~Sienna~

  The harsh ring of my phone jolted me awake, slicing through the haze of my hangover like a siren.

  I squinted, reaching out blindly until my hand found my phone, and I heard Violet's voice on the other end, loud and filled with urgency.

  "Sienna! You better be on your way, girl. We can't be late today, not with the new boss making his grand entrance!"

  Her words hit me like a bucket of ice water, bringing me back to reality. I blinked, trying to clear the sleep and fog from my mind, and quickly took in my surroundings. 

 This wasn't my bed. 

 Sunlight filtered in through partially closed curtains, casting soft shadows over a room that was...definitely a hotel.

  Memories of last night began to resurface: a heartbreak, a stranger with dark, seductive eyes, and kisses that had left me breathless, melting into him in a way I hadn't let myself feel in years. 

 Part of me still reeled from the breakup with Grant, the weight of it heavy, but somehow, being with that man had dulled the pain just enough, filling me with a warmth that hadn't quite faded.

  I turned, catching a glimpse of him sleeping peacefully beside me, his chest rising and falling with an easy rhythm. 

 A surge of panic joined my hangover headache. 

  What the hell have I done? Alcohol is a fucking bastard!

  Quietly, I slipped out of bed, gathering my clothes scattered across the floor. 

 My hands shook as I hurried to get dressed, hoping he wouldn't wake. 

 With one last glance back, I made my escape, softly closing the door behind me.

 ~~~

  Back home, the relief was short-lived as I stepped through the door. 

 Before I could even take a breath, I heard my adoptive mother, Lillian, berating my younger half-sister, Hannah, from the living room, her voice carrying through the thin walls.

  "Hannah, I can only count on you to find someone decent," Lillian's tone was edged with impatience. "If your sister just listened to me, she'd be married by now. But no-she's got to be so difficult!"

  "She's not my sister!" I heard Hannah's voice.

  Rolling my eyes, I entered, my face as neutral as I could make it, despite the anger simmering just within me like a furnace. 

 Lillian's gaze locked onto me, narrowing as she took me in.

  "Well, it's the rebel herself," she said with a scoff, barely masking her irritation. Hannah sat beside her, shooting me a look that was half disdain, half jealousy. 

 She thought I had taken her place in Dad's heart since the day I joined the family, but I'd never once done anything to make her feel that way.

  "You're back early," Lillian continued, her gaze sweeping over me as though sizing up an opponent.

  "Yeah." I tossed the word out, hoping it would be enough to stop her from asking more.

  But of course, Lillian wouldn't let it go.

  "I spoke to Mr. Hall, and he said you turned him down. He was willing to cover Andrew's hospital bills, Sienna. Do you realize the opportunity you're throwing away?"

  I swallowed, forcing myself to keep my voice calm. 

 "I've got it, Lillian. Dad's surgery is scheduled for the latest in two days."

  A lie. 

 There was no way I had enough money for the bills mounting up, and I had no idea where I would get it, but I couldn't let her keep dangling marriage proposals in front of me like that was the only way to help my father. 

  "Got it, how?" she sneered. "Your salary in twenty years couldn't cover those bills. Jack Lowry's son is still interested, and you're not in a position to be picky."

  My fists clenched, every word laced with bitterness as I felt the fight simmering within me. Instead of snapping back, I forced a tight-lipped smile. 

  "I'll handle it, don't worry."

  Without waiting for a reply, I slipped into my room, letting the door close behind me. The exhaustion of everything-last night, my father's health, and Lillian's endless pressure-hung heavy in the air, and I fought to keep the pain at bay. 

 The only family I had, the only father I'd ever known, was lying in a hospital bed, his life tethered to machines, and I was barely holding on myself.

  The memories of my past swirled as I took a seat on my bed. I was only twelve when I lost my memory, waking up in a cold, sterile hospital room, told I'd been found alone on the roadside with no identification. 

 Andrew Wilde, the doctor who'd tended to me, eventually became my father, giving me a home, a name, a life. 

 And now, years later, he was my only constant-the man who'd saved me when no one else did. I owed him everything. But the cost was so high, and Lillian... well, Lillian had only grown more cold and calculating as Dad's condition worsened.

  I sighed, pushing the thoughts away. I had work to face, and a new boss to meet.

  ---

  An hour later, I stepped through the revolving doors of Weston Corp. The lobby bustled with energy, a strange tension in the air as employees moved hurriedly around, in their extra ordinary polished looks .

 Today marked the return of the CEO's son, freshly back from London and rumored to be taking over.

  As I walked toward my department, I spotted Violet, her coffee-brown bob bouncing as she waved me over excitedly. She looked especially put together, her amber eyes practically glowing with anticipation.

  "Thank god you're here," she whispered, grabbing my arm and looping it through hers. 

  "President Jones is set to arrive any minute. Apparently, he's taking over sooner than anyone expected. Can you imagine, running an empire like Weston Corp at twenty-six?"

  I forced a smile, my mind still swimming with last night's memories.

  "I'm just trying to imagine what he looks like," I replied, trying to shake off my thoughts.

  Weston Corp is one of Bellmore's biggest conglomerates, known for its reach across finance, real estate, tech and more. 

 Working here as a designer in the design dept, means I'm just one of thousands of employees, and frankly, most of us will never even meet the CEO, let alone his elusive son who's been outside the U.S. since he was young. 

  "Well, I heard he's ruthless and hot. And, rumor has it..." She paused, giving me a sly smile. "...he's single."

  I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself, but before we could exchange more gossip, a sudden hush fell over the lobby. 

 A sleek convoy of black cars pulled up, uniformed drivers moving in synchronization to open the doors. Bodyguards flanked the entrance as a tall figure emerged from the central car.

  The crowd shifted, every head turning as he entered. 

 He wore a long, dark-brown wool coat that brushed his calves, a sophisticated Kangol hat angled just so, obscuring part of his face. 

 Beneath, his suit was immaculately tailored, fitting him like it was made for him alone.

  As he strode forward, the scent of expensive cologne drifted through the lobby, and an unspoken power followed in his wake. 

 Everyone's gaze followed him, captivated by the aura he commanded.

  My heart thundered as he walked in, his gaze sharp and assessing as it swept the room. But then his eyes locked on me, and a spark of recognition flashed between us, sharp as a blade. 

 The world seemed to tilt, my heart stammering in my chest as the realization washed over me, crashing over me like a wave.

  It was him. 

 The stranger from last night-the man I'd thought would be nothing more than a fleeting memory.

  My head spun as everything clicked, my mind racing to process the truth. I'd spent the night with my new boss. 

 And with the way his eyes narrowed at me, It's obvious he remembered me, too.

~Lucas Jones~

  My gaze landed on her-Sienna, the wild girl from last night, the first woman in my life to ditch me without thinking twice.

  She was petite, wearing a simple white long-sleeve shirt dress that hugged her curves and showcased legs that seemed to go on forever.

  I wouldn't have looked twice at this crowd if it weren't for her-the way her cheeks flushed as she tried to avoid my gaze, hands trembling as she clutched a folder tightly against her chest.

  My jaw clenched at the memory.

  At first, I'd just wanted her for a bit of fun, a distraction. But waking up alone to an empty bed and a cooling pillow beside me... it felt like a slap in the face. 

 No woman had ever walked away from me like that, leaving me wanting more. 

 How dare she?

  So, I did what I'd never done before in my life-had her tracked down. 

 I made my PA, Derick, pull CCTV footage from the bar and run a full background check on her. 

 And there she was, as fate would have it, an employee at my father's company.

  I shook off the simmering irritation long enough to refocus. 

 I was here to make my official introduction to the company, fulfilling one of my father's last requests.

  "Adding the family business to the ones you have in London will make me happy. And your fiancee... Those are the last things I want to see before I go, son," he had said over the phone, his voice rough.

  I hadn't set foot in America since my parents divorced sixteen years ago, which led my mother to move my little sister and me to London. She never allowed us to visit Dad, but our daily morning and night calls never missed.

  And now, here I was, back in Bellmore City, preparing to take over the company before my dad's lung cancer claimed him. He had six months left. 

 And I had six months to find a woman willing to play along with my father's wishes, to pretend we were a storybook couple for his sake.

  The employees in front of me were assembled in a semi-circle, wearing polite expressions, straight postures, and fixed smiles. 

 Weston Corp's lobby was sleek and polished, with dark woods, gleaming marble floors, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering a view of the Bellmore skyline. 

 But I was barely taking in the surroundings. 

 My eyes kept darting back to her.

  Taking a breath, I began my speech. "Thank you all for your warm welcome," I said, my voice echoing through the large lobby.

  "As I step into this role, my commitment is to continue Weston Corp's legacy of excellence and growth." I gave the usual corporate spiel, met with polite applause and nods. 

 But my focus kept slipping back to Sienna. She looked like she'd rather bolt than stay here a second longer.

  As I wrapped up my introduction, I decided it was time to meet the team.

  One by one, they introduced themselves, stating their names and positions with confidence. 

 Everything was seamless until we reached her. 

 She stood there, her mouth opening as if to speak, but nothing came out. Panic flashed in her eyes, her knuckles whitening as she clutched her folder tighter.

  "Well?" I prompted, my voice sharp enough to cut through the silence.

  "I... um, I'm Sienna Wilde, in... the... uh... design department." Her voice was barely above a whisper, stumbling over each word.

  I arched an eyebrow, letting the tension build before I responded.

  "Really? That's all you've got?" A hint of disdain edged into my tone as I crossed my arms.

  "How did you even get a job here if you can't manage a simple introduction? I don't think you're fit for this company."

  Her face drained of color, and her fingers trembled as she lowered her gaze to the floor.

  Good.

  "See me in my office right away," I added, my tone clipped, before dismissing the rest of the group.

  ---

  It took me a few minutes to settle in before I headed to my office. When I entered, I found her standing in front of my desk, shifting on her feet, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag.

  The office itself was spacious and minimalist, designed in black, gray, and brushed silver, with leather furniture and a large desk of dark polished wood. 

 Behind the desk was a floor-to-ceiling window offering an impressive view of the city skyline.

  Sienna looked up, meeting my gaze for the first time since last night. The mixture of fear and confusion in her hazel eyes almost amused me.

  She thought I was going to fire her. Good.

  I walked to my desk, shrugged off my coat, and folded it over the back of the chair, watching her carefully as I sat.

  "Not what you expected, I assume?" I began, letting my words hang in the air. She swallowed hard, clearly unsure how to respond.

  "I-um... I apologize if-"

  "Apologize?" I scoffed, leaning back. "For leaving without a word? Or for deciding to pretend like last night never happened?" 

 She flinched, and I almost felt a glimmer of satisfaction at her reaction.

  "You're the first woman who's ever made it out the door before I woke up. Congratulations, Ms. Wilde."

  "I... I'm sorry," she stammered, her face flushing as she nervously pushed a strand of strawberry-blonde hair behind her ear.

  "It... it wasn't my intention to be rude. I just... I didn't think..."

  I held up a hand, silencing her, my tone almost dismissive. 

 "I don't care, Sienna. Honestly, it doesn't matter. I'm sure you're aware of who I am now, but just in case it's not clear-I'm now the company president, the soon-to-be CEO, and your new boss."

  Her mouth opened, probably to stammer out more apologies, but I cut her off again.

  "I won't fire you, if that's what you're worried about."

  Her brows knitted together, and she exhaled in visible relief. 

 I let the moment hang, then added, "I know your situation, Sienna. I know you're the primary breadwinner for your family, the one keeping everything afloat."

  She stiffened, and I watched the confusion shift into shock. 

 "How... did you?"

  I allowed a smirk to tug at the corner of my mouth but didn't answer her question. " I'll let bygones be bygones, Sienna" I said, letting my voice soften.

  "But I do have a proposition."

  Her eyes widened, and I could see the curiosity start to outweigh her nerves.

  "Here's the deal," I continued, letting each word sink in. "My father is sick. He's given me six months to bring home a fiancee and settle down before he..." I trailed off, not needing to finish the thought. 

 "Since I don't have one, I need someone to play the part."

  She stared, blinking as if trying to process my words. "And you... want me?"

  "Yes. You're here, in my company. It would be easy to keep an eye on you, to maintain the story without drawing too much attention. Besides..."

  I paused, watching her closely. "You could use the money, couldn't you?"

  Her gaze dropped, and I knew I had her attention now.

  "I know you're in debt trying to pay your father's medical bills," I added, my tone casual.

  "I'd be willing to cover those costs. The best doctors, no expense spared."

  Her expression shifted, the tension melting from her shoulders as her eyes began to glisten with something close to hope.

  "Do you mean... you'd actually do that? Cover my dad's bills?"

  I nodded, barely suppressing a triumphant smile.

  "In exchange for six months of your time, yes. Play the part of my fiancée. Smile, charm my father, make him believe you're the perfect daughter of a respectable family. And don't worry about your job. No one here will know." I leaned forward, keeping my gaze steady.

  "Does that sound fair to you?"

  She bit her lip, clearly weighing her options. I watched her resolve solidify, her eyes sharpening with newfound determination.

  "Anything else?" she asked, her voice steadier than I expected.

  "Nope. Just act the part, make my father happy, and keep things discreet. Beyond that, I don't care what you do with your life, and neither should you care about mine."

  Her gaze met mine, a flicker of confidence in her eyes, and I could almost see her mentally calculating the benefits. 

 Then, without another word, I pulled open a drawer, took out a crisp contract I had Derick prepare few hours ago, and laid it in front of her.

  "Sign it," I said, pushing the pen toward her.

~Sienna~

  I walked out of his office, my hands still trembling even after I'd signed the contract. I didn't know if this would backfire, but at this point, I didn't have a choice. 

 I'd promised the hospital the pay*ent for Dad's surgery in two days. If I messed this up, they'd send him out, and I couldn't afford that.

  My head spun with everything that had happened in the past few hours, it's crazy. I took a deep breath, clutching the folder tighter to my chest as I forced myself to refocus. 

 It's just six months, I reminded myself, six months of pretending to be his fiancée. Then, I'd be free.

  I dropped the fodder on my desk, ready to start the day, but just as I was starting to settle in, the soft ping of my phone interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

  A text from an unknown number, which I quickly guessed was from Lucas.

  "Stay after work hours. Meeting my father for dinner."

 What! So fast?!

  My stomach twisted in horror. Dinner with his father? 

 The same CEO I'd been admiring from afar ever since I joined Weston Corp three months ago. 

 And now, I had to meet him as his son's fiancée, pretending to be someone I wasn't. 

 I hadn't even had a chance to fully process the fact that I'd be fooling one of the most powerful men in Bellmore, a man whose reputation could end my career with a single nod.

  God save me.

  "What's got you looking so serious?" a familiar voice broke in, pulling me from my frantic thoughts.

  I looked up to see Ethan, my friend from college and the best chef in the food department here at Weston Corp. 

 He balanced a tray with two steaming takeout containers, wearing his crisp white chef's jacket, immaculately pressed, and his dark hair was tied back neatly. 

 He gave me a concerned look as he took in my expression.

  "Hey!" I tried to smile, though I knew it probably looked as forced as it felt.

  Ethan handed me the food, grinning. 

 "Figured you might have forgotten breakfast. Plus, I get to save you from cafeteria food. Win-win."

  I took the container gratefully, letting the warm aroma of roasted vegetables and garlic ground me for a second. 

 "You're a lifesaver, Ethan."

  He laughed, his warm brown eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, well, you know you'd choose my cooking over theirs any day."

  "Every day," I replied, opening the container and taking a quick bite, trying to hide the storm brewing inside me.

  Before I could fully enjoy the meal, my phone buzzed again. A new text from Lucas. He'd sent over a list of instructions, from things his father was likely to ask to little personal details about his "life" that I was expected to memorize.

  Ethan gave me a curious look as I glanced down at the message. 

 "Who's that?"

  "Oh, just Violet, checking in about a project," I lied smoothly, pasting on a fake smile as I dropped my phone.

  He nodded, but his eyes lingered, suspicion flickering in them. Thankfully, he didn't push it, leaving me to my thoughts as he headed back to his station.

  I spent the rest of the day trying to work through my tasks, but it was nearly impossible with the weight of the impending dinner pressing down on me. 

 How was I supposed to keep this up without slipping? 

 Every few minutes, I had to remind myself why I was doing this: for Dad. For his health, his recovery. This wasn't just about me; it was about giving him a chance at life.

  As the office finally emptied out, I found myself alone, exhaustion settling over me like a heavy cloak. Before I knew it, I'd slumped forward, head resting on my arms as sleep slowly tugged me under.

  ---

  "Miss Wilde?"

  A sudden voice jolted me awake, deep and authoritative.

  I blinked, my vision blurred as I straightened, coming face-to-face with a man I hadn't seen before. He stood tall, imposing in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt. His hair was neat, dark brown, slicked back professionally, and his steel-gray eyes held a look of polite impatience.

  "I'm Derrick, President Jones's PA. He sent me to collect you," he said, his tone formal as he gestured toward the door. "The car's waiting outside."

  "Oh. Right." I grabbed my bag, trying to ignore the faint flutter of nerves as I followed him through the quiet halls and out the private entrance.

  Outside, a sleek black Rolls-Royce awaited, gleaming under the streetlights like something from a dream. Derrick opened the rear door, and I slid inside, my eyes widening as they met the sight before me.

  President Jones himself. His gaze was fixed on an iPad, scrolling smoothly, but even without looking, his presence filled the car-a cold, commanding presence that made the car feel even smaller.

  The door shut with a soft click, and Derrick took the driver's seat, starting the engine. We pulled away in silence, the tension thick between us. I barely had time to collect myself when Lucas spoke, his voice cold and matter-of-fact.

  "I sent you a list of everything my father is likely to ask earlier today," he said, his gaze still trained on the screen. "Including what you need to know about me. I expect you're done memorizing them all."

  Oh. No. I had only scanned through the message earlier.

  I scrolled through the message on my phone, trying not to roll my eyes as I took in the endless list of his life details, from his academic achievements to random trivia. 

 My cheeks flushed as I came across one particular line.

  "You really had to include your boxers' size?" I muttered, stifling a laugh.

  One corner of his mouth lifted, but he didn't respond to my jab. "I need you to know every detail if this is going to work. And for tonight, you're Selena Granger-a model from Canada, my long-distance girlfriend."

  "What?" I blinked, incredulous. "Why lie about my identity?"

  He finally looked up, his eyes sharp and intense. 

 "Do you think my father would accept a low-ranking employee dating his son? Just do as I say, and this will go smoothly. Any more questions?"

  I swallowed the retort rising in my throat, forcing myself to stay silent. Of course, he'd thought of every angle, every excuse. His arrogance grated on me, but there was nothing I could do about it now.

  The car came to a stop outside an exclusive boutique, its gleaming windows showcasing racks of designer clothing.

  "Why are we stopping here?" I asked, glancing at him, confused.

  He arched an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to my dress. "You can't meet my father in... that."

  I looked down at my dress, a mix of frustration and irritation bubbling up. "Excuse me? This dress is from my latest collection!"

  He didn't even blink. "It's giving... ratchet."

  Oh, Lord give me the strength to resist the urge to strangle this man.

  He stepped out of the car, gesturing for me to follow. My cheeks burned as I trailed after him into the boutique, trying to ignore the smug satisfaction he seemed to radiate.

  Inside, two attendants practically fawned over Lucas the moment they saw him, their eyes lighting up at the sight of his black card.

  "Give her a classy model look," he instructed, barely sparing them a glance as he took a seat. The attendants eagerly guided me to the back, their excitement contagious as they sifted through racks of high-end dresses.

  "Let's make her look like a goddess, shall we?" one of them grinned, pulling out a glittering gold dress.

  After what felt like an eternity of being dressed, prodded, and made up, I finally looked at my reflection-a stranger stared back at me. The gold dress hugged my frame perfectly, and my hair was styled in soft waves that framed my face just right. My makeup was flawless, accentuating my features in a way that felt surreal.

  I stepped out, and Lucas's gaze flickered over me, lingering just a second too long before he turned away, expression carefully neutral.

  "This is good," he said with a nod. Turning to the attendants, he gestured to a rack. "Pack up everything in her size."

  I opened my mouth to protest, to insist that one dress was more than enough, but he was already heading toward the counter.

  "Are you seriously buying all these clothes?" I asked, trailing after him with a scowl.

  He didn't look at me as he handed over his card.

"Are you planning to wear the same dress every time you meet my father?"

  My mouth snapped shut. He had a point. 

 Begrudgingly, I bit back a retort and waited as he finalized the purchase.

  Then he moved over to a glass case displaying an array of diamond rings, his eyes narrowing on a sparkling pair.

  I blinked, my stomach lurching as he gestured toward one. 

 "You're... buying rings?"

  He didn't even pause. "I forgot to mention-I'm engaging you tonight."