Fiancée for Hire

The private jet touched down on the slick runway, the city skyline standing tall in the distance. As the jet's door opened, Lucas Davis emerged, exuding an air of authority and cold indifference. Dressed in a tailored black suit, his piercing gray eyes scanned the area as though he was already calculating his next move. The gust of wind ruffled his dark hair, but he paid no attention to it.

His personal assistant, Henry, was already waiting at the foot of the stairs.

"Welcome back, sir," Henry greeted him, swiftly opening the door to the sleek black car that had been waiting for him.

Lucas nodded wordlessly and slipped into the back seat, adjusting his cufflinks as the car pulled away from the private airstrip. It had been years since he last set foot in the city, yet nothing felt different to him except for the uneasy weight settling in his chest.

Breaking News

"We are sorry to interrupt your program for some breaking news!"

A polished news anchor appeared on the car's screen, her expression brimming with curiosity.

"Lucas Davis, the elusive heir of Davis Enterprises, has made a mysterious return to the States. The billionaire, known for his icy demeanor and scandalous reputation, remains unmarried despite his overwhelming popularity among the female population. His sudden return has left many wondering what could be the reason behind it?"

Lucas exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the tumbler of whiskey he had just poured himself from the car's minibar.

Same old nonsense.

The media loved to speculate about his life his whereabouts, his relationships, his business decisions. It was exhausting, yet predictable. He took a slow sip of his drink, letting the burn ground him.

Henry cleared his throat, a knowing glance passing through the rearview mirror.

"Shall I prepare a statement, sir?"

Lucas scoffed. "No need. Let them talk."

He had bigger concerns than whatever gossip they spewed on national television.

Meanwhile...

"And the award for Best Actress goes to... Anabelle Michael!"

The auditorium erupted into thunderous applause as the spotlight fell on a woman sitting in the audience, her breath caught in her throat. Anabelle couldn't believe it. After years of grueling auditions, setbacks, and heartbreak, she was finally being recognized.

Her hands trembled as she stood up and made her way to the stage, her long evening gown flowing elegantly behind her. As she accepted the golden statuette, she blinked back tears.

"I can't believe my dream finally came true," she said, her voice slightly shaking. "After all this time, after so many sacrifices..."

The sound of a bell ringing cut through the moment.

"Erm, hello?".

The bright lights vanished, the stage disappeared, and instead, she was staring at an impatient customer across the counter of the small café where she worked. The golden statuette in her hands was now a cheap plastic coffee stirrer.

"I'm sorry, sir, can you repeat that?"

"A black coffee, please," the man said with an annoyed sigh.

She quickly punched in the order. "That will be $4.50."

The customer paid and moved along, leaving Anabelle standing there, still caught between her daydream and reality. She had been working late shifts at the café to make ends meet, all while chasing her dream of becoming an actress. But lately, it felt as if life was playing a cruel joke on her.

After finishing her shift, Anabelle trudged home, exhaustion settling into her bones. The moment she pushed open the door to her tiny apartment, the familiar scent of popcorn and scented candles filled the air.

On the couch, her best friend Hazel was sprawled out, engrossed in a movie. Hazel was everything Anabelle wasn't outgoing, spontaneous, and always ready for an adventure. With her messy bun and oversized hoodie, she looked completely at ease with life.

"Oh, you're back!" Hazel called out without looking away from the screen.

Anabelle kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the couch beside her. Her white fluffy cat, Mira, purred and climbed onto her lap.

"How did the audition go?" Hazel asked, her tone careful.

Anabelle let out a deep sigh, rubbing her temples. "Something came up at work, and I had to stay overtime..."

Hazel shot her a sharp look. "Don't tell me you canceled the audition again."

Anabelle swallowed hard. "Well... I'll get another chance."

Hazel groaned and dramatically threw her hands in the air. "You never have time with all those part-time jobs, Belle. You're constantly working yourself to exhaustion. Maybe you should slow down a bit and focus on your dream."

Anabelle knew Hazel was right. Damn her for always being right.

"I know," Anabelle muttered. "But you know I can't. I need the money."

Hazel sighed, her expression softening. "It just hurts me to see you wasting your talent."

Anabelle gave a small, tired smile. "Sometimes, life just gets in the way."

Hazel leaned forward, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Anyway, guess what? Lucas Davis just came back to the city, and it's all everyone's been talking about!"

Anabelle raised an eyebrow. "Oh, that rich guy?"

Hazel gasped, clutching her chest in mock horror. "The audacity! He is not just some rich guy. He's the hottest bachelor in the whole country! He's powerful, mysterious, and worth billions."

Anabelle rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I still don't get the obsession."

Hazel smirked. "Rumors say he's thinking of getting married."

"Good for him," Anabelle said flatly, standing up and stretching. "I couldn't care less."

Hazel watched her with narrowed eyes. "Oh, Belle. You have no idea just how much you should care."

Across the city, Lucas Davis leaned against the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse, a glass of whiskey in hand. The city lights twinkled below, but his mind was elsewhere. He had come back for one reason and one reason only.

A contract sat on the table in front of him. An agreement that would change his life forever. He had until the end of the month to find a woman to play the role of his fiancée. And it had to be someone who didn't fall in love easily.

A slow smirk formed on his lips as he exhaled.

He would find her. And when he did, she would be perfect for the job.