Billionaire's Fake Wife: A Single Mom BWWM Romance Read online

  "What kind of invitation is this?" she asks me. I take a calming breath.

  "It's for a charity ball that I'm spearheading. Sonya prepared everything," I say, sounding proud of the last sentence. I'm really proud of Sonya, she's a great, smart woman.

  The charity ball will be amazing, and Mother won't be able to say anything because Sonya will prove herself. The ball's going to be grand because Sonya's the one who prepared for the event.

  I have nothing more to ask for. Well, I want to marry her soon. That's why I need mom's approval.

  "Charity ball?" Mom looks surprised. She frowns and opens the envelope. Her frown straightens when she continues reading the contents of the invitation.

  I didn't comment when I saw the different emotions on her face. A frown of puzzlement, eyes widening in surprise, then, a smile of indifference? I'm not sure, Mom can mask her emotions really well.

  "Please go, Mom. I have an important announcement to make," I tell her. "I need you to be there. Also, I want you to see where the money went. You've asked about it before."

  "I will go," Mom closes the invitation. "But I barely have time to prepare. You should have told me sooner. I don't have the appropriate gowns to wear. The time isn't enough."

  "Mom, I know you can prepare during this short time," I smile at her. "I'm going to see you tonight."

  "I will go," she assures me. I walk out of her office, feeling like I've done my best. Tonight will be a test for our relationship as well.

  Even if she doesn't give her approval, I'll still marry the love of my life. I just hope it won’t be like this.

  Twenty-Seven

  Sonya

  "You look beautiful, mommy," Lauralee tells me. I look at Lauralee, and we smile at the same time. My little girl looks so pretty as if she's the Disney Princess that she loves the most.

  She has a yellow princess gown like the one in Beauty and the Beast, her favorite movie.

  "You look like a princess, darling," I say to her as I caress her face. I still can't' believe how blessed I am. To have a daughter as nice and perfect as Lauralee is a blessing from God.

  And to have a man like Grant… what more can I ask for? I really love them both, and I look forward to every time that we're together.

  "Do you think Grandma will like me?" Lauralee asks out of the blue. To say that I'm surprised by her question is an understatement. Is she nervous about meeting CEO Fields? I mean, Grant's mother?

  Grant mentioned her before, and Lauralee has been curious ever since.

  "Who won't like you, honey? You're a kid, and you don't have to worry about such things. Let me worry about it and Grant too," I explain to her. Honestly, I don't know what will happen tonight.

  I'm nervous but not because of the charity ball… but because I'll be meeting CEO Fields tonight. She's going to judge me if I'm fit for her son. It makes me want to hide under a blanket or something.

  That's why I have to make sure that this event will be perfect, and that I look my best. I can't look shabby while standing together with Grant. The mirror reflects me, and I feel a bit of confidence surge within me.

  Well, when it comes to looking presentable… I've done my best. In fact, I look gorgeous in my eyes that I keep blinking them because I still can't believe that I'm this person in front of me in a red, form-fitting halter gown with a long slit on the side of my left leg.

  It shows off my beautiful legs and still decent enough to not be considered slutty. I'm not showing enough cleavage, but the leg is plentiful enough to tease people's senses. I'm worried because this is a charity ball, but the designers insisted on this.

  I like this exclusive gown too. I wonder what will Grant think if he sees me? I hope he likes it. I caress my simple necklace as I think of him. I can't help but miss him even though we've only been away for a few hours.

  My attachment to him is growing each day. It's becoming dangerous. I laugh to myself as I realize this.

  "Mommy? Do you think about Uncle Grant? You always smile when you think of him," Lauralee comments as she holds on to my gown. "Don't worry, Mommy, he'll like you for sure. In fact, he loves you."

  I giggle because of my daughter's reassurance, she's so cute. There's no one else as cute as my darling. Her lovable eyes reflect so much innocence and kindness. My Lauralee's such an adorable kid that it's more than enough to touch Gloria's heart.

  Or any heart at that.

  "Mommy, you look like a queen," Lauralee says to me. I kiss her on both cheeks, smacking my lips noisily. Lauralee giggles. I'm about to say something, but I can hear the sound of a car.

  It's Grant.

  I take a deep breath and ready myself to meet my man. My nervousness rockets up, I can feel the pressure. I want him to be dazzled by my beauty.

  There's a knock on the door. I open it. Lauralee runs out first as she throws herself to the person standing outside. Grant.

  Grant opens his arms wide and picks up Lauralee, but his eyes are on me. There's a glint of admiration and love peeking through his eyes. As for me, he mesmerizes me by his dashing countenance.

  He's oozing with sex appeal. My goodness, any woman will probably stumble on their heels just to get his attention.

  "Good evening," I greet first in a soft, barely audible voice. Grant walks closer to me, with Lauralee in his arms.

  "Good evening, my lady," he says in a deep, husky voice. My breathing almost stops when he reaches me. Not only is he handsome, but he also smells divine too. Also, that voice makes me weak to my knees.

  I can't help it.

  My lady… sounds so beautiful from his mouth.

  "You look beautiful tonight," Grant whispers. Lauralee giggles as if she understands the atmosphere between Grant and me.

  "Yes, Mommy looks amazing!" Lauralee interjects. "She looks so beautiful like a queen. And I'm the princess!"

  "Yes, you are, honey," Grant says. "You look like a real princess."

  "I am a real princess!" Lauralee insists.

  "It's my bad, you're a real princess," Grant corrects himself as he gives Lauralee a kiss to the forehead. I enjoy watching them interact. They're like father and daughter.

  "It's time to go," Grant turns to me. "Let me be your escort?"

  "Yes," I whisper as I hook my arm around his. We walk hand in hand towards the car. The driver opens the door for us, and we enter.

  I take a deep breath, calming myself as we proceed to the venue.

  "It's amazing," one of my friends tells me as we talk. I keep socializing with people, and so is Grant.

  Lauralee's sitting with Antonio, and it seems they're having fun together looking at some designs. It appears that my little girl has some talent in this department.

  "Yeah," I reply to her. The charity ball is in full swing, and everyone's having fun socializing with the rich and famous. There are also some company employees.

  Every time I see a face that I know, I walk there and talk for a bit. But I can't stay for long because I have to make sure that everything's going well. Grant's doing his best to reel in sponsors for the event.

  He's good at this.

  "You've done well with the place," another woman adds as she congratulates me. "Congratulations on this successful event. When will the auction begin?"

  "The auction will begin soon," I reply to her. We have to dine first before we proceed to the main event. Everything's prepared, and nothing will go wrong tonight.

  I take a deep breath. I look around and observe the people with an analytical eye. We made sure that the foods are top class; after all, the ticket for every head cost a lot.

  I excuse myself from the group of people surrounding me when I see Grant slowly walk to the stage. I follow after him.

  "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Grant announces. "May I have everyone's attention please?"

  Grant sees me and smiles. He goes down the stage and leads me with him back to the center. I smile at everyone.

  This isn't on the script. I'm surprised that I
'm standing here, I'm not prepared mentally for this.

  "Now that I have everyone's attention, I'm going to announce a few things," Grant begins. My attention's all on him.

  "As you all know, the proceeds of this event will all go to charity, including everything that we have on auction. Thanks to our generous donors," Grant announces.

  Everyone claps. Grant's hold on my hand tightens. I feel the heat creep on my face. I'm a confident person, but this is too much. All eyes are on us.

  "Darling, please share more of our vision and ideas with our guests," Grant says to me. I stare at him and takes a calming breath.

  I face the crowd.

  "Also, the company profit will go to shelters for the homeless or victims of violence. Mr. Fields would like your support for this endeavor," Sonya says calmly and with elegance.

  Lauralee claps loudly.

  "That's my mommy!" The little girl shouts from her chair. I chuckle as I wave at her.

  "That would be-" This was the rehearsed speech, but it seems Grant's adding more.

  "I will like to share our wonderful news with everyone," Grant raises our clasp hands together. I'm surprised by his sudden outburst.

  "Sonya and I are now engaged. I would like everyone to attend our wedding, six months from now," Grant announces. I'm shocked by his sudden announcement.

  Six months from now? I look at him, stupefied. Then, I feel this sense of overwhelming happiness welling inside me. I smile widely, I can't help.

  "You're the best, Uncle Grant!" Lauralee's loud voice wakes the people up from the surprise, and everyone begins clapping.

  Congratulations are thrown our way, and I happily bask in it. Lauralee walks to us with a broad smile on her face.

  "This is the best thing ever!" Lauralee grins as clings to me. I pick her up and look around with a huge smile on my face.

  I agree with her, this is the best thing ever.

  Twenty-Eight

  Grant

  Congratulations are everywhere, starting from the people that I know well to people that I barely know. Mostly, people that I grow up with.

  They look at Sonya in a favorable light. They don’t really matter, but I don’t want Sonya to suffer if she’s alienated in my environment. It’s necessary to socialize in our line of job.

  “Congratulations,” one of my friends say as he gives me a hug. Sonya was grabbed by some women a few minutes ago. I laugh and smile, and everything feels complete now. I only need mom to approve of us.

  Then, everything’s perfect. The charity’s going well, and the rich folks are throwing money more than I expected. The profit should be in millions for this charity event. After all, all the auction items are all donations.

  My mind’s running as to how many shelters we can build with this and how many mouths we can provide. For the homeless, for the orphanages, food for the hungry, and home for the victim of violence.

  I have a feeling of accomplishment in my heart. It’s growing and growing as I see more and more people spend their money. It’s really fulfilling.

  “Your mother’s coming this way,” my friend says to me. I look at where he’s looking, and there she is… my mother. She looks like every inch of a powerful woman that she is. Also, very attractive despite her age.

  The Fashion Empress.

  Amazing.

  I’m a bit worried… well, very worried. I don’t know how she’ll react, seeing all this. Also, I already announced the wedding. If she doesn’t approve, I just hope that she won’t make a public statement.

  That is, if not. A bigger part of me is hoping that she’ll bless our wedding.

  “Mom,” I greet her, then she kisses both my cheeks. I smile at her warm greeting. My mom looks happy and proud.

  She looks me up and down and keeps on smiling. There’s a twinkle in her eyes that won’t disappear.

  “Mom?” I ask her, my worry in my heart slowly dissipates away because my mother doesn’t look remotely disappointed or sad at all. She looks fine, even better than okay.

  She’s beaming at me.

  “I’m so proud of you,” she tells me. “I didn’t know that you had this in you. You’re amazing.”

  “Mom,” I hug her. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you approve of me.”

  “Of course, you’re my son,” Mom replies as she caresses my back. “No matter how you turn out, you’re going to be my son. But this… I’m so proud and happy.”

  “This is wonderful,” she says to me. “I didn’t expect that this is what you’ve been doing.”

  “Yes, Mom. Sonya and I prepared for this for weeks, Mom. This is mostly because of Sonya, she made this possible. I… I really want you too-”

  “Where is she?” Mom cuts me off, and she looks around. Sonya’s looking our way. I smile as I believe that everything will become better. Sonya and mom are going to be the best of friends. Or the right word will be they’re going to be treating each other like family.

  Lauralee’s with Sonya too. They’re walking closer towards us. Lauralee’s expression is one of curiosity, and Sonya’s one of solemnity. Is she nervous?

  “Hello, Mrs. Fields,” Sonya greets my mom while I pick up Lauralee, and carry her in my arms. She’s staring at my mom, and mom keeps glancing at her.

  “Hello,” Lauralee greets shyly. Mom smiles, and the way she looks at Lauralee softens. She has always been close to little children. Well, maybe because I’m her only child?

  Lauralee’s an adorable child too. Of course, anyone will soften up when in front of this kid. Like the way, she did to mine.

  “Hi,” Mom says to Lauralee as she stares at the little girl. Then, her eyes glance at Sonya. “You’re a princess.”

  Lauralee claps, and she giggles.

  “Wow! Grandma knows me best!” The little girl blurts out without any other intention. My eyes widen when Mom smiles so widely, and she gestures for me to give Lauralee to her.

  I glance at Sonya, and she nods her head at me. I give Lauralee to my mother. She carries her.

  “Why don’t we sit somewhere?” Sonya asks. Then, she leads us to a vacant table. Silence descends as soon as we sit down. The party is lively, and the tension is solely on this table.

  No one wants to open their mouth first. I steel my nerves and open up the topic to my mother. Anyway, she said she’s proud of me.

  “Mom, Lauralee is Sonya’s daughter, and she’s going to be my daughter soon,” I say to my mom. “Sonya and I are getting married.”

  “Is that so? Then, that’s good,” she replies to me. “I’m glad that you finally have the heart to settle down. I was anxious that you only like to play around.”

  “Uncle Grant likes to play around?” Lauralee asks. “We’re the same, Uncle! I like to play around too!”

  I grimace inside when I look at Lauralee’s face. What my mother means is totally different from her playing around. It’s on a whole different level.

  I guess I played with ‘live-barbies’?

  “Not anymore,” I reply to her as my eyes lands on Sonya. “I’m done playing because I’m a big boy now.”

  “Oh, I see. But you still play with me?” Lauralee tilts her head to the sides. “We play with my lego and toys.”

  I chuckle.

  “Yes, I’ll only play with you, honey,” I state. Mom giggles, apparently, she’s finding this funny.

  “It’s all thanks to you, Sonya. My son doesn’t like to play anymore. I was very worried,” Mom says to Sonya.

  Sonya smiles bashfully. It’s actually cute.

  “It’s your son’s choice, ma’am,” Sonya replies. I can see her hand fiddling on the edge of the tablecloth under the table. It looks like she’s worried. We’re sitting side by side so, I grab her hand from under the table.

  “Don’t call me ma’am, just call me Gloria. We’re going to be a family soon,” my mom smiles widely. She turns to me, then, at Sonya.

  My eyes widen, what does she mean? Is she giving us her blessings?

&
nbsp; “Ma’am?” Sonya asks, her face full of disbelief.

  “Call me Gloria, or mom if you like,” Mom smiles beautifully. “I’m giving you my blessings for the wedding. It’s because you brought me a wonderful granddaughter.”

  Lauralee’s sitting beside Gloria, and she keeps feeding the former with food. Then, Mom wipes Lauralee’s mouth. I can’t believe that she’s acting this way.

  Like a real grandmother.

  “Also, I like what you did here,” she adds. “The charity event is a resounding success. I didn’t quite expect this.”

  “Thank you, mom. It’s all Sonya’s,” I sound proud as I squeeze Sonya’s hand from under the table.

  “It’s everyone’s hard work,” Sonya replies as she squeezes my hand back. “And Grant made this possible. Well, the company made this possible.”

  Mom’s expression relaxes as she leans on her chair. Then, she starts talking.

  “I have always planned to do this,” Mom says to us. “Not exactly like a charity event, but along the lines of giving back to the needy. I was planning on it, and I didn’t know my son has done it.”

  “I actually don’t know how to manage it, and I was worried about Grant. But now, I don’t think so,” my mom’s eyes crinkle in happiness as she speaks.

  “Well, I thought I should give back,” I reply to her. There’s no way I won’t do it. I met a person that change my life from a directionless one to live a life with purpose.

  “All my worries are gone, and I can rest easy. I didn’t trust you at first… about the CEO position, but now, I’m relieved,” mom explains to me, then, she looks at Gloria with gratitude in her eyes.

  “Thank you, Sonya,” Mom says to Sonya. “You help my son with the charity, and I bet you help him to change too.”

  “It was what Grant wanted,” Sonya replies to Mom. They’re talking comfortably, and the tension’s slowly dissipating.

  I breathe a sigh of relief. I was scared that my mom will become really prickly when it comes to Sonya.

  “Well, yeah,” Mom replies, and her eyes went to Lauralee. “You have a really cute daughter.”