Becoming My Billionaire Boss' Wife

* Andrea *

Working all day, I kept wondering when I'd be allowed to go home.

Finally, Mr. King called across the intercom to tell me to go home.

Tsk...He could at least offer to ride me home, that's what a gentleman would do.

After only three months of knowing him, I knew he would never do that.

Packing my belongings, I got a cab and headed home.

Ever since I started working for Mr King, I've become accustomed to returning home fatigued, burdened with his meetings and personal issues.

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

I was finally home after a long day at work and a lot of shouting from my Boss. Working for him over the past few months has been horrible.

"Momma, I'm back. Is dinner ready?" I called out, hoping for a reply but was met with silence.

After a few minutes of no reaction, I walked upstairs to her room and found her sleeping. She looked so frail.

I felt a pang of guilt as I realized how much she'd aged since papa's death.

I found Lisa and Laurel asleep when I went to their room as well.

I haven't been able to have a family dinner ever since I started this work.

Things had become too difficult when our father died in that tragic accident. Momma became ill and could no longer work.

I had to try various part-time jobs just to support myself and the family.

"Where are you papa? I missed you ...momma does and your little twins too." I mumbled silently with a cracking voice as I dragged my tired feet downstairs for food.

They say everything happens for a reason but what may be the reason for my papa's death?

"Grrh"

My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I needed to eat. Eating in my formal clothing has somehow become my habit.

After dishing my food from the pot, I sat down and began digging in.

"Mm..this is good. I didn't even get anything better to eat because I was busy. Goodness! This work will undoubtedly be the end of me."

Once I finished eating, I headed to my room, took a shower and fell asleep once my back hit the bed.

Tomorrow will be a long day.

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

"Andrea, wait for me here and I will get an ice cream for you and your sisters."

Papa ordered his voice sharp as usual. I requested an ice cream and wanted to get some for my sisters at home too.

"But papa, I want to go with you. I'd want to choose a very delicious flavor for Lisa and Laurel." I pleaded, eager to be part of it.

He frowned with cold eyes.

"Listen, little girl, I merely volunteered to buy the ice cream to make your mom happy. Do not assume I am doing this for you."

Tears threatened to fall, his voice stung as they always did.

"Don't be stubborn and wait here."

"But papa-" I could not finish the sentence as my father was already gone.

As a little girl, I was aware of traffic restrictions, and when my father decided to cross, it was safe.

I saw it- a speeding automobile, too fast to stop.

"Papa!!" I called to grab his attention but it was too late; the vehicle hit him and he fell with a thud, in a pool of blood.

"Papa!" I screamed, my voice breaking. The vehicle had already sped off leaving my father lying motionless on the ground.

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

Waking up to the shrill sound of the alarm, I found myself drenched in sweat. The same nightmare every single night.

The experience was traumatic and even now, years later, I can't help but feel like I'm in a way responsible for my father's death.

We were all at home when 14-year-old me suddenly craved Ice cream one evening.

Momma had promised to buy it the next day but I stubbornly refused.

Dad asked mom to take care of my younger sisters while we stepped out a bit.

Growing up, dad never showed much affection towards me.

Whenever I asked mom why, she would always say, "he's busy making sure we can move to NYC, sweetheart."

Despite sensing Dad's coldness towards me, I continued to love him unconditionally.

But everything changed that day... 8 years ago.

I stood there, helpless, tears flowing uncontrollably as blood kept oozing from my father.

Thankfully, strangers rushed to assist in taking him to the hospital, but despite spending hours in surgery, he was pronounced dead. The joy of the family died with him that day.

Mother was shattered and felt helpless. The twins learned about the circumstances surrounding our father's death.

Lisa came to terms with it but Laurel.... She blamed me. She still does.

"You are the reason for his death." She'd say, her words cutting deeper like a knife.

I vowed to track the driver down.I don't have the money to do so but, one day, I will. And when I do, he will not be forgiven.

Shaking off the thoughts in my head, I got ready for the day.

After a quick shower, I dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Mom and the twins were already seated when I got there.

"Good Morning." I greeted, trying to sound cheerful. "Did you have a great sleep?" I inquired while walking towards them to grab some breakfast.

Out of the corner of my eye,I noticed Laurel rolling her eyes but Lisa simply smiled and nodded her head.

The tension between us was thick. What can I do to make things better with her? She used to be my favorite twin until she found out about dad's passing.

"Baby, are you okay?"

Momma's voice broke through my thought, her eyes full of concern.

I understood her intentions.

"I'm okay mom. What could be wrong?"

"You know what I mean young lady, don't avoid the question."

She was aware of the nightmares that plagued me after witnessing my dad's death.

Before I could speak, Laurel cut in, her voice sharp. "Why do you keep stressing about a murderer?"

"Laurel !" Mom exclaimed, caught off guard by her words.

"Everything is fine mom, I'm off to work. Take care of yourselves." I forced a smile, swallowing the pain.

Her words stung like fresh wounds that would never heal.

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

Arriving at the office early for the first time in months, I found it quiet with few people around, which made me relieved that Rosie was not there.

Feeling a bit off and wanting to avoid conflicts, I rested my head on the desk in an attempt to clear my mind.

Laurel's words kept echoing in my head. Maybe she was right, I am nothing but a murderer. If only I knew, I wouldn't have requested for an Ice cream.

If only I had listened to Mom, dad wouldn't have died. I'm a murderer...a murderer...

Tears continued to run down my face as I recounted everything once again.

A short while after, I heard someone call my name and turned to see Mr. King.

"Miss Andrea,"

"Good Morning Mr. King. " I greeted standing steadily.

"Were you hired to sleep, Miss Andrea?" He made sure to emphasize my name.

"Were you crying? Is anything the problem?" He asked again, seeing the tears running down my face.

"No, I wasn't. Something got into my eyes."

" If you say so. I need you to come with me to my office immediately." He stated, as he headed to his office.

Did I get myself into some kind of trouble again? I'm just not in the mood to receive another set of scolds. Why can't you avoid trouble for just one day?

His statement arriving at his office shocked me.

"Sit down, let's talk."

"Sit down?" I mumbled to myself silently. "Maybe, I wasn't in trouble after all."

"I want to believe you are not deaf Miss Andrea." He said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"I apologize sir." I wouldn't want to get in trouble since I wasn't in one already.

"I have an offer for you-" He paused, his eyes locked into mine with an intensity I couldn't overlook.

"Marry me and I will pay you. A contract marriage." He finally dropped the bomb, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.

His words hit like a ton of bricks.

Marry him? How? Why? I have only just known him for about two to three months. What is he talking about?

* Derrik King *

"I have an offer for you –" I paused as I intently gazed at her. Andrea looked at me expectantly, waiting to hear what I had to say.

"Marry me and I will pay you. A contract marriage. " The words left my mouth before I could reconsider. I noticed her eyes widened and her mouth dropped in surprise.

I could tell the gears were turning in her head, trying to understand the situation. I'm hoping she accepts this, otherwise, I'm doomed.

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

There was complete silence in the office and even the sound of a drop of pin would be heard.

She still had her mouth open, not recovering from the shock yet.

"You wouldn't want to catch a fly, Miss Andrea. I know this is shocking but could you close your mouth please." I said in an attempt to lighten the mood a little.

Andrea snapped her mouth shut, straightening in the chair.

" I–I think I didn't get what you said. Could you repeat it, please?"

Sighing, I leaned back in the chair. "I would like us to get married to Andrea."

Her reaction was the same – shock, followed by a flurry question.

"Why do you want to go into a contract marriage Mr. King? Besides, you can get any woman you want and also, you can get tons of women to go into this contract marriage with you. Why me of all people?"

She threw the question fast, not pausing to breathe.

"It is a long story and I can't tell you but I'm really in a mess right now and you can help me out on that. I will make sure you are well compensated, think about it Andrea." I knew I was sounding desperate, but this is important.

" I'll think about it Mr. King but I can't promise you anything." She said, her voice steady even with her doubts.

"All the same, I will be expecting your response."

She nodded as she left my office , still shocked at the event.

As I sat in my office, I was fully hoping that Andrea would accept my proposal. Besides, no woman will reject me nor my money.

" She will eventually fall for the money and come back, they are all the same."

This plan of Brian's has to work.

Flashback

I had planned a meet up with Brian at the Irish club knowing he can help me with a solution after the conversation with my father.

I noticed Brian was already present when I arrived. He always took advantage of any chance to visit the club.

The club was bustling with people moving up and down and some dancing to the music. The stinged of alcohol greeted me immediately I got inside.

"Hey, buddy. You are here." He said, embracing me like a brother.

"I need some time to think Brian, things are pretty hectic at home."

"Let's order some wine then. Hey Carlos, can you bring us some wine?"

Brian was familiar with all the bartenders at this club.

"Now that everything is ready, Derrik," Brian paused,leaning forward with concern, " please share what the issue is."

"Do you remember Isabella?"

"There are numerous Isabella's in this world, Derrik."

" I'm referring to Isabella Berry Scott ! My father is pushing me to marry her and the date has already been fixed."

"What?! Why would he do that?"

"Dad thinks is a potential way of securing a spot as the Ceo in the Scotts company considering they have no male child." I sighed.

"That's ridiculous! The girl is attractive but a bit spoiled."

"Exactly! That's what I mean. She behaves like a spoiled child and I will never compromise with her."

I've got to do something. I'm on a deadline and if I could just get something to escape this, I will be very thankful. I thought as I sipped my wine.

"You need to find a solution." Brian said as his eyes were fixed in a particular direction.

I followed his line of sight and spotted Isabella and her group of followers approaching.

"Speak of the devil."

Brian teased, making me throw daggers in his direction. I will kill you after this Brian. My eyes spoke to him and as if he understood, he burst into laughter.

Brian was the only person who could help calm me down. There was a time I was in the spotlight with him when people speculated I was in a relationship with him.

His family and mine are very close. I remember when I met him back in school, he was the only one who dared to come close to me even when I didn't want to talk to anyone.

I know he has clear intentions and always had. I trust him.

"Hello handsome." Isabella greeted me, snapping me back to reality.

Ugh! Her voice was so annoying. I turned my head sharply with a scowl as I looked at her.

"Why are you here Isabella?"

"As far as I know, this is a public place that anyone could come to. Isn't that right, girls?"

Her friends were giggling, adding to my anger.

"I understand this club is open to the public but why are you at my table?"

All through this time, Brian was focused on charming one of Isabella's friends, without considering lending me a hand.

I swear I will kill him after this whole thing. He should just wait.

"Oops....my bad. I was hanging out with my friends when I spotted the man I will get married to in two weeks. So I thought, why not greet my future husband as the wonderful wife I will be?"

"I have no intention of marrying you. You should be aware of how much I despise being around you, let alone committing to a lifetime with you."

"Tskk...Derrik, keep dreaming, because you will without a doubt be with me, and I will ensure it happens."

After she said that, she walked away leaving me to realize she was correct and that I needed to find a solution to the problem.

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

Brian gained his composure once the girls departed.

"That girl is pretty, I should just end up with her. What do you think, Derrik?"

Immediately he noticed the look on my face, he scratched his hair.

"Uh...sorry, what were we discussing?"

"Nevermind Brian, I'm not sure why I invited you in the first place."

"Because, I am the only one who can help you."

"You think so highly of yourself. I will definitely kill you for not trying to help me when I needed it."

"You needed my help?" He let out a gasp and covered his mouth as if surprised.

"Stop acting surprised. You knew I could do with a hand to get Isabella and her minions off the table."

"Oh that. I'm sorry man but come to think of it, there is a way out of this."

I leaned towards Brian as he said that. I just needed out of this.

"Let it out Brian. I need help right now."

"You could enter a sham marriage with someone to potentially prevent your father from making a decision and pay the person off afterwards."

"Why will I ever enter into a sham marriage with someone? That's absurd!"

"You could either go through with that plan or end up with Isabella."

I can't go into a fake marriage with someone. How will I even cope with being in a fake 'something' with a lady? My thoughts were running wild, this is too much.

"This is risky Brian. I just can't do it."

"Listen man. This is the only thing you can do, the only escape route." He learned forward as he gazed into my eyes.

"Just tell your father you've been in a relationship with someone, have this individual get to know you as you get to know her and introduce her to your dad and voila !! Isabella is out of the way."

"My dad is not easily fooled, but I will go through with your plan. Thinking about it, it's a good way to get rid of that lady but I don't have any suitable candidate."

"What do you think about the lady in your office?"

"There are so many ladies in my office, just be clear."

"Her name was...um..Rosie!! Yeah Rosie. I think she will do well since she already likes you."

"Rosie! Bro, why will you think about her as a suitable candidate? She is just like Isabella in character. Don't you remember how she tried seducing me?"

"That shouldn't matter since it's only for a while. Think about it Derrik, she will put up a good act to impress you since she already likes you."

"Let's find someone else please. I can't stand her as much as I can't stand Isabella."

"What about one of the girls you dated recently? It's not like this is going to last a lifetime."

"You know too well those were not dates but flings and to top it off, I don't remember their names nor where I met them."

"Wow..Derrik, you are not serious right? Is okay for you not to remember random people but I expect you to remember the girls you spend a week or two with."

"Listen Brian, one or two weeks is less time to know the basics about a person's personality."

"That's where the lie is. One or perhaps two weeks is enough, you are just not ready to know."

"Well...yes, I am not ready to know. After All, it's the money they all want. So I give them the money and I get what I want, which is a fair bargain."

"Now that I think about it, you are the real definition of manwh*re but you keep calling me that sh*t."

"I have a way of doing things and in no way I'm I like you."

I slipped into thoughts as I thought about the situation I was in. I have to find someone who is in the same situation as me.

Then suddenly, thoughts of her came into my mind, and I realized she, Andrea, was the ideal choice for the position.

"I believe I've found the ideal candidate for this position. Once I confirm her agreement, I will discuss further with you. Thanks man!"

I said to Brian as I left the club. I'm not sure she will accept it, but I have to give it a try.

I know Andrea comes from a not too good background and will need this money.

"Wait, Derrik!" Brian shouted but I had to leave.

End Of Flashback

I'm just hoping Brian's idea helps this time because if it doesn't, I will surely be doomed.

Isabella is not somebody I want to spend a lifetime with considering her attitude.

I just hope, just this once, that it works.

*Andrea*

Getting to my office, I did not even think much about what transpired between myself and my boss.

Becoming a contracted wife wasn't a good idea and Mr. King was not ready to tell me his reason for that. I can't just venture into it.

What was there to think about? I was sure I would never accept such an outrageous proposal.

I focused on my work as there were lots of things to be done.

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

Finally, it was time for lunch. I made my way to the company's cafeteria to get food.

Thankfully, I am free during lunch time as my boss eats out and not at the cafeteria.

After I got my food, I was heading towards a table when something or somebody almost tripped me over.

My body was almost getting to the floor and I had my eyes closed expecting the worst.

I opened my eyes when I noticed I was yet to touch the ground, only to notice that I was in Mr. King's arms. Worse of it, my food was all over his suit!

I knew I was dead this time. Gosh! I've been too clumsy lately and if I get fired, that will be the end of me.

Everybody had stopped eating and was looking at me now. I had to do something.

" I– I am sorry sir. I–I didn't mean to." I stuttered, trying to explain myself. I hope this works. I felt as if I was thrown in a burning furnace, my body felt so hot.

Mr. King moved away from me and headed in a particular direction. He got to a stop at a table where Rosie was seated and giggling with her friends.

They failed to notice his presence until he cleared his throat.

Rosie adjusted her clothes and gave out a smile. That sl*t! I wish I could wipe that seductive smile off her face.

"Miss, you know it is against the rules of this company to bully someone right?"

Bully? Who did she bully? Wait.. She almost got me to fall. I'll kill this girl.

"I didn't bully anyone sir, she is trying to lie against me."

Duh, I didn't even say anything. She is just too dumb to have given away her deed.

"The 'she' you are referring to did not say a word to me. I witnessed everything myself, how you whispered to your colleagues and then stuck your legs out so nobody noticed."

Let me relax and watch the scene unfold. The look on Rosie's face was hilarious. I wish I could just take a video of this right here and show her later on.

"I apologize sir." She stood as she said this, her head was bowed in shame. Not because she was caught, but because she was caught by Mr. King.

" I'm not the one you are supposed to apologize to. Do the needful and apologize to the right person or else, consider yourself fired."

Good Lord! Today is a good day! But wait Andrea, is the proposal part of the good day?

Shut up! We're not talking about the proposal, I am talking about the Lady in front of me.

Aiish! I'm doing this again, talking to my imaginary self.

" I am sorry Andrea." Rosie said, secretly rolling her eyes. I didn't care less, after all, she still apologized.

Hearing her apologize, Mr. King leaves the place but not without cursing.

" F*ck" He cussed under his breath as he regretted making that move.

I on the other hand got a different food and sat far from Rosie to avoid events repeating.

Eating slowly, I smiled and recalled how Mr. King stood up for me.

"Maybe he isn't that bad after all."

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

I glanced at the clock only to realize it was four, I was so tired. I knew my face might be showing how worn out I was but then again, I couldn't do anything about it.

I decided to get myself some coffee to pass time.

In the process, I heard my cell phone ring and found out it was Lisa, my sister.

"Lisa, never calls me at work. Did something happen?"

*****

Answering the call, I heard Lisa sob on the phone.

"Andrea, please come home. It's mom, I don't know what's wrong with her. We came home only to meet her on the floor and she is not moving."

"Lisa, calm down okay, I will be there right away. Nothing will happen to mom, just stay with her okay?"

"I'm so scared Andrea, please be fast. "

Hanging up, I forgot all about the coffee and made my way to Mr. King's office. I need to go and see my mother.

Knocking, I entered without waiting for a response.

"Sir, please I need to go home."

"Miss Andrea, you can not leave your work half done and go home."

" I am very much aware of that sir, but I really need to go home. My mother is on the verge of death, please let me go and I will make sure to get everything done tomorrow."

"You are off the hook but keep it in mind that this is the last time."

"Thank you Sir, Thank you so much. "

I rushed to my office, took my bag and got into a taxi immediately after I was out of the building.

Lost in thoughts, my only prayer was for nothing to happen to my mom.

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

Arriving at home, I met a sobbing Lisa and Laurel.

"Goodness, Andrea you are here. I was so scared." Lisa said as she ran to give me a hug while crying.

"We have to get mom to the hospital, we can't let anything happen to her. I will get a cab just wait here for me."

I have to save our mom. We lost dad but we won't lose mom.

I spent an agonizing five minutes outside before I was finally able to get a cab.

The cab driver helped us get mom into the car.

Immediately we got to the hospital, the nurses were fast to rush our mother to a room for examination.

A doctor suddenly came out after several minutes and we rushed immediately to the doctor.

"Doctor, what is wrong with our mother? Is she okay?" I asked, with a breaking voice.

"Miss, your mother has pancreatic cancer which can be very serious if a surgery is not performed"

"Pancreatic cancer? My mom never told us she was sick. Although we noticed she was frail most of the time, it wasn't that serious."

No! No! No! Pancreatic what?

"Collapsing was due to stress and physical strain. A surgery must be performed in the next 72 hours or I'm afraid you may lose her."

"Gracious, this is so much to take in! Nothing is going to happen to our mother right?"

I heard Laurel speak for the first time since the incident.

"People who undergo pancreatic surgery have a slight chance of surviving. I can not raise your hopes high, but maybe your mother can be among the few percent who survive. Get your money ready and sign the consent form to proceed with the surgery."

"How much are we talking about here, doctor?"

"Considering there will be a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, it should cost $2.5 million."

As the doctor finished speaking, I couldn't help but cover my mouth in shock, tears threatening to fall.

"How are we going to get that money doctor? We've never held such money in our entire lives. Can you please do something about it doctor."

"I'm sorry miss, but the money has to be arranged immediately else, I can't guarantee what will happen next."

The doctor left right after saying that. I slumped into the hospital chair with all hope lost.

"What are we going to do Andrea? We have to save mom." Lisa said.

"Don't worry, I will think of a way to solve this issue."

"You better do it since you could not save dad, do well to save mom." Laurel chipped in, her voice filled with venom as always.

"This is not the time to bring this up Laurel, Andrea is worried just as we are."

Lisa tried defending me but Laurel was just so stubborn.

" Laurel please, can you stop blaming me for once in your life? I've been carrying this burden for years and it's eating me up. What hurts the most is you, my sister, saying all this. Please." I had so many things to think about but this sister of mine was making things difficult for me.

"Stop pretending Andrea! You and I know it's your fault papa died so stop playing the pity game!"

Laurel said in anger not caring how much her words were cutting deep into me.

My only resort was to excuse myself to the washroom.

"This has been my life for the past few years. Not going a day without accusations from Laurel."

I'm tired. I'm drained. Only God knows I've tried.