Chapter 4 No.4

Doris assures me, while checking her watch. Martin was meant to be here, but he was too important to meet his fake fiancee on time. Doris adds, as if she could read my thinking, "He'll be here shortly."

Maybe he's banging an intern, I joke. I'm not being cruel; Martin may be banging an intern. He wouldn't be first.

"Banging an intern," Tynet Dawns snorts and laughs after me. When she realizes everyone is staring at her, she puts a hand over her lips and clears her throat, pretending she didn't say anything.

I'm ready to tell a joke when mayor Benson walks in. He moves to the head of the table, fixing his cufflinks.

"Glad to see you're on board," he says, sitting back in his chair and smirking. Not even an apology for being late, what a pompous guy. I think he's accustomed to doing what he wants. This is the kind of guy I usually lure into my traps, but this time I'm on the asshole's side. I think 1 billion concealed my moral issues.

"Doris was quite convincing," I say coolly.

"Good. "It seems like she made the proper decision with you,"

My eyes were pulled to him as he arrived. It's not often that I see a city mayor up close. Sure, I'll play a significant part and have to spend time with him, but first impressions are always important. And he looks better in person than on TV.

"So, you know what to do, right?

feel heated as I keep his stare and nod with my tongue between my lips.

"Good," he grins, crossing his legs. We'll continue for a year. You may cancel our false engagement by saying I'm too responsible.

" A year? "I was thinking short-term."

"And if there's any indication of a scandal with another lady, I'll cancel the contract. And I'll still be paid."

Martin breathes, pursing his lips and exhaling quickly. I think you're correct. The danger isn't worth it," he says after a period of quiet. We're good.

"Good. Where's my ring? "I smile at him and wave my fingers. A bride needs a ring. A costly one"

Laughing, he runs his fingers down his tie. Pushing back his chair, he stands and strides around the table, narrowing the gap between us. His hand comes out of his jacket with a little square box. He opens the package and says, "That's it."

My eyes land on the largest diamond necklace I've ever seen.

I smile and give him my hand, "Yes" I hold my breath as his flesh touches mine. I imagine what else he has that's huge and slick because of his smooth hand.

"OK," he chuckles. Instead of caring about the ring, he adds, "You'll want a keepsake."

"Welcome to your new life, Arcadia," Martin says, and I grin back before I can stop myself.

Martin's pov

In the Press Briefing room. Half a dozen rows of reporters are looking at me, waiting for the press conference to begin.

. I can't believe I'm worried right now.

No weird stuff happened.

I'm at the podium and glance at Doris in the room. I start when she nods. After taking a deep breath, I fix my tie and smooth my suit jacket lapels.

"Thanks for coming today." "I believe we can all agree that the media is misrepresenting me."

. I hear reporters murmuring.

"Today, I'll discuss a news."

"What's your connection to S city 's envoy, Fei Park?" a chubby reporter interrupts me.

"Yes," I say. I'd like to announce a new trade deal between A and S.

"I'm working closely with the S city 's ambassador to finalize this deal, but we need to work together to reach our objectives. "

"But Mr. Benson, what are you hiding? Why do you keep your personal life a secret?" asks another reporter.

I've city d it before, but my private life is none of the public's business. My concentration is on the nation, not politics.

Many reporters rush out of their chairs at this city ment, yelling out my name and raising their cameras and microphones.

Then I raise my hand.

, "Since you've made this personal, I'd want to make a personal announcement."

A stillness unlike anything I've seen settles over the room like a silk blanket over everyone's head.

"This is my fiancee Arcadia Moore," I say.

Cameras are clicking and reporters are falling out of their seats. No one expected me to make such a declaration. To them

But they love it. They're smiling now.

I watch as Arcadia joins me onstage. She's wearing a white dress with sleek lines and figure-hugging contours. She is city ly and heavenly.

She is an expert at this. Unless I knew better, I'd think she was my fiancee.

The press claps. One reporter shouts "Congratulations, mayor!"

I'm not sure I need a false fiancée, but I want to f*ck her. I imagine her round tits in my mouth and my hands. My eyes drift to her swaying ass as she seduces. I imagine bending her over my desk, lifting up her white dress, and -

A reporter interrupts me with, "When's the wedding?"

"We'll make that announcement shortly," I continue. "But for now, I want to declare that I would never endanger my relationship or the city 's image. My priorities are this wonderful nation and the future Mrs. Benson."

Arcadia joins me at the podium and pecks me on the cheek.

Arcadia, how did you meet Mr. Benson?