Stay With Me For A Year

Terrence's POV

I was staring at the paper Dan gave me while sitting in the driver's seat of my car. I went to Anne's condo but she wasn't there. I even called her friends and anyone I know who might know her whereabouts but I still couldn't find her.

The fact that she disappeared on our very wedding day is making me so fcking frustrated and worried. If she was abducted, her abductor should've called by now but none.

"Emery Craig," I whispered the name of the woman I married today.

I got a substitute bride just like what Tiffany said but I'm not happy about it. Why did Anne leave me like that? If there's a problem, she can just tell me. I'm willing to listen to everything she's going to say. She's my fiance. If she's not ready to marry me, she could just tell me.

Someone knocked on the window of my car. I rolled it down after seeing Dan outside.

"Sir, I already talked to the manager of the bank. You just have to meet him tomorrow with the debtor and settle."

I nodded. "Thanks, Dan. You can now go home and rest."

"Sir, I think having Miss Craig as your wife isn't a bad thing at all. I mean, she was an executive and she's a respectable woman. Plus, her zodiac sign matches yours—"

I glared at him. "Are you tired of living, Dan?"

He immediately bowed his head. "I should take my leave now, Sir. It's past my working hours. Have a good night."

I hissed and rolled the window up.

It was almost dawn when I got back home. I was rubbing my sleepy eyes when I saw Dad sitting on the couch while drinking coffee.

"Dad…"

"Where have you been? Where's your wife?"

I glanced at the stairs. "Upstairs. And she's not my wife, Dad."

"You married her."

I shook my head. "We haven't signed legal documents yet and I have no intentions of signing anything."

He took a deep breath and shifted his weight. "Son, I think you should keep her by your side even just for a year."

My forehead creased. "Dad, can you hear yourself? My real bride is missing and you want me to stay with a woman I mistakenly married? I won't do that."

"You have to. For the sake of the company, Terrence. If the board found out about this, they'd think you're not responsible enough to carry the responsibility of being the president. I may be the chairman, but the board has the right to appoint an executive."

Clenching my jaws, I thought about the position I had a hard time reaching. Damn it!

I squeezed my eyes closed and massaged the bridge of my nose. "I can't just stay with her, dad. She's not my real bride and Anne is missing."

"You don't even have to treat her as your real wife. Just do this for the show. And you said it yourself, you haven't signed any legal documents yet. I won't force you to sign one. Just keep her for a year. We need her to reassure the board now."

***Emery's POV

I woke up early the next day. When I sat on the bed, I saw some paper bags on the couch inside my room. I guess that's the clothes Terrence Gray was talking about.

The paper bag has a dress, shoes, shampoo, body wash, and everything I need for the day.

Nodding, I went to the bathroom to take a bath. I should talk to Terrence Gray now about our agreement. And since we didn't sign any documents, I don't think I should stay here.

I went downstairs expecting only Terrence Gray but I found more people in the dining hall. So, this is a family house?

"Good morning." A man slightly resembling Terrence was the first to notice me. He smiled sweetly while his eyes were intensely looking at me.

"Come and sit with us, hija." An old man who I presumed to be the head of the family smiled and invited me.

I smiled, giving back the same respect before bowing my head a little. "Good morning."

I sat beside Terrence who was just sitting while reading the tabloid. In front of him was a cup of coffee. He didn't even greet me. What a jerk!

"How's your sleep?"

I smiled at the old man again. "I had a good sleep, sir."

When I looked at the other people on the dining table, I realized they were all looking at me. The young girl yesterday named Tiffany was looking at me with a bitchy look on her face. She's sitting in front of me. Beside her was the man who greeted me, still smiling and staring at me. While in front of Terrence, a woman I presumed was the mother was sitting silently while looking at me with a creased forehead.

I know a rude person when I see one and I can definitely tell that this family is full of rude people, except for the head of the family.

After breakfast, Terrence brought me to the balcony to talk. He was puffing a cigarette early in the morning and it's making my forehead crease. He looked so problematic when I couldn't see any problem here.

"If you think I'll be sentimental because of our accidental marriage, I won't. I will leave as soon as we settle our agreement."

He looked at me, still not pleased with what I said.

"You can't leave just yet. You have to stay married to me. Fakely married, I mean."

Confusion filled me. "Why? I don't see any reason for me to stay. We're not really married."

"I need you to pretend to be my wife. I need to do this for the company."

"What?!"

"We're going to meet the manager of the bank today. If you agree to be my pretend wife for a year, you'll clear your debt this instant and your company will be saved. If you refuse, I'll buy your company and make you suffer. The choice is yours, so pick the best one."

My Wife

Emery's POV

I had no choice but to agree to Terrence's terms. To save my mom's company, we'll keep our fake marriage for a year.

After completing the contract, we were now at the bank paying for what my stupid half-brother had loaned.

Ten million dollars, even if for Mr. Jones, it was a huge amount and he could only pay in installments. But Terrence paid it off without blinking an eye.

"Thank you, Mr. Gray. I apologize on behalf of my colleagues for threatening your wife." The manager of the bank who actually threatened me bowed his head at Terrence apologizing. His two-sided face really disgusted me.

Terrence didn't bother to glance at the manager and took me out of the building.

"Thank you," I said after we got in his car again.

Terrence silently handed me the legal documents containing the ownership of the company. It's still under Ethan, my stepbrother's name, but I will make sure to get it back. I will not let him ruin the company that belongs to my mom.

"I've done my part, and don't forget your duty. Or I'll take over your company without showing any mercy."

I rolled my eyes and looked at him. "I won't run away, mister. Just drop me off at a bus stop. I'll manage after that."

"Give me your home address. I'll drop you off at your house."

"What for? There's no need for you to know about my house."

"You're my wife—my pretend wife rather. I need to know where to find you if you're not at my house."

"Fine!" I scoffed and shook my head.

I told him the address and he really dropped me off. I just lazily waved at him while he stared at me.

When I entered the house, I saw Dad and his wife arguing about something. Three men were standing in front of them and it looked like they were harassing them.

"Emery!" My evil stepmother looked at me with blazing evil eyes. I looked at her boredly.

"What have you been doing, woman? These people are saying that you haven't paid the loan. What did you do with the money that you got from Mr. Jones? You're just as useless as I thought."

I gritted my teeth and glared at her. Without saying anything, I took the document off my back and showed it to the people in front of us. "Didn't your manager inform you? I just paid the loan."

"W-We're sorry, ma'am. We should take our leave now."

I lifted my chin and pressed my lips together when Martina, my dad's wife, laughed mockingly.

"Look how she played her cards well. Your skills are really amusing, Emery. Did you satisfy that old man last night?"

"Stop it, Martina!" Dad glared at his wife and just when I thought he was finally on my side, he looked at me and said… "Thank you for doing this for our family, Em."

Our family? I laughed mockingly as I folded the paper and looked at him again with a blank face. I can't believe him!

"You know why I did this, Dad."

He nodded and softly stared at my face. "Yes, and I know you won't disappoint me. Get along with Mr. Jones, Em. Make him happy since he really helped us. If not for him, we—"

"Please!" I growled as I gritted my teeth. I took a deep breath and looked at him with hatred. He never fails to disappoint me.

"I will get my position back, Dad. I will ask the board to put me back in position because I will really not allow a stupid gambler and good-for-nothing mama's boy to bring my company down."

Martina gasped. "How dare you insult my son, Emery!"

I just smirked at her before I went upstairs to get my clothes. Just for a year. I need to endure this for a year. God! I hate my life!

***

Riding my own car, I went to the company first. I need to know the situation in the company. I'm sure the board is pissed because of what's happening.

"I need to talk to her now! Call her!"

A familiar voice welcomed me after I reached the floor of my office. A familiar man, arguing with my executive assistant, is in front of my office.

"Miss Craig is not here, Sir. I'm sorry."

"No! Tell her to come out or I'll ruin the door."

I gritted my teeth and roamed my eyes around. My employees are watching and some are even filming the scene.

"Bonnie," I called my assistant who looked very relieved after seeing me.

"Miss Craig, he's insisting on seeing you."

"I'll handle this."

She looked hesitant but I ignored her and went to my office. Mr. Jones immediately followed me. The employees outside were watching so I had to close the blinds.

"What the hell was that, Emery? You came to me asking for my help, but you didn't attend the wedding?"

I sighed and looked him in the eyes. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jones. Our deal is off."

"What? Do you think the bank will give you consideration?"

"I already paid the bank, Mr. Jones. So, the deal is off."

His forehead creased and I can see that his anger has intensified. "Are you kidding me? I'm willing to give you money with only marriage in return, but you have the guts to say that? Who do you think you are? Do you think someone will give you that large amount of money just like me? Huh?"

I nodded, "Fortunately, someone did. I'm sorry again, Mr. Jones. For wasting your time."

He shook his head and angrily pointed a finger at me. "I will make sure you'll regret this. I will make you pay for fooling me, you gold digger bitch!"

After Mr. Jones left, I shook my head in disbelief. I opened the blinds and sat on my chair, massaging my forehead, but the door swung open again and the person I didn't expect to see here entered.

"Terrence," I called his name as I looked outside the glass wall of my office. Great!

"Why are you here?" I asked with a creased forehead.

He roamed his eyes before he sat on the couch and looked at me. "Visiting my wife."

I laughed without humor. "Don't even try to make me laugh."

"You just did," he said as he stared at me blankly.

I gritted my teeth and glared at him. "Why are you here, Terrence? My employees will be curious and will make a fuss because of you."

"Let them die of envy."

I rolled my eyes. "You're so arrogant!"

"I saw Mr. Jones outside. Was he your supposed husband?"

Looking away, I answered. "Yeah."

"He's a perverted old man, sicko."

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

He smirked. "You have to take an absence today. You're coming with me to my company."

"Why would I?" Raising an eyebrow, I asked.

He walked towards me and I was shocked when he grabbed my swivel chair and pulled me closer to him. His hands rested on the armrest of my chair as he bent forward and moved his face closer to mine.

My lips parted in shock as the corner of his lips rose, showing an arrogant smirk.

"I'm gonna introduce my wife to the board of my company."

Convincing Kiss

Emery's POV

"Do I really have to be here to convince them that you're actually married to me?" I asked as I watched the people coming in and out of the tall building of Empire Gray. This is really happening. I'm really married—not actually married, but fakely married to the wealthiest man in the country. I still can't believe this.

Terrence looked at me lazily and grimaced. "It's not like you'll tell each and every one of them that you're married to me. You just have to act sweet, baby."

"Baby?"

He shot an eyebrow up. "You don't like that? How ‘bout love? Babe? Honey? Sweetie—"

"Wait…" I lifted my arm and laughed without humor. "You're not serious with that, right?"

He crossed his arms. "Look me in the eye and tell me I'm joking."

I gasped and gritted my teeth. "Terrence, I'm not gonna call you using those…cheesy and stupid…endearment!"

"I'm not forcing you but if they notice something that they shouldn't…say goodbye to your company."

I glared at him. "Are you threatening me?"

The corner of his lips rose as unbuckled his seatbelt. "Not really. I'm saying you should help me since I helped you. It's just give and take, love—"

"Shut it! Your endearment is making me puke!" Not really but…I feel uncomfortable when he calls me with such endearment because it's affecting me. Damn it!

He smirked even more arrogantly. "Why? Does it sound so sexy that you're wetting your pants—"

I got out of the car and shook my head in disbelief after I heard his bark of laughter. Damn, this perverted billionaire! I thought I got away from a perverted husband but it turned out he's also one.

"Good morning, Mr. Gray." Terrence threw his car key to the man who greeted him. I remember him. He was the man who approached Terrence and whispered something to him at our wedding.

I just crossed my arms and looked at the entrance of the building. This is really amusing.

"See how badass your husband is?" I jumped in shock when Terrence whispered in my ear.

He was behind me and when he stood beside me, I immediately hit his stomach. He coughed and chuckled as he looked at me.

"Violent. I like that!"

I hissed. "Shut up and let's get this over with."

He chuckled. "Yeah! You just have to french kiss me in front of them and it's over."

I looked at him in disbelief. "Don't you have anything to say other than perverted things?"

He just smirked and wrapped his arm around my waist. I flinched when his palm rested on my stomach. I felt my cheeks start burning. What the hell? A mere touch from him could affect me like this? Am I a teenager?

He leaned closer to me again and whispered in my ear. "Act naturally, baby. I'm gonna spank your pretty ass if you don–Argh!"

I stepped on his shoe and I made sure my heel would squeeze his toe. He looked at me with widened eyes and a pale face, enduring the pain.

"Let's go, baby. I'm excited to meet the board of your company." I said, smirking sarcastically, and started walking away, leaving him groaning in pain. That's what you get.

He managed to catch up and he frowned before he walked straight beside me. I thought we could get to his office or to wherever we were going peacefully but a group of reporters suddenly appeared around us. My eyes widened as I looked at Terrence. He doesn't look shocked as if he's expecting this. What the hell?

"Mr. Gray, we heard that you got married privately. Is she your wife?"

"Aren't you the famous Emery Craig? How long have you been in a relationship with Mr. Gray?"

"How did you two meet?"

"Is this the sign of your companies merging?"

I saw Terrence clenched his jaws with a serious face. I don't know how to react. He showed me two sides of him and I don't know what's real. His playful side or his serious side. I don't know. Either way, he's handsome as fck.

"Mr. Gray, can you tell us how you met Miss Craig?"

I thought Terrence would continue to ignore them but he stopped and looked at the woman who asked as if he was offended. "Hold it right there! It's kinda offending to hear ‘Miss' before my wife's name. Shouldn't it be ‘Mrs. Gray'?"

I couldn't hide the irritation on my face because of what he said. Really? He could convince the people that way?

Terrence smirked arrogantly and pulled me closer to him again, his arm around my waist. This perverted weirdo is testing my patience, huh?

I hugged his waist too and smiled at the reporters. "I don't think sharing private information is necessary. We're married and in love, that's all that matters, right monkey?"

His smile faded and his forehead immediately creased. The people around us laughed because of the endearment. Ha! Serves you right.

"That's a very unique endearment, Mrs. Gray."

I laughed and looked at the female reporter. "I know right? I just find it so cute whenever he's serious. He looks like a monkey searching for a fight."

And the crowd laughed again. I bit my bottom lip and looked at Terrence. His frown slowly faded and he smiled cunningly. "My baby is really unique and sweet, right? Who would've thought that we met in a train station?"

My forehead creased. Train station? What the hell? I don't ride the train because I have a car.

"You meet in a train station, Mr. Gray?"

Terrence laughed. "Yes! I thought she was homeless because she was sitting on the corner and I dropped some coins in front of her. She cursed me saying she was just tying her shoelace."

Irritation filled me as I heard the crowd's bark of laughter. Seriously? That's lame!

I looked up at him with a creased forehead. He looked down at me and I was shocked when he pecked on my lips. He did that smoothly and naturally and I felt my cheeks burning and the crowd went wild. I was holding my breath the whole time he asked the reporters to give way to us.

"Excuse us. My baby tigress is getting angry. She doesn't really wanna talk about our embarrassing first meeting," he said, whispering his last sentence like he didn't want me to hear it.

I was still frozen until we got inside the elevator. When the door slid closed, I immediately faced him and punched his stomach. He endured the pain as he coughed.

"You perverted weirdo! Why did you kiss me…again?"

He looked at me with narrowed eyes but smirking lips. "That's what you get for calling me monkey."

"You–"

I was shocked again when he pushed my back against the elevator and caged me between his arms. He moved his face closer and I was in awe while looking into his blue pair of eyes. He smiled again and his dimple showed, making me feel like I was losing my mind.

What the hell is this? Am I attracted to him?

"That's barely a kiss, baby. Do you want me to give you a real kiss this time?"

"W-What?"

"A knee-wobbling French kiss is my specialty. Wanna try?" He whispered which gave me goosebumps.

I gasped and that's when the elevator door slid open and the person standing in front of us dropped all the folders she was carrying. She looked horrified with burning red cheeks. Fck!