Chapter 2 Mr Anderson

Chapter Two -

Abigail squeezed the strap of her purse over her shoulder tightly as she walked down the semi-busy sidewalk. Her high heels made clicking sounds against the concrete as her auburn ponytail and skirt bounced in her hurry. It was 7:29 a. m. and she was still a bit of a distance from Starbucks.

Why am I sweating??

Benjamin Anderson. One of her father's most successful and hardworking associates. And also the most disliked in his business. Abigail was starting to see why too. The man was clearly aware that she's the daughter of his boss and yet he bosses her around as if she's some ignorant schoolgirl. That, and his arrogant, demanding text messages were a little nerve-racking.

Abigail walks into the coffeehouse right as it hit 7:30 a. m. Abigail gives a shaky sigh of relief. Made it. The auburn-haired girl's green eyes scanned the room half full of customers drinking coffee while either chitchatting with other people or on their laptops. She silently curses herself for not thinking this through because she has no idea who she's even looking for. Abigail eventually spots a man sitting by himself next to the window, his thumbs moving faster than she's ever seen before as he taps on his phone with a serious, focused expression. His jet-black hair was neatly combed back and he had the most gorgeous, deep blue eyes that she's ever seen. His face was spotless and cleanly shaved. Her father's business associates weren't lying, he was definitely handsome. Abigail walked over to his table and he didn't even seem to pay her no mind until she hesitantly spoke up. "Uh... Benjamin Anderson?"

The occupied man set his phone down as soon as he saw who it is. There was annoyance in his blue eyes. "You're a minute late."

Well maybe if you kept a look out for me!

Abigail bit the inside of her cheek to keep her sass from blurting out. The young woman is always determined to act professionally for her father's sake. "Sorry about that. I didn't see you," she says while taking a seat on the other side of the small table.

"I don't have time for excuses. Be on time next time," he says while taking a sip of black coffee that she could still see was somewhat steaming. He stopped looking at her the second she sat down as his eyes snapped back to his phone. Abigail feels a pulse in her neck as her irritation only increased. Most guys would be a gentleman and ask if their accompanied woman would like a beverage but Benjamin didn't even seem to think twice whether or not she was thirsty.

Talk about an asshole...

"Next time?" Abigail speaks that thought out loud instead of her first one.

Benjamin glanced at her again as he lowered his phone. "I need a wife and you're the most suited for the job."

Abigail stared at the older man dumbfoundedly as she tries to process what he had just said to her. "Wh... what...?"

The black-haired man sighs as if he's growing tired of repeating something a hundred times to a child and he leans forward towards Abigail while intertwining his fingers. "I'm saying that I'm proposing to you and you're going to accept it."

"To be your WIFE?!" Abigail accidentally echoed, earning a few odd stares from nearby customers and she quickly adjusts the volume of her tone. "You can't just dump something like that on a woman you don't even know! Why the hell would I marry you? And what's the whole point of this anyways??"

For the first time, Benjamin doesn't give an immediate response. It's as if he was choosing his words carefully but even that only took two seconds tops before he spoke again. "I'm in a bit of a sticky situation. Being married to my boss's daughter, a successful woman who just graduated college with certificates, diplomas, and a degree would be the perfect deception."

Abigail's eyes widen when she hears one word that completely throws her off. "Deception?? Just who are you trying to hide from?"

Benjamin leans away from the woman. "I have quite a few jealous onlookers who would love nothing more than to see me behind bars. I believe I'm about to be framed for something, and I need you as cover until the suspension is off of my back," he says before taking another sip of his steamy coffee. It was hard to ignore the delicate way his thin lips pressed against the white mug.

Despite the attraction, Abigail still frowns and glares at Benjiman. "All the more reason to AVOID you, not marry you!" she accidentally raises her voice again. The way the handsome man brought a single finger to his mouth with a warning look in his blue eyes made her heart pound and her breath get caught in her throat.

He's an ass but damn, he is sexy.

When Benjamen speaks again, his lips move slowly as if making sure she understands every single word. "I am your father's righthand man. I manage most of the marketing. If one of his most trusted co-workers goes to prison over bullshit, how do you think that'll make your father look?" Abigail bit her tongue as the man continued. "It wouldn't just make him look bad and throw him under suspicion too, it would collapse his entire business. Do you understand?" Benjamin took her silence as a confirmation and he continued on again. "To prevent that, all you have to do is be my wife. It's as simple as that."

There's nothing simple about this!

Again, she keeps her thoughts to herself. If what he's saying is true, then something like that would undoubtedly destroy her father's lifelong work. Abigail's heart still palpitations in her chest. All of this sounds crazy. And part of her was starting to think that the man in front of her was completely insane. But... she would do anything for her father. Abigail eventually gives a nod of her head. "...Ok... ok, let's do it then."

Benjamin suddenly reached his hand over to her and flicked his fingers for her to do the same. Abigail was hesitant and confused at first until his big hand grabbed hers firmly and slid a very expensive-looking diamond ring onto her ring finger. It was golden, of course, with a massive diamond in the middle and swirled down the sides. Tiny diamonds on each twist. Abigail's eyes sparkled when seeing the beautiful ring. "Wh- whoa... uh..." the young woman couldn't resist blushing and couldn't even bring herself to look the man in the eyes now. "So... so what now...?"

"A celebration over our engagement. All of the co-workers must attend, including your friends. We have to let everyone know." he says while releasing her hand.

ANOTHER party??

After the one from yesterday, Abigail was mostly pooped. But then one thought crossed her mind that forced another blush to her cheeks. They would have to act like an engaged couple...

Holding hands, hugging, k... kissing??

She looked at the handsome man again. She felt like she could faint already just imagining doing those things with him. But he clearly didn't feel the same as he sent her a text even though she was sitting right in front of him. He then stood up while adjusting the collar of his suit. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Abigail looked up at him and watched him go, once again bewildered. She looked at the text he had literally just sent her, another address and a time. Oh boy.

Will this really work out...? The guy is going to give me gray hairs by the time this "marriage" is overwith...