The Billionaire’s Creed

MYKEL

“What?”

“That’s the difference between you and Gary.”

I sneered a mock. “I’m sure we have nothing in common. But what exactly did you notice?”

“I ordered pasta, and you want to have the same.”

“I would never forbid you to eat anything you want as long as it won’t poison you.”

“But you only had hookups with sexiest women.”

Okay, I knew where it was going. “When you don’t have to make an effort, Adley. Media people set that standard as sexy and beautiful. I don’t. Honestly, I find you more attractive and gorgeous. You don’t have to impress me. I already am.”

She slightly gaped at what I had said. I couldn’t read her expression exactly, but I wanted her to believe in everything I said because it was true.

“To be honest, the first time I saw in you was your pretty ass.”

“So, it’s really my ass on the line here. Literally.”

“But your ass didn’t do justice to the whole package, and you are also honest and hardworking despite the fact that you can spoil yourself, sit pretty at home or throw parties, spend the weekend on a yacht on an island. And you are also strong than most women I met.”

We shared lunch in peace. When Adley was done, she searched for something from her handbag.

“What are you doing?”

“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna pay a dime for the food. Men always feel insulting when women pay for the meal.” She was also fun. She made me laugh and annoyed me sometimes, but maybe how a real relationship would be.

“As you know, I’m not most men.”

“So I’m paying for our meal?”

I smiled. “No. Not a fucking chance.”

“Here.” She gave me a paper.

I took it, confused. “What’s this?”

“My conditions.”

“So we’re getting married?” I asked, amazed. A part of me was flattered and terrified at the same time that I might screw this up.

“Unless you’ve got cold feet already, then no.”

“I’m still marrying you, Adley Kross.”

After our lunch, I decided to buy her a ring and took this chance to know her a little better.

“Where are we going?”

“Maybe we should marry now,” I joked.

She stopped, glaring at me. “Are you kidding me?”

“This time, I am. But next time, I might not.” I held her hand before she planned on walking out from me.

“I have to go back to the office, Mykel.” A little frown fell against her lips, but the rest was stunning.

“I know. I’ll drop you off. Don’t worry. Live a little, Adley.”

“You haven’t checked my conditions.”

“We’ll negotiate. Anyway, we agreed with conditions, so it means we have to work on our differences, somehow, if you want to get the shares you deserve.”

“My first condition is we’ll be married in less than a year.” It stopped me. Yeah, I liked her, and I understood this marriage was just a convenience. The last thing I had in mind was a relationship, let alone being tied up in a loveless marriage. It all changed after I met Adley.

Real people marry for love. Why else would someone vow to spend the rest of their lives with someone who had set terms? Maybe things changed along the way. Who knew. If it worked with Cenric, perhaps, I was lucky enough that this would also work for us.

“We can negotiate to six months,” she added.

“One year is good.” I blew a frustrated breath. “Can we not discuss it here in the middle of the busy street?”

“Sorry.”Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

“It’s okay. How’re your feet?”

“What?”

“Can you still keep up?” I glanced down at her stilettos. Her legs looked toned, longer, and sexier. Just the thought of them wrapped around my waist- damn, this is all fucking crazy.

“Oh, yeah. I’m fine.”

“Can’t remember the last time I walked down the busy street. Since my status has changed, I couldn’t walk alone anymore without Sax and Kye following me everywhere.”

“For your own safety. When was the last time you held hands with a woman?”

“We didn’t walk and talk much, Adley. We got straight to the exciting part. But I don’t want to talk to you about my past unless you want to know. One thing I’m gonna be straight with you is I won’t lie and keep secrets from you. I hope you will do the same.”

“Agreed. Wanna know my exes?”

“Exes, huh?” A smirk curved up my lips.

“I’m not a saint either.” She shot me an annoyed look.

We finally arrived at the renowned jewelry shop.

“Why are we here?”

“We can’t get married without rings, can we?”

She looked at the shop name once more before looking back at me. “I guess there’s no turning back, is there? How about you? Are you sure you wanna do this?”

“Can’t wait to be your husband.”

Adley burst out laughing. “It does sound strange coming from you.”

The salespersons welcomed us and let us sit.

“I’d like to talk to your manager, please?”

One of the salesladies smiled. “Congratulations, Mr. Creed.”

“And my fiancee, Adley Kross.”

“Congratulations, Ms. Kross.”

“Thanks.”

“Can you keep this a secret? I don’t want to see ourselves on social media until the official announcement?”

“Of course, sir. We strictly value our customers’ privacy.”

“I’m Jonathan Coste, the branch manager. Are you looking for a specific type of jewelry, sir, ma’am?”

“Yes, we’d like to see engagement rings and wedding bands.”

“I’ll be right back. In the meantime, enjoy our refreshment, courtesy of the brand.” Another lady walked in with a tray of Champaign and glasses.

“You’re awfully quiet.” I turned to Adley, sipping her Champagne.

“You’re taking this thoughtfully.”

“I’m being thorough.”

“Where’s the spontaneity?”

“This is me being spontaneous.” I raised the flute for a toast.

“To being spontaneous, fiance.”

Coste came with two boxes of the ring. “This one is for the band, and here’s for the engagement ring. We have up to six carats available, and we can go bigger on pre-order.”

“I think we’re good,” Adley replied.

“What color do you have available right now?”

“White is fine,” Adley cited.

“We have blue, pink, yellow, and white.”

“Choose the band design, baby.”

She was just staring at the samples for the whole minute.

“You can design them yourself if you want a customized one.”

“Yes, we accept customization,” Coste agreed with me.

She picked up a petite twisted with stones on a strand. “This one.”