Lahat ng Kabanata ng The CEO's Corporate Wife; A deal: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

ROSE “I think you’ve had more than enough, young lady. Are you with someone?” the bartender asked me pitifully, eyeing the four empty bottles of cheap beer I had downed. I burst into a giggle instead of replying. Was I with someone? Who would want to associate with a loser like me, someone who had nothing to give? My giggles gave way to shaking shoulders and soon, tears filled my eyes, my emotions jumbled by the influence of alcohol. “Okay, that’s it, no more drinks for you. Get off my stool and go wash your face in the restroom. I'll get someone to find you a taxi.” When I did not comply immediately, he walked around his counter and pulled me off the stool. It was almost midnight yet the club was filled to the brim with people. However, none of them objected to the bartender pulling me up like an errant child. I went along with him, my tongue too heavy to make any complaints. He escorted me to the beginning of a barely lit hallway and helped me stand properly. “This is as far as

DEREK The sound of my alarm woke me up at six am sharp. My feet hit the ground ten seconds later, discarding the sheets protecting my face. When I found the other side of the bed empty, I was tempted to question my smart brain. Where was the girl I had slept with last night? The exotic dancer had stunned all her male audience with her seductive moves. The weasels had salivated over her, making stupid wolfish whistles when she did her thing. I constantly wondered how some of them managed to pay the entrance fee at Smoky Paradise. Perhaps they had pawned off their inheritance or tagged along with females who were an exception to the entrance fee rule. Nevertheless, none of that explained the missing girl. Didn't she want her money? She had better not be a thief. Stealing from the owner of the place where you worked was not a wise way to keep your job. But, damn, she had been so fucking good. I could not remember when last I spent my money on something so satisfying. There was no way

ROSE “Marry me and you won’t have to worry about money ever again.” My jaw dropped. I blinked at him like he had just asked me to join a cult. “Excuse me?” “You heard me,” Derek said, adjusting his seat like this kind of thing happened every day. “I think there’s something wrong with your brain,” I replied, my voice shaking between laughter and rage. “Do you just walk around offering marriage proposals to random, broke women you find crying in garages?” He shrugged. “Only the ones who throw up in front of Teslas.” My face burned. “Wow. So charming.” He leaned forward. “I’m not trying to be charming, sweetheart. I’m being practical. You have a problem. I can fix it. I have a problem. You can fix it.” “Oh, I see,” I said, crossing my arms. “Because clearly the best solution for two total strangers is holy matrimony.” He gave a short, humorless laugh. “It’s not holy. It’s a deal. Nothing more.” “A deal?” I echoed, eyes narrowing. He pulled something out of his sleek leath

DEREKThe vows were done. The wedding was over.People clapped, smiled, raised their glasses like this was a real love story. Like we were the perfect couple.It wasn’t real. None of it was.My mom looked so happy as she talked to people around.Should I call this her wish? Maybe yes, it has happened.Next head… for the company.There was a small celebration after the church ceremony. Just enough music and champagne to make it feel like a proper wedding. I stood there for a while, quiet, watching people laugh and talk.I didn’t want to be there. I was trying to avoid everyone and everything but as you know, that's impossible. I didn’t want to answer questions or pretend I cared about what flavor the cake was. I just needed a break from the noise.I started looking around for Rose.If people saw us together, maybe they’d stop asking so many questions. I just wanted to get through the day without another fake smile.Then I saw her.She was standing by the corner, talking to her mom.He

ROSEI could already hear chatters and giggles as I defended the status slowly. I bit the inside of my lips and my hands trembled slightly.I'm not ready to meet them. I don't think I'd ever be ready to meet them.The Rivera’s? Save me lord.I stopped on my tracks when I saw Derek. He looked at me with a smile on his face and I badly wanted to punch it off.He looked back and I knew instantly that he wanted to announce my presence.“Please don't.” I mouthed but he looked away like I hadn't said anything.“Okay everyone,” he cleared his throat and stretched out his arms for me to hold. I shut my eyes close, hoping the ground would swallow me whole.“Meet my wife and new bride. Rose Rivera.” He announced and I took his hand and descended the stairs.I made sure he saw the disgust on my face.No one said anything when I came down. Everyone was seated at the dining table and looking at me like I was shit.Or probably someone they don't want to see. “Hi,” my voice was shaky as I looked a