eric! Is that my future daughter-in-law?”

A beautiful older woman appeared at the doorway.

Eric sighed.

“Mother.”

Grace Holdings ignored him and walked straight towards Bella.

“Oh, sweetheart! Finally, I get to meet you.”

Bella smiled nervously.

“Good afternoon, ma’am.”

“Please, call me Grace. Come here, let me have a proper look at you.”

Grace held Bella’s hands, examining her with obvious delight.

“You’re even prettier than I imagined. I can’t believe my son kept you hidden for so long.”

Bella glanced at Eric.

He gave her a warning look.

Grace suddenly clapped her hands.

“I’ve prepared everything for your stay. And don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable. I’ve arranged for you to share Eric’s bedroom.”

Bella’s smile vanished.

“What?”

Eric straightened.

“Mother, what have you done?”

Grace looked between them, confused.

“What’s wrong? You’re engaged, aren’t you?”

Bella’s heart dropped.

She had agreed to pretend to be Eric’s fiancée.

She hadn’t agreed to sleep in his bedroom.

And judging by Eric’s expression, neither had he.