The Billionaire's Fake Marriage

Vivienne's POV

"I hate you."

"Love you too," Alex said, smiling like a psychopath while cameras flashed around us like guns.

"You do realize that if one flash goes off wrong, I'm suing you for emotional trauma?"

"Relax," he whispered, sliding his hand over mine in a 'look natural' kind of way. "We're married now, remember? Smile, Mrs. Knight."

How did it all start? It was one month ago.

I was gliding through the Langford Charity Gala, holding my sparkling water like it was a lifeline, when gravity suddenly decided it hated me. My heel caught the edge of a carpet fold, and I pitched forward falling in slow motion.

"Whoa!" a voice said, as he caught me around the waist, pressing me against his solid chest. My heart slammed into my ribs as I had imagined my face hitting the carpet floor. I looked up and behold, it was Alexander Knight, the infamous Billionaire.

"Uh... thanks." I murmured, trying to steady myself while pretending I wasn't panicking internally.

"Careful next time." He said, smirking slightly, one corner of his mouth curling in that maddeningly confident way.

I rolled my eyes, muttering something about carpet folds being out to get me, and stepped back, adjusting my dress and heels. He didn't linger and neither did I. And that was it. The incident could have ended there, you know, a thankful nod, a polite smile, and life going on.

But nope. Life had set me up.

3 days later, at work, I was just minding my own business as usual, focusing on my job, trying to get by. Then suddenly some messages started coming in my phone.

"Vee. Did you see what's going on?" The first messages trickled in.

"Viv, OMG, you need to check this."

I ignored them at first. I thought my friends were sharing some random news, memes or something, and I really didn't care.

Until my colleague cornered me, phone held up like a trophy.

"Viv, look!"

And I looked.

And behold, there I was, the exact same incident of me falling and being caught by Alex, captured in a photo that made it look... different. It was scandalous and suggestive.

The headlines read: "Reckless or Romantic? Alexander Knight's Scandalous Gala Encounter Threatens Multi-Billion Dollar Deal!"

"This... isn't real." I whispered in disbelief. "This is a lie. Someone made this up."

How did this happen? Who did this?

Questions started flooding in my mind as if by answering them I could somehow magically bring the news down. One thing was clear to me at that point: this photo was going to cause trouble.

And just as if the universe could hear my thoughts, a call came in.

"Vivienne Hart. I need to see you. Now!" It was Alex. "Send me your location. I'm coming right away."

His voice was commanding, leaving no room for argument or questions. And I didn't know when my lips moved and told him I was at work, and also told him where I worked.

Few minutes later, Alex appeared at my office, striding past security like they were decorations, followed by his PR officer, Stephanie, who looked like she had never seen anyone flinch at billionaires before.

"We have a huge problem." he said, stopping in front of my desk. "Your little 'accident' has created an issue and now you're the reason my billion-dollar contract is at risk."

"You're blaming me?" I said, confused, standing up from my seat. "I... I fell. It wasn't intentional."

"That little accident of yours," he started yelling, "has threatened everything! My investors are panicking and the press is spinning the whole matter making it worse!!!"

"It is still not my fault!" I snapped, yelling back. Immediately almost everyone gathered to see what in the h*ll was going on.

"Yes it is," he said, "You fell into my arms, and the world has interpreted it differently. You are the reason everything is going to sh*t!"

The PR officer then stepped forward, gesturing with her hands in attempt to calm the tension.

"But we have a solution." she said, flipping open a folder. "We propose a fake marriage. You and Mr. Knight. Public appearances, staged interviews, smiles... stuff like that. Just for one year. Problem solved."

"WHAT??" I asked in shock. "You want me to marry him for the sake of publicity."

"Yes." she continued. "It's going to be completely staged. No romantic involvement required, beyond what is necessary. You'll have to pretend that you're dating for a month before the official wedding. And compensation is included."

"What do you mean compensation?" I asked, folding my arms, ready to say no.

"Ten million dollars." she said, casually.

Ten. Million. Dollars.

Her words rang in my head like I was just hypnotized. Every come back I was prepared to shoot back at both of them suddenly evaporated into thin air leaving me blank and staring into nothingness, thinking about the money.

I didn't even process the absurdity. My mind ran through all the possibilities: apartment upgrades, investments, projects on hold, the freedom to actually live, my mother....

Ten million could change everything.

"Thoughts?" Alex leaned against the corner of my desk, frowning.

"Are you insane?" I asked, blinking fast as I started coming back to reality. "A fake marriage? To you?" I asked, still in shock and processing everything.

"Trust me. It wasn't my idea." He said, with a smug voice. "Left for me I wouldn't give a sh*t. But I need to protect my empire. Plus, you'll benefit. Call it a transaction." He continued. "Consider it fast and let's move on."

I felt like punching him the way he said that like I was one of his toys he's giving a command.

"I hate you." I muttered before I could stop myself. And truly I did. He's a pompous arrogant pr*ck.

"Sure. And yet, you're thinking about it." He said. "It's written all over your face."

I weighed all the options before I made my decision.

Is there a possibility of this being a bad idea? Yes.

Do I hate this arrogant pr*ck? H*ll yeah.

Is this a chance to make ten million dollars while keeping my dignity? Absolutely.

"Fine." I said, after a pause that felt like hours. "I'll do it."

He extended a hand and I shook it.

"Welcome to my world." he said, almost conspiratorial. This was the point I finally realized some of my colleagues were close by eavesdropping and watching the 3 of us discuss.

He left his card on my table before walking out, not wasting another moment. On it is written his full name, phone number, email address and a location.

"I'll send you further details and instructions shortly, ma'am." His PR said before walking out. "Don't worry this is going to be easy. You can call me Stephanie."

And that was how I got myself into a marriage contract agreement with the infamous billionaire of New York.

Vivienne's POV

"No, mom!" I said on the phone, nearly screaming. "It was only an accident! I'm not having s*x with the man!"

"Tell me the truth right now!" My mother yelled over the phone.

"Jesus Christ. Mom...you know me." I said, sounding like a little girl. "I went to a party and I tripped. It's the news that's twisting the whole thing."

My mother, apparently, has gotten to see the news and now she wants to bite my head off over the phone, calling to know if her sweet little angel had gone wayward.

"A party???! Vivienne Telaris Hart," She started. "What were you doing at a party?!"

"Mom, I'll call you back."

I ended the call and put my phone on flight mode immediately. The day isn't even over yet and my phone has been buzzing with calls and messages- friends and families wanting to know what's going on.

And now, I just agreed to a contract marriage with the same man. Great. As if things couldn't get any better.

I laid on my bed nearly screaming my mind out before deciding to remove my phone from flight mode and call my sister to ask for advice.

"Hey sis..." I said the moment she picked up the phone, nearly crying at this point.

"Hey V. What's up?" She answered.

"Your tone says you haven't seen the news. I need your help." I said.

"What news?" My sister, Audrey asked.

"I went to a party last week and I had a little accident. I tripped and was caught by someone. Alexander Knight - you know him "

"Yeah. The rich guy. Yeah I know him."

"Well, guess what?" I asked rhetorically. "Some media people took a picture of that moment and now, I'm going viral as the man's secret lover exposed."

"Wait. What do you mean going viral?" She asked.

"Check your Whatsapp. I just sent you a screenshot."

The call went silent for a moment as my sister checked to see what I sent her before speaking again.

"Oh my God, V." She started. "This is CRAZY..."

"Tell me about it." I said sarcastically. "And you wouldn't believe what he came to my office to do today."

"What did he do?"

"He came to ask me to marry him."

"WHAT??" She screamed.

"No no, not that kind of marriage. He asked me to agree to a fake marriage with him for one year because the news is putting one of his contract at risk." I corrected. "I'll have to fake date him for a month and then get married to him. And apparently this is the only solution, according to his PR."

"V., this is a lot to take in." Audrey confessed.

"That's not all." I continued.

"Talk to me." She said eagerly to know what I was about to say.

"He said he's going to pay me ten million dollars."

The call went silent for a moment before Audrey spoke again.

"Say that again." She said.

"I'm getting paid ten mil-"

"TEN MILLION DOLLARS!" She nearly screamed my head off over the phone. "And what did you say? Please tell me you said yes."

"That's the thing, I did." I answered. "But isn't this risky?? A fake marriage??"

"Vivienne," She pronounced my name. "Ten million dollars is no joke. I agree the news thing is crazy but babe, you're getting paid. You don't have to sleep with him do you?" She asked.

"No I don't."

"V., come let's switch places." She said with a laugh.

"Audrey this isn't funny." I responded. "I'm calling to ask for your advice."

"My advice?" She asked. "What do you need me for? He's rich, you don't have to sleep with him... and Jesus, V., look at him." I could tell she was looking at the picture I had sent her. "He's hot."

"Audrey..."

"No, I mean it." She continued. "I'm telling you, this is a gift from Heaven."

I let out a sigh, pausing momentarily before continuing.

"Mom called." I said quietly.

"She saw the news? Let me guess, she was yelling at you for being in the arms of a man."

"Yup." I responded.

"So what will you do now?" She asked.

"I really don't know." I answered. "His PR said she could get back to me later so I'm still waiting to know my next move."

"V., you've definitely got to keep me updated on the news. I need to know everything. This is the best news ever." She said, laughing.

"Best news ever?" I echoed. "Audrey my face is going viral as some cheap whore sleeping with the man."

"Yeah. And now your face will be going everywhere as his wife." She responded quickly before I could say another word.

I groaned for a bit rethinking everything. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Getting married because of ten million is crazy. I agree I'll get to save his contract, yes. But one year... And just as I was imagining what was waiting for me, another call came in.

"Sis, I'll have to call you back." I said to Audrey before ending the call to answer the one coming in.

"Hi. This is Vivienne."

"Hi. It's Stephanie, Mr. Knight's PR." Stephanie responded. "We met earlier today."

"Hi!" I said sitting up straight as if I was expecting some grand news.

"So Mr. Knight and I just went through the plan. We'll be needing some information from you before we continue." She said.

"W-What do you need?" I asked.

"We need some personal information in order to make proper preparations for the contract agreement. We'll be swinging by to pick you up tomorrow to move in with him, and-"

"Moving in?" I cut in, confused.

"Yes ma'am." She answered. "The agreement states that you'll have to live with him during the one year because Mr. Knight often hosts guests and we wouldn't want lapses and stuff like that. You know, public image and all."

"But, what about my apartment...and my job." I asked.

"You'll have to quit the job ma'am." She said plainly. "We'll sort that out tomorrow, you have nothing to worry about. And your apartment...well, we'll just have to sort that out too afterwards."

I sat on my bed as I began to imagine what my boss and colleague would say tomorrow when I show up to quit.

This is insane. What am I doing?

"Are you there ma'am?" Stephanie asked.

"Y-Yes." I answered, pulling myself together. "I'm here."

"Good. Well, I'll see you tomorrow by 1pm. Bye." She said, before ending the call.

Alex's POV

"Absolutely Mr. Michael." I let out a fake laugh, as I spoke to the caller on the other end of the phone. "It was all a misunderstanding. She's my fiancee and we're actually getting married in 3 months."

"Well, congratulations Mr. Knight. I'd definitely be flying over to make myself available." He said.

"Thank you once again, sir, for calling to check up regarding the news." I said as I ended the call.

Shit. Absolute shit.

Everything is shit and it's all her fault. What was I thinking? If I had just left her and mind my business, all these wouldn't be happening.

My girlfriend has been blowing up my phone ever since she saw that news. Yes I'm glad she finally called after a whole month of silence but- not like this. We had a fight about me being too busy and her never getting to spend enough time with me and now she's seeing online that I'm getting married.

"ALEX! ANSWER YOUR PHONE! I know you're seeing my calls. And I know you see this message. STOP IGNORING ME!!!" She had texted.

33 missed calls just in the space of a few hours.

How do I explain to her that it's all fake without her going public about it, making the present situation much worse?

I'm not unfamiliar with scandalous news like this, being who I am, but this particular one touched a hotspot.

An important prospect had seen the news report and had decided to back out and withdraw on our offer, saying he didn't want his company getting all mixed up in my "social life."

Social life.

That's how he put it.

The only solution was to lie to the man and tell him she was my girlfriend and that we had been dating privately but now we had finally decided to go public, which was the only way to make him see reason and accept that I wasn't some playboy, caught unawares with one of my girls.

"We're actually getting married." I said to him.

"Ah- You should have told me so!" He said out loud and burst into laughter brushing my shoulder. "You had me worried there."

"I'm sorry about that Mr. Kyle." I said and laughed courteously.

"We definitely need to toast to this." He said cheerfully as he waved for his assistant to go get a bottle of wine from his collection.

"To a happy union and a happy business." He toasted as he lifted up his glass to me.

"Cheers!" I responded.

If it wasn't for my PR's sake I would have sued the media house that published that news and I would have sued Vivienne herself for her little "accident", and I still might. But that wouldn't save my billion dollars worth of contract. This was far too important so I conceded, "taking advantage of the situation", as my assistant had put it.

"We're all ready, Mr. Knight." Stephanie said, standing with a tablet in hand. She has been working for me for 3 years now as my assistant and public relations officer. She's the very best.

"What time is it?" I asked, putting on my shoes.

"It's...12:11 pm sir." She answered, as she glanced at her watch.

"Did you tell Vivienne we would be coming to pick her up today?"

"Yes, sir." She responded. "We had a quick talk last night and I informed her about all she had to do before we arrive."

"Good." I said coldly, showing I clearly wasn't happy about the whole thing. "I'll be with you in a few minutes."

"Alright, sir." She said as she turned to leave.

"Stephanie?" I called.

"Yes, sir." She stopped and answered just as she was about walking out of my office door.

"Call Manfred and have him set her room in order. Tell him to use one of my study rooms. He can move everything out to one of the available guest rooms. I'll have everything sorted out myself when we return home." I instructed her, as she was taking notes on her tablet, nodding accordingly.

"And tell him to prepare. We have some reporters coming in this evening to interview both Vivienne and I on our... relationship."

"Absolutely, sir." She nodded. "You can leave it to me."

"Okay, that'll be all." I said. "See you downstairs in 5."

By the time we got to Vivienne's workplace it was already 12:56 pm. I had expected to see her waiting outside already but she wasn't, so I entered the building to go look for her. I saw her standing with her Boss in the office lobby, having a heated conversation.

"Vivienne you need to think this through." I heard him say. "You can't just quit."

"I'm sorry sir." Vivienne responded. "But I've made up my mind."

"At least tell me why. Is it the pay? Do you want me to give you a raise? What? What is it? Tell me." I could have sworn I saw his eyes tear up a little bit.

"I-I'm really sorry sir. It's complicated. I'll recommend a friend to replace me." I heard Vivienne say.

I decided to stand afar off giving them a little privacy and not intruding on their conversation until they finished.

The two of them stood for a little bit in silence before her boss finally let out a sigh before speaking again.

"I only hope you know what you're doing." He said. "Well, in case you change your mind my door is always open to you."

"Thank you, sir." Vivienne said with a bow.

They shared a hug and said their goodbyes before Vivienne turned to see me standing there. She didn't even smile. She looked offended.

"What- No 'hi' for your new husband?" I asked sarcastically.

"I really do hate you." She said as she passed me by before finally deciding to stop and turn.

She frowned when she looked into my eyes and then gave a ridiculous bow, her smile showing she hated this whole arrangement as much as I did.

"Hi." She pronounced audibly.