Lorelei Moore Mary me.

Lorelei.

"Hi Lorelei, good morning"

"Good morning Danielle"

"The usual?"

"Yes! the usual".

I take the coffee when she's done with a smile.

Dani's coffee shop is just across the office and they make the only coffee Nathaniel Bronze will drink.

"Morning Lorelei"

Betta at the front desk greets me as I walk past.

"Morning Betta, Hit me"

Betta is dating Nathaniel's driver so she is always updated with his mood every morning.

"He went to see his parent's lawyer this morning".

That can not be good.

"But Mr Lowell is coming later so there may be hope for us yet".

Michael Lowell is Nathaniel's best friend. Whenever he is around, he takes all the boss's attention from the rest of us.

"Thanks Betta, what will I do without you!"

"Lose your job" She jokes.

I run into the elevator and press the top floor on the button. I clutch the rails to steady myself, I do not like elevators, they make me feel dizzy.

I step out of the elevator and in a hurry, I have to make sure everything is perfect before he arrives. When I am done I go to my own smaller office.

My office is just an extension of his, there is only a glass door separating our offices.

Nathaniel's office is as plain as plain can be, all his furniture have one color and that is gray, there are no picture frames or any decorations to prove that someone works there. Mine on the other hand is the exact opposite. When I was just hired I didn't decorate because I scared I would be fired any day but when I developed my routine and discovered how to do everything right, I started to touch the place up. On my desk there is a picture of my mother and another of my cat and hanging on the wall is a painting that was gifted to me by one of my exes.

In exactly forty six seconds my boss will walk through this door.

I draw my jacket closer to my body. Nathaniel likes the office cold even, that was one of the things I had to get used to when I was first hired, now all my work outfit consists of a jacket or a coat.

Three. Two. One.

I count in my head and then I rise, almost immediately Nathaniel Bronze walks in and he is followed by Michael Lowell.

"Good morning Mr Bronze, Mr Lowell"

I bow and great. Michael answers me but Nathaniel doesn't, actually he never does. I actually believe he doesn't know I exist.

After they walk into his office I take a seat and sigh.

***

Nathaniel

I flip through the file of potential women Mick gave me.

"I am not marrying any of these women"

"Why not Nat, they are beautiful women, the most eligible in all of new york"

He explains. I flip the page

"Sandra bass, blond hair, blue eyes, 5'6, daughter of multi millionaire And creator Bass industries, Helrod Bass"

I read out the information on the file.

"See she is perfect, she is beautiful and from an influential family"

Mick explains

"She is a drug addict"

I informed him.

"She got busted last year but her father spent a lot to keep it off the press."

"Okay, cancel her out"

"All these women have one problem or another, whoever I decide to marry gets forty percent of my inheritance, that approximately is forty billion dollars, do you know what that means?. Anyway I want someone I would be able to tolerate, at the very least"

I explain to Mick but he is staring at my secretary.

"Michael, this is important"

"I know, what about her?"

"My secretary?Are you out of your mind?"

"No listen, she is perfect, she is someone you can tolerate, she is literally the longest secretary you have ever had, she is beautiful and she actually needs the money."

"How do you know she needs money?"

"That, I can't answer, but you don't have to marry her till death do you part, just until you get your money, after which you can come up with some creative reason for a divorce and both go your separate ways. you would get to save your business and she would be a billionaire Win. win."

"I can not believe I am considering this, it may work"

I observe her slowly, I can't remember how long she has worked for me, I know she is good at her job and I have never had any problem with her, I have never also payed much attention to her, she never really did anything to grab my attention, she walks around like a cat quickly and quietly, it's very impressive actually.

"Fine, but what makes you think she would agree."

"Oh!, Trust me my friend, she will"

He smiles.

"Okay so there is only one problem left. What is her name?"

"Lorelei Moore"

***

Lorelei,

12:45

It's almost time for Nathaniel's meeting with the shareholders, I ready all the files he will need.

He has been in his office since he arrived discussing with his friend, whatever they are talking about is not business related so I don't have to listen in.

I notice him rise so do the same, I place the files in my handbag and wait for him to come out.

"Lorelei, cancel my meeting with the investors and come with me"

Sorry, what. I almost spit out he has never canceled a meeting last minute, what is so important and why do I need to come with him.

"Yes sir "

I reply instead.

"May, I ask where we are going, sir"

"Yes" he says

I walk pass, Betta and she gives me a *what is going on look*

I shrug my shoulders I reply.

"Take us to The tavern "

Nathaniel tells the driver.

The Tavern is a fancy restaurant, we sometimes hold meetings there. So this may just be an important impromptu meeting, they have happened before but not when another meeting is already set.

"May I know who we are meeting at The Tavern boss".

"No one"

He answers

Talk about vagueness.

We arrived at the restaurant not long later. One of the servers led us to a Table with three chairs.

"Sit down,let's Talk"

Well this is it the day I get fired.

"Please sir, don't fire m..."

"I am not firing you, let me speak"

"Okay, sorry sir"

"I have a proposal for you"

He says, then signals to the waiter.

"Wine please, red"

The waiter leaves. I do not know if it is just me or, He looks nervous.

"Sir..."

"Will you marry me?".

Lorelei.

"will you marry me"

I push back my chair and stand up.

"I am sorry I do not think I heard you right"

I think I am imagining things my boss did not Just ask me to marry him, this must be some sort of joke, like a prank or something, there must be hidden cameras around.

"Sit down Lorelei"

He commands

I sit back down but with a little distance from the table, in case I need to run.

"Sorry, I should explain myself first"

He apologizes.

Okay I really need to check what side the sun rose up from this morning because this is strange.

Nathaniel is about to say something but he is interrupted by Michael Lowell's entrance.

"Sorry I took so long, I had to make a pit stop"

He sits on the empty chair.

"What did I miss?"

"Mick, I think you would be better suited to explain the situation to miss Moore "

Nathaniel says.

"There is really not much to explain. He has a billion dollar inheritance that he needs to acquire but it comes with a condition, he needs to get married and we feel you are the best candidate for this, it would be a fake marriage to convince the public and his parents lawyers and after three years you guys get a divorce and go your different ways".

I stare at the both of them for Lord knows how long, I am absolutely speechless.

"I am really sorry but you have the wrong person"

I think all this money has finally gotten into their brain and they are starting to lose it.

"I forgot to mention the benefits that come with this. As a Bronze you have access to free health care which means You would be able to finally give your mother the treatments she needs. And part of the conditions for the inheritance is that whoever he married gets forty percent of his money"

"I'm sorry what!"

I exclaim

"Yes it's true"

What the hell is this, it is too much. What would Nathaniel Bronze need a contract marriage, he is Nathaniel the most eligible bachelor in the whole America, at least that is what they say.

" Why don't you actually marry someone then, someone you love"

"Love is a distraction and you are not here to give me advice. Take it as an assignment, all you have to do is play the perfect girlfriend in public and after three months we will have an elaborate wedding, then you play the perfect wife, after the three years we go our separate ways, you will be a billionaire."

I look from Nathaniel to Michael and back again, these people are serious, wow!

"Why me?"

"Because, it will be easy to sell our story and you are the only woman that I have tolerated for this long".

"Do I have time to think about this?"

"Yes, you have till the next week, you can stay home till then "

"I am sorry, what!"

"My girlfriend can't work for me"

"But I have not agreed yet"

"Well, stay at home till you do"

They both stand up, signaling the end of the conversation.

"You can not tell anyone about this"

Nathaniel says

"I have to tell my mom"

"No one"

"She is my mother and she would never believe us anyway, so I tell her."

"Fine but her and no one else"

I can not believe I just stood my ground against my boss or rather ex boss.

Michael tells his driver to drive me home, while he leaves with Nathaniel.

"Thank you"

I say to the driver as I step out of the car and shut the door.

"Mama"

I call out as I step into the house.

"Welcome home Lorelei, you are early"

Eva, the nurse I hired to take care of my mom when I am at work, greets.

"Hi Eva, I closed early today. How is she"

"Strong"

She answers

"Good, you can take the rest of the day off, I will take it from here since I am home"

"Okay thanks, I already gave her the afternoon pills."

"Alright thanks,"

She clears her stuff then says goodbye to my mom before she leaves.

"I need your advice for something mom"

"Wow, that is a first"

"Come on, I am serious, something strange happened in work today"

I explain everything to her, about the proposal and the money.

"So, what do you think, should I take it?"

"Oh , sweet child of course you should, this is a great opportunity for us."

"Really?, I thought you would disagree, it is not right."

"Well, no it is not, but you are not doing this for anyone, you are doing this for you, you can either look at it as something wrong or you can think of it as an answer to our prayers"

"You are right, I guess. I would call them that I accept"

"Yes, but wait a bit, not just yet. Do you thrust this boss of yours?, Do not let them forget. You may be getting a lot out of this but you are still helping them."

"Yes ma"

"And if it ever gets too overwhelming, you back out"

"Yes ma"

"Good girl"

She coughs and I give her a glass of water.

Monday morning I am all dressed and ready for work. I called Micheal on Saturday to get my answer, so we are meeting in Nathaniel's office.

I am not sure if I am still His secretary, but I stopped at Dani's to pick up his coffee.

When I enter the office, I am engulfed by a hug.

"I taught he fired you, I was so worried"

I avoided Betta's call all week because I really didn't know what to tell her.

"Sorry, I made you worry, I wasn't feeling very well so my boss gave me the rest of the week off".

"Okay, I hope you are much better now, this place is full without you".

"How about we hang out later after work"

"Sure"

I do my usual morning routine when I am done I wait for them in my office.

Not so long later they both arrive but this time with Nathaniel's lawyer.

"Come on"

Nathaniel says inviting me to his office.

"Barrister Dennis is here to draw the contract

"Barrister Dennis is here to draw the contract"

The four of us take our seats, the lawyer brings out a document file and gives each of us a copy.

"These are the terms of your contract" the lawyer reads.

"Miss Lorelei Moore, if you accept these terms you will from this day hence fort play the part as Mr Nathaniel's girlfriend, you will attend social events with him and take a lot of pictures.

You will not be with any other man throughout your time with Mr Nathaniel.

In three months you will get married. You will answer Mrs Lorelei Bronze, you will move in with Mr Nathaniel.

Your marriage will last three years so not to cause suspicion, after which you will get a divorce. You can now leave with your part of Mr Bronze inheritance .

Lastly you will never tell anyone of this arrangement. Is there anything else you wish to add."

Oh wow, this is real.

"Yes, I would like to keep my job as Mr Bronze secretary"

"We will married there is no need for you to work" Nathaniel argues

"I will not be a housewife" I argue back.

"Fine you will continue to work as my secretary"

"Oh!, and are you really serious about not being with other people?"

Micheal laughs at my question.

"If you are being seen around with other men it may raise suspicion, the same goes to me Bronze you can not be seen with another woman. If there must be any outside relationship it should be done in secret." The lawyer explains.

"What about my mother?" I just have to ask.

"The minute you sign this and agree to the terms she will begin her treatment."

I read through the documents so I don't miss anything, then I sign.

We passed around the papers until they were all signed.

"Congrats you are now officially Nathaniel's girlfriend" Michael says parting my hands "Good luck".

Thanks, I reply.

I return to my office just to find notifications on my phone.

They are texts from Betts saying there are paparazzis everywhere.

Mr Bronze posted he is going to be announcing his girlfriend.

"Oh shit!"

I look into his office and none of them are there, I quickly grab my phone and head to the elevator. When I got down I realized, Betta was not kidding.

The whole place is filled with paparazzis all waiting for Nathaniel's announcement. As I approach I see that Nathaniel is speaking to them.

"Here she comes now" I hear him say and I hope to God I am not the she.

Everyone turns my way, paparazzis, employees and all I jam eyes with Betta. She is staring at me with her mouth open.

"Come here love" Nathaniel says and pulls me to himself he holds my waist and kisses me.

Cheers and flashes from cameras follow soon after.

After he pulls away I stand there trying to keep myself standing and at same time stop myself from bolting right now.

***

After our talk in the restaurant I have not been able to stop thinking about her. Micheal is not helping because he has not stopped talking about her either.

I asked him to do a full background check on her, I needed to know everything about her. I do not want any surprises".

Honestly there was nothing surprising about her life. She was born in California her father died when she was one, her mother moved with her to Brooklyn not long after. She studied management at NYU. She had a well above average result although her years in school, she dated one boyfriend in college they lasted four years and so on and so forth. Her life is so average, almost too average, it is as if she tries really hard to remain out of the spotlight.

And I guess that is what makes her the perfect candidate for this.

"Do you think she will agree?"

I ask Micheal.

"I know she will"

He replies

"Really, how are you so sure?"

"She is a smart girl"

"She does not like being in the spotlight"

"Yes, but she loves her mother, and that is motivation enough for her".

The week is over and we still have not heard from, Micheal had to stop me from driving over to her place to demand her answer.

"Relax Nat, she will come around". He said.

"I think we should start finding someone else," I say to Michael on Saturday morning.

"She will call," he replies again.

I am beginning to wonder where he is getting his motivation from.

"I do not want to wait for her..."

I am interrupted by his phone ringing. He picks it up and answers the call.

"Yes?, alrighty, Monday at the office, okay, enjoy your weekend"

"Who was that"

"That, was Lorelei Moore, ready to give her response"

"Okay, well"

"We will meet her in the office on Monday, you should call your lawyer".

I watched her silently as she contemplated the terms.

"Yes, I would like to keep my job as Mr Bronze secretary"

Why would she want that?

"We will marry, there is no need for you to work".

"I will not be a housewife".

I look at Michael and he nods.

"Fine, you will continue to work as my secretary".

"Oh!, and are you really serious about not being with other people?"

That is the question I was expecting if she had not commented about that then she would have been really suspicious.

The minute we finish signing, Michael sends a post saying, Nathaniel bronze wants to reveal his girlfriend to all interested bronze enterprises.

and almost immediately, my dm starts to flood. The message that stands out is my sister's.

Who is the lucky girl

She says.

I do not bother replying to any of the messages.

Micheal and I escort Mr Dennis outside and the scene we meet does not even surprise me.

Paparazzis,reporters, and fans are crowding the entrance. The security men are trying to hold them back.

I approach them and questions start flying in the air.

"Mr Bronze is it true, you are going to reveal your girlfriend"

"Mr Bronze, who is your girlfriend"

"Is it Amanda Bishop"

I raise my hand to indicate I want to speak so they all keep quiet.

" Yes I am revealing my girlfriend today before you all, we have been dating for a while now but only decided to make it public today".

"Mr Bronze is she here right now"

Someone asks from the crowd.

"Yes, she is" I answer

I notice Lorelei come out of the elevator.

"Here she is now, come here love"

I pull her to me and kiss her.