Valentine's Vows; Love, Lies And A Fake Engagement

RUBBY'S POV

It was the perfect ring.

Gold, simple and not overpriced. Nolan would really like it.

Tomorrow was going to be our third anniversary, and since he wasn't going to pop the question, I decided to do it myself. I mean, what could go wrong? I mean, I didn't see what was holding us back anyway. We were in love, both financially capable with very supportive parents. So everything added up. There wasn't any reason to hold off anymore.

"I can't believe you're doing this," Trisha, my best friend muttered. "Proposing to Nolan? That's crazy, girl!"

"No, it's not," I debunked immediately. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with a girl proposing to her man. We've been together for three years and I understand that Nolan is somewhat shy. Maybe he wants to do this but doesn't know how to go about it. It's Nolan after all."

"Unbelievable!" She huffed looking sulky as hell. Trish was no happy with the idea of me proposing and kept forbidding it but she had to know that nothing was going to stop me and could only protest now.

"Come on, Trish. My parents would be flying in tonight to spend the holiday and they expect me to be engaged already," I sighed. "I mean, think about it. If I propose now and we get married on New Year or even New Year's Eve, wouldn't that be lovely?" I said dreamily. A fresh year with a fresh new start.

"I don't know. I still think you're moving too fast. Proposing to him just seems desperate. Besides, I know your parents wouldn't have such expectations from you if you didn't tell them you were engaged. Believe me, that was quite the stretch."she said and I laughed.

She was right but I was tired of listening to them drill me about marriage and somehow spilled that we were already engaged. It was technically lying at the time but–oh well.

"You are so primitive, it's no big deal" I chuckled. "Help me pick a dress will you?"

She didn't argue further and kept her view to herself for that day. She helped me pick out a beautiful red dress.

The next day, I headed to Nolan's office to surprise him. We already had plans for the night, and even Trish thought I was going to propose then, but I got too excited and just couldn't wait. He was so going to say yes and I was going to get my happy ever after!

He was the managing director of Black Suits, the biggest law firm in the country and that made him so busy that we barely spent quality time together. Even Trish, who was working under him didn't work twice as hard.

I took the elevator and headed to the third floor where his office was located. I was about to knock when I realized that the door wasn't properly closed. I reached for the handle when I heard a discussion that shook me to my bones.

"She wants to propose tonight, you know that right?" Trisha's voice rang in my ears. Wait... I must have been hearing things.

"So what?" Nolan asked and I could have sworn I heard kissing sounds. "It's not like I'm going to marry her anyway."

The flowers in my hand dropped to the ground as my body stiffened. There was no way I was hearing right.

"So you are going to say no?" Trish pushed on. "Stop kissing me and answer the damn question, Nolan. Are you going to reject her or not?"

"Yes, I will. We both know that you are the only one I want. The only reason I am with Rubby is because of her family's connections. Her father got me this job, and it's just easier to have her sponsor my lifestyle so I can sponsor yours," Nolan said, and my heart shattered into a million pieces. I felt like letting out a scream but the sound stuck in my throat.

I staggered back, tears stinging my eyes. Trisha laughed and my chest squeezed so hard that I could barely breathe.

"You should have seen her blabbing about getting married on New Year's Eve after engaging you tonight. She has to be the most delusional and desperate person I have ever met! Talking about how everything was going to be so fresh and new for her. Pathetic and delusional" Trisha went on to say.

"What do you expect from someone as average and plain as her? She couldn't even bag a bad-looking man even if she tried," Nolan snorted, and it felt like I had been stabbed in the heart. Was that really what he thought of me? After all our years together?

Wow! So this was it? I meant nothing at all to him? All the years we spent together were nothing to him. Just a means to an end? An average desperate woman?

To think he had to do this with Trisha! My best friend! The one who helped me pick out a dress and ring. How could she?!

Tears stung my eyes. No wonder she thought I was desperate. She must have been laughing at me a hundred times in her head. Mocking me for how much of a fool I was. How could she do such a thing to me?

My fists clenched as angry tears rolled down my cheeks. How long did he intend to play me? Obviously, the genius plan was to embarrass me before all our friends right? All this time he "overworked" in the office, he was most likely going down on Trisha. The mere thought of it made me want to break down and wail

I wanted to storm in there and confront him but I just couldn't bring myself to. A part of me felt like if I could pretend this didn't happen then it wouldn't be real.

I slowly picked the flowers from the floor fighting back the tears blurring my vision.

Me, Rubby Cavilton couldn't bag a bad- looking man even if I tried? Wow! Just fucking wonderful.

A bitter chuckle fell from my lips. He had no idea what was coming for him.

"What are you doing here?" I heard suddenly and whipped around to see a man that made my breath stop.

At that point, my mind went blank. The memory of Nolan and Trisha pushed back; all I could see was this gorgeous man before me with shoulder-length black hair, gelled to the back, oceanic blue eyes and thick slashed brows.

He was in a white two-piece suit and looked like he fucking stepped out of a magazine. Did I mention the intoxicating lemon-scented cologne?

"Who are you?" He repeated, the silky baritone sending delicious shivers down my spine. I blinked rapidly, regaining my composure. Who was I? I couldn't say I was Nolan's girlfriend would I?

"Hi, you must be Nolan's coworker," I lied with a polite smile. "I'm Rubby, you?"

His eyes flickered to my outstretched palms, yet he didn't make a move to take them and I didn't really have the time to let him decide.

"Are you single?" I cut in and surprise flickered in his eyes. He was probably stunned by my audacity. "You know what, don't answer that, take this."

I pushed the flowers to him and fished out the ring box from my bag.

"What are you doing?" He asked when I pulled out the ring.

"Engaging you, what do you think?" I shrugged, taking his right hand. He didn't pull away, just staring at me like I'd lost my goddamn mind.

Maybe I did.

"Don't worry, you can take it off after this. It's not that deep. I just need you to do something quick for me and I'll pay you, okay?" I said, pushing the ring into his finger and right before I could drill him on what I needed him to do, the door opened and Trish stepped out of Nolan's office.

At first, she was surprised, but then it quickly turned into the brightest fake smile I had ever seen.

"Rubby!" She exclaimed, attempting to hug me. "What are you doing here?"

I stepped away from her, disgusted that she would smile at me after stabbing me in the back. She wanted to embarrass me by making fun of me but she had another thing coming if she thought that was going to happen.

"Rubby..." she trailed off, surprised at my reaction. I interlocked my arm with blue eyes. Her eyes went wide with shock but before she could say anything, Nolan stepped out of the office.

"What is going on..." the words got stuck in his throat as soon as he saw our interlocked arms.

"Oh, don't mind me. I just came to pick up my fiance," I said lightly, turning over to blue eyes. Without hesitation, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him.

God, his lips tasted like cherry. He didn't push me away; he just remained frozen. I mentally made a note to cut his pay for being such a bad actor. Tch, he didn't even go with the flow.

I was immediately yanked away from him.

"What the hell are you doing, Ruby? Who is this man and why the fuck are you kissing him?" He barked angrily. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Lost my mind?" I chuckled. "Quite rich coming from you! Considering that you were just exchanging saliva with my best friend minutes ago!"

He paled out immediately and Trisha went ashen.

"What? I thought we were both surprising each other today."

I had never seen him as furious as the way he was right now. His grip on my arm tightened so much that I could feel his nails sinking into my flesh but before he could say anything else, Blue eyes finally snapped out of his shock and decided to play his part.

"Get your hands off her this minute, or I will not only throw you out of my building, but I will make sure you land in jail for assault," the iciness of tone sent shivers down my spine. So he could talk.

RUBBY'S POV

The room fell into a deafening silence, Nolan's hand freezing mid-air at the commanding presence of my newfound "fiancé."

"I believe you heard me," he said smoothly, his voice a velvet blade. "Release her. Now."

Nolan hesitated, clearly unprepared for this twist. His fingers loosened, and I pulled my arm back, rubbing the slight soreness with an exaggerated flourish.

" Ouchhhh. That hurts a lot." I let a few tears slip and all their eyes were on me. Well, except Nolan.

"And who the hell are you?" Nolan spat, his voice laced with venom, though his posture screamed insecurity. I knew it when I saw it.

The man next to me smirked, his confidence radiating with a aura that was impossible to ignore. "Alexander Wolfe," he said, extending a hand as though this was an ordinary introduction. "CEO of Wolfe Industries and new owner of Black Suits. Rubby's fiancé."

If shock could be bottled, I'd have enough to power the entire city. Alexander Wolfe? As in the billionaire mogul splashed across business magazines? He was the new owner Nolan had always blabbed about?

The one that was supposed to be arriving on New Year's Eve to take over the company's affairs.

Oh, I was definitely in over my head. There was no way this was real. He had to be a good actor. What the fuck had I just gotten myself into?!

"Fiancé?" Nolan stuttered, his face flushing crimson. "Rubby, what the hell is going on?"

I gave him the sweetest, most patronizing smile I could muster. "Well, you see, Nolan, while you've been busy with other priorities,"-I shot a pointed glance at Trisha, who was desperately trying to fade into the wallpaper. Like I would give the bitch a chance. It was her turn to shine-"I decided it was time to move on. Alexander and I met recently, and, well..." I glanced up at Alex, silently pleading for him to roll with the lie.

He didn't miss a beat. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he pulled me even closer, his touch shooting a wave of heat up my body. I tried not to squirm under his touch. "When you know, you know," he said smoothly, looking down at me as though I were the only woman in the world.

Trisha's mouth opened and closed like a goldfish, her usual smugness replaced with a rare moment of speechlessness. Nolan, however, wasn't done. "This is insane!" he barked. "You expect me to believe that you're suddenly engaged to him?"

"Oh, Nolan," I said sweetly, tilting my head. "Why is it so hard to believe? After all, I'm just an average, plain woman, right? Surely, you didn't think I'd be single forever?"

His eyes widened in realization as the words he thought were privately slammed back at him like a freight train.

Alexander, to his credit, seemed to enjoy the unfolding drama. "Rubby, darling, we're wasting time here. We have a flight to catch, remember?"

Flight? What flight? But before I could question him, he turned back to Nolan. "I'll have my assistant send over an invitation to the engagement party. But for now, if you'll excuse us, we have more important matters to attend to."

My heart was pounding at a rapid rate as he led me away from their dumbfounded, irritating presence, but halfway through the hall, Nolan snapped out of it sooner than expected.

"Rubby!" Nolan's voice boomed, his footsteps charging toward us like a man unhinged.

I spun around, startled. "What do you want now?"

His eyes flicked to Alexander, who was now scrolling through his phone with an air of indifference, and then back to me. "What kind of sick game are you playing?" Nolan demanded, his face contorted with anger. "Who is this guy, really? Some imposter you hired to make me jealous?"

Alexander finally looked up, his gaze cold and razor-sharp. "I don't believe you're in a position to question her-or me, for that matter."

Nolan sneered, stepping closer until he was uncomfortably near. "You think you're fooling anyone? You're not some billionaire. This whole act is pathetic. Rubby, you can't seriously think this clown is real."

I opened my mouth to retort, but Alexander's smooth voice cut through. "Clown? Interesting choice of words coming from someone about to be escorted out by security."

Nolan barked a laugh. "Security? You're bluffing."

Alexander reached into his pocket, producing a sleek phone. With a flick of his wrist, he dialled a number and spoke in clipped authoritative tones. "I need someone on the third floor. There's an individual harassing my fiancée. Remove him."

Nolan's smirk faltered, but his arrogance didn't waver. "Oh, this is rich," he muttered, glaring at me. "You really think this guy is going to fix your pathetic little life? He's playing you, Rubby, just like you're trying to play me! Drop the act already, it's not working! I know you want me instead and this is all some act to make me jealous."

I felt my blood boil, but Alexander stepped forward, his towering presence forcing Nolan to retreat slightly. "You have thirty seconds to walk away on your own," he said icily. "Or I'll make sure you leave without the ability to walk at all."

Before Nolan could respond, two large men in black suits appeared at the end of the hallway. Their brisk, purposeful strides silenced whatever retort was forming on his lips.

"Mr. Wolfe?" one of them asked, glancing between us.

"Escort him out," Alexander ordered, gesturing toward Nolan.

"Touch me, and I'll sue!" Nolan yelled, his voice rising an octave. He was being so loud. Could he not hurt my ears?

Unbothered, the guards flanked him, each grabbing an arm. "Let go of me! This is insane! You will pay for this!" he snarled, his voice echoing down the hallway as they dragged him toward the elevator.

Alexander adjusted his cufflinks, his calm demeanour unshaken. "Have a pleasant day," he called after him.

The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by my shaky exhale. I couldn't believe all that just happened right before my eyes.

Now, I just wanted to go home and cry my heart out over a bottle of vodka. If anyone had told me that Nolan and Trisha would do this to me, I would have argued with everything in me.

I stood there, frozen for a moment, trying to make sense of everything. My emotions were all over the place-anger, disbelief, humiliation-and yet a strange sense of satisfaction settled in.

Alexander turned to face me once the commotion subsided, his demeanor still calm, almost unfazed by the scene. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softer than it had been moments before.

"Well, that was... dramatic," I muttered, turning to Alexander. "Thanks for the assist, but this whole charade has gone far enough. I'm terribly sorry for putting you through this. I know it's no fun being dragged into someone's business."

I reached into my bag, fumbling for my wallet. "How much do I owe you for all that?"

His brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"

He sounded like I'd slapped him in the face.

"You heard me," I said, pulling out a wad of cash. "Look, you don't have to keep pretending. I appreciate what you did, but I can handle it from here. Take this as compensation for your trouble. I'll take back my ring too, if you don't mind" There was no way I was leaving it with him.

His eyes darkened, and he took a step closer, towering over me in a way that made my heart stutter. "I do mind. In fact, I mind very much. You think I did that for money?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.

I hesitated, suddenly unsure. I could barely think with his cologne invading my headspace. This man had to realize that thing was dangerous territory. "Why else would you get involved?"

A slow, devilish smile spread across his face. "Because I don't believe in half measures, Miss Cavilton. I was doing fine on my own until you slipped a ring into my finger. Now, you will have to see this to the very end."

My breath hitched. Excuse me? This wasn't some movie or a novel.

"Huh?"

"You heard me."

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm saying let's make this real," he said, his voice soft but firm. "You need a fiancé. I need someone to keep my nosy relatives off my back during the holiday season. It's a win-win situation."

I stared at him, my mind reeling. "You can't be serious."

Things were fast blowing out of proportion and I cursed myself for not properly thinking about this. I didn't even know this man, and now, he wanted us to make things real. How?!

"Oh, I'm very serious," he said, the intensity in his eyes leaving no room for doubt. "You wanted to teach your ex a lesson, didn't you? Let's make sure he never forgets it. You. Will. Go. All. The. Way.

I opened my mouth to argue but found myself speechless. This was insane. Completely and utterly insane. Yet the thought of Nolan squirming, knowing I'd moved on to someone far out of his league, was too tempting to resist. I knew I'd come to question my sanity later but fuck! This was a tempting idea.

I also wanted that two-timing bitch to regret ever messing with me but this was huge.

"If I understand you properly, you want me to be your holiday fiance?" I asked, just to be sure I wasn't overthinking it.

"Just for the holidays, and I promise, I will give you everything you deserve and more. I don't mind writing you a check right here, right now, if that is what it takes. Consider this a trade," he said.

The offer was tempting and very beneficial to me since my parents were flying in soon as well. What was the worst that could happen? I make money on the side and act like I'm in love, right? It was a brilliant side hustle.

"Fine," I said, my voice steadying. "But don't think for a second that I trust you."

"Trust isn't necessary," Alexander said with a smirk. "Just try to keep up."

He offered his arm, and despite every instinct telling me this was a terrible idea, I slipped my hand into his.

RUBBY'S POV

The private lounge was beautifully decorated with lights and some Christmas decorations were left up but not so much. Tonight was supposed to be not only my third anniversary with Nolan but also our engagement night. It was all screwed up anyways but I couldn't bring myself to cancel. Since I already had Alexander, I decided to introduce him to my friends. At least he was someone worth introducing.

Cynthia was holding court at the centre, swirling her wine and directing pointed questions at everyone. Becca was lounging in her chair with an amused smirk, waiting for something dramatic to unfold. Why she was always doing that, I don't know

"I love New Year,'' she grinned. "Look at all that cheer. I'm freaking going ice skating this year! I can't wait to have your mother's turkey, too, and go crazy with all the food and resolutions."

I chuckled lightly.

"Rubby," Cynthia said with an edge of impatience, "are you seriously going to keep us in suspense? Where is this man of yours?"

I smiled tightly, smoothing the folds of my red dress. "He's on his way. Alexander's got a demanding schedule, but he'll be here soon."

"Alexander," Becca said, her tone sceptical. "Is that his real name or just a placeholder for someone you made up?"

Laughter bubbled around the table, but it grated against my nerves. They didn't really believe me did they?

"Don't be ridiculous," I said sharply, cutting through their mockery. "You'll see for yourselves when he gets here."

Cynthia raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Well, I hope he's worth the hype. Because I don't remember you talking about any Alexander. You were always all about some Nolan dude unless Alexander is his middle name." She frowned against her glass as she took another drink.

My stomach twisted at the mention of Nolan. The only reason I took this long to introduce him to them was because he was always feigning business. He was either overworking at the office or on a business trip or generally unavailable and as a result, the girls didn't get to meet him.

Thinking about it now made me realize how stupid I had been not to see he was avoiding it on purpose. I mean three whole years?

"Where's Trisha anyway? Wasn't she supposed to be here like an hour ago?" Becca asked.

My lips pressed into a frown. She had better not show her stupid face here after what she had done.

"Shouldn't we call her or something? To make sure she's alive at least?" Cynthia asked worriedly and I rolled my eyes.

She was very much alive, riding Nolan's dick probably.

I opened my mouth to retort when the door to the lounge flew open with a loud bang. My heart dropped.

Nolan.

He strode in like a storm, his sharp suit failing to mask the fury etched into every step. His eyes locked on me with a mixture of anger and disdain.

What was he doing here?

"What the hell is this?" he barked, his voice slicing through the festive atmosphere.

"Nolan," I said coldly, stepping away from the table. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he snapped. "An engagement party? Really, Rubby? Who's the poor fool you've roped into this charade?"

Gasps rippled around the room, and Cynthia covered her mouth in shock.

My blood boiled in anger. I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of causing a scene before my friends.

"You need to leave," I said firmly, glaring at him with all the anger and pain welling up inside me. I was going to do something drastic if he didn't step out of here.

"I'm not going anywhere," he snarled, advancing toward me. "I think everyone here deserves to know what kind of woman you really are. A liar. A cheater."

Wow! The audacity of this man!

"You're calling me a cheater?" I shot back, my voice rising. "You're unbelievable, Nolan. You've been sleeping with Trisha behind my back for who knows how long!"

More gasps followed from Cynthia and Becca. I guess they didn't see that coming.

"Stop lying!" he barked. "Don't try to twist this around, Rubby. You're the one flaunting some stranger to cover up your dirty laundry."

"Stranger?" I laughed. "Now that is funny because I remember that stranger throwing you out of your own office. Do you need me to remind you that you are beneath him?"

He grabbed a glass of champagne from the table and hurled the contents at me. The icy liquid soaked through my dress, and the shock of it stole my breath.

Did he just... This was freaking Chanel. Ohhhhh! This bastard was going to get it.

"Nolan, enough!" Cynthia yelled, jumping to her feet. "I won't let you embarrass my friend further! Get lost before we call security on you!"

But he ignored her, pointing an accusatory finger at me. "You're nothing but a desperate, gold-digging slut!"

The room erupted in murmurs. My cheeks burned, but I refused to let him see me cry. There was no way in hell. No matter how embarrassing this situation was, I wasn't going to let him gain the upper hand and make me look like a fool before everyone.

"You want to talk about desperation?" I snapped. "Let's talk about how I got you your job, Nolan. How I supported you every step of the way while you took me for granted and slept with my best friend. You're nothing without me. And that's why you're here-because you can't stand that I've moved on. Alexander is more of a man than you'll ever be, and it's killing you."

The mention of Alexander seemed to push him over the edge. His hand lashed out before I could react.

The slap echoed through the room, freezing everyone in place. My cheek burned, but it was the humiliation that struck me hardest.

My hand slowly went to my cheek as tears stung my eye

"Rubby!" Cynthia gasped, rushing to my side.

"What kind of animal are you?! Hitting a woman in public just because she doesn't want you anymore? Are you a beast?!" Becca leaped from the table and literally attacked him, giving him a slap of her own. Everywhere went silent almost immediately after it.

For a moment, Nolan stood there, his chest heaving. Then, as if realizing what he'd done, he dropped to his knees in front of me.

"Rubby, I'm so sorry," he sobbed, grabbing my hands. "I didn't mean it. Please, forgive me. I don't know what came over me, I swear..."

"Get off me," I hissed, yanking my hands away, but he clung on. I have heard those lies over and over again in the last three years.

Every time I got him a little pissed, he would hit and then claim he didn't know what got into him.

"Please! Baby please listen to me..." he cried, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. My breath hitched. "I know I messed up, but we can fix this. Marry me, Rubby. I love you. We both made mistakes, but we can move past this. Trisha was just a one-time fling, and I know you don't love Alexander or whatever his name is. Please don't leave me, baby; I swear I love you,, please..."

He opened the box to reveal an elaborate diamond ring.

"You're insane," I whispered, trembling with anger and disbelief. His behaviour hit me faster than whiplash andi almost stumbled back. "You think this fixes anything? After everything you've done?"

This man was unbelievable! Hours ago, he wasn't even thinking towards marriage, but just because Alexander came into the picture, he suddenly couldn't live without me.

He even had the audacity to lie that Trisha was a one-time fling when he was planning to reject me before my friends for her.

"I love you," he repeated, his voice cracking. "Please marry me..."

The door opened again, and relief flooded me as Alexander stepped inside. His sharp blue eyes took in the scene: me, soaked and trembling; Nolan, on his knees with a ring; and my friends, frozen in stunned silence.

"What's going on here?" Alexander's calm, commanding voice cut through the tension.

Every eye turned to him.

"Alexander," I said, my voice trembling with a mixture of relief and emotion.

His gaze softened as he walked toward me, shrugging off his coat and draping it over my shoulders. Then he turned to Nolan, his expression hardening.

"Is there a reason you're still harassing my fiancée?" Alexander's tone was icy, laced with quiet authority. His eyes flickered to the box in Nolan's hands.

Nolan stood, his face contorting with disbelief as he sprang to his feet. "Fiancée? You again? Aren't you sick of this whole pretence? Who the hell do you even think you are?!"

"Someone who doesn't tolerate this kind of behaviour," Alexander said coldly.

"Rubby-" Nolan began, but Alexander cut him off.

"I think it's time you left," he said firmly.

The room held its breath as Alexander stepped closer to Nolan, who finally seemed to grasp that he'd lost. With a scowl, Nolan turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Alexander turned back to me, his expression softening. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, tears threatening to spill.

He gently cupped my cheek, his touch grounding me. "Good. Because the next time he comes near you again, he won't be able to use those legs again. You are mine, do you understand? Mine!"

I nodded slowly, completely shocked out of words. I knew he was saying it for the sake of it but it was fine for now.

"You're late!" I said as I playfully nudged him. He was about to say something when his jaw suddenly tightened as he reached for my face.

"What happened to your cheek?" He asked and I gulped hard. He touched it and pain shot through my nerves as I winced.

"It was that asshole! He hit her!" Becca chimed in before I could say a word. This was going to be more complicated than I wanted.

Without a word, Alexander walked out of the lounge, after Nolan.

Shit!