Deceptive Marriage

Chapter One -

The sound of champagne bottles popping mixed with the cheers of celebration as a party took place in an apartment's living room far too small. The champagne that bursts from their glass bottles like erupting volcanoes inevitably splattered on the wooden floor.

"HEY! Could you guys be a little more considerate?!" The owner of the apartment shouted in annoyance at everyone causing a ruckus.

"Sorry, Layla." An older, tall man still in his business suit patted the young adult's back. He then beamed a smile at the woman that was the same age as her, sitting on the sofa with an embarrassed look. "I'm just so happy that my baby girl has finally graduated college!"

"Dad..." She mumbles while rubbing the back of her neck but still smiles up at him. Nothing made her happier than her father's praises.

"That's a Smith for ya. She'll be a big ole businesswoman just like her ole man." Another man slurred, already a bit tipsy from the champagne. All of her father's business associates had joined them for their little celebration of Abigail's graduation.

Well, all of his associates except for one who claimed to be too busy for something so trivial. If it wasn't for being such a successful man with a very important role in her father's business, he would've fired him right on the spot for using such a word about his hard-working daughter.

"It's too bad Benjamin didn't think it was worth coming..." One of the other men grumbled about the co-worker that thought this was trivial.

"Mr. Anderson? Pfft. I never liked that bastard anyways. He's always so smug. Sticks his nose up like he's better than anyone else." Another one muttered.

"Nobody likes him! All he has is a pretty face going for him. I wouldn't be surprised if he's caught up in illegal shit like drugs or something!" another tipsy businessman bellowed a laugh at his own joke.

Abigail looked at the men with raised eyebrows, the woman taken aback by their sudden talk of distaste for a single man that they work with. "Goodness... surely he's not that bad."

James rested his hand upon his daughter's shoulder. "In all honesty, I'm glad he declined my offer to join our celebration for you. The man is quite arrogant and would be a bad influence on you." The wrinkles on his fore crease as he thinks out loud. "He's an excellent worker but even I can't stand the man." He then looks down at his daughter and gives her a little smile. "Do Daddy a favor and stay away from him. He also has an unnervingly shady background."

Abigail's brows knitted together this time but she still gave a nod of her head. For her father to not like someone had to mean that there was definitely something off about the man. Other than being a total jerk by the sounds of it.

As the group continued trash-talking the man called Benjamin behind his back, Layla looked at Abigail and gave an annoyed sigh with a shake of her head. "If y'all are done gossiping, can you please leave?! Abigail had a long drive back here! Party's over!"

James chuckles endearingly. "Yes, how could I forget? You're probably exhausted." He pats his daughter's head then gives her forehead a little kiss. "I love you, my lil pumpkin-poo~ Daddy will call you soon."

"DAD!" Abigail unintentionally raises her voice while Layla snickered with a hand to her mouth. The other men chuckled as well as they watch the cute interaction between the two. Not everyone knew that James is a widower and that he raised Abigail on his own, but even without that knowledge, it was still heartwarming watching them.

"See you, Abigail!"

"Rest up! Nice seeing you again."

"Bye, Abigail!"

The men took turns bidding her farewell as they left the apartment. James gave his daughter one last kiss goodbye before following after his friends. Layla follows them close behind while waving her hands in a "shoo" manner as if scaring off stray animals on her property. "Alright! Alright! Off with you lot! Out! Out, I say!" She yells then slams the door behind them and wipes her hands. "UGH! Look at this!" She points at the several spillages on the floor. "Lazy bastards couldn't even clean up after themselves!"

Abigail goes to help her friend clean up but Layla immediately declines and demands her to rest after her long drive. Reluctantly, Abigail sits back down as Layla began to speak again.

"Sheesh. They were seriously roasting that Benimen guy. Kinda low that they were doing it behind his back too."

"I think it's pronounced Benjamin, Layla. And yeah... probably better that someone like that wasn't here anyways like Dad said. The last thing I need is a sourpuss around me right now." She yawns and then stands up. "Welp. I'm off. Let me know if you need anything, 'kay?"

"'Night, girl." Layla waves her off then curses that the scent of alcohol is sticking to the floor.

Abigail went to the spare bedroom that Layla would use as storage. It was originally her room before she went to college. Though now it's a bit cramped, Abigail was still happy she could flop down on the bed. "Ughhh..." She moans as her spine finally gets sweet relief. The young woman takes her auburn hair out of its ponytail right as her phone makes a "ping" noise as she gets a text message.

"Dad is already on a roll?" she mumbles with exhaustion while rolling onto her stomach and rubbing one of her eyes. Abigail was already struggling to stay awake and, though she would feel extremely awful about it, felt like passing out on her phone right then and there. But, instead, she tilted her head in confusion when she saw the text was from a phone number she didn't have registered.

"Is this Abigail Smith?"

At first, she assumes that it's one of her father's business associates. "Yes. Who's this?" Abigail didn't even have to wait patiently since he immediately texted her back.

"Meet me in Starbucks tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. sharp."

Abigail looks taken aback and then feels agitated. What the hell? Who does this guy think he is?

"Um. I asked you who you are. I'm not going to just go see some stranger..."

"My name is Benjamin Anderson. 7:30 a.m. Don't keep me waiting." Comes another blunt text message.

Abigail's jaw drops with sheer confusion and bewilderment.

Benjamin Anderson?!

The shady man that all of her father's friends seemed to hate had somehow got a hold of her number and was commanding her to meet him?? Abigail recalls her father's warning to avoid the surly man, but, at the same time...

What could he possibly want?

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...

Chapter Three -

Once again, Abigail's nose is filled with the scent of champagne and cheered shouts in her ears. But this time it was at her father's lobby within his owned tower for business, and she was in a red dress instead of a casual t-shirt and jeans.

Will this ever end...?

But unlike her first celebration, this time she was a blushing mess from where she was being pressed into Benjamin's side, his strong arm wrapped around her shoulder. She forced a bright smile the same way he did, keeping up a good act. She had to admit, for a businessman, he's a pretty good actor. And his teeth were admirable white as snow. Not to mention the scent of spice in his cologne made her desire to be next to him even stronger.

"I am still surprised, and a little hurt that you never told me this for the past two years..." Her father's smile seems forced. His feelings were abused and it made Abigail feel awful. She forced a smile too but it glowed with happiness. Fake happiness anyways.

"I'm sorry, Dad. It's just that you've been so busy that I didn't want to distract you with something like who I'm romantically involved with unless it does matter. And," she snuggles into Benjamin's side. "My last name turning from Smith to Anderson is a pretty big deal, I would think." Benjamin's body seems to stiffen and warm all of a sudden. Abigail was about to ask him if he's alright but the sound of her father sniffling distracted her. "Oh, Daddy..."

James wiped one of his eyes with a finger. "My little pumpkin-poo is all grown up."

"It'll be ok, Dad. It'll only be-" Abigail gives a startled gasp as she yanked harder into Benjamen's side while he gives an awkward laugh.

"If you would excuse us, I think my fiance needs a drink," he says while leading Abigail to the table that served a variety of drinks, but to her, it felt like he was dragging her. "I don't know what the hell you were planning to say back there but you better choose your words carefully or else." there was a harsh admonish in his tone.

"I was just going to tell him that he'll get used to it!" Abigail whisper-shouted at her fake fiance. He curses something under his breath as the arm that was wrapped around her shoulders now slid down until his hand was on her lower back, threatening to touch an off-limits area. Her dress's thin cloth allowed her to feel just how gently he slid his fingertips down the light indention in her back where her spine is, if it wasn't for the settings and circumstances, she would've taken him to the next room and asked for more. But, instead, Abigail blushed madly as she whisper-shouted again. "W- what do you think you're doing?!"

"Couples are intimate. Common logic," he mutters with his usual annoyance as if dealing with a spoiled child while somehow managing to keep a smile on his face as he poured her something out of a red bottle, the man not paying attention and neither was she. Abigail was about to give him a sharp retort but before she could utter a word, a voice calls over to them.

"Everything alright, lovebirds?"

Abigail looks toward her father's friend with a sincere tone. "Yes, there's just quite a variety of..." When she looks at Benjamen again, she feels a spark of rage when she sees him texting away on his phone. "Ugh!" she mutters and pulls out of his grip. "I can't believe you!"

Benjamin glances at his fake wife-to-be and then at the rest of the guests who were busy chitchatting amongst themselves. "I have an important call to take. If anybody asks, I'm in the bathroom," he says before abruptly leaving. Her jaw drops as she watches him shamelessly leave her.

The audacity of this asshole!

She grumbles a curse under her breath while finally paying attention to the drink Benjamin has just poured her and took a drink right as another guest walked in. Abigail looked a bit surprised, it's been a while since she's seen her.

"I'm sorry I'm late." the beautiful woman has an apologetic smile on her glossy, red lips while she takes off her jacket.

One of the businessmen quickly went over to her. "Here, Delilah, let me help you." he helps the pretty businesswoman take off her jacket and then pulls her blonde hair over her shoulder and gives a bright smile, making many men in the room blush. Most men had a crush on the sexy, gorgeous Delilah with her golden hair and light blue eyes. Not to mention her hourglass body. She wore a red dress as well but it looked much fancier and more attractive than Abigail's. Abigail frowns, the young woman has never been a fan of Delilah since the blonde would often act snobby as if she could have whatever and whoever she wants whenever she wants. Nonetheless, she still smiles when her father's female business associate comes over.

"Congratulations! I never imagined Benji would be getting married, it's quite a surprise! You both have my blessings." Delilah grabs one of Abigail's hands with both of her hands and gives her a sweet smile.

Benji?

Abigail forces a smile for the hundredth time today. "Oh, um, thank you! Yes, we're very happy together and... uh, love each other very much." Some of the businessmen gave her a weird look at how clumsily she chose her words. Her father just gave another sniffle while Delilah's smile grew.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it. You better invite me to your wedding!" Delilah has a teasing tone as she gives her a cute wink. "Besties~"

Besties? Pfft, yeah right.

The pretty, blonde woman gives a charming laugh and then walks over to the men. James walks over to his daughter and her stress instantly evaporates the moment she's in her father's presence. She's always been a daddy's girl who comes running when she needs help. But of course, she's grown and has to live life on her own two feet. James pats her shoulder. "So... when's the date?"

Abigail's lips pursed. Benjamin hasn't told her yet. She gives a little smile to hide her lie. "We're still deciding..." She hated lying to her father more than anything in the whole world. She could hear James swallow as his grip tightens on her shoulder.

"Your... mother would be very proud of you, pumpkin..." he whispers in a hoarse tone.

"Daddy..." she hugs him tightly, struggling to resist tears. Unlike her father, they weren't tears of happiness. She just felt ever worst and guiltier now.

James clears his throat and pats his daughter on the back. "Anywho, off you go! I have some stuff to wrap up." he smiles and then walks away. Abigail shakes her head with a humored sigh.

Always working...

Abigail comes back to reality when she realizes Benjamin is still gone and she curses under her breath. "The least that asshole can do is stay off his stupid phone...!" she whispers to herself as she walks towards the men's bathroom but freezes and hides on the corner of the wall when she sees him and Delilah speaking and standing very close to each other for that matter.

"Marriage, huh? Well, this is sudden... of all people, I thought you would've told me." Delilah murmurs while playing with his tie.

"It's complicated." the handsome man says in a hushed tone and Abigail bites her tongue with frustration. He's always complaining at her to choose her words wisely and yet those two words don't exactly reassure anything.

"Oh?" Delilah smirks. "A shotgun marriage? That's the only explanation unless you've been being unfaithful..." Her words turn into a whisper as her red lips come close to his neck and her fingers play with his black hair. Bejanmin's hands were on her wide hips and his grip tightened because of the small, teasing touches that drove men crazy. The discomfort on his face showed that he was already aroused. Abigail begins to feel sick as she watched the two's sexual encounter.

Why is this bothering me...?

Delilah was tempting him further as she leaned onto his body, her round breasts squishing against his chest, and one of her legs lifts a little bit just to stroke his crotch and his breath noticeably hitches. The beautiful woman knew how to handle men like a puppeteer controls puppets. She leans in closer with a barely audible whisper. "What do you say? One more time, for old time's sake?" Benjamin's hands tightened around her body further meanwhile Abigail bites her lip as she grows nauseous.

Do I stop them?