BILLIONAIRE CEO CONTRACTED WIFE

AMELIA

"And here's a strawberry milkshake for the sweet girl!" As I set down the glass, I heard a few giggles. The diner was slightly less packed than typical Friday evenings."Thank you, Amelia." I lowered myself to her height, and she kissed my cheek. This was our normal. She had strolled in with her babysitter, Stacey, quite a few months ago. She was disappointed since reportedly some students at her school had been nasty to her.Some youngsters may be quite harsh. The other night, I was serving this table, and a small child, after a little inspection, said I was dumb since all blondes are meant to be dumb. I kept my tongue shut and went away, knowing full well that nothing good would have come of it.As I previously stated, I had cheered her up with a milkshake at the house, and at the conclusion of the day, she had declared us best friends. Children can make friends very easily!"You're welcome, sweetheart." I kissed her cheek, causing her to smile broadly."I'm sure Ava came here just to see you. "Milkshakes are only an excuse." Stacey smiled at me, the skin around the corners of her eyes wrinkling with the movement. Ava had been coming to the Treats for about a year, but I had never seen her with her parents or relatives. I wouldn't lie and say I wasn't inquisitive, but I didn't enjoy my nose being where it wasn't supposed to be."If that's the case, I'm pleased. "I love seeing her." I smiled at Stacey and brushed Ava's hair before leaving. Walking into the kitchen, I set the tray down, a grin pulling at my lips from the most recent discussion I had with that adorable child, which was a rare event given the number of awful clients we had to deal with on a regular basis.It quickly transformed into a scowl when the current anxieties returned to my head.My father's health had been better than this, and the therapies had come at a high cost. After his heart blockage was found, he was unable to continue working, and our finances were depleted significantly. A surgery was necessary, which would be quite costly. Dad had tried to hide it from us, but we couldn't get beyond the fact that everything had left him feeling powerless. I pushed my fingers to my forehead and closed my eyes."Amelia." I looked up, shocked that I hadn't seen Olivia walk in."Liv, hey!" I tried to force a little grin, which at best resulted in a grimace. Balancing emotions was never a significant interest of mine. It was beyond my powers to maintain a veneer and smile when I had important tasks to attend to.Liv exhaled. "You are worrying too much!" Her voice showed concern. Olivia had been my best friend since primary school, and we had always been inseparable. She had been there throughout my first breakup, comforted me after I disgraced myself in front of the entire class, and the list goes on."I can't help it. Things aren't great, and my money isn't helping." Saying that out exacerbated the gravity of my situation."I understand, but stressing this much can't be healthy for you! "You are already working two jobs." I worked as an HR executive at Sailspace and served at Treats as a second job. My present financial circumstances have put me in this situation."You don't understand!" It wasn't loud, but rather contemptuous. Yes. I intended it. She was an event manager and a successful one at that. Her parents didn't rely on her either. Don't get me wrong, I was glad she was doing well in her life, but she wouldn't realize how hard things were for me right now."Yes, I don't! Nobody understands what it's like unless they've been in your shoes, but I do know you're working your ass off. "You are doing your best!" She was practically yelling, and I was relieved that the diner was nearly empty."No, I am not. I should not have quit my previous employment." I talked while softly tapping the edge of the counter with my foot. Prior to Treats, I worked as a bartender in a club and earned significantly more money."That was not an option. "How could you possibly have worked for that perverted guy?" She seemed startled that I was even thinking about it. A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have. Workplace harassment by a shady perverted boss—the same old story.I ran my hand over the length of my hair while pressing my lips together tightly. I had applied to a number of companies, wanting to move to a higher-paying position, but I had yet to hear back from them. "I don't know Liv, I just-" I was interrupted by a shrill voice."Amelia? "Are you sad?" Ava stood there, staring up at me with her sparkling doe eyes. I sighed before a faint, genuine grin appeared on my lips. I crouched in front of her."Maybe." I shrugged."Do not be sad. "Do you want candy?" The corners of her mouth dipped down in despair. I smiled and shook my head at her idea."Although, I would very much want a hug." She extended her arms enthusiastically towards me. She wrapped her hands around my neck and kissed my face before drawing back and beaming at me. "Are you happy now?" Her eyes gleamed with optimism, and I nodded at once."I am. "Look, I'm smiling." When I flicked her nose, she let out a little chuckle. She was precious. It was unusual for a youngster of her age to care so deeply."Ava, we need to go home now ." Stacey, who had been standing behind her, spoke."Okay." She waved back at me."Bye, Amelia." I smiled at her."Bye, Ava." The bell sounded as Stacey and Ava exited the restaurant."The kid is so sweet!" Liv grinned."Yes, she is. Kids have such basic lives. Candy is the answer to all of their troubles. I giggled, and Liv joined in before we settled into a comfortable stillness.She extended her hand and encouraged me. "You're applying for the positions. I know you're going to get one."Hope so."

DEREK

"I want this report completed by the end of the day." I slammed the pathetic excuse for a report on the desk and stared at the man who stood there like a fool. It had only been a week since he joined, and my patience was wearing out."Do you understand?" He cringed at my harsh tone."Yes, Mr. Gilbert." Just then, the door to my cabin opened, and my father entered, followed by our lawyer. My father's look indicated something worrying. I returned my focus to my personal assistant, who remained standing in front of me."Leave!" He hastily grabbed the paperwork and fled out of the cabin."Dad?" Both he and Mr. Davis took the chairs opposite mine."Derek, Mr. Davis is here to show you your grandfather's will." It wasn't what I expected. Granddad died approximately a month ago, and his will has not been brought up since. I sat back in my seat and unfastened the tie over my neck."I'm busy right now, Dad. "Can't it wait?" He sighed before looking at Mr. Davis, who was wearing