Richard's POV
So she did notice, I don't know if I should be surprised or not. Of course I know they don't tally, this was a damn test. Who does she think I am "So what do you suggest we do about it?". I asked her to see my opinion about this. If she's smart enough she'll figure something out. Her eyes turned into saucers as she shifted her gaze towards me, mouths agape but she closed it back in a few seconds. That smart mouth of hers. "Well for starters, you can check to see if they are actually a company because I see no reason why a respectable company will come here and waste our time". I started clapping my hands slowly as I stood up, and so did everyone. "Leave us". Everyone else left the office and I was left with her. I need to comfort myself this time. Just moments ago, I was spitting out words like a horny rabbit. I closed the distance between us and I couldn't help but chuckle at her confused face. "What just happened?". "Congratulations, you passed the test. Do you really think I was just going to let you play secretary if you're not fit for the job?". Her puzzled face was thrown into a confused state, different emotions erupting. From shock to relief and the one I'm glad to see, anger. But of course she can't do anything, I'll just fire her. She went to prepare our things when I grabbed her hand, she's not going yet. I need her. "Sit down". I commanded. She turned her front to me, looking dazed. She grabbed the nearest seat to her and sat. " I have a business proposal for you". I can't believe I'm going through with this, is it either this or I'll tell the board I'm a single father. I can't risk Miranda's life, not again. "I'm listening". I sighed and continued, " I'm In a predicament and I need your help". "You need me?". "The board has decided that I need to get married to stabilize the company and let of some 'steam'-". "Hold up, hold up, hold up. I don't see how this concern me in any way". "I need you to pose as my fake fiancèe for eighteen months". There, I let it all out, she doesn't answer me for some time, my patience is growing thinner by the minute, I need this to work. "But why me, you can have any other girl but me, what about Rachael?". I recoiled hearing that name, I won't lie that she didn't come across my mind, but knowing her personality and all, she's just too much. Katilyn on the other hand will do, a typical boss and secretary romance. I scoffed at the idea, I can't believe I'm going through with this, but it needs to be done, to remove the board from hovering over my neck like hungry mosquitoes. I wait for her response, she's debating or not she wants the offer, if she refuse I'm back to square one. She has no disadvantage her, she gets a good life, I'll take care of my wife. Fake or not. "Earlier today, I had a meeting with the board, and there were pestering me about my love life and I slipped out, saying I already had a fiancèe that I didn't want to go public with it, I choose you because you are you, I can control you more than I can to Rachael, you are very submissive to me. And our rest earlier confirms it". Her face turned red and she looked down, then up again. Yes, she's going to agree. " Well, Mr CEO, I'm not interested, in whatever you do with the board, aren't you the boss or something, you can just fire them". I wish I could, but I can't. As much as I hate to admit, Harp's technology is what it is today, thanks to their cooperation with me since I was made the CEO of this community. "That's not how it works, and what do you mean you won't do it, you have nothing to lose". "Yes I do, my dignity. I'm not going to allow some man to treat me like a kind of doll, you can play with at your command". Fuck. I need to convince her, I have to, I can't make Miranda known, as selfish as it is, I don't mind marrying another woman just to protect her. She stood up to leave but I grabbed her hand. I've never done this much physical contact since Selina, she looked at me with that confused look again, I can't believe I'm begging someone. She tried to struggle but I won't let her, I can't. "You're a psycho, Richard". I smirked, "I've been called worse". And with that, I did the unthinkable, I leaned in and kissed her. Or I thought I did.