A Billionaire's Fake Romance

Louisa Emerson makes silent elegant steps into the grandly decorated banquet hall, her heart racing rapidly, anxiously considering different approaches to execute her mission tonight.

Normally, she does not attend these hypocritical formal gatherings, where people just sit idly around, sip expensive champagnes, and gossip. However, tonight is an exception. She has an agenda.

Waking through the great hall, she is greeted by the stares of many admiring men, wondering about her presence. After all, she is known in the business world to avoid banquets.

Louisa joins a group of men for a chit-chat. Most of the ladies do not like her anyways, they believe her to be a whoring bitch catapulting into the business world and making waves with nothing but her beautiful face and sexy figure.

"Louisa! What a pleasant surprise to have you here." Matthew, an acquaintance, greets, offering a polite hug.

"Hi Matthew, good to see you. Hi everyone ......" Louisa replies, returning the hug.

She looks around, and her eyes meet CEO Alan Craig, the host. She looks away and heaves a heavy sigh, wondering if this is the right time to approach him before Cordelia, his flirtatious secretary comes into the picture.

"Thank you" she smiles, accepting the glass of champagne offered by Matthew. Looking toward CEO Alan's direction once more, she decides to take the bull by the horns. "Excuse me guys." she nods and makes her way towards Alan.

"It's been a while Mr. Alan, I'll make a toast," she says, clinking her glass against Alan's.

"You look breathtaking Louisa," Alan sucks in his lower lip seductively before continuing. "red suits you best as expected."

Louisa ignores him, downing her wine and emptying the glass at a swift go.

Alan takes a seat in one of the comfy chairs around him and observes her, his eyes ogling and roaming over her body.

Louisa, getting uncomfortable with the stare, makes to leave, but Alan takes a hold of her hand. "What's the hurry?" He asks, his eyes not leaving her face, even for a second.

Bending slightly to lean in closer to him, for a whisper, Louisa asks right back, "Mr Alan, isn't that enough?"

"You embarrassed me five years ago by quitting my company after calling my bluff. Do you think a few sips of wine can write that off?"

Louisa scoffs and leans in again, whispering. "Mr. Alan, do not go out of line."

"Don't forget that you're now begging of me, Louisa," Alan replies, leaning back in his chair, his eyes glued to her.

Louisa squints her eyes in contemplation for a few seconds and suddenly makes a dramatic turnaround, her long golden brown hair flipping around with her.

With her back to one side, she sits on his lap and places her hand on his shoulder, to the shock of everyone at the event, including Marie, Alan's wife, who is discussing with a few friends some distance away.

Gossip can be heard from different quarters among the crowd, "How shameless can Louisa get?" "She dares seduce a married man with his wife present at a formal gathering?" "This is why she is a single mother raising a child with cardiomyopathy all alone.........."

Louisa looks at Alan squarely, "are you satisfied now?"

Alan smiles, reaching for her waist to draw her closer, but is interrupted by his wife, Marie, who angrily splashes her wine at Louisa from behind.

She stands up immediately but Marie meets her with a resounding slap. "Are you nuts? How dare you disrespect my husband and me by fooling around here?"

Frowning and touching the assaulted part of her face, Louisa turns to leave but Marie pulls her back, ready to launch another attack.

The event guest of honor, Kingsley Wills, had arrived earlier but didn't get noticed as everyone was engrossed with the event of the hour. He had been watching the scene for a while and decides to intervene.

He approaches Marie and holds her hand from behind just as she raises it again to strike Louisa again. "Don't you think that is enough, Mrs Craig?"

Everyone turns to face Kingsley, wondering when he arrived at the gathering.

Louisa's eyes widens in shock, seeing the man she had been missing and yearning for these past five years.

The events of five years ago came pouring in and she blinked severally to stop the tears that were threatening to overwhelm her.

"Kingsley," she mutters.

"Mr. Kingsley Wills, you're finally here," Alan speaks, standing and straightening up, trying to diffuse the situation.

"A formal party organized by Modu Tech is reduced to nothing but chaos. Who would have thought a top-tier businessman like yourself would be so irresponsible?" Kingsley replies with an air of authority, arrogance evident in his voice.

Alan smiles, trying to hide his embarrassment. "unforeseen incidents happen all the time, doesn't it?" He makes to lead Kingsley to his seat. "come on, let me lead you....."

"There'll not be a need for that", Kingsley cuts in. "I'll be on my way now." Alan raises an eyebrow, "But you just got here."

"I do not have a tolerance for toxic environment; my secretary will communicate the details of our next meeting to you."

Kingsley looks at Louisa, his gaze indifferent. "Come with me." He commands, taking her hand. They both walk out of the hall.

Outside, Kingsley lets go of her hand immediately he realizes they are alone. He looks away from her.

"Kingsley, it's really you. I didn't know you were back in New York". Louisa spoke tenderly, still unable to believe that the man standing before her was Kingsley Wills, the man who had stolen her heart effortlessly five years ago.

"I didn't come back for you, so save your breath and live a proper life for once. It's time you stop ogling other women's men and become an upright woman" Kingsley spits with spite, eyeing Louisa like he would a dirty rag lying aimlessly his way.

Hurt and speechless, Louisa opens her mouth to talk, but no sound comes out. She blinks severally, trying to regain her composure. "Kingsley, I am sorry about......"

"As I said, save your breath. " Kingsley replies firmly and walks away without as much as a single glance at Louisa.

"How can you hate me so much, even after five years and without hearing my side of the story?" Louisa mutters to herself, looking at Kingsley's reclining figure in sadness.

She heaves a heavy sigh, her right hand massaging her forehead in frustration. At length, she removes her cell phone from her purse and makes a call.

"I did as you asked; it's your turn to return the favor."

"Do not worry, my father will be touching ground tomorrow. I'll arrange a meeting with him as soon as he gets here". Alan responds on the other side, speaking cautiously so as not to attract the attention of other people, especially Cordelia, his secretary, who is always glued to his side like a shadow.

"How did you know Kingsley Wills? What is your relationship with him?" Alan probes. It is surprising that Louisa, who is just being recognized in the business world, would be familiar with the billionaire CEO of Wills Corporation.

"Not your business" Louisa cuts in and immediately drops the call. She walks to her car, her mind filled with the incident earlier.

She had agreed to seduce Alan publicly because she desperately needed his help to get to his father, the renowned Professor Craig. With Professor Craig performing the cardiomyopathy transplant on Liam, his chances of surviving would be raised to 35%. It is a great deal compared to if other surgeons were to perform the surgery.

She knows that Alan's reason for giving her that condition is not only to spite and punish her for refusing his sexual advances and quitting his company five years ago but also to prove a point to his own wife, Marie Craig, the only child to the founder of Modu Tech.

Marie is constantly acting up, making it obvious that she is the force behind Alan and he is a nobody without her. So, the jerk decided to prove to her in front of everyone that other women with business intellect find him desirable while killing two birds with one stone.

"How pathetic", Louisa mutters under her breath. She enters the car and zooms off to Kings County Hospital Centre, Brooklyn. Feeling overwhelmed, trapped, and unable to escape her own thoughts, her mind swirls back to when she gave birth to her little hero.

Liam, that wonderful little boy has been suffering since birth, having been born with an hereditary heart disease, cardiomyopathy.

And now, he has to face the danger of a major surgery at the tender age of four. All because of her actions and decisions. Even his father had a lot of time to mature before going through the transplant but Liam's case is filled with so many medical complexities that she does not even understand.

But Dr Fred made it clear that Liam must get the surgery ASAP as he can't be treated conservatively anymore.

With tears streaming down her face in silence; she pulls up at the parking lot of the hospital, giving herself a few minutes to calm down, and then wipes her face before making her way to Liam's hospital room.

"Honey, Mommy is here," she calls out, sliding the door open and shut. "Are you asleep already?", she continued, nudging him gently.

"You're late, Mom; of course, I should be sleeping. It's past my bedtime already" Liam replies, scrunching his little face and puckering his lips into a playful pout.

"Would you look at that! A four-year-old scolding his mommy," Louisa replies while playfully tingling him, laughter erupts between mother and son.

"I've told you to always act your age and stop trying to sound like an adult, haven't I?" Louisa continues tingling him playfully and he keeps laughing.

"But how can I, Mom, when I've never been to a school or made any friends. The people around me are adults so you can't blame me, can you?" Liam responds, innocently smiling, but Louisa's face drops in sadness, and she heaves a heavy sigh.

"Mom, are you okay?" Liam is surprised by the sudden change in mood of his mother.

"I'm sorry baby, for putting you through this hell at a young age. I am really sorry," Louisa pats Liam on his shoulder,, but the boy looks confused.

"Everything is going to be fine baby. You're going to be fine, I promise. The best surgeon is going to treat you and then you will go to school. You will make a lot of friends and act like the four years old that you are. Okay?"

"Yes Mommy"

"Hi guys!" chimed Dr Fred, sliding the door shut as he comes in. "How is it going champ?" He continues, raising his right hand for a 'high five' with Liam, their palms slapping in a resounding smack.

"Hi Fred, I was just going to ask Liam about you. How are you doing? Is your shift over?" Louisa offers, exhaustion written all over her face.

"Yes, my shift is over. I just finished my rounds and wanted to see if Liam needed anything."

"Uncle Fred ran a lot of tests this afternoon and said I could move around without an IV stand." Liam chips in excitedly. It is becoming tiring to always be escorted by the IV stand whenever he leaves his hospital room.

"Really? That's good, baby...you should sleep now, I'll see Uncle Fred off and come right back, okay?" Louisa replies tucking the bed covers all over Liam and petting him to sleep

Dr Fred watches the duo, a loving grin spreading across his face. "Good night, champ," he calls, still smiling.

"Good night, Uncle Fred; see you tomorrow." Liam returns, nudging into the pillow for a good night's rest.

"Let's go now." Louisa grabs Dr Fred and gently pulls him out the door after Liam closes his eyes.

"You look tired, Louisa. I can stay here with Liam while you go home and get a good rest." Dr Fred speaks affectionately, hoping Louisa would take his offer.

"It's okay Fred, you're doing so much for me already. Who knows what heinous deed you committed in your past life to be stringed with someone like me in this life, not only as a friend but also as a neighbor." Louisa playfully teases Fred, who laughs out loud.

"Come on, don't start again Louisa. It will be my utmost pleasure to continue to be of service to you and Liam." Dr Fred responds still laughing as they make their way to the parking lot.

"You really don't have to stay here tonight. Why don't you just go home and leave Liam to me? You can just bring a change of clothes for me on your way to work tomorrow." Dr Fred continues affectionately, wondering when Louisa is going to learn to completely rely on him.

"Am fine Fred." Louisa maintains, handing him her apartment keys. "Here, bring me a change of clothes tomorrow. And my laptop too. That's what you can help me with." She continues, smiling and nudging him towards his car.

"Good night, neighbor; drive safely, okay?" Louisa waves and turns to head back but Fred takes a firm hold of her right hand, staring directly into her eyes, his gaze intense yet hesitant, like a gentle touch that didn't quite make contact.

Louisa blinks, wondering what is going on. "Is everything alright Fred? Are you fine?"

Deciding that now is not a good time to discuss his romantic feelings with her, Fred replies, "Yes, everything is fine, I am just worried about you. You should take good care of yourself more instead of putting other people first."

Louisa scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Come on, my son is not other people."

"I know, I understand but you need to learn to live more. You should enjoy life in your prime, you know?"

"Okay Fred, I will. It's time to go home." She said, opening the door and shoving him gently inside his car. "

"Goodnight Louisa."

Louisa waves, walking back to the hospital building briskly.

Getting back to Liam's room, she enters the bathroom and gazes at the image of herself in the mirror. "I look like hell." She muttered, running cold water over her face and bare arms to refresh herself.

**************************

At the Mark Hotel penthouse suite, time seems to stand still as billionaire CEO Kingsley Wills stands under the shower in deep thought. The water streams down his sculpted physique, highlighting the contours of his chest, the ridges of his abdomen, and the powerful legs that seemed rooted to the spot.

His gaze, however, is deathly. He had not expected to see that conniving woman tonight. If he knew she would be at the event, he would not have gone at all.

What is even more upsetting is the fact that he couldn't stand it when Mrs Craig was slapping her around. Why?

That woman deserves every ill she gets. How can she not have changed at all, even after five years?

She is still the deceptive, conniving bitch that she was five years ago.

But then, why can't he get her off his mind? Her beautiful, perfect oval face, just like a doll's, is still the same.

He remembers the sweet taste of her lips, its velvety smoothness against his.

Shit! She is still hot, the same irresistible beauty she was then.

But is her beauty worth ignoring her deceit and betrayal? Is it? Is he supposed to ignore the red flags and give in to his heart's desire?

He is a fucking billionaire for heaven's sake! He can get any woman at a snap of his fingers and God knows there are many fine, sexy women out there who would throw themselves into his arms at a slight opportunity.

Why, then, is he fixated on the sly, deceitful Louisa?

Angry about giving Louisa so much thought, he emerged from the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, the terry cloth fabric clinging to his damp skin.

Putting on his nightwear and retiring to bed, he found himself turning and tossing, unable to get the luscious naked body of Louisa off his mind.

"Fuck." He groaned, standing up and grabbing his laptop. If he couldn't sleep, he should get some work done then. Anything to keep his mind off the beautiful she-devil.

*********************************

The following morning, Louisa performs her motherly duties, bathing and feeding Liam. Dr Fred arrives in the nick of time and hands her a change of clothes and her laptop. She heads to her company, Palmer Tech, leaving Liam in the care of Dr Fred as usual.

Arriving on the first floor of the grand building, she could hear people whispering among themselves.

She knows they are gossiping about her and the incident last night but she doesn't care. The business circle is small anyway.

She continues walking, carrying herself with grace, her head held high, a soft gentle smile playing on her lips.

After getting to the receptionist and exchanging pleasantries, she is informed of an impromptu meeting with her boss, CEO Ashby.

Louisa quickly drops by her office but on her way out, she is accosted by her best friend, Evelyn. The duo have been working together for over six years, first at Modu Tech and now at Palmer Tech.

"Hey, sugar," Evelyn hails Louisa in her usual playful manner, draping her right arm over Louisa's shoulder, a wide playful smile on her face. She has always been carefree like that.

"Don't ruin my dress girl," Louisa returned, smiling widely as well, "I shouldn't appear tacky early in the morning, should I?"

"Girl, your appearance is the least of your problems, trust me. You're the talk of the town!"

"Let them say, Eve, I don't care. Wait! Why do you keep following me? Are you going in with me?" Louisa tugs her hair behind her ear, surprised that Evelyn won't stop following her.

"Boss wants to see the two of us, I was just waiting for you to come. What if he just wants to complain about the little drama you put up last night? Who knows?"

"Mr. Ashby is not that petty, poke nosing into his subordinate's private affair," Louisa replies while knocking on the door to the CEO's office after exchanging greetings with his secretary, Nancy.

Upon hearing the voice granting entry permission, Louisa and Evelyn enter. The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the sleek modern office.

"Good morning sir." Louisa and Evelyn chorused, bowing slightly in greeting to CEO Ashby.

"Good morning, ladies; please sit." Mr Ashby returns leaning back in an ergonomic chair, his piercing green eyes searching the ladies.

Louisa and Evelyn look on expectantly and curious as to the reason they were summoned.

"Okay ladies, straight to business." Mr Ashby starts, sitting straight and resting his hands on his table, his face dead serious.

"I have been impressed with your work on the Trust account. I know you two make a wonderful team and I believe you're ready for a new challenge."

Louisa smiles widely, happy to have a new project occupying her time and taking her mind off personal troubles. Personal troubles like Kingsley Wi...."Focus girl!" She mentally scolds herself, forcing her attention to remain on the subject at hand.

"Yes, we are, boss. Ready to make another win." Evelyn beams, hitching to hear a new project to feast on.

"What do you have in mind, sir?" Louisa asked curiously.

"Louisa, you will oversee this project while Evelyn assists you. The project's codename is 'Mist'. It is a high-priority initiative that requires strong leadership and innovative thinking."

"Mist." Louisa and Evelyn muttered looking at each other and then returning their gaze to Mr Ashby.

"Yes, it is a cutting-edge data-sharing platform that could revolutionize the industry. I need capable hands to bring it to life. And I believe you two can do it. Right?"

"Of course boss. As you know, we're up to the task. What's the timeline and budget looking like?" Louisa asked, already in the mood to get some work done.

"I like your dedication. I know I can trust you two. We're projecting a six-month timeline with a budget of $ 10 million. I expect you to make the most of the given resources and make intelligent decisions to ensure a successful project."

"We won't let you down, Mr Ashby. We will assemble a diligent team and deliver a successful project." Evelyn assures, glancing over at Louisa who nods in approval.

"Alright ladies. I want you to get to work immediately. Evelyn, you should start working on assembling that 'diligent team' while Louisa meets with the largest investor of this project. Everything depends on this man, Louisa. That is why you should be the one to meet him. I'll ask Nancy to arrange a meeting with him so that you can see him tomorrow. You have to convince him, Louisa." Mr Ashby looks expectantly at Louisa, hoping that she sees how important it is for her to convince the investor.

"I understand, boss; you know I am the best at presentations and convincing investors. So be rest assured." Louisa assures her boss, confident in her ability to convince even the most difficult investor.

"But who is he? And why are you so concerned about him? I mean, how important can he be?" Louisa asks, sensing the concerned look on her boss's face is no joke.

"He is the new CEO of Wills Corporation"