Chapter 1

~ Octavia ~

I woke up to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar curtains, and my head throbbed like someone was hammering nails into my skull. I tried to sit up and realized I was utterly naked.

Oh God. No, no, no.

I sat up quickly, clutching the sheet to my chest, and looked around the hotel room. This wasn't a dream. I had actually had sex after eight years of celibacy. I, Octavia Herman, the girl who would never kiss on a first date, had just had a one-night stand.

I wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

The bathroom door suddenly swung open, and I froze. A man walked out, water droplets still clinging to his dark hair, buttoning up a white shirt that did absolutely nothing to hide the perfect abs underneath. He moved with confidence and honestly, he was gorgeous… with sharp cheekbones, a jaw that could cut glass, and eyes that probably made women fall at his feet daily.

He looked like he had walked straight off a magazine cover.

My heart throbbed in my chest as he reached for his phone on the coffee table. I squeezed my eyes shut immediately, pretending to be asleep. Maybe if I stayed still enough, he'd just leave and I could pretend this never happened.

"Bella," his voice was smooth but strained as he answered the call.

I kept my eyes closed, but I could hear everything. The way his voice softened when he said her name. The desperation was obvious.

"I know I messed up... No, just listen to me for a second..."

Oh God. Girlfriend? Wife? My stomach churned with a sickening guilt. What had I done?

"I love you so much and I can't let you go, Bella," he said, and I heard him run a hand through his hair in frustration.

Perfect. Just perfect. I'd been used as a rebound, a distraction from his relationship drama. I felt dirty, cheap, like something to be discarded after use.

I risked opening my eyes just a crack to get a better look at him. Now that my head was clearing, there was something familiar about his face. Had I seen him before? On a billboard maybe? Or a magazine?

The call ended abruptly, and I heard him sigh. Then came the sound of rustling, and something landed on the bed near my feet with a soft thud.

I opened my eyes fully just in time to see him grab his jacket and keys, not even bothering to look at me.

"Wait…" I started, but he was already at the door.

It clicked shut behind him, and I was left staring at the empty space where he'd been standing. Slowly, I looked down at what he'd thrown on the bed.

Cash. A stack of dollar bills.

My mouth fell open. "Did he just…"

Did he think I was a prostitute? Heat flooded my face with anger and humiliation. I wanted to scream, to throw something, to chase him down and throw the cash at his face and make it clear to him that I wasn't a whore, and he was the cheater. Obviously why his relationship is crumbling.

Instead, I buried my face in my hands and groaned.

How did I end up here?

If only I hadn't gotten drunk last night. If only I'd just gone home after work instead of hitting that bar. But no, I'd been upset, angry at Mom for the hundredth time about her obsession with getting me married off.

I'd taken a leave from work specifically to prepare for today, the big inauguration at Flemington Group that Mom insisted we attend. But last night, after another fight about her setting me up on yet another blind date, I'd snapped.

"You're twenty-six, Octavia! Twenty-six! All your cousins are married with children!" her voice had echoed in my head as I'd downed shot after shot at the bar.

Why couldn't she understand that I didn't want to be married just for the sake of being married? That I had a career, ambitions, a life of my own?

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my spiral. I reached for it and mom's name flashed on the screen.

I groaned again and answered. "Hello?"

"Octavia! Where are you? We need to leave in an hour! The inauguration is at two, and you need to look presentable. This is important for the company, and who knows…maybe you'll meet someone eligible there!"

Of course. Everything always came back to finding me a husband.

"I'll be there, Mom," I said tiredly and hung up before she could lecture me further.

Right. The inauguration. By fire, by force, as they say.

***

An hour and a half later, I stood in the grand ballroom of the Flemington Tower, feeling like I'd been dropped into someone else's life.

Everywhere I looked, there were designer suits, expensive jewelry, and people who clearly belonged in this world of luxury. I tugged at my blue dress, one of the few formal outfits I owned, and tried not to feel out of place.

"Isn't this wonderful?" my mom, Patricia gawked beside me, her eyes scanning the room like a hawk hunting for prey. "Such an important day for us, Octavia. If we can secure a partnership with Flemington Group, it could save our company from bankruptcy."

"And maybe you'll meet a nice young man here," my dad, Ben added with a knowing smile. "Lots of eligible bachelors in a place like this."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Of course. Even at a business event, their priority was my love life.

"I'm here for the company, Dad," I said firmly. "That's it."

"We'll see," Mom said in that annoying sing-song voice that meant she had plans I wouldn't like.

I was about to respond when someone caught my eye across the room.

My blood turned to ice.

No. No, it couldn't be.

But it was the same sharp cheekbones. The same perfectly styled hair. The same man who'd left cash on my bed like I was some kind of whore.

"What is he doing here?" I muttered, anger already bubbling up in my chest.

He was talking to an older gentleman, looking every bit the polished businessman. Professional and respectable. Nothing like the man who'd treated me like garbage this morning.

Before I could think it through, my feet were moving. I dug into my purse and pulled out the cash he'd left. I was going to throw it right in his smug, handsome face and tell him exactly what kind of man he was. A cheater!

I was maybe ten feet away when the lights dimmed suddenly.

The massive screen behind him flickered to life, and my heart stopped.

Because in high definition for everyone to see, was me on the fucking screen. And him. Stumbling through a hotel corridor, laughing drunkenly, our lips locked in a kiss that left nothing to the imagination.

The caption underneath made my knees weak:

"FRANKLIN FLEMINGTON IN ONE-NIGHT STAND WITH STRANGER"

The entire ballroom gasped in unison. Hundreds of pairs of eyes swiveled toward me… and him, standing just feet apart in the middle of the room.

Franklin Flemington?

The name hit me like a freight train. Franklin Flemington. The CEO being inaugurated today. The most eligible bachelor in the city. The man every business wanted to partner with, every woman wanted to marry.

I turned to look at him, and my worst fears were confirmed. His face had gone completely rigid, jaw clenched, eyes blazing with fury.

And that fury was directed entirely at me.

Before I could run because that was what my instincts screamed, he closed the distance between us in two long strides. His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, yanking me close with a force that made me stumble into his chest.

"Who the hell are you," he growled, his voice low and dangerous, meant only for my ears, "and what do you want?"

My heart hammered against my ribs. Fear coursed through me, mixing with confusion and anger.

The spotlight above us seemed to grow brighter, as every phone in the room was raised, recording this moment.

And I had absolutely no idea how to answer his question.

...

Chapter 2

~ Octavia ~

"Octavia!"

My mother's scream cut through the chaos like a knife. I whipped my head around to see her swaying on her feet, as two women rushed to her side, fanning her frantically as she looked like she was about to faint.

"Mom…" I started, but my attention was pulled away by the sight of my father being cornered by a young man in an expensive suit. The conversation looked urgent, intense. Dad's face was tight with worry.

Of course. This scandal wasn't just about me, it was about our family company too. The one already teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.

"I'm sorry, Dad."

The video finally cut off, the screen returning to the Flemington Group logo, but the damage was done. The murmuring around us grew louder.

Oh God, what have I done? I slept with Franklin Flemington?

Wait. Why was I the only one panicking? Why was he holding my wrist like I was a criminal? Why was I scared?

"Let go of me," I muttered, trying to pull away.

But he yanked me closer instead, so close I could feel the heat of his anger radiating off him. His cologne mixed with the scent of mint and vanilla on his breath. His eyes were bloodshot with rage.

Why was he acting like he was the only victim here? My reputation was ruined too! My mother was literally collapsing because of this, and she was definitely going to kill me once she recovered.

"Why did you do this?" he hissed, his voice low enough that the onlookers couldn't hear but sharp enough to cut.

I opened my mouth to defend myself, to tell him I had nothing to do with that video, when suddenly an older man appeared on stage.

"That was just an honest mistake and misunderstanding," the man announced with authority, his voice commanding the room's attention. "Someone is trying to taint Franklin Flemington's image without doing proper background checks."

"Grandfather..." Franklin breathed beside me, and I felt his grip falter slightly.

I saw fear flickering in his eyes.

But it wasn't my fault! He clearly had enemies trying to destroy him, and I was just collateral damage. An innocent bystander in his mess.

I twisted my wrist again, trying to break free, but his fingers tightened like a vice.

The older man who happened to be his grandfather, Mr. Frederick Flemington, the legendary founder of Flemington Group continued speaking. "They are both betrothed. That lady is no stranger. She is the daughter of our business alliance, Ben Herman." He gestured toward my father, who gave a nervous, shaky smile.

Betrothed?

My brain stuttered to a halt. What in the world was he talking about? Betrothed?

"They are betrothed to be married," Frederick continued smoothly, as if he was announcing the weather. "Their privacy was simply invaded. That's all."

Franklin's grip finally loosened. I felt him go rigid beside me, shock rolling off him in waves. He turned to stare at his grandfather, confusion and disbelief written all over his perfect face.

The guests seemed to relax a bit, the tension in the room deflating like a balloon. Some even smiled, as if this explained everything. The press snapped more photos but now they seemed like they were taking romantic, engagement-style photos instead of scandal shots.

Frederick descended from the stage, his expression stern and unyielding as he approached us.

"Follow me. Immediately."

I stood frozen, my mind racing. Should I follow? Should I run? This was insane. This was…

Franklin grabbed my arm and pulled me roughly toward a side door. I tried to dig my heels in, tried to resist, but he was too strong. Or maybe I was too shocked to fight properly.

I noticed my parents trailing behind us as we were led through a corridor and into a spacious office. The door clicked shut, sealing us inside.

"She did this!" Franklin exploded the moment we were alone, pointing at me accusingly. "She orchestrated the whole thing!"

"Shut up, Franklin!" Frederick snapped, and Franklin actually flinched.

I'd never seen someone command a room like that. The old man's presence was overwhelming.

"You have very low discernment," Frederick continued, his voice dripping with disappointment. "You don't know that the board of directors is doing everything in their power to ensure you don't become CEO?"

He grabbed Franklin by the shoulders, and I saw tears in the old man's eyes.

"I can't afford to lose my company, Franklin!" His voice cracked. "If they eventually take you off the board, they'll take my company from me!" He pulled Franklin closer, almost desperately. "If only your father was alive, none of this would be happening. They killed him, and they'll probably kill you too if you're not careful. You have to tread carefully."

My heart clenched. Everyone knew the story, Franklin's parents had died in a car accident when he was just a teenager. Seeing the raw pain in his grandfather's face now, hearing the fear in his voice...

I felt a pang of sympathy despite everything.

Franklin needed to secure Flemington Group at all costs. I could see that now.

Frederick released Franklin and turned to face me and my parents.

"I'm sorry," he said, and he actually sounded sincere. "But these two have to act like they're betrothed until this issue dies down. Otherwise, they'll suspend him, and I'll lose my company." He paused, his gaze settling on my father. "In return, I will ensure your dying company is revived."

I felt the shift in countenance of my parents. Filled with hope. Desperate hope radiating from my parents like heat from a fire.

Franklin looked furious, I thought his teeth might crack. I was angry too. This was ridiculous! I can't pretend to be his fiancé …

But even as I opened my mouth to protest, I stopped myself.

Could I really be the reason they lose their company? Could I live with that guilt?

Before anyone could speak, the office door burst open.

A man strode in, tall, with slicked-back hair and a smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. Two other men flanked him like bodyguards. They all wore expensive suits, but there was something sinister about them.

"Is this some sort of family and in-law meeting?" the man asked with mock cheerfulness.

Frederick visibly stiffened. I knew these were some of the board members he'd been talking about.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Herman. I am Mr. Harrington" The man extended his hand to me.

I shook it reluctantly. His palm was cold and clammy.

He immediately grabbed my left hand and examined it, his smile fading. "No engagement ring? Gosh! Franklin, why isn't she wearing her engagement ring?"

One of the other men stepped forward. "The board members are impatient. This inauguration needs to be put on hold until we're certain that Octavia and Franklin are actually betrothed, I can smell that this is a lie."

"Yes. We need proof," the third man added, crossing his arms. "We demand that a wedding date be picked immediately. For certainty that we're not being fooled."

Wedding date?

My heart stopped beating. The room spun around me.

"A wedding date?" I whispered, but my voice was drowned out by Franklin's sharp intake of breath beside me.

This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be real.

But the three men stood there, waiting for an answer, their eyes cold and calculating.

And I realized with growing horror this whole thing is madness.

...

Chapter 3

~ Octavia ~

Before Franklin could even open his mouth to address them, his grandfather spoke up firmly. "They'll get married in three months."

"Huh?" I snapped, then my mother tugged me, gesturing me to keep quiet. What does he mean by three months?

Mr. Harrington shook his head immediately. "Three months is too far away. The media will drag this scandal out for that long, and it will affect the company's reputation severely. They need to get married quickly before this false news spreads any further. Franklin is about to become CEO. We can't have this hanging over his head."

"I agree," another man chimed in, adjusting his glasses. "The wedding should be in a week."

I burst into laughter, and the glare in my parents face made the laughter cease immediately

"A week?" Franklin's voice cracked with disbelief. "No way. That's impossible…"

But he stopped mid-sentence when all eyes turned to him. The weight of their stares, the expectation, the pressure, I could see it crushing him in real time.

He cleared his throat and changed tactics, his voice suddenly smoother. "As a couple, my fiancée and I would prefer to take things slowly. We are still enjoying our engagement, we don't plan to hasten up the marriage in any way. You understand, surely..."

The three men exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed.

"We can't afford to wait that long," Mr. Harrington said coldly. "The company is in chaos. The stock prices are already dropping. Social media is exploding with speculation." He leaned forward, his eyes boring into Franklin. "You have two choices: agree to get married within a week, or the inauguration doesn't happen. Simple as that."

The silence that followed was suffocating.

Frederick cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, please. I need time to discuss this with Franklin and Octavia privately. This is a major decision that affects their lives."

The men didn't look happy, but they nodded curtly.

"You have one hour," Mr. Harrington said. "Then we need an answer."

They filed out of the room, leaving behind a tension so thick I could barely breathe.

Frederick immediately ushered us into a smaller conference room down the hall. My parents were summoned as well, and soon all five of us were crammed into the space, Franklin and his grandfather on one side, me and my parents on the other.

Like opposing armies preparing for battle.

"This is absolutely insane!" Franklin exploded the moment the door closed. He paced like a caged animal, running his hands through his perfectly styled hair. "Marriage? In a week? To her?" He shot me a look that made me feel two inches tall. "I don't even know her name!"

"Her name is Octavia," my mother said stiffly, offended on my behalf despite being part of the problem.

"I don't care what her name is!" Franklin shot back. "I'm not marrying a complete stranger! Especially not one who…" He stopped himself, but I knew what he was going to say.

Especially not one who he thought was a whore.

My cheeks burned with humiliation and anger.

"Franklin, listen to reason," Frederick said, his voice calmer now but no less urgent. "If you don't do this, you'll lose everything. The CEO position, your inheritance. Everything."

"So I should just throw away my life instead?" Franklin countered. "Marry someone I don't love, don't trust, don't even know? For what? A title?"

"For your family legacy!" Frederick's voice rose. "For everything your father died protecting!"

The room fell silent at that.

My father cleared his throat nervously. "If I may... this arrangement could benefit everyone involved." He glanced at my mother, who nodded encouragingly. "Our company gets the investment it desperately needs to survive. Flemington Group's reputation is protected. And Franklin secures his position as CEO. It's a win-win situation."

"A win-win?" I finally found my voice, and it came out sharper than I intended. "How is forcing two people into marriage a win for anyone?"

My mother shot me a warning look. "Octavia, don't be difficult."

"Difficult?" I stood up, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Mom, they're asking me to marry a complete stranger! In a week!"

"It's not a real marriage, dear," Patricia said, as if that made it better. "It's just... temporary. A contract. Until things settle down."

"A contract marriage?" The words tasted bitter in my mouth.

"Exactly!" My father looked relieved that I was catching on. "You'd just need to pretend for a few months. Then you can quietly divorce, and everyone moves on with their lives."

"While you save your company with Flemington money," Franklin said darkly, finally seeing the full picture.

My father had the grace to look embarrassed, but he didn't deny it.

Frederick sighed heavily. "Franklin, I know this isn't ideal…"

"Ideal?" Franklin laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Grandfather, this is insane. You're asking me to lie to everyone. To fake a marriage. To…" He looked at me again, and I saw something flicker in his eyes. Disgust? Resentment? "To pretend I want to be with someone who probably set this whole thing up in the first place."

"You have got to be kidding me!" I snapped, my patience finally breaking. "I had nothing to do with that video! I'm just as trapped in this mess as you are!"

"Convenient," he muttered.

"You think I wanted this?" My voice rose. "You think I wanted to wake up in a stranger's bed with no memory of how I got there? You think I wanted my mother to almost faint from shock in front of hundreds of people? You think I want to marry someone who looks at me like I'm dirt on his shoe?"

Franklin opened his mouth, then closed it. For once, he had nothing to say.

"Both of you, calm down," Frederick commanded. He looked older suddenly, tired. "I understand this is difficult. But Franklin, think about what's at stake. Those men out there? They don't just want to stop your inauguration. They want to dismantle everything I and your father built. Everything I've spent my life creating. They'll tear it apart piece by piece and sell it off to the highest bidder."

Franklin's jaw clenched. "And you think a fake marriage will stop them?"

"I think it will buy us time," Frederick said carefully. "Time to strengthen your position. Time to gather support from the other board members. Time to..." He trailed off, but the implication was clear.

Time to fight back.

Franklin stood there, silent, his hands balled into fists at his sides. I could see the war raging inside him, pride versus duty, anger versus responsibility.

Finally, he spoke, his voice hollow. "Fine."

Everyone turned to stare at him.

"Fine?" his grandfather repeated cautiously.

"For the sake of the company," Franklin said, each word sounding like it cost him something. "For my father's legacy. I'll do it. I'll marry her." He didn't even look at me when he said it. "But only for a few months, two at most. After that, we divorce. Quietly."

Frederick looked like he wanted to hug him but settled for a firm nod. "Thank you, Franklin. You won't regret…"

"I already regret it," Franklin cut him off.

All eyes turned to me then. My parents. Frederick. Franklin, finally meeting my gaze with those cold, resentful eyes.

"Well?" my mother prompted. "Octavia?"

I stood there, speechless. How could this be happening? How could I be expected to marry a stranger, a man who obviously hated me, who thought I was a whore, who'd left money on my bed like I was something he could buy?

A contract marriage? Was this my life now?

"Octavia, please," my father said softly. "The company... if we don't get this investment, we'll lose everything. Your mother and I will lose everything we've worked for. All our employees will lose their jobs. Please."

The guilt crashed over me like a wave. My parents had worked their entire lives to build their business. Was I really going to let it crumble because I didn't want to play pretend for a few months?

But this wasn't just playing pretend. This was marriage. Even if it was fake, even if it was temporary, it was still my life.

I looked at Franklin. He stared back at me with barely concealed contempt.

This was the man I was supposed to marry? This cold, arrogant stranger who'd used me to get over a bad relationship and discarded me like trash?

"I..." I started, but the words wouldn't come.

The door suddenly opened, and one of the sinister men poked his head in. "Time's up. We need an answer. Now."

Franklin's eyes bore into mine, challenging me. Daring me to refuse so he could blame me for everything that would fall apart.

The weight of all their expectations crushed down on me until I could barely stand.

"Well?" Mr. Harrington at the door pressed. "Do we have a wedding in a week, or do we cancel the inauguration?"