Married To The Ceo

"Are you signing or not?" The deep voice of her CEO brought her out of her thoughts. She only came here to ask for financial aid to foot her mother's medical expenses. Jay Henryson offered to help her but on a condition!

"How do you expect me to sign this marriage contract? You are my boss for Christ's sake." She burst out

"You will be doing us a favor by consenting to this. My parents have been on my neck for so long to get married. I just can't take it anymore. You can help me out while I take care of your mom's statements."

He said with a cold stare.

He has been her boss for two years and has always held a reputation for being cold and very stern. She only managed to survive under him as an employee just because of her mother's medical plight which demands a lot of cash. And here she is, about to act as a wife to someone of his caliber till God knows when.

With tears in her eyes, she signed the papers lying in front of her. She reached out for her bag and started walking towards the door.

"I will see you later, "Jay added. She reached for the doorknob without looking back at him. Her beeping ringtone brought her back to life.

She dug her hand deep into her bag to fetch her phone.

"Hello, Miss Avery, your presence is needed at the hospital right now!"

Avery's heart started beating so fast. What happened to her mom? She turned slowly to Jay with teary eyes.

"Mom..." the rest of the words got buried down her throat as she rushed out yelling for a taxi.

"Roman View General Hospital. Please drive very fast. It's an emergency!." She yelled at the driver before flinging the car door. As she sat down, she could do nothing but pray for her mother's safety.

Upon reaching the hospital, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure having a conversation with a group of medical practitioners. Her heart skipped a bit.

Avery walked toward them. As she got closer, she stopped in her tracks. Her instinct has never been wrong. It was none other than the devil himself, Jay Henryson.

As soon as the Doctors saw her, one called out to her.

"Miss Avery, what kept you this long? Your mother's case was an emergency."

"I'm sorry for coming late. I was caught up in traffic and my chauffeur didn't help matters." She managed to say with her gaze still on Jay

"Well, you know your mother's condition and we all are trying our best to adhere to her treatment. Luckily, your husband got here in time to cover her expenses and made an appointment for her to be flown to the best medical center in New York City for treatment," he added.

Jay could see the shock written on Avery's face and a very satisfying cold smirk broke down the corners of his lips.

As she stood there pondering, a baritone voice brought her back to her connotations. "Go meet your mom," he said coldly as ever and walked away. Avery watched him with a surprise written all over her face.

She opened the door to her mother's ward.

Slowly she walked in and sat by her mother.

"He came to tell me everything and I can assure you that he is a good man. Just go and be with him. I'll be alright " She added, patting her daughter's hair.

"Mom, This is too much for me to bear!" With this, she burst into tears.

Mrs. Tate's eyes welled with tears at the sight of her daughter's breakdown. She reached out for her hands and positioned them on her chest. Avery isn't ready to spend her life with Jay but she is willing to sacrifice everything for her mother to live. She looked at Her mom and nodded.

She left the hospital premises to prepare for the new home that awaits her. A home full of unfamiliar faces and events. How is she going to cope alone?

As she got home to unpack, a black luxurious car pulled up in front of her house and out stepped a silhouette figure. "Jay!?"

What on earth is this Man doing here? Just then he entered the room.

"Hi beautiful!" he said with a wink. He is not just the reserved guy that everyone knows but also a professional seducer. She thought to herself as she rolled her eyes over.

"Hi," She snapped back

He motioned to one guard to pick up her suitcase.

He turned his head towards her and without warning, planted a kiss on her lips. Avery went stiff the next instant. Before she could feel her palms, she had already landed a slap on his face!

His fists clenched in anger, his body on the verge of exploding, a visible scowl broke out on his forehead and his eyes radiated fire. Avery knew she had crossed the line this time. She closed her eyes and awaited her doom.

She felt a hand picking her up and throwing her over his shoulders. She opened her eyes and saw she was being carried by Jay. But this time, she did not protest. He hurdled her into the car and sat beside her staring through the windows as he lit his cigarette. Neither of them spoke throughout the journey to his place.

Avery felt petrified.

He dragged her out of the car when they arrived at his mansion and carried her upstairs, straight to a vast bedroom, threw her on the bed, and started unbuttoning his shirt.

"Wh..at..what...are you trying to do Jay?" She managed to ask in a trembling voice.

"A reminder not to ever raise your hands on me again!" He retorted. He jumped on her amidst her cry for plea Smooching her so aggressively that she could hardly breathe. He pinned her hands above her head. When Avery looked into his face, the sparks of fire that ignited from them were too horrifying for her to behold. Each whiff from him was so fierce that she could feel an immense desire flickering through his whole body. He pinned his weight down on her slender body and kissed her so fiercely but passionately, making his path along her earlobes. His beautiful long fingers, shook as he gently felt her soft breasts. He nipped them so tightly that Avery gasped in pain. A soft moan broke out from his lips.

He made his way down to her " Don't do this to me, Jay"

Avery prayed with eyes plugged with remorse. Just then, the bedroom door hurled open.

Jay turned snappily towards the door with gazes firing blood. His eye fell on the househelp. She quickly averted her eyes from his fierce look.

"Pardon me, sir, I didn't figure out you got back." She managed to find her voice and without reluctance, quickly left the room.

"Get up and get dressed " he murmured to her before stepping into the bathroom.

Avery concealed her face in the buffer and burst into tears. Her body was already weary from the torture and before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

Jay returned with a towel strapped around his waist. He went to the side where she was sleeping and gently, yanked a strand of hair from her face. He knew Avery as one of the most beautiful staff in his company but never had he imagined that she'd look like a fairy while sleeping. Those crystal gloomy puppy gazes that always stare at him innocently, that well-defined nose, the small heart-defined lips, that well-shaped scar brow, and a smooth silk milky skin, will certainly be the death of him. He thought to himself while fighting the yearning not to kiss her.

He walked out and carefully shut the door behind him.

Downstairs, were Mr and Mrs Henryson having dinner. Mrs. Henryson saw her son descending the stairs and noticed he had a grim look on his face.

When he sat next to his father, the old man too acknowledged something was wearing down his son.

" Hannah told me you brought in a woman today," he asked his son.

"Yes, Dad, you both weren't downstairs when we came in. I had no intention of disturbing you. The reason I couldn't introduce her to you earlier. He replied without lifting his head. His parents exchanged glances and everyone continued eating in the tense atmosphere.

Avery woke up and found herself all alone in the room. She stood up from bed and headed straight to the bathroom to take a cold shower. As she stepped into the shower, she noticed a figure in the bathtub.

There was water overflowing from the tub and the figure seemed to be submerged in water.

"Hello," she said as she approached the tub.

She screamed when her eyes landed on the object submerged in the tub. Her scream pierced and echoed through the whole mansion.

Jay flinched out of the tub and looked at Avery with a terrified face. "What was the scream for?" he demanded. "Excuse me? I thought you drowned. "She answered. Jay burst into uncontrollable laughter. Avery was lost. Why on earth would he even be laughing in a situation like this?

"You never cease to amaze me. I was just having my therapy bath." he burst into another round of laughter.

"What in the dumb ass bath therapy is that? To look half-dead and scare the living daylight outta people around you?"She asked angrily

"I didn't mean to scare you, sweetheart," he replied as he stepped out of the tub.

"To hell with you dumb ass!" Avery retorted as she stormed out of the bathroom in rage.

She sat on the bed and reached out for her phone. "Hello, mama!"

"Hello sweetie, how are you doing?"

The mother-and-daughter duo conversation started when Jay walked in. "Can I speak to my mother-in-law?" he asked calmly

Avery looked at him with a scrutiny look. "Drop the act, Jay. You don't have to pretend in front of me. We both know very well we are not what the world regards as husband and wife."

"I know right but we all agreed to this so you are my wife and that woman right there on the phone, is my mother-in-law. He calmly replied. Avery knew starting an argument with him was pointless and the last thing on her mind. She handed the phone to him and stepped out of bed.

"Are we both sharing the same bed tonight?" Avery asked when she got back from the bathroom and noticed Jay, still on the bed but this time in a more comfortable position.

Her mind staggered back to earlier occurrences. What if Jay tries to touch her again? What if he attempts something funny again? Well, this is a contract marriage and she's ready to risk nothing.

"Do you have any place in mind where you wanna sleep?" he asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Never mind, I'll use the couch," she said gnawing on her teeth.

"And don't forget we are meeting my parents tomorrow. Try to look presentable" he added before dimming the bed lamp. Avery turned and toasted on the couch. The settee was too small for her to fit in. A sense of regret flashed over her as she pulled the blanket over her head and murmured "Heartless dude!".

"Avery! Avery!Avery!" She flung her eyelids open and saw a masculine frame leaning over her.

"You're probably gonna give me a panic attack. Why would you be yelling my name when I'm right here with you?" She asked Jay angrily

"Who in their right feelings stays in bed till this time of the day?" Jay questioned. Her heart skipped. Did she oversleep? She looked at the time and it was half past eleven! But she acts unbothered.

"As if he cares?" she replied rhetorically "What else am I supposed to do when you had the whole bed to yourself last night?"

"Is this some kind of retaliation?" he asked surprisingly

"Whatever. Just leave me alone!"

"Avery if we keep fighting every second, my parents might get cynical and if that happens you'll be placing me in a very tough situation"

"And what has that got to do with me anyway?" she asked

"How about you begin to care when I terminate the funds for your mother's treatment sweetheart??" he asked with a mischievous grin on his face.

Avery puffed and mumbled Lucifer under her breath.

"Shall we?" Jay asked as he reached for Avery's hands. They walked down the stairs and right in the living room were the old folks.

"Mom, Dad, meet my wife Avery Tate Henryson"

"Wife???!"The old folks echoed in unison

"Yes, Mom, Avery, meet my parents Mr. and Mrs Henryson," he said calmly.

Avery bowed shyly as courtesy demands.

"Did Jay ever mention to you he has someone else who he's getting married to?" Mrs. Henryson asked Avery bluntly.

The old woman's words pierced through her heart like a sharp double-edged sword, rendering her speechless.

"Since you are too dumb to speak, can you get your miserable ass off my son and out of my house??" Mrs. Henryson continued her outburst.

Avery couldn't believe what was happening around her. Did she just hear about marriage?

Avery tilted her head slowly to Jay, with eyes devoid of any emotion. Jay quickly grabbed her hand and said,

"Mom, Dad what is all this embarrassment about? Why tell my wife I have someone else that I want to marry? The last time we had a conversation about marriage, I asked you to wait for me, I'm gonna get my bride myself. I have no idea what you two are planning to do. But let me make this clear once and for all. Avery is my wife, and I won't stand here and have any of you embarrass her". With these, he stormed out with Avery.

Back in their room, Avery couldn't believe what she heard from the Henrysons. They probably did not favor her relationship with their son. If only they knew their son was only playing a game of marriage with them.

"Avery" she turned towards the voice that called out to her. Jay walked closer to her and whispered into her ears" I meant it when I said to be my contract wife and that's not changing anytime soon.

In our chambers only we know what we are but to the world outside, they see us as a married couple" He smiled at her

Did Jay smile at her?

"Have enough rest, we are going to the office tomorrow. It's going to be a hectic day," he added before stepping into the shower

She sank deep under her bedsheets.

The next day, he drove her to their firm. "Jay, since no one knows about us, why don't we maintain our relationship at work? I still want that formal relationship between us. I mean, you're my boss and I'm still your staffer. We don't have to pretend at the office too." Avery broke the tense atmosphere in the car. "It's fine if that's what you want."He replied calmly without glancing at her.

When they arrived at the office, Jay stepped out of the car and held open the car door for her.

"What are you trying to do?" she asked

"The right thing. You never stated this in your rules, Avery." He said with a gentle smirk.

Avery knows there is no way she can win an argument with him, either way as a CEO or a contract husband!

She quietly stepped her foot on the grass. Her black hair shone brightly under the early morning sunlight. Her Office outfit enhanced her slender yet curvy body.

As she walked past the stares of her colleagues, she noticed fingers being pointed at her. Avery became nervous.

Have they gotten wind of her fake marriage with the Almighty Jay Henryson? Or they probably knew she was living under the same roof as him?

"Avery honey, calm down. Inhale..now exhale. I don't think they have any Idea about this. You might probably be overthinking." She assured herself and stepped into her office.

She started working on the files piled on her table.

Avery was so concentrated on her work that she didn't realise it was past lunchtime. The files in front of her made her appetite disappear. The door suddenly tossed open.

" What are you doing here?" She asked with displeasure written all over her face.

"My beautiful wife might have forgotten, it's past lunchtime so I'm here to pick her up for lunch" He teased her mischievously.

"But Jay, I thought we all agreed on what I said earlier this morning that we should keep our relationship private at the workplace?"

"Just this once sweetheart!"

He looked at her with imploring eyes.

"Alright fine, we will have this lunch together. Just this once."

As the two stepped out, they could feel the intense stares of the whole company on them. Avery could hardly move her feet. Before she could take a step, he picked her up in his arms and carried her out.

Avery got back to see her friend Kayla waiting for her.

The moment Kayla saw her friend, she ran to give her a warm embrace.

"Congratulations baby girl! You proved everyone wrong. A simple, low-class girl was able to have the Almighty Jay Henryson at her fingertips. Voila! Congratulations bestie!!!" Kayla continued to scream

"Hey girl what nonsense are you spewing?"Avery said and continued "Things are not always what they appear to be at the surface"

"Girl, what are you saying? Are you trying to tell me something?" Kayla asked skeptically.

Avery knew she couldn't lie to her best friend and there was no way she was going to sugarcoat her situation either. She told Kayla all that there was to know about her being with her boss.

"I understand you, girl, mom's health is the most vital thing here. Just know whatever decision you come at, I will always have your back." She said and brushed a gentle kiss on her best friend's forehead.

As she watched Kayla grasp the door handle, a sense of relief swept over her. Anytime she opens up to her, she always feels better. She headed to her desk when the company's emergency siren echoed through the whole edifice.

Avery froze in her tracks. An emergency siren? At this time of the day?? What could have gone wrong?

Avery walked quickly into the conference room. As she entered, she could feel sharp stares burning through her clothes. She got very uneasy but decided to retain a relaxed pose.

Just then Jay walked in with his usual, composed demeanour. This time he was wearing a smile, one of his uncommon habits. He cleared his throat as he took his seat. "I summoned this meeting this afternoon because there is an important announcement I would like to make." he paused and continued "Henceforth, Avery Tate is the new General Manager of Jay Henryson Group of Companies, as a result of her skills, commitment, and dedication towards our company. Any issue regarding the company's growth and well-being should first be discussed with her before it gets to me." He ended.

Avery could not believe her ears. What game is this man trying to play with her? The New General Manager? She shoved a glance at him and Avery could see the smile he was trying so hard to hide at the corners of his lips. Avery's gaze shifted to her colleagues, who were looking at her maybe, expecting a word from her.

The seat that felt so comfortable a moment ago now seems to tear deep into her skin. Her face turned pale white from shock.

Jay noticed this and gave a sign, indicating the meeting was over. When everyone left the room, he walked towards Avery,

"Hey Miss, how does it feel to be the wife of the CEO and the New General Manager?" He asked playfully

"You know what? You're such a scumbag!" She yelled.

"You mean you're not happy about your new position?"

"New position you say? We both know I don't deserve such a position. What happened to the former General Manager? How will others see me now? An opportunist? "

"Dear wife, you are missing out on something. You forgot this is my company. So my company, my rules."

"Jay Henryson, you are unpredictable!" She retorted and stormed out of the room.

Jay looked at her in surprise wondering what he's done wrong.

Later that evening, Avery lay in bed trying to recollect the event that took place in the office. Why is Jay Henryson so kind to her all of a sudden? First was her mother's medical expenses, a wife's treatment, and now a promotion at the company. What else is he scheming? How long will he continue to use her for whatever reason best known to him?