Chapter 4
~ Octavia ~
The inauguration was a blur.
I stood beside Franklin on that stage, his hand barely touching the small of my back, just enough for the cameras but not enough to feel real. The applause was deafening. The smiles were blinding. Everyone congratulated us like we were the perfect couple, like this was some fairy tale romance instead of the nightmare it actually was.
Franklin gave his acceptance speech with the kind of confidence that made people fall silent just to listen. He was charismatic, eloquent, everything a CEO should be. And I stood there like a prop, smiling until my face hurt, playing the role of the devoted fiancée.
When it finally ended, I wanted nothing more than to escape. To go home, lock myself in my room, and pretend this entire day never happened.
But Franklin had other plans.
"I need to speak with you," he said coldly as we walked off stage, his hand dropping from my back the moment we were out of the camera's view. "Privately."
He didn't wait for my response. He just strode toward a side corridor, clearly expecting me to follow.
I considered refusing. Considered just walking out the front door and never looking back.
But I followed anyway.
He led me to a smaller office, something more intimate. The door clicked shut behind us, and suddenly we were alone. Alone for the first time since this mess began. His infuriatingly handsome looks made my face burn and my heart flutter and I hated it.
"Let me make one thing clear," he started, his voice sharp. "This is a contract. Nothing more. I will ensure your family's business flourishes. You won't lack anything during the course of this… contract marriage…clothes, jewelry, whatever you need to play the part. But that's where it ends."
I crossed my arms, refusing to let him see how much his words stung.
He continued, pacing slowly. "We will act like a married couple to the world. Attend events together. Smile for the cameras. Hold hands when necessary." His jaw tightened. "But never indoors. Never in private. What we do in public is for show. Nothing more."
"I understand…" I started, but he cut me off.
"I'm in love with another woman," he said flatly, and I saw the flash of pain in his eyes before he masked it. "That won't change. This marriage won't change that. So don't get any ideas about…"
"I understand," I repeated, more firmly this time. My pride wouldn't let him finish that sentence. "Trust me, I have no interest in crossing any lines with you. This is business. You said it yourself, it's a contract. We play our parts for a few months, help our families, and then we get a divorce and never see each other again."
Something flickered across his face like surprise, but it was gone before I could identify it.
"Good," he said curtly. "As long as we're on the same page…"
A sharp knock on the door interrupted him.
"Come in," Franklin called out, his CEO voice back in place.
The door opened to reveal a young man in an impeccable suit, holding a tablet. He looked nervous, his eyes darting between Franklin and me.
"Mr. Flemington, I'm sorry to interrupt," he said quickly, casting a brief, sharp glance my way. "Hello, I'm Anthony Rice, Mr. Flemington's secretary." He extended a hand for a handshake.
"Octavia Herman," I replied, taking his hand. But within a millisecond, he pulled away, trying to hide it behind a tight-lipped smile.
"There's something urgent you need to know," he said, turning to Franklin with a tense tone.
Franklin's expression immediately darkened. "What is it?"
Anthony glanced at me uncertainly, as if he wasn't sure he should speak in front of me. Franklin gestured impatiently for him to continue.
"The board members just finished an emergency meeting," Anthony said, his voice dropping. "They've... they've added a condition to the situation."
My stomach dropped. Of course they did.
"What condition?" Franklin demanded.
Anthony swallowed hard. "They've agreed that you and Miss Herman must stay married for at least two years before they'll consider the marriage legitimate. Only then will they make you Executive Chairman with full authority."
"What?" I and Franklin snapped in uniform.
"Two years of marriage," Anthony repeated, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. "They said two years would be enough proof that this isn't just a publicity stunt. They want to see long-term commitment before they grant you full control of the company."
The room suddenly felt too small, too hot. Two years? They wanted me to tie my life to this man…this handsome, wealthy, arrogant stranger who hated me for two entire years?
"That's absurd!" Franklin exploded. "They can't just…"
"They already voted on it, sir," Anthony said miserably. "It's done. I'm sorry."
Franklin turned to look at me, and for once, we were united in our shock and horror.
Two years. Two years of my life. Two years of pretending. Two years of living with someone who looked at me with contempt.
I couldn't do this. I wouldn't do this.
There had to be another way to save my parents' company. A loan, an investor, something…anything but this.
"No," I said, my voice shaking. "No, I can't…"
"Octavia…" Franklin started, but I was already backing toward the door.
"I'm sorry, but I can't marry you for two years," I said quickly, fumbling for the door handle. "This is your problem, Franklin. Your company, your board members, your mess. You need to sort it out yourself."
"Wait…." He took a step toward me.
But I was already pulling the door open.
"I'll find another way to help my parents," I said, even though I had no idea how. "But this? Two years of my life? No. I can't do it. I won't."
"Octavia, stop!" Franklin's voice was sharp, commanding.
If I stayed in that room one more second, I might agree to something I'd regret for the rest of my life.
"Octavia!" Franklin's voice echoed behind me, but I didn't look back.
I burst through the front doors of Flemington Tower and into the cool evening air, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst from my chest.
I need time to think!