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“You don’t think I know that? Listen. Our marriage wouldn’t even be a real marriage. We’d only be married by a piece of paper. We’d live separate lives. You do your thing, and I’d do mine. After one year, we’d have the marriage annulled, and it would be as if we had never been married. I’ll pay you five hundred thousand dollars after we’re married and the rest after we get divorced. Think about what you could do with that money, Stella. This arrangement benefits both of us. The only thing I’d need from you is when I have dinners and events to attend. People will want to meet Mrs. Miles Bradshaw.”
“And what the hell do I tell my friends?”
“You tell them we met in Vegas, fell in love, and got married. It happens. There is one stipulation.”
“What?”
“You’d have to move into my penthouse.”
“Why? You said we’d live separate lives.”
“And we will. It’s just my uncle will be keeping an eye on me. It needs to look real. Honestly, the last thing I want is someone moving in.”
“Thanks.” She rolled her eyes.
“No offense, Stella. You’d have your own room and come and go as you please. My home would be your home for a year. After that, you’ll move out and get your own place.”
“And what if I meet someone in a year?”
“I wouldn’t stop you from dating. I only ask that you don’t bring him back to the penthouse, and I will extend the same courtesy to you.”
“I can’t believe this.” She stood from the couch and walked over to the window. “I’m a fucking psychologist. I know better than this.”
“A psychologist with a dream. One million dollars, Stella. And a beautiful penthouse for a year.”
* * *
Stella
I stood there with my arms folded, looking out into the city. My stomach was tied in knots, and I didn’t know what to do. This man was willing to pay me one million dollars to become his fake wife for a year. A year that would quickly pass. I could go to school full-time and get my doctorate. Then, I’d be a fully licensed child psychologist and would be able to easily find the job I always wanted. Maybe I could even start my own practice.
“Fine.” I turned around. “I’ll marry you.”
“Seriously?” His face lit up.
“Yes. As you said, this benefits both of us. When and where?”
“As soon as we return to New York, we can file for a marriage license and marry at the courthouse.”
“Ah, the dream wedding I’ve always wanted.”
He walked over and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into an embrace.
“You can have your dream wedding after our year is up. It’s only for one year. Thank you, Stella.”
“Sure, Miles.” I broke our embrace. “I have to go and tell Jordyn I’m moving out.”
“By the way. What is your last name?” he asked.
“Harper.”
“Thank you, Stella Harper.” A smile crossed his lips as he pulled his phone from his pocket. “Since you’re my fiancée, I’ll need your phone number.”
I rattled it off and heard a ding coming from my purse.
“I just sent you a text. Now, you have my number.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you later or back in New York.” I walked out of his suite.
