Pretend Married (A Billionaire Love Story)

by Nikki Wild

  “About you Edward. And his vision for his company.”

  “What? Why would he talk to you about anything like that?”

  “He liked my work with the law firm and he felt I would be an asset to his business.”

  “Are you saying he solicited you to come to work for me?”

  I took a seat on the edge of my desk now. Julia stared up at me and started to nervously swivel back and forth in her chair.

  “Yes that’s right. It was your grandfather who told you that you’d need to hire a new replacement after the other publicist had suddenly ‘taken ill’ and ‘gone to a better place’. Remember Charlie Johansson?”

  “Yeah… Poor Charlie. May he rest in peace…..”

  “Charlie didn’t get sick and he didn’t die you idiot. The ‘better place’ was the Armani office in Rome….”

  “Are you fucking kidding me Julia?! I can’t believe what I’m hearing! How could I not know any of this?”

  “You didn’t care enough about Charlie Johansson to find out what really happened to him. Your grandfather was counting on your self-absorption.”

  “Son of bitch! What the fuck was all that about? Why did Nonno do all that?”

  “He wanted me to be in charge of your public image. He felt that your playboy reputation was hurting his company and he needed someone extremely savvy to do heavy-duty damage control on your behalf. On a more personal level, he thought you were also in need of a stabilizing influence; someone to kindly and patiently steer you in the proper direction, so to speak. And I guess he decided I fit the bill. So he transferred Charlie and set up my interview with you. I didn’t have any experience as a publicist. He was certain that you’d hire me because of my looks…..and you did.”

  I got up and walked toward the window. The gray wet day seemed very dreary to me now, and my mind felt like a whirlwind of thoughts swirling around in my brain. The entire time I’d known Julia she had been privy to this information; Armani company information. Stuff that I had known nothing about. She and my grandfather had conspired together against me. And apparently I had played right into their fucking hands. I wondered what else was a lie. I couldn’t even begin to wrap my head around what I’d just heard.

  “Is that everything? Or is there anything else I should know regarding my grandfather and my family’s company? Anything else you’d like to share with me Julia?”

  I turned back around toward her and looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. It was like I had a different set of eyes.

  “Yes. Actually there is one more thing. Your grandfather’s legacy.”

  “His legacy? What are you talking about now?”

  Julia was starting to tear up and sniffle but I had no sympathy for her.

  “Well I’m talking about all of his charitable work; The enormous amount of money and time he donated to his favorite causes. He didn’t want all that work to end when his life ended. But he knew you were against all that so he was hoping I could help change your mind and open your heart; Maybe get you see the importance of making a better world for everyone.”

  Julia’s was sobbing hard now and she was beginning to choke on her words as she pleaded the rest of her case.

  “And that’s what I’ve tried to do. And that’s what I’m still trying to do. Every time I mention a women’s shelter, or point out the marine life in the bay, or show you a new city playground, that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to show you all the ways that your family money has made a difference around this city just like your grandfather wanted me to do.”

  Julia’s face was streaked from her tears and I could tell she was completely spent. She took a handful of tissues out of her purse and started blowing her nose and wiping her eyes. I felt like a heel for not comforting her but I was upset. I felt betrayed by her and by Nonno. How much of this was real? How much was my grandfather interfering with my life? I needed to gather my thoughts.

  “I’m going home now Edward. I know you’re mad. That’s why I’ve been afraid to tell you all this time. If you want me to move out I will!”

  Before I even knew what was happening, Julia ran out of the office. I didn’t try to stop her and I didn’t run after her.

  29

  Julia

  Well that was that. I was pretty sure it was all over. Edward was clearly very hurt and very angry. It seemed I had done irreparable damage to our relationship by telling him the truth. But I didn’t have a choice. I knew I had to do it since he was going to find out sooner or later. It was just a matter of time. There was simply too much incriminating evidence waiting to be found. I needed to come clean.

  I didn’t feel like going home yet, so wandered around the Ferry Building for a while. The rain had stopped so I walked outside to the Embarcadero and sat on a damp waterfront bench with a couple of noisy seagulls while I stared out at the bay. There were a couple of sailboats out on the water, which reminded me of the incredibly romantic sailing weekend we had and caused me to tear up. I decided I might as well just head for home.

  When I walked into the house I couldn’t help but wonder if it even was still my home. I plopped down on the living room sofa and the water works started all over again. Nigel heard my sniffling and instantly came in to see if he could be of some help.

  “I don’t know how much longer I’ll be living here Nigel. Edward’s pretty mad at me.”

  “Did he finally discover the secret you and his grandfather shared Miss Julia?”

  I was floored by Nigel’s question. You could’ve knocked me over with a feather.

  “You know about all that Nigel?”

  “Of course. A wise butler always knows everything…….”

  “Wow. I don’t know what to say. So you knew but you didn’t say anything to Edward.”

  “As his butler, my job is to serve him. As his friend, my job is to look after him. There’s a distinct difference, but as both his butler and his friend… I believe you’re the best thing that ever happened to that man, Julia Jones.”

  “You’re amazing Nigel…… you know that?”

  “Right back at you Miss Julia. I know you’ve only had Edward’s best interest at heart this whole time. As did his grandfather… We’ve all been working for a common cause. And trust me……Edward will realize that before he even walks through the door tonight. In fact, I’ll bet he comes home early to apologize to you. You’ll see.”

  “I wish I could be as sure about that as you are Nigel. If you could have seen his face…..he was so hurt.”

  “But he’s grown quite a bit in the past few weeks Miss Julia, in no small part due to you. It’s not going to take him long to figure this one out.”

  “And if he doesn’t?” I asked quietly.

  “A good butler knows when to hit someone upside his stupid head.”

  “Thanks so much Nigel. You always know just the right thing to say to comfort me.”

  Nigel kissed me on the top of my head.

  “If I may take the liberty Miss Julia, you have always felt somewhat like a daughter to me.”

  “Awww I think I’m gonna cry again…..”

  “And I think I hear Edward’s car coming up the driveway already. Right on schedule.”

  “Oh my God Nigel that is him! That’s his car! You’re amazing!”

  “Miss Julia, may I suggest you dry your eyes and go freshen up. You need to stand firm on this. You’ve done nothing wrong. There’s no reason for you to keep apologizing about it.”

  “Okay…..Yes you’re right. Stall him if you need to Nigel. I’ll be back out in a couple minutes.”

  “Will do! Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be fine Miss.”

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you Nigel!”

  I ran into the master bathroom and looked in the mirror. Yikes! Nigel was right again. I did not look like a strong woman. I looked like a forlorn little girl. I splashed water on my face, tidied up my mascara and combed my hair. Much better! I heard the garage door open and sho
rtly after, the sound of muffled voices as Edward greeted Nigel in the entryway. Time for me to go face the music….

  When I came out Edward was already sitting on the sofa with his necktie off and Nigel was handing him a martini. I took a seat on the opposite end of the couch.

  “Would you like a drink Miss Julia?”

  “No thank you Nigel. I’m fine. We’re trying to have a baby, so I won’t be drinking for a while.”

  “Quite right…” he replied, leaving the room to give us privacy.

  Of course… I had a feeling he was hovering somewhere in an adjacent room within earshot.

  Edward and I looked at each other awkwardly, each not knowing which one of us should begin first. To my surprise Edward set down his drink, scooted over next to me and took both of my hands in his. His eyes were sad and soulful; definitely full of sorrow and regret. But I honestly couldn’t tell what he was going to say. Was he going to give me the “Sorry things didn’t work out better between us” speech or the “Sorry I’ve been such a big jerk” speech. I wished I could read people better; Like Nigel. I felt my stomach churn as I waited for Edward to speak.

  “Julia. I don’t know what to say……….”

  Oh my God! I wished he would just come out with it already! But I waited patiently in silence. Edward looked down for a moment and swallowed hard before continuing.

  “Julia can you find it in your heart to ever forgive me? I’m so sorry that I hurt you.”

  The ‘big jerk’ speech! Yes! What a tremendous relief! I threw my arms around him and hugged him like it was the end of the world.

  “Edward of course I forgive you! Can you ever forgive me? I never meant to hurt you either.”

  “I understand all that now Julia. I know you and Nonno were only trying to help me be the best person I could be, so I could be worthy of all that he wanted to give me.”

  “But I’m still sorry I kept the whole thing a secret from you for so long. I should have said something once our engagement became real. It showed a lack of intimacy and trust on my part, and there is absolutely no excuse for that.”

  “Well I can easily see why you would be afraid to tell me. Perhaps if my ego wasn’t so huge…”

  “And I can easily see why you would feel betrayed and confused Edward. And shocked! That was a pretty big bomb I dropped.”

  Nigel suddenly popped back into the living room with a smile.

  “Sounds like everything is back to normal in here. If I can’t interest you in a martini, perhaps you would like some tea Miss Julia?”

  “Actually I would. That sounds wonderful. Thank you Nigel.”

  “My pleasure Miss.”

  Nigel poured a cup of tea and brought it over to the couch. Now I had a special request for him:

  “Nigel will you do me a favor please?”

  “Anything for you Miss Julia.”

  “Will you please fix a drink for yourself and join us in toasting Edward’s grandfather?”

  “Great idea Julia! Please join us Nigel! We insist!”

  “Well since you’re both twisting my arms……”

  Nigel went back over to the bar and shook up a martini for himself before settling into a chair next to us. The three of us raised our glasses in the air. My teacup looked out of place against the two perfectly balanced martini glasses as we looked up to the heavens for our toast to Nonno. Edward began the salute:

  “Here’s to you Nonno! Thanks for knowing what’s best for me!”

  We all clinked our glasses and said, “Cheers!” before sipping our drinks.

  Then I chimed in:

  “And here’s to Nonno for ensuring I got the job as Edward’s publicist!”

  Again we brought our glasses together and hollered, “Here here!” before taking a taking another taste.

  Finally, Nigel added his part of the toast:

  “And here’s to Nonno for ensuring that Julia married Edward!”

  This time we did not clink our glasses together. Nor did we take a drink. Edward and I just stared at Nigel with our mouths hanging open.

  “Excuse me? Ensuring Julia married me? What the fuck Nigel?”

  “Yeah Nigel……what in the world are you talking about? I didn’t exactly have a gun to my back.”

  “Well surely you two didn’t think he only steered you together for business reasons? Who do you think he had in mind when he added that codicil to his will? Smokey the Bear?”

  Edward and I looked at each other in shock. I guess it never had occurred to either one of us. But it made complete sense now that Nigel said it.

  “Are you saying my grandfather was playing matchmaker the whole time?”

  “I thought it was obvious!” Nigel swigged down the rest of his martini in one gulp and laughed at us.

  For a short minute I wondered if Edward was going to be pissed-off again at the thought of being duped once more by his grandfather. It certainly would’ve been understandable. I mean, how much deceit can a guy take in one day? But instead I got a pleasant surprise when he simply shook his head in disbelief and his killer smile spread across his boyish face. Then he raised his glass to me:

  “Here’s to my Nonno, the most brilliant man I ever knew! I will be forever in his debt!”

  I raised my tea cup back to Edward:

  “Amen! I’ll drink to that!”

  30

  Edward

  Julia twirled her way into the kitchen in a flirty effort to show off her new gown to me. Unfortunately, my head was in the refrigerator looking for a snack so I missed most of her little dance.

  “Ta-da!Well what do you think of my dress honey? Do you like it?”

  I folded a slice of Armani Italian salami into my mouth and washed it down with a swig of milk before closing the fridge door.

  “I love it! You look stunning Julia! Hot as ever! I feel sorry for all those other poor bastards who have to attend social functions with us. It’s really not fair to them that I’m always the man with the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  “Oh Edward you’re terrible! I love your compliments honey but some of those women are beautiful…”

  “Maybe so. But I just calls ‘em as I sees ‘em!”

  “Well I guess I can relate. I too have the terrible burden of being the most envied woman everywhere we go!” Julia laughed and continued, “You are ALWAYS the most handsome and dashing man at every social event. Hands down!”

  Julia kissed me hard and long and ran her persuasive fingers deeply into my ass cheeks like she wanted to strip me of my trousers right there on the spot. Normally I would’ve been game for that but we were already running a little late and I felt it would be in bad form to push it any further. The celebratory event at the Armani Building was for our stockholders, so there was no doubt in my mind I’d be missed if I were tardy – since I was the CEO and all…

  We passed Nigel, with fork in hand, in the hallway as we were headed out to the car. I thought I’d extend one more invitation to him before we left:

  “Are you sure you don’t want to come to the party Nigel? You’re certainly part of the Armani family.”

  “No. No you kids run along. I have BIG plans for the evening.”

  “Big plans? What kind of big plans?”

  “I’m going to eat the BIG slice of chocolate cake that’s waiting for me in my room. Silly me, I forgot my fork and now I’m missing Wheel of Fortune. Thanks anyway though.”

  Nigel waved his utensil at us as he scurried by.

  “Slice of chocolate cake? Was there chocolate cake in the fridge Julia? How did I miss that?”

  The company limo whisked us downtown to the event and we took the elevator up to the fifth floor ballroom. Everyone was in high spirits since the quarterly income reports were coming out and we had just had three months of record profits. Everybody was congratulating me on a job well done as their new chief executive officer and it felt great. I had a feeling my grandfather would have been quite proud of me.

  And I thin
k he would’ve been proud of Julia too.

  She made the perfect “First Lady”. She was so sophisticated and charming, and so witty and gracious. And of course gorgeous as all fuckin’ get out! I couldn’t ask for more in a mate. I smiled to myself when I thought about that sneaky grandfather of mine bringing Julia and I together. This whole crazy situation had turned out to be a fairytale romance and the wedding was in only two weeks. We weren’t having anything lavish; Just a small ceremony at our estate. We both agreed we couldn’t have a more beautiful setting than our own yard.

  The only disappointment was that Julia wasn’t pregnant yet. We had been bound and determined to create our child while we were in Europe but we had obviously failed in our efforts. We sure had fun trying though! Julia and I even postponed the wedding a couple of times while we waited for our monthly “answer” but eventually we got tired of putting it off so we decided to just keep our fingers crossed and go ahead with it now. We were cutting it very close to the Halloween deadline Nonno had given us.

  I was enjoying watching so many of the guests in the ballroom shower Julia with well-deserved attention. She was really eating it up too. It was the perfect opportunity for me to slip over to the buffet table for a bite to eat. My salami and milk snack had not been nearly enough to keep my stomach from growling. If only I’d seen that damn cake before Nigel got to it!

  People seemed to be having an exceptionally good time. I hired Michael’s band for entertainment and they were fantastic! And of course the food was superb since Armani’s Ristorante Italiano catered the affair. Quite a few guests were out on the dance floor so I thought I’d go round up Julia and join them. Unfortunately, I got cornered by a guy who wanted to talk business. I couldn’t just blow him off either because he was considering investing a sizable chunk of change in Armani Industries. I directed him to an information table at the back of the room where there was supposed to be stacks of recently updated prospectus brochures but to my surprise they were all missing.