Billionaire's fake wife is a secret genius

Chapter 3 The Proposal

Jessica's POV

The next morning, I woke up feeling as though i hadn't slept at all. Every time I closed my eyes, Jerry's words echoed in my head. “You're no longer useful to me.”

I squeezed my eyes shut before forcing myself out of bed.

“No,” I whispered to my reflection as I stood before the mirror after getting dressed. “You don't get to break me.” I took a deep breath. “Jessica Addams…today is the first day you start taking your life back.”

With that, I grabbed my handbag and left Brenda's apartment.

By nine o’clock, I was already at the jewelry company. The familiar scent of polished wood and fresh coffee greeted me as I entered the design department.

“Morning, Jessica! Congratulations again on your promotion. You deserve it,” my colleagues said.

I smiled politely. “Thank you.” The smile on my face were convincing enough. No one would ever guess that less than twenty-four hours ago, I had lost my home…my relationship and nearly everything I owned.

I sat before my computer and opened the latest necklace collection I had been designing.

The elegant curves, the balance of gemstones, the intricate details…

Jewelry had always been the one place where my heart remained honest. My phone vibrated.

Brenda: have you eaten?” A small smile found my lips. “Already at work” I typed.

Her reply came almost immemdiately. “You are unbelievable.

“I will survive,”I messaged.

“ Let's meet up later, for lunch. No excuses.” She messaged again.

“Fine,” I typed back before slipping the phone back into my pocket.

As i looked at the design on my screen, my fingers paused over the mouse. The pendant…it resembled one of the earliest concepts I had created years ago.

Back then, no, I closed the file immediately. That part of my life no longer existed or at least that was what everyone believed.

By Afternoon, I and Brenda met at Zadmak Spicy Restaurant. The restaurant buzzed with conversations and clinking glasses.

I sat by the window, untouched food in front of me, fingers wrapped around a glass of water I hadn't tasted.

“Jessica, you need to eat,” Brenda said.

“You go ahead and eat, Brenda. I'm not hungry,” I whispered.

“But you need to eat. You've barely eaten since yesterday,” Brenda persuaded, tone laced with concern.

“And i said I'm not hungry. I'm fine.”

She sighed. “You said that yesterday too.”

“I wasn't lying. I will be fine,” I muttered. But Brenda wasn't the type who takes no for an answer without a tangible reason. Then she asked, “When?”

“The day Jerry regrets it,” I replied.

Brenda leaned forward. “And how exactly are you planning to do that?”

Just as i wanted to answer, movement near the private dining area caught my attention. A tall man walked in, and every conversation around him seemed to lower without anyone asking.

His expression calm. Unreadable. Wrapped in a perfectly tailored black suit.

Power seemed to follow him effortlessly. My eyes narrowed. “Who is he?”

Brenda followed my gaze. “You seriously don't know him?”

“No, i don't,” I replied, my gaze still fixed on him.

“That's Alexander Knight. I'm surprised that you are the only one who doesn't recognize him.”

I paused. Alexander Knight? The CEO of global tech company?,” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Brenda nodded.

My grip tightened slightly around the glass, as my head did an arithmetic calculation.

“Hmm…this means power, connections, access. Everything that i need. This is it, Jessica. Go try your luck, you wouldn't want to miss this opportunity, would you?” My mind screamed at me. Then a faint smile grease my lips.

Brenda noticed the change in my expression, she grabbed my wrist. “I know that smile, don't even think about it.”

“I don't know what you are talking about. Think about what exactly?,” I pretended.

Brenda frowned slightly. “That look on your face says it all, so don't even try to play dumb with me.”

“I will be right back,” I whispered softly, leaving.

“Jessica.”

“I won't cause trouble,” I said.

“Don't, Jessica__”

Ignoring her protest, I walked toward his table. He didn't look up. “Hi, excuse me,” I said.

But no response. I exhaled softly. “Mr Knight.”

Then his gray eyes lifted slowly, sharp, cold, assessing. “...Do i know you?”

I shook my head. “Then you have ten seconds, and straight to the point,” he said flatly.

“I’d like to discuss a business proposal.”

“That's one second wasted,” he said. “I'm having lunch.”

“It concerns something you've been searching for,” I said.

That made him paused. “What exactly have i been searching for?”

I met his gaze without flinching. “Lumiere.”

Immediately the indifference in his expression shifted, only slightly but i noticed. “Sit.”

I took the seat opposite him.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“Jessica Addams,” I answered.

“ I asked who you are,” he said.

“I already answered.” His gaze remained fixed on mine. “You mentioned a name very few people know.”

I smiled. “I know.”

“How?” h asked.

“I've worked in this industry long enough to know what people are looking for,” I replied. He didn't respond. Instead, he leaned back again. “Go on.”

Then i continued, “I know you've been trying to find Lumiere and I also know why.”

His eyes narrowed. “Tell me.”

“You believe finding Lumiere will give Global tech an advantage in the luxury market,” I said.

A faint smile appeared on his face. “You have done your homework.”

“I always do,” I muttered.

“And what do you want?” He asked.

“I want a fake marriage.”

He blinked once, then laughed softly. “I beg your pardon?”

“I want you to marry me. It will be just a one year agreement with no strings attached and once it's expires, we'll both go our separate ways. Also i won't interfere in your personal life,” I said without hesitation.

Alexander stared at me like i have just entertained him. “Really? And in return?”

I nodded then continued, “We both get something we need.”

He studied me carefully. “I don't make life changing decisions with strangers.”

“Neither do i,” I said sincerely.

“Then why propose one?” He asked.

“Because ordinary solutions won't solve extraordinary problems.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “You speak confidently.”

“I speak after thinking.”

“And what exactly do you think I gain from marrying you,” He asked.

I folded my hands neatly on the table. “I can't promise to introduce you to Lumiere. But i can promise something just as valuable.”

His expression hardened. “What?”

“When the time is right…I'll make sure you understand why that name matters,”I added.

Alexander remained silent. Then, a waiter approached. “Sir, should I clear the table?”

“Leave us,” he ordered. The waiter immediately stepped away. Several moments passed, before Alexander finally spoke. “I don't know whether you're courageous or…reckless.”

“I have been called both,” I whispered.

“And if i refuse?” He asked, staring at me deeply.

I smiled faintly. “Then i walk away.”

“Are you sure? No drama? No begging? And you'd simply accept it?” He asked.

I shook my head. “Yes.”

He watched me for another long moment, then reached into his pocket and placed a business card on the table. “My private number.”

I looked at it without touching it.

“I haven't agreed,” he said. “But i haven't rejected your proposal either.”

“I know,” i answered. Then our eyes met.

“If i decide you are wasting my time…” His voice calm. “You will never get a second chance.”

I picked up the card. “I understand,”i said, and stood up. “So do we have an agreement?”

“We have….” He paused, “..a conversation that isn't finished.”

I nodded. “Alright, i will wait.”

As I walked back toward Brenda, I could feel his eyes following me.

“What happened?” Brenda asked immediately.

I slipped the card into my purse. “He didn't say yes.”

“He didn't?” Brenda asked.

I smiled. “But he didn't say no either.”

Derek, approached Alexander. “Should I investigate her, sir?”

Alexander looked toward the entrance where I had just disappeared into the afternoon crowd. “Yes,” he said, and picked up his untouched coffee. “Find out everything.”

Derek nodded. “And if she really knows something about Lumiere?”

Alexander's gray eyes darkened. “Then Jessica Addams has just become the most interesting woman in Kyoto.”