LAKE

Damn. She’s fucking gorgeous. The picture in her background profile did not do any justice. She even looked younger than her age.

The shock on her face and those beautiful, expressive olive-green fox eyes were prominent. She even paled. By then, she realized she would not marry my father but me. She thought she was about to sell her soul to the devil by being Wallace’s wife.

I felt the desperation in her voice when she called Owen. I was there listening, and she had a confident and determined voice as she asked for money— not so much right now.

I took my time skimming at her heart-shaped face. Those eyes widened even more.

She put some makeup on her beautiful face and light lipstick on her pouty lips. Her nose was cute in celestial shape. Maverick was not that tall compared to the woman I slept with, but she seemed to be the most authentic among them.

“Maverick,” I called her name while patiently waiting for her reply.

“You tricked me.” Her face went white, cringing, realizing her mistake was too late to back out.

“Excuse me?”

“I thought—”

My heart instantly pounded as I watched her lick her lips. “I left the documents blank. When Owen told me that you thought you were marrying Wallace Winston, I told him not to correct you.”

“Why is that?”

“I thought it would be fun?”

“Fun?”

Silence stretched between us, and so did her stare.

“Mr. Winston and Miss Bates?”

“I believe that’s us.” I offered my hand as I stood up, fixing my suit with the other.

“I can’t do this.” She shook her head, her eyes flashing with emotion before she blinked them away. “I can’t marry you.”

“Give us a minute,” I told the staff as I sat down. “Maverick, you can’t humiliate me here. People know me, and I’m looking forward to this marriage.”

“Why?” She met my gaze. She looked terrified with a fiery exchange of rage.

“I’m taking over a CEO position from my father. That’s the truth. I ignored his condition for me to get a bride for months, and now he only gives me three weeks to fulfill that demand, or I will lose the position.”

“You have a girlfriend, why me? Because I need money? I’m desperate and a loser?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend. I’ve never been in a relationship since college. Can we talk about this later?”

“I will give back your—”

“You can arrange another appointment, Mr. Winston,” the staff said, interrupting us.

“Five seconds.” I raised my finger, giving them a warning instead. “If you marry me today, I will give you a house. You can choose it yourself.”

Hopeful, she stared at me for a second before she shifted her look at the people waiting for us and back to me. She then grabbed her bag and took something from it. It was the engagement ring I bought for her.

When she finally put it on, I let go of a shuddering breath of relief. I was desperate, too, and I had a feeling this contract marriage would be a roller coaster ride for twelve months.

The moment we stood before the officiant, Owen, my witness, had our rings, while my other bodyguard, Homer Huxley, was next to Maverick.

“We are gathered here in the presence of witnesses for the purpose of uniting in matrimony, Lake and Maverick.” The officiant probably said those words a million times. “The contract of marriage is most solemn and is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously of its obligations and responsibilities.”

“Repeat after me. I, state your name.”

I held her trembling hands as we faced each other and instantly felt the softness, the warmth, and the jolt of electricity running through me. “I, Lake Archer Colter Talon Braddson Winston, take Augustine Maverick Morgan Bates II.” Then I slipped the ring into her finger.

Maverick did the same. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“You have joined yourselves in solemn matrimony. I have now declared, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of New York as Deputy Marriage Commissioner, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

Owen and Huxley applauded us, and I couldn’t help but smile while Maverick hadn’t loosened up a bit but could pull off a slight smile on her lips. I held her hand tight, leaned in, and dipped my head to kiss her on the lips.

It was a quick peck on the lips, barely a brush, just a straightforward, gentle kiss because I wouldn’t expect a passionate kiss like a couple in love shared. Still, I felt every softness, suppleness, and wetness of her lips and the tiny gasp escaping from her, just enough for me to float away to make me forget that I barely met her five minutes ago.

I’d kissed many women, but I certainly did not feel the enthusiasm, excitement, or eagerness for another kiss until Owen and Huxley interrupted us with loud applause and a flashing camera that pulled us apart.

“Congratulations, Mr. And Mrs. Winston,” said Owen, grinning like an idiot as he gave the bouquet back to Maverick. “Just one last pose.”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but we had an audience, and this was my wedding day, after all, so I put my hand on her waist, pulled her closer, and smiled while Owen and Huxley were taking pictures of us.

“Okay. That’s enough. We can do it outside. Another couple is waiting to be wed.” It was me, excusing myself. My heart still pumped so hard even though the kiss was over minutes ago.

As we walked outside the city hall, Maverick went silent and tensed while Huxley went to take the car.

“I’ll take you to lunch.”

“I’m good.” That was all she said.

“We will be living under the same roof. I know it will be a huge adjustment for both of us, but we have to make it work. You need to be flexible to be with me.”

“I know. I know what I signed up for, but Owen should have told me before I signed everything.” She looked away as she breathed deeply. “But it’s also my fault. I should have met you first and didn’t depend on your people, but it is what it is.”

“So you’d rather marry an old man?”

Her eyes glared. “In my head. I prepared my mind and myself to have an older husband.”

“Sorry to burst your bubble, Maverick, but my father no longer believes in marriage. And he’s not the man you always see on the screen. Believe me, you’d be grateful if you were married to me than to Wallace Winston.”

“Can I take a raincheck on the lunch?”

“Why? Do you have a place you’d rather be?”

“Um, yeah. Actually, after this, I’ll be free. Let me know where you want me to be. I’ll be there.”

I chuckled as I shook my head. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I believe a honeymoon is not in the package deal, so let me guess, I’m staying in my apartment—”

“Maverick, you’re my wife now. Starting today, you’ll be staying at my penthouse.” I tipped my chin at Owen.

“Here’s your keycard, Mrs. Winston.”

She hesitated before she took the card from Owen.

“Take it, or you have to wait outside the building.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You have everything you need there. You don’t have to bring anything from your apartment. And we have a lot to talk about at home.” My phone just vibrated. It was probably my assistant, Venus, reminding me of my meetings.

“Owen will drive you wherever you want.”

“No. I don’t need him. I have my car parked over there.” She gestured over her shoulder shyly.

“Let me walk my wife to her car,” I told Owen. I knew the car she drove. It was old but still running. Even the word wife still sounded strange in my ears, but Maverick seemed the type of woman who obeyed and valued loyalty to her partner.

Huxley just parked my ride and waited while I walked Maverick to where she parked her car.

She unlocked her car door and murmured, “Thank you.”

“If you need anything, call me.”

“I don’t have your number,” she muttered, her voice shaky.

“Right. Give me your phone.”

Her phone was an old model, which twisted something deep inside me as I saved my number. “Why didn’t you wear the dress?”

“It’s too beautiful for a short ceremony.”

I smiled as I got her phone back. “You look stunning anyway.” Yes, she was. She could come to the ceremony in her pajamas, which wouldn’t change the fact that she knocked me out with her beauty.

“Thanks.” Her cheeks flushed.

“See you at the penthouse.” I went to the car as soon as she drove off.

“Do you want me to follow her?”

“No, OB. Let’s head to the office.” I dialed Venus.

“Mr. Winston, should I cancel your meeting?”

“No. I’m on my way. Buy a new iPhone model with 1TB memory, and put it on my personal account. Check a car dealer near the office.”

When I hung up the call, Owen was looking over the rearview. “What?”

“You’re buying your wife a car?”

“And how is it your business now?”

“Not my business, but I’ll still say it even if you don’t want me to talk. Take her with you. Let her be involved in the decision-making. She’d love that.”

“I got it. Now shut up.”

MAVERICK

I was still shocked, trying to digest what happened in the city hall earlier. How could I be so stupid and trust those people with a year of my life? How could I be so naive? Maybe Heath was right that I was naive and gullible.

I was about to take off my diamond wedding band and engagement ring, but it felt wrong when the truth was I was legally married to the billionaire’s son, Lake Winston. Was he rich, too?

“Crap.” How old was he? He was not that old, maybe two or three years older than me, and I didn’t know anything about that guy besides he was dating that model influencer Natalie Wise. “Does she know?”

“What does who?”

“Nothing, Nana. I was just talking to myself.” I looked at her sitting on the passenger seat.

“Are you sure you’re not busy?”

“I won’t let you go to the hospital by taxi, Nana.” She had been diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease five years ago. So she had to visit her doctor every three months. “And what kind of person would I be if I let go to your doctor alone?”

“Your mother doesn’t mind,” she said with dismay.

“Well, she’s my mother.”

We arrived at the hospital. After an hour of waiting, it was finally our turn. Dr. Webbs gave her a thorough checkup, and the nurse took a blood sample.

“Do you feel any short of breath, Augustine?”

“Don’t lie, Nana.”

“Why would I?” she said defensively.

Dr. Webbs smiled as he sat back on his chair. “I will know, Nana Augustine. You will continue your maintenance until I get the full blood work.”

“Uh-huh. Maybe you can prescribe me a pill with all those medicines combined.”

“There’s no such thing as that,” the doctor said.

“Whatever. I feel like I’m getting more sicker.”

“Nana, doctors are not magicians or God.” I helped her to her feet. “Thank you, Dr. Webbs.”

“See you in a few months.”

“No, thank you, doc. I know, Ricky. Can we go home now? Are you sure this will cover my insurance?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the rest.” She did not even know I was crashing at Rocco’s couches for weeks. She had more to worry about than my personal problem.

We finally got home. I cleaned up her house, and I made her some tea afterward. I came to visit her often. If only the school and Bazz were closer to the house, I might stay with her instead of renting an apartment. That way, I could watch her, but she was the one who forced me to get an apartment and get a life like every woman my age.

“Just live the crap alone, Ricky! I can take care of myself,” she yelled from the living room.

“You don’t even use the vacuum I bought for you.”

After two hours of cleaning, I went downstairs, put her clothes in the washing, and changed her bed linen and blanket.

“People these days. And don’t ever get that robot, or I will throw it outside the window. It’s ridiculous.”

I laughed out loud. “Fine. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

“Leave it to me, Ricky. Come and sit down with me.”

Oh, boy. I went to her and sipped my tea. “Are you sure you’re using the dishwasher?”

“Go on. Check it, and you’re the one paying the electric bills. Where’s your boyfriend anyway? Have you two broken up?”

“Yup.” I didn’t feel the anger in my chest for the first time.

“Good. He’s not good for you. You deserve a man with a brighter future.”

“It’s funny you said that, Nana. He just told me I don’t think of my future.”

“Well, glad you finally got out of that toxic relationship. Where do you stay now? You can come back once you finish your college. How many months more before you graduate?”

“Five. I got a new apartment with a nice roommate. She also works at the Bazz.”

“Maybe you should marry Rocco.”

Nana just caught me when I was about to hide the rings on my finger. “Why are you wearing those rings? That’s the big rock you got there, Ricky. Is there something you wanna tell me about?” Lake went overboard with buying an engagement ring for his temporary wife.

I’d never lied to her, but I wasn’t ready to tell her the truth and see the disappointment on her face.

“This is Moissanite. I just purchased this online.” I looked at the engagement ring. The cushion-cut diamond looked like around 3 carats with two small side stones. And then there was the diamond eternity, which must have roughly cost him thirty grand or more.

“Huh. That looks real.” I could see in her green eyes that she did not buy it.

“I wish. Who would give me a ring if I don’t have a man in my life?”

“Well. You should go. Do you have work today?”

“Nope. I’m off, but I have assignments to do.”

“Then go ahead.”

“Do you still have groceries?”

“Ricky, get out and have some fun.”

I rose from the chair and kissed her on the cheek. “I love you, Nana. Call me if you need anything.”

My drive back took me a while, and I wondered where I should go— to my apartment or his penthouse. Where was his penthouse, anyway?

The kiss, though. It was weird, in a good way. It felt like it was meant to happen like we were in love or a real couple ecstatic to get married. It just felt right, to be precise.

My phone suddenly rang in my bag. It was probably Rocco.

I answered it. “I’m off today. What do you want?”

“Mrs. Winston?”

Shit. I checked the screen. It was Owen. “I’m sorry, Owen. I thought you were my boss. Please call me, Maverick or Mave. Mrs. Winston makes me old.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am.”

“Fine. Whatever. How can I help you, Owen?”

“My boss wanted me to check up on you. He’s still stuck in the meeting.”

“Oh, I’m good. I just came back from my grandmother. I was heading to my apartment.”

“He wants you to be at the penthouse. He has your things prepared.”

“Meaning?”

“He got everything covered.”

“Is he always like this? Getting in control of everything?”

“Pretty much, ma’am.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about him?”

“You kept interrupting me, ma’am.”

“Stop calling me, ma’am. And I’m going to the penthouse if you don’t mind giving me the address.”

“I’m sending you the address right now.”

After I received the address, I saved it on my car’s GPS nav. It took me almost an hour to get to one of the tallest residential towers in Manhattan. The Central Tower stood tall before me, and I didn’t know what to do, where to park my car, which definitely didn’t belong here, or where to go next.

A knock on my window interrupted my thoughts. It was a valet asking me to move away. That was when I noticed a Cadillac behind me.

“Shit.” I drove away to find a parking space when I almost hit someone. “What the hell?”

It was Owen. This time, he left his suit jacket. He looked attractive and young. “Are you trying to run me over?” He got in the car. “Let’s go and turn right. Boss has a private parking area.”

“I’m so out of place. I honestly didn’t know what I was thinking and what the hell I got myself into.”

“You’ll be fine.”

I looked at him briefly. “So this is not the first time your boss asked you to find him a wife?”

“I have a list of candidates, but he turned them all down, even the woman—”

“He’s dating.”

“Boss doesn’t date. I don’t call it dating. They hooked up, no strings attached, and both parties are aware of their positions.”

“Wow.” I didn’t know it stung knowing my husband was still having hookups with another woman. Despite our clear arrangement, and we both agreed to be in an open relationship while we were still married, as long as it would remain disclosed, it still didn’t sit right.

There was a clause that we could agree on sleeping together as long as it was consensual, and that was before finding out I was marrying the son.

I parked my car beside the Audi R8, which should have belonged in the junk shop. “He collects cars. Why should I be surprised?”

“He collects, but he never shows off.”

“Are you allowed to say terrible things against your employer?”

“Of course.” He helped me out and led me to the private elevator door, which was unlocked with the keycard.

As soon as the door shut, classic rock music played. This was an advanced elevator, but it took a while to reach the penthouse.

It brought us to the hallway, and Owen unlocked the double door. It caught me by surprise how massive the penthouse was. It was welcoming, with high ceiling walls making the entirety look generous, spacious, and cozy with a modern interior design.

The massive floor-to-ceiling window overlooked the skyscrapers and city park. There was a staircase at the corner to the upper level, but what caught my attention was the neutral color of the walls, which contrasted with the upholstery, rugs, and different detailing of the furniture.

I expected masculine color, but Lake just kept on surprising me.

LAKE

I came home late. It wasn’t supposed to happen, but I had to drop by the IMI office to grab some files of proposals that I needed to review and sign.

Owen called me an hour ago to tell me that Maverick was already in my penthouse. I didn’t know why I suddenly felt excited about going home, even though sometimes it got lonely, and I had to rest.

Maybe that was the reason why I took women to bed. At least they filled my instant need, but it felt hollow again. Meeting that need didn’t fill the void in my chest. I knew something was missing. I just hadn’t figured it out yet.

I may have money, friends, and people who cared for me, but after that, in the darkness, I felt alone— loneliness and pain visited me most of the time. Yes, money couldn’t buy eternal happiness, and I didn’t know if I ever felt that way with contentment, completeness, and wholeness.

I’d say having a broken family affected me so much. I was once happy with my parents being around, but it fell apart when they got divorced, and my father changed into a callous distant son of a bitch.

Owen met me at the door. “Boss.”

“Where is she?” I carried the box of Maverick’s new phone.

“Over there.”

Owen and Homer had an apartment downstairs. They were among the few people who had access to my penthouse. It was for security reasons, and my uncle Moses Braddson never took our safety lightly after what happened to our family for the past years.

“Thanks. I’ll be staying home for tonight.”

“Call us if you need anything, boss,” said Homer before they left right away.

I walked towards the living room, and I instantly found Maverick looking out the window. The view was spectacular at this time when the city lights blinked like a million stars.

“Hey.” I suddenly didn’t know what to do. What the fuck is wrong with me?

She quickly turned around with those big green eyes staring at me, still wearing the same silky camisole but ditching the oversized suit jacket. I realized she was fit with an hourglass figure. Her arms were toned, and she rocked that camisole with just an ample amount of cleavage of her perfect size breasts.

“Hi.”

“You made it.”

“Yeah. The view is beautiful.” She went to look outside the window again. “So you keep it like this without curtain?”

“No one can see from the outside. There’s smart lint all over the window.”

“Oh, okay.”

“How was your grandma?”

She faced me again. “She’s fine. We’re waiting for the blood report.”

“How often does she visit a doctor?”

“Every three months.” She smiled a little. “She saw my ring, and I don’t think she bought my lies.”

“Why did you have to lie?”

“I never lied to her, but I couldn’t just tell her I just got married before picking her up for her appointment. Nana is always positive and dreams of watching me walk down the aisle.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Who knows, maybe we will find the right people for us when this is over.” She shrugged. “Or you can go back to no commitment relationships.”

“Did OB tell you about that?”

“It doesn’t take a rocket science, Lake. Is it okay if I call you Lake?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah. Why? Are you planning on calling me by Mr. Winston?”

“I don’t know.”

“I have a few names. Choose which suits me better. Just don’t call me bunny.”

“Bunny?” A small smile appeared on her lips. “Why bunny?”

“Mom called me bunny.”

Her dimples popped out when she tried to hide her smile. “Bunny, huh.”

“Yeah. She still calls me until now. Big bunny. I mean, I’m a grown-up adult, and she still pinches my face and calls me Big Bunny in public.”

“Lucky for you, you have a proud and loving mother who calls you Big Bunny.” I could feel the pain and sadness in her voice, and it squeezed my chest. “My mother left me when I was three because her boyfriend didn’t want to take care of a kid.”

“What the—” I held my word.

“Yeah. Nana raised me and became my own mother. I don’t know, and I’ve never met my father either, so it’s just Nana and me.”

“She raised you well, Maverick.”

“She calls me Ricky because her name is Augustine.”

“You’re the second.”

“Yes.”

“I wanna meet her someday.”

She chuckled. “She hates my ex.”

“Hmm.”

She raised a brow to my reply. “Let me guess, Owen told you what happened at the alley.”

“Yes.”

“Well, it seems that you know everything about my life.”

“Not everything, and you can ask me anything. I will tell you as truthfully as I can. Anyway, this is for you.” I offered the box.

She shifted her gaze at me and to the box in my hand. “What’s that?”

“A brand new phone.”

“I have a phone.” Her stare hardened.

“I know, but I bought this for you. The bill is on me for a year.”

“I don’t need a phone, Lake. Thank you.” She went to the couch. “Mine works just fine.”

“Well, I have a phone, and I bought this for you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “It’s not part of the plan. What’s wrong with mine?”

“I know, Maverick, but I wanted you to have a new phone, and most women would die to receive a gift from me.”

“Well, you should know this. I’m not like most women. I’m not a charity case, Lake. I know what I signed up for, and I don’t want you to shower with me with gifts. I don’t want you to dress me how you want me to look. I am who I am and have my own identity, and I’m not going to change who I am for you.”

“Well, then, we have a problem. I want you to dress according to my lifestyle. And I’m not gonna change who you are. I just want you to look decent and presentable before my family and business partners.”

“I will dress according to the dress code, but gifts? Don’t buy me anything.”

I stared at her for a moment. Unfuckingbelievable. And it hurt my ego a little bit. “This is just a fucking phone, Maverick. Take it or sell it. I don’t give a shit.” I threw it to the couch before I walked away and went upstairs.

My body still vibrated with anger as I entered my room. I took off my clothes and went to shower.

It took me a few minutes to calm down, and I stepped out of the shower room and wrapped a towel around my waist when I heard a gasp and felt that I wasn’t alone anymore.

I secured the towel tightly and turned to Maverick with wide eyes, hands over her mouth. “What the fuck are you doing in my room?”

She blinked rapidly, pulling off her hands over her mouth while I patiently waited for her answer.

“Get the fuck out!” I pointed at the door, and she was startled by my voice.

In just a matter of seconds, she dashed out of the door, and she was gone.

“Fuck.” I blew a breath when I realized something. I picked up my phone and dialed Owen.

“Boss?”

“You didn’t show Maverick her room?”

“She called me to where she should be staying, so I told her the last door to the left.”

“That’s my room, you idiot.” My jaw locked hard.

“Aren’t you two supposed to be sharing the same room?” His voice was laced with jokes. “And I believe that’s your job now, man.”

“Fuck you.” I left my previous room because that was where I shared with women. I somehow wanted a fresh start, but I blew it off before it even started. “Her room is next to mine, where she has her clothes and everything she needs in her entire stay.”

“Well, you can tell her that now, boss.”

“I don’t wanna talk to her right now.”

“Phew.” He sounded like he was grinning. “Don’t tell me you barely got married less than nine hours ago, and you are already fighting.”

“Well, shit, genius. You figured it out.”

“Why?”

“She didn’t take the phone I bought for her.”

“Well. She may marry you for money, but she’s paying it off by working for you. Miss Bates is used to having things she only needs. She doesn’t want to spend something on unnecessary accessories. You have to understand an independent woman who works hard six hours every night and wakes up early in the morning to go to school.”

“It’s just a fucking phone,” I gritted to prove my point even if I was not winning.

“For you, but for her, she can buy medicines, an extra pair of shoes, or shirts from that money.”

“Whatever.”