Billionaire's Baby Bargain

CHAPTER ONE

ANDREA'S POV

Mr Crown's eyes bore holes into my skin as I walked over to his desk, almost tripping over my feet. For the past 2 years that I have been working here, he has not looked at me longer than two seconds, and now...

I gulped, trying to push the nerves away as I placed the files on his desk. "These are the files on the..."

"Miss Charlton, would you like to be my wife?" Fits of cough erupted from my throat and I stared at him wide-eyed.

"I'm sorry, what?!" I asked the minute I stopped coughing.

"Will you like to marry me?" He asked again, and I just gaped at him, trying to find the traces of humor in his stoic face and bland eyes, but there was none. Mr Crown never jokes around, at least I've never seen him make a joke.

It was always business.

"Umm..." I wiped my sweaty palms on my skirt, standing upright as I did. "Your meeting with the Marketing board is in 30 minutes, sir." I blurted out.

He finally dragged his eyes away from me and nodded. "You can go now." I gulped and nodded, yet my legs refused to move. One of his brows shot up once he noticed I was still standing in the same spot. "Is there something you want to say?"

I flinched at the hint of annoyance in his voice. "N-no sir." I immediately dragged my feet away from his office.

A deep breath escaped my lips the second I made contact with my chair. I forced whatever the hell happened just a few minutes ago into the back of my mind. I have a lot to do and thinking about an absurd marriage proposal is not on the list.

Letting out a shaky breath, I forced myself back into work. The same work and routine I have been subjected to for the past two years. It was boring, tiring... but hey, it paid the bills.

Some days I felt like throwing in the towel and going after my own dreams, but the thought of her kept me shackled to this desk.

I tucked my bottom lip in between my teeth at the thought of her. I thought I had escaped, I thought I could finally live my life for me the day I escaped that shit hole of a town, but seven years later, she found me and...

My trail of thoughts were broken off by my ringing phone. I gritted my teeth in annoyance as I quickly reached out for it; Mr Crown has a policy against ringtones.

I swiped the green button without looking, in the bid to put an end to the ringtone. "Miss Charlton here" I said, trying to keep my voice calm and neutral.

"This is St. Lucy's nursing home..." My mouth immediately ran dry at the introduction. A torrent of emotions swirled in my head and I could swear the building moved for a brief second.

"Yes?" I mumbled, hoping and praying for... I don't know. I never know what I'm praying for when they call.

"We are calling to inform you of a 30% increase in the monthly payment, this is to..." The loud roaring in my head drowned out the rest of whatever the heck she was saying. A 30% increase. A THIRTY PERCENT INCREASE! That would take up my salary, all of it.

Nothing would be left even for groceries. My breath came out in harsher puffs and I immediately ended the call. I gripped the hems of my skirt as I cajoled myself into taking deep breaths.

A thirty percent increase... That's fifteen grand. My entire monthly pay. I could feel the panic curling in the pit of my stomach and blurring my vision.

"Miss Charlton, are you ready for the meeting?" A familiar voice asked and I snapped my head up to see Mr Crown staring down at me, a curious glint lined his eyes instead of the usual boredom that coated it.

I immediately grabbed the next thing I laid my hands on and stood to my feet, knocking the pen cup over as I did.

His brows furrowed and he stared at my hands before his eyes slowly trailed up to my face and I gulped. "Are you sure about that?"

"What?" I raised my brows and his gaze fell to my hands again, or rather, what they held.

"Are you sure you want to go into the meeting holding that?" I immediately looked down at my hands, and I was holding onto the package for the Chinese food I ordered a while ago.

I felt blood rush up my to face as I immediately threw the package into the bin and picked up my tablet. "Uhh..." I cleared my throat and looked up at him, trying to keep my face neutral like my insides weren't a mess and my face and indication of that. "I'm ready now sir."

He gave me a once over and nodded. "Let's go." He turned and strode out. I gave myself a few seconds to collect my thoughts, before I rushed out to catch up with him.

We both fell into a familiar stride and the usual comfortable silence that accompanied our walk had turned into something more... Awkward.

But the thought of the earlier call didn't give me an opportunity to dwell on that. I couldn't take her out of that home, it was the most sensible option, the most relieving, yet... It was the one option I couldn't consider.

"Miss Charlton?" I put an end to my thoughts and looked over to him.

"Yes, sir"

He stopped, and turned to me, tucking his hands into his pocket. "You seem out of it." He stated, rather than asked and I gulped. "If it has anything to do with what I asked earlier..."

"The proposal," I cut in, taking myself and him, from the obvious change in his demeanor, by surprise. "If I say yes, will..." What the heck was I doing!? He raised both brows, urging me to go on, and against my better judgement, I continued rambling. "Will I get an increase in my salary?"

Surprise flickered in his eyes, and what seemed like a ghost of a smile hovered on his lips. "And if I say yes?"

"Then..." I licked my lips, taking a deep breath. This feels like I'm selling my soul to the devil. "I'll say yes."

CHAPTER TWO

Kage Crown's PoV

My head tilted to the side on impulse as soon as the words left her lips. For the next few seconds, I kept my gaze on her.

Andrea was usually calm and composed, even when I lashed out at her, she never showed any emotion other than the neutrality I've come to associate her with. Whenever she was in this building, she always had her business ethics and mood up, which is why I've kept her around for so long.

But now, under the scrutiny of my gaze, she was nothing but a ball of nerves. She couldn't seem to stand still, nor even meet my eyes.

Irritation seeped through me when the thought that I could have been twitching like this before my father crossed my mind.

"Call off the meeting, Miss Charlton, and meet me in my office." I spared her not a single glance before I marched out.

My meeting with my dad two nights ago drummed heavily in my head as I walked back to my office. I had gone because I thought it was just going to be a casual dinner with him, but... I loosened my tie as his words rang in my head.

"I'm seizing every asset I handed over to you, and I will only give them back when you get married... In 6 months! If you fail to do so, everything will go to your cousin, Alex."

I clenched my fists tightly at the remembrance of his words. He spoke like he simply handed everything over to me, like I didn't work my ass off to get it.

The sheer thought of Alex occupying my position as CEO had me gritting my teeth, that fucker would ruin everything in month.

A small knock on the door brought me back to the present. Andrea walked in, notably more composed than earlier.

"Sit down, Miss Charlton"

Andrea sat before me. Although she was more collected now, she looked as if a storm was brewing in her mind.

"I know it is an unusual request" I started, "but it is not without good cause"

I stopped to give her a small interval to speak or nod.

"You have been here for two years, so I want to believe I can trust you with this information, in case you refuse. I need a wife... for a couple of months."

Her eyes were quizzical. She nodded slowly, as if to urge me to continue. I shifted in my seat.

"Before I proceed with the details, I'd like to know why you suddenly agreed to such an odd request" She looked away. "Why marry me?"

"I-" She took a deep breath. "I need a raise. A big raise"

There was silence in the room for what felt like an eternity. What did I expect to even hear?

"Alright, Miss Charlton." I leaned my elbows on my desk. "We are going to sign a contract that legally binds us to be married for a period of time, during which your all financial needs will be taken care of, and you will receive a monthly allowance."

Andrea nodded. She's barely spoken a word.

"So, you will marry me, Miss Charlton?"

She started to nod again and I shook my head. "You have to say yes or no, Andrea"

Andrea swallowed. "Yes, I will marry you"

I smiled. "Alright. Let's discuss terms tomorrow. I'm going home."

While driving home, I replayed the little interview my secretary and I had some minutes earlier.

Andrea was definitely in need of some money; she did not even ask why exactly I needed a wife. It was unlike her to investigate. Her inquisitive nature caused some friction in our work relations during her first few weeks at my company. I would give her an instruction and rather than carry out my order without question, she would often respond with a suggestion, an alternative or subtly not-so-subtly question the sensibility of my decision.

It infuriated but also intrigued me, and I quickly came to realize that she had a good head on her shoulders. Yep, she definitely needs money. Or maybe she's just like the others?

I am Kage Crown after all- young, attractive and wealthy. Maybe she wants the benefits of being my wife? It doesn't seem like her. Andrea is the first female staff I've had that has never made a pass at me, however subtle. She is professional in every sense of the word. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

I got home and called my lawyer. When he arrived, we laid the groundwork for the contract.

ANDREA'S POV

After leaving Mr Crown's office, I wasn't sure how I felt. On one hand, I felt good that I would get the money I needed to at least pay for her care, but on the other hand, I felt so... cheap. I left to pursue my dreams and live for myself and here I was signing my freedom away, agreeing to marry a stranger for money. I walked back to my desk, sat and stared at my blank computer screen for some minutes. All this was because of her. This job, this contract... It's all her fault.

I remember when I got the call on my graduation night. I was at a bar with friends and my ecstacy evapourated once I heard the voice on the other end.

"Andrea... It's your mother"

I should have hung up then. I should have just hung up and blocked her number but for some reason, I didn't, and my life has never returned to normal ever since.

The sudden realization of what I had agreed to suddenly dawned on me. I had agreed to marry him. FOR REAL. This was like those books where the girl marries the guy for gain and ends up falling for him... That could never be me!

I cringed at the thought of being called Mrs Crown rather than Miss Charlton. Then I laughed. This was going to be fun. We're just adults playing pretend with signed documents. And it really can't hurt to be Mrs Crown. It definitely will come with a ton of benefits.

I brightened up and finished the day's work. Tomorrow will be a good day. We will discuss terms and sign the documents. Then I will be his wife. That would mean a wedding, and possibly a honeymoon... That would mean time away from this wretched desk! Wonderful!

CHAPTER THREE

The whole world seemed to be present at my wedding. Kage's parents, cousins, friends, business associates, the press... I just had about five friends attend the wedding, considering I don't really have any family.

It was definitely going to be top contender for event of the year. If anyone had any doubts about the legitimacy of Kage Crown's marriage, perhaps that he and his bride had just decided to sign a contract and fool everybody, the lavish wedding would have made anyone present suspend their suspicions indefinitely.

I was beyond nervous when it was time to share our first kiss as husband and wife. My heart thumped so violently and I tried not to glare at Kage who was sliding his around the back of my neck while as bent downwards to meet my lips with mine. How was he so cool about this? Has he faked a marriage before? He could win an Oscar for this performance! His lips were soft against mine, which was a huge surprise. I did not know what to expect but I certainly did not expect Mr Crown's lips to be so warm and soft. Impulsively, I kissed him back. When we drew away from each other, Kage did not make any eye contact with me at all. Rather, he smiled towards his parents and the cheering crowd. Then he looked back at me affectionately, as if he wanted to kiss me again, and I melted inside. What an actor, I thought.

"Congratulations, Mrs Crown" Diana, my best friend and bridesmaid teased me when I'd changed into my reception gown. Kage and I had been receiving warm felicitations from an army of unending guests. I had just managed to slip away to an empty room to catch my breath when Diana crept up behind me.

"Thank you" I giggled. "You're the best"

"You are officially a gold digger now, Andrea!" Diana joked. "I always thought I would be the one to marry for money"

"Don't worry" I leaned in, "When our contract is over, you can have him"

"Andrea!" She slapped my shoulder in mock horror. "On your wedding day!"

I shrugged and we both laughed.

"You sound as if you don't like him, but I see right through you" Diana resumed her teasing

"Really now? What do you see?"

"I saw that you almost died when he kissed you up there"

My eyes widened in horror. "Was it obvious?"

"No" she laughed reassuringly. "But I know you well"

"I mean, Diana, have you ever had to kiss a stranger in front of a-"

I was interrupted by her phone ringing. She picked it up, nodded twice and smiled in my direction.

She hung up. "Your husband requests your presence". She was teasing me hard.

I took a deep breath and walked back out to the large hall. I saw him chatting and laughing with a group of girls and noted, not for the first time, how handsome he was. They observed me approaching them and I noticed a brief look of irritation creep onto the girls' faces. My steps towards them hastened and grew more confident. Something was stirring in my belly. Is it anger? Jealousy? I was still figuring out what I was feeling when Kage swung around, grabbed me and kissed my cheek.

"Baby! Where have you been?"

I was shocked to my soul.

My wide eyes bore into his smiling face.

"I just needed a moment..."

"Well, I just wanted you to meet-"

"Annabel." The most attractive of the girls stepped forward and stretched out her arm. "His ex"

I did everything within my power to hide my fury as I gripped her hand.

"Andrea. His wife" I beamed at her. One of the girls behind her choked on her wine.s

"Congratulations, Andrea." Annabel's smile looked as though someone painted it on her face.

"Thank you". I turned back to Kage and said, "I'm quite tired, honey."

"Me too, actually" His face had a look of ill-disguised amusement.

He grabbed me by the waist, said goodbye to his little harem and we walked towards the exit. Mr Crown, Kage's father, as if he'd been waiting for the moment, blocked our path.

"The most elegant couple in the country" He said in his sophisticated way of speaking. "Andrea, you look lovely as always. Congratulations, my dear."

"Thank you, Mr Crown." I replied coyly.

"Son? A word?" He gestured for Kage to walk with him and turning to face me again, he said, "I do hope you don't mind."

"Not at all."

Kage relunctantly let go of me and walked with his father.

"So..." I heard Mr Crown say, "You did it"

Their voices receded till they were out of earshot. I went and sat in the limo to wait for him, and in a short while I dozed off into a dream.

I woke with a start. It had been nightmarish. I dreamt that I was dying during childbirth.

Relieved to be back in the real world, I realized that the chaffeur and I were still waiting for Kage Crown. I went out in search of him. By now there was barely anyone on the premises.

I walked a considerable distance before I heard them conversing, or rather rounding up their conversation behind some flowers.

"I promise you father, Andrea and I will have a child soon" His tone was even.

"A year, Kage"

Kage exhaled loudly and then agreed. "In a year, you will have your grandchild."

I stood rooted to the spot, bewildered, feeling rather betrayed. Mr Crown and Kage had started to move in my direction and it would be considered rude if they thought I was eavesdropping, but I could not bring myself to move. Kage saw me first. He knew I heard them. The look in his eyes gave it away. Mr Crown followed behind, his hands behind him, and his arms on the ground before him, affording me enough time to snap out of my shock and pretend I had just arrived.

"Andrea, my dear. We kept you waiting too long! And on your wedding day! My apologies." Mr Crown spoke with the assuredness of a man who knew he had the power to keep anyone waiting and face zero consequences. Yet, there was a sincerity in his voice. A man as powerful as him need not be insincere anyway.

"Come, babe. It's been a long day" Kage took my hand in his and pulled me after him.

I remembered my dream.