Mr. CEO Sassy Bride

The phone's vibrations pierced the peaceful ambiance of the cozy room, causing the slumbering figure on the bed to stir and shift.

"Answer the phone, Ethan. It's interrupting my sleep," Leilani Hernandez grumbled, keeping her eyes shut.

A blonde teenage boy, dressed in a brown heart-shaped neckline, wheeled himself into the small room and shook his head sadly at his sleeping sister.

Without haste, he made his way to the wooden cabinet and picked up the phone.

"I don't think Lani really needs the job, Hannah," Ethan held the phone to his ear and spoke loudly, staring at his sister's sleeping face, "she's still enjoying her slumber."

His intention to wake her was successful as Leilani's eyes opened wide and she jerked upright in bed, realizing it was already morning. "Gosh, Ethan! Why didn't you wake me up?"

As she questioned her little brother, she ran her hand through her disheveled brunette hair in frustration before jumping out of bed carelessly, throwing the covers aside.

"She's wide awake now, Hannah. I'll talk to you later," Ethan ended the call and turned to face his sister, who was now frantically selecting her outfit from the wardrobe.

"I hope you won't blame me if I don't get this job, Ethan," Leilani mumbled, sifting through her clothes.

Ethan remained quiet, observing her in silence.

After Leilani finished picking out her clothes and tossing them onto the bed, she turned to her brother and went to grab the wheelchair handle, saying, "Let's get your bath ready before mine."

As she spoke, she hastily wheeled her ailing brother out of her room and into his, situated to the left of hers.

"Lani?" Ethan's voice was hesitant as they entered his room.

Leilani simply hummed in reply, busying herself with choosing his attire.

"Can you please avoid getting fired this time? I beg of you, Lani. I want to stand on my own two feet again. It's difficult to see you sacrificing everything for me. I know it's too late for me to go back to school, but I can still work and support us financially."

Leilani paused her actions, but didn't turn to face her brother right away. She was all too familiar with the tears welling up in his amber eyes.

"Ethan, it's not entirely my fault that I got fired. Shouldn't my boss have given me a heads up about the arrival of the Dwarf CEO? How was I supposed to know he was the big boss when he barely reached my knee?"

As she finished speaking, Leilani had turned to face Ethan, her heartbreak evident in her expression. She hated to see her brother in tears.

"Here we go again. Why would you call someone you've never met a dwarf in the first place?" Ethan's voice cracked as he scolded his sister, who had bowed her head in remorse, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

Removing the tears from her face, Leilani knelt before her brother, saying, "I sincerely apologize, Ethan, and I vow to behave impeccably today in hopes of winning their approval. I will do whatever it takes to secure a stable job this time around."

She gazed at Ethan's once muscular legs, now withered and decaying. Despite trying to wipe her own tears, they continued to flow down her face in a steady stream.

"You will walk again soon, Ethan," she struggled to speak, "I promise you."

Ethan saw the determination in his sister's eyes and felt a wave of relief wash over him. He nodded continuously, tears threatening to fall from his own eyes.

"I believe you, Lani. Please don't cry. You know how much it pains me to see you in tears," Ethan gently wiped the tears from Leilani's face, while tears of his own streamed down his cheeks.

Leilani gently reached up and brushed away her brother's tears with a delicate hand. "Now, give me a smile, my dear," she said softly.

In an instant, Ethan's cheeks lit up in the widest grin Leilani had seen from him in a while, causing her own face to light up with joy.

After just forty-five minutes, the two siblings were dressed and ready to go. Leilani wheeled Ethan into the cozy living room and left him there. "Stay put, my love. I'll be back shortly," she said before disappearing into the kitchen.

Ethan's gaze remained fixed on the entrance to the kitchen, filled with pure adoration for his sister. In his eyes, she was not only his caretaker but also the best sister one could ever dream of having. Ever since their father had abandoned them years ago, she had taken on the role of their provider, never once complaining or showing any signs of exhaustion. Ethan longed to be able to walk again so he could repay his sister's unwavering love and kindness.

"Ta-da!" Leilani exclaimed, her grin stretching wide as she re-entered the room, balancing a plate with two sandwiches and a mug of water.

"Thank you, Lani," Ethan plastered a smile on his face as he took the plate from his always cheerful sister.

To be truthful, he was growing weary of the plain sandwich, but he didn't want to complain to Leilani. He could see the effort she put into preparing their meals.

"Oh, and if that grumbling sack of potatoes comes around, let her know she'll receive her money this week," Leilani instructed Ethan before dashing over to the old television set, grabbing the remote, and switching it on.

"Don't let boredom consume you, Ethan. Watch television, play games, and study. It's imperative. You know that. I'll return before lunch, but in case you get hungry before then, there are still some delectable chocolate cookies left in the kitchen from Hannah's visit yesterday," Leilani reminded him.

Ethan savored each bite of his meal, leisurely consuming it as he followed his sister's daily instructions.

"Lani loves Ethan," she whispered under her breath.

"Ethan loves Lani even more," he responded, smiling at his sister's affection.

Leilani leaned in to give Ethan a quick kiss on his forehead before rushing towards the entrance. She quickly turned back for a last glance at her brother, then grabbed the doorknob and stepped outside.

"Fuck!" Leilani silently cursed as she locked eyes with a short, full-bodied woman with green-tinted, low-cut hair.

The woman was dressed in a black, round t-shirt and denim pants that made her look indeed like sack of potatoes.

With her sturdy arms folded across her chest, she scowled at Leilani who responded with a sheepish grin.

"Good morning, Madam Bassey," Leilani cheerfully greeted, adjusting her black shoulder bag and making her way towards the woman.

"Drop the fake act and give me my bloody money, Leilani Hernandez!" Madam Bassey's frown deepened, her eyes blazing with anger as she stared down at the woman in front of her, almost like she wanted to burn her to ashes.

However, Leilani's smile continued to grow, her determination overriding any potential for upset this morning.

"Madam Bassey, you're too cute to be frowning this way, you know. Don't be surprised when your face grows wrinkled by tomorrow morning," Leilani's soft words caught Madam Bassey off guard, her usual stern demeanor giving way to surprise at this uncharacteristic display of leniency.

But soon, Madam Bassey's senses returned and she took a step back from Leilani, her expression turning to one of annoyance.

"Save your theatrics, you insolent child! If you don't have my money, then get out of my house this instant!" she bellowed, her gaze shooting daggers at Leilani.

In response, Leilani let out a frustrated sigh and met her landlady's fiery eyes with a wordless stare.

As the silence stretched on, Madam Bassey's narrowed gaze held a heated intensity, until finally she spoke up again. "So now you've lost your tongue?" she taunted.

"What do you expect me to say, you insensible woman!" Leilani's good mood from before had completely vanished, replaced with a fiery rage.

"I've been unemployed for two weeks now, and you know it. I'm on my way to a job interview right now. So if you want your money, you should start praying for me to get this job!"

Madam Bassey gave a curt nod, recognizing the Leilani she once knew. Not the one who had been putting on a façade of politeness moments ago.

"Why should I offer prayers for a badly-mannered lady like you? In fact, I hope your job interview turns out to be a disaster," retorted Madam Bassey.

Leilani remained unaffected and stepped closer to her. "The last thing on my mind is that you would barge into my house and forcefully remove me. Talk to you later, Fatty," she quipped.

"Fatty" was the nickname that Leilani had bestowed upon Madam Bassey, and she relished using it, especially when she was angry, just like in that moment.

Without pausing or reacting to Madam Bassey's spiteful words, Leilani walked away as the older woman continued to vent her frustrations.

Standing before the monumental doorway in the immense corridor, a woman adorned in traditional maid garb awaited. Clad in a somber black dress with a crisp white apron and a matching hairband, she exuded an air of timidity.

For what seemed like an eternity, she remained motionless, hesitant to grasp the doorknob and step into the room. With each passing second, her body trembled uncontrollably, a sign of her inner fear. It was as though she was about to enter into the lair of a ferocious lion.

Summoning every ounce of courage she possessed, she prepared to knock on the door. But before she could, the door violently swung open, revealing the owner of the room.

Nelson Carter. He stood tall and imposing, emanating an air of regality and power. Like a Greek deity in human form.

The maid quickly lowered her head, offering a respectful bow. "G-Good morning, Mr. Carter. I-I've come to inform you that b-breakfast is served and Madam is w-waiting for you."

Despite her best efforts, the servant could not hide her stutter, for in the presence of this god-like man, one could not help but feel overwhelmed with nervousness and awe.

Nelson departed the room silently, exuding an aura of glory as his alluring scent wafted through the air.

Before long, he found himself in the dining hall, a faint smile gracing his lips as he caught sight of the one person capable of softening his cold demeanor.

"Good morning, Mother," he spoke softly, approaching her with confident strides before taking a seat at the sleek and lengthy dining table.

"Well, well, my super duper handsome son," Susan exclaimed, abandoning her task of arranging the dishes to plant a kiss on each of Nelson's cheeks, beaming with joy.

At sixty-five years old, Susan exuded elegance and grace beyond her years. Her neatly twisted gray hair and gently wrinkled face radiated pure adoration.

"Did you sleep well?" she inquired, her soft hands tenderly caressing Nelson's face.

Nelson never had the opportunity to respond before she interjected, "I had a magnificent dream about you, my dear son."

As she spoke, she unveiled the delectable meal. "You were on your way to the office that morning when you rescued a distressed woman and then--"

"That's enough, Mom," Nelson interjected with a sigh, meeting her gaze. "I already promised you that I would bring a bride home for you soon. So please, spare me your dream."

A smile crept onto Susan's face, but it quickly disappeared as she sat down next to him and took his hand. "Not for me, Nelson, but for you. You will adore and cherish your woman--"

"Mother!" Nelson abruptly slammed the table, startling his Mother.

His face had darkened so much it was alarming, as if a sunny day had suddenly turned to storm clouds.

"You of all people know how much I abhor the idea of being with a woman, Mother. You are well aware of this, so please," he paused, flaring his nostrils, "do not push me any further," he ground out through clenched teeth.

Feeling embarrassed, Susan averted her eyes from her grandson's angered expression and attempted to say something. However, Nelson had risen to his feet and stormed out.

"Good heavens," Susan sighed, watching him leave the room.

Nelson's hands coiled into tight fists, the tension in his imposing figure palpable as he seethed with fury. His jaw clenched and unclenched, a physical manifestation of his simmering rage.

Reaching the garage, he spotted the driver already waiting behind the wheel. Without hesitation, he barked out his demands. "Get down and hand over the keys, man," he ordered sternly, the anger evident in his voice.

The driver hastily complied, but didn't immediately submit the keys. He noticed his boss's heated demeanor and couldn't understand what he had done to deserve such wrath, especially considering he had only been on the job for a week.

"M-Mr. Carter, I beg your pardon if I have overstepped any boundaries," the middle-aged driver stammered, attempting to appease Nelson's wrath. But the businessman cut him off, the fury in his voice overpowering.

"Are you itching to lose your job? Is that what you want?"

The man shook his head frantically, "No, sir. Please no,"

"Then give me the damn keys," he fixed the driver with a determined gaze, his hand outstretched to receive them.

Trembling, the driver placed the keys in his hand and watched as he hastily entered the SUV and careened out of the yard.

"He's in a terrible mood," the driver murmured to himself before letting out a deep sigh.

******

"Oh, damn it, Lani! How could I have miss that scene, out of all of scenes? You should have called me, Hannah. I dozed off," Leilani whined, her phone held up to her ear, looking close to tears.

She was on the road, waiting for the pedestrian crossing sign to change while on a call with her closest friend - both of them fervently discussing their favorite primetime drama that aired at 9pm.

"So you mean after all these years, Zavier mustered up the courage to finally confess his love to Flora last night?" Lani exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Indeed, Lani, you must witness the sight of Zavier enfolding his strong arm around our pitiful Flora and ardently pressing his lips against hers," Hannah exaggerated, her excitement overflowing.

Feeling the same fervor, Leilani grinned ear-to-ear while on the phone, envisioning the scene in her own mind.

"How long did the kiss last? Two minutes, five, ten, or even twenty?" Leilani gushed, her cheeks flushed as she covered her mouth.

Just then, she noticed the passersby had crossed the highway, leaving her alone on the road. In a rush, she quickly headed towards the street, but a speeding vehicle nearly collided with her.

"Damn!" she cursed, slamming her hand on the car out of frustration before regaining her balance.

"Sorry, Hannah, I'll call you back," she abruptly ended the call, slamming her hand on the car again as she impatiently waited for the driver to get off.

The irate voice of Nelson reverberated as he emerged from the vehicle, his tone laced with rage and an ominous question, "Hey, do you want to die? Get outta my way."

Lani locked eyes with him, unflinching in her gaze, and quipped, "So, your intention was to end my life, right?" She strode towards him with determination, determined to stand her ground.

Nelson emitted a disbelieving scoff, "If I had not exercised caution, you would be six feet under by now, woman. Do not be melodramatic and simply move aside." Impatience and fury mingled in his words as he pivoted to return to his car.

"Do you think you can move this car from here, you wretched bastard?" Leilani's voice boomed with vexation, punctuated by another loud bang on the car.

Nelson's eyes narrowed in astonishment at the troublesome woman before him, set on provoking a confrontation with him this morning.

"Who do you think you are?" Lani seethed, her eyes flashing with uncontrolled anger. "Just because you drive this old-fashioned car, do you believe you can speak nonsense or have me killed?"

"Oh shut up, young lady. The vehicle clearly did not collide with you, so what is all the fuss about?" Nelson retorted, seething with anger.

"You shut up!" Leilani shot back, causing Nelson to blink in surprise. "Are you out of your mind? How dare you tell me to be silent! Do I look like your servant, someone you can order around?" Leilani exclaimed, secretly taking pleasure in the growing number of onlookers.

Nelson's tight jaw and clenched fists revealed the raging storm within him, but Leilani acted as if she didn't see it, unfazed and unafraid.

"Listen to me, you fool. If your car had hit me just now, then you would be sitting in jail by now," Leilani threatened fiercely and finally backed away, leaving Nelson speechless.

She then turned her attention to the spectators who were watching the scene unfold. "You can all go back to your business now. I have put him in his place."

As the crowd began to disperse, she gave a final irritated glance at a seething Nelson.

"Look at him. Shameless man, talking back to a lady. No shred of manners or etiquette, and on top of it all, a face like Archaeopteryx," she spat in disgust and crossed the road, leaving Nelson fuming.

A muscle in Nelson's jaw twitched and his hand clenched as he suppressed his anger. It was the sound of several car horns that brought him back to reality.

Panting, he uttered a string of curses as he made his way back to his vehicle.

"I must find that bitch!"

Herbert Jones bounded toward his boss'a SUV as soon as it came to a halt in the parking lot. He intended to unlatch the backseat door, but was taken aback when he saw his boss emerging from the driver's seat.

Tall and distinguished in his appearance, he exuded an air of accomplishment.

'What's the deal with the new driver?' Herbert wondered.

'Has he already been fired? Please don't tell me he's been let go yet again. I have enough on my plate without having to chauffeur him around.'

Lost in his thoughts, Herbert only snapped back to reality when his boss stood in front of him with a displeased look.

"Did you even hear what I said?" Nelson snapped, his handsome face contorting into a scowl.

Herbert straightened his tie and shook his head. "No, Mr. Carter," he replied honestly.

"Research Archaeopteryx for me right away," Nelson commanded, his tone authoritative as he slipped his hands into his pockets.

For a split second, Herbert was puzzled. "Archaeopteryx?" he repeated, testing the word.

He considered asking his boss for clarification, as he had never heard of it before. But then he realized that his boss wouldn't be asking him to search for something he already knew.

"I will investigate the definition, Mr. Carter. This way," He intended to escort his boss to the hall when Nelson suddenly howled.

"The meaning of that word now, Herbert!"

"Right away, sir," Herbert nodded curtly and swiftly typed away his fingers on his tablet.

Almost immediately, his brows furrowed in a scowl as he gazed at the unattractive creature on his device.

"What is it? Let me see," Nelson had advanced closer as Herbert handed him his tablet.

"That is Archaeopteryx, sir," he observed, puzzled as to why his boss was suddenly searching for such a bird.

In the meantime, a deep frown manifested on Nelson's forehead, dominating his features.

"Is this truly Archaeopteryx?" he muttered to no one, zooming in to get a better glance at the unappealing bird images.

"Herbert," he called out after a few moments of silence, without breaking his gaze from the tablet.

"Does this bird bring anyone to your mind?"

Herbert grimaced in disgust, "Not at all, Mr. Carter. That bird is the most ugly thing I have ever laid eyes on, sir."

Nelson then turned to face him, "So you are saying this bird bears no resemblance to me, or that I do not resemble this bird?" His expression tensed as he spoke the word.

As Herbert let out an almost implausible chuckle, he remarked, "Mr. Carter, you are undoubtedly the most striking man I have ever encountered. I must admit, I am sometimes envious of your striking appearance. So what could lead you to believe that you resemble this dreadful bed?"

Nelson's fury, which had never truly dissipated, tripled upon hearing his assistant's words. "I swear, I will comb every corner of this city in search of that despicable woman," he uttered through gritted teeth in a low voice.

"Excuse me, sir?" Herbert hadn't heard his words just now.

"Have the candidates arrived yet?" Nelson inquired, attempting to shake off his grumpy mood.

"Yes, sir. The hall is nearly filled with the candidates, which means you will be stepping into the spotlight soon.

However, you still have a few minutes to prepare," Herbert delivered proficiently. Nelson gave a single nod.

"Let's go."

On the other side, Leilani Hernandez had arrived at the interview venue, but she couldn't wrap her head around what was happening.

A large signboard stood at the entrance of the hall, proudly displaying bold letters that posed the question; Can You Make A Good Wife? It was at this moment that she realized she hadn't asked Hannah anything about the job, leaving her clueless and confused.

Desperate, she attempted to call Hannah, but her phone was not in service.

Damn! As she let out a sigh, she made her way towards the grand hall, only to be greeted by a woman asking for her name and handing her a number tag before leading her inside.

Once inside the lavishly decorated hall, Leilani spotted a lady seemingly contemplating where to sit amongst the crowded room.

"Hello. Can you please tell me what is happening here? I am at a loss," Leilani inquired.

The woman smiled and asked, "Have you ever heard of a contract marriage?" Leilani nodded, and the lady continued, "A wealthy billionaire is in urgent need of a wife. Therefore, all the women present here will be interviewed one by one on how to be an ideal wife."

"From there, I believe the chosen lady with the highest scores will sign a contract with the billionaire. Oh, how I wish to be that lucky lady," the woman dreamily finished, embracing herself.

Leilani absorbed the explanation, a contract marriage promising a fortune at the end of their fake arrangement. A pretend wife? No big deal.

With her lips stretched in the widest grin, she thanked the lady before eagerly making her way into the magnificent hall.

She resolved to answer any questions posed accurately and excel in any tests administered.

After searching for a front-row seat for some time, she finally found an empty one in the middle row of three.

She had barely taken her seat when the woman who had given her the tag earlier appeared on stage, speaking into the microphone attached to her fitted jacket.

"Welcome, esteemed participants, to this thrilling competition. Although I have the honor of serving as host for this esteemed affair, I am delighted to announce that the judges and the head of the interview will be joining us momentarily. Best of luck to all of you."

As the audience erupted in applause, the woman gracefully retreated to the side of the stage.

Just then, the distinguished presence of Nelson Carter and his assistant, along with another well-dressed gentleman, graced the high table. The enigmatic aura of the room seemed to intensify with their arrival.

"A handsome one, isn't he?" the blonde lady sitting beside Leilani gushed, her eyes fixated on the podium where the judges were taking their seats.

Curious, Leilani followed the blonde's gaze, only to have her breath taken away as she laid eyes on the man now seated at the center of the high table. Her lungs seemed to have closed up entirely, and she couldn't believe her eyes. Her heart raced, and she found herself gaping in shock.

She blinked repeatedly, hoping it was all just a mirage, but it wasn't. The man she had insulted and nearly slapped earlier was now sitting regally in front of her.

In that moment, she wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole. She knew there was no chance she could make a good impression now.

Desperately, she looked to her left and right for a way out, but it seemed every possible escape route was blocked.

Resigned, she prepared herself for the inevitable embarrassment to come as the first candidate began their interview. Leilani took a sharp breath, her words stuttering as she scolded, "You've tarnished your reputation, you foolish girl," she chided, her head lowered as her cascading brunette locks covered her face.

She persistently concealed her face with her hair, avoiding Nelson's piercing gaze.

His chin raised with regal grace, Nelson surveyed the crowd like a king examining his subjects. Yet his expression contorted with deep frowns upon spotting Leilani's hair-covered face. "What's the matter with her?" he wondered aloud.

Unexpectedly, Nelson's voice boomed, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.

"Hey, brunette!" he called out, attracting attention. "Why are you hiding your face?"

Leilani's heart raced, murmuring under her breath, "Holy thunder."

His frown deepened, anticipating her to reveal her face and regain her composure. But Leilani remained resolute in her actions.

"Get up, young lady," Nelson commanded, his tone as cold as ever.

For the first time in a while, fear flooded Leilani's lungs, a living entity within her. She struggled to rise to her feet.

Despite the shock and confusion of the onlookers, Leilani stubbornly continued to obscure her face, earning her the title of a ghost among some of them.

"Uncover your face now," Nelson demanded, but Leilani stood firm, her chest heaving vigorously under her hair.

Nelson's blue irises morphed into a menacing shade, demanding, "Reveal yourself at once!"

The resonance of his baritone sent tremors down Leilani's spine, causing her to unconsciously tuck her hair behind her ear, exposing her defeated face.

The second their gazes locked, a look of shock washed over Nelson's features, unable to mask his surprise.

Bending towards his assistant's ear, he hastily searched for information on Leilani's background.

As soon as he processed the information...

His eyes ignited into a blaze of blue flames, his lips twisting into a predatory snarl as he fixed his gaze on a visibly anxious Leilani.

"Congratulations, Leilani Hernandez. For the next three months, you shall serve as my bride. Let us proceed and sign the contract."