When Rebecca's father's will reveals a surprising condition: marry within twelve months or lose the family business and inheritance, Tariq Sly's crazy proposal seems like the perfect solution. Marry his friend, Jeremy Will, Rochester Industries' charming co-CEO by day and infamous king of owning women's panties by night. Yes, everyone stands to gain from this temporary arrangement. But can they pretend to be in love long enough to tie the knot? Playing fiancé to the competitor's daughter isn't easy. Would Rebecca settle for Jeremy or would she pick Tariq instead? And can Rebecca trust her fake husband to be only a husband on paper?
Chapter 1 Prologue
So I had this totally crazy dream.
I dreamt I met a handsome CEO and friend who proposed a solution to my current inheritance problem. Well, it was to our advantage since he needed my father's company to expand his and my lovely father died of a heart attack while working leaving me quite an inheritance which included his multi-billionaire company but with a clause I must fulfill or forfeit my inheritance leaving it for my seven months older cousin Derek.
Except, oh wait, that wasn't a dream.
It had really happened. And I wasn't asleep.
The absurdity of my father's will still lingered, like a bad taste in my mouth. I sat frozen in one of my favorite restaurants, memories and thoughts swirling.
My name is Rebecca Fern. Although my friends call me Becca and my mum calls me Becky. My father, Henry Fern, had left me his multi-billion-dollar company and a crippling clause: I must be married within 12 months and increase the company's annual revenue by 15% within 2 years. If I fail to meet these conditions, my cousin Derek will inherit 51% of my shares, and if I get married and then divorce within 1 year, I will forfeit 25% of my inheritance to Derek. Seven months older and equally cunning, Derek would love to see me fail.
I dropped my head into my hands as I was pissed at my situation. Even in my top three favorite restaurants, I was known to visit, I could not bring myself not to be filled with thoughts and memories and the weight of what my father had done. I knew my father was somewhat absent but putting a clause to my inheritance was absurd.
I had agreed to meet up with Tariq, an old friend and acquaintance of the business after explaining my situation over the phone yesterday. I knew he wanted to partner up with my dad's company to boost his company and I agreed to help. But now that is gone, he needs this inheritance clause to be over but not more than I do.
My thoughts swirled. Did he have some sort of solution to my problem? He was always good at solving complex situations. It is one of the reasons he became my friend.
A tall and imposing figure came in through the door of the restaurant and placed his order before walking. He stopped in the chair opposite mine, before taking a seat. I glanced up to speak but was met with a face I knew almost too well.
"Becca, I'm sorry again for your loss," Tariq said, his voice sincere. "Your father was a visionary."
"I know. Thank you, Tariq," I replied, composed.
Tariq cleared his throat. "So concerning our little problem, I have a proposal."
I sat up eager to hear what solution he came up with. "A temporary marriage. It would take your cousin and lawyer off your back as you would be fulfilling your father's wish..."
My gaze wandered, considering the implications. "in a way, yeah," I said urging him to continue.
"...and I believe it's the best decision for you," Tariq concluded. I nodded, thanked him, and told him I would think about it before giving my response as he left.
Meanwhile, in a building miles away...
A man dressed was surveying the lavish penthouse apartment with a mix of familiarity and discontent. He had just gotten out of the couch where he had fallen asleep last night. The city skyline twinkled outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, a reminder of the endless possibilities that lay beyond these walls. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling of stagnation.
For quite a while, he'd lived the life of a playboy, indulging in every whim and desire. Even the public labels him as the "NEW YORK's FINEST CEO PLAYBOY."
Beautiful women, exotic destinations, and luxury cars had been his constants. But lately, he feels the thrill has worn off. He could feel the emptiness as it echoed louder than the laughter of last night.
He stood up, walking to his bathroom. His eyes scanning himself as he looked at the mirror. The remnants of him attending last night's party still lingered – discarded designer shoes, disheveled hair and the faint scent of a females perfume on his shirt. He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair.
"Time to grow up, Jeremy," he muttered to himself. Still, he couldn't resist one last hurrah. He grabbed his other phone, the one he usually use to contact his fleet of women and dialed a familiar number.
"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice dripping with charm. "I've got a table at that new rooftop bar. Care to join me?"
He smiled, knowing he was postponing his transformation, but the allure of one final, fleeting night was too enticing to resist. For now, the playboy would prevail – just for a little while longer.
What harm could it do?
Chapter 1 Prologue
27/10/2024
Chapter 2 Who is the Bride
04/11/2024
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