THE NEXT DAY :
CAMILLA' POV:
"Boss a man has arrived with the card of our company & saying that you called him."
The girl down there on the reception desk informed my PA who was making me aware, standing with hands on the butt.
"Oh yes. Send him directly to my office."
I ordered him strictly placing my files away, I'd imagine his hands still shivering
"And Mr. Rhodes I believe you'll not do such a mistake again."
My PA did a terrible mistake today he made my morning coffee not fully blend ! Maybe I was being cocky but still it's my office and I play by my rules.
"Yy-yes boss I understood."
Even his voice was shaking like his body. I believe his skin was tingling with goosebumps.
I know I'm known as a merciless woman in business circle. I fired people on small mistakes. But I can't do that with Mr. Rhodes as he's an excellent assistant with all good qualities, neatly dressed and efficient man. On the top he fears me the most.
KNOCK KNOCK !
The door of my office banged I was aware that the man from yesterday came. Not wanted to show him that how much I needed him so maintained the air normal & full of self confidence which I wasn't lacking.
"Come in."
I reacted to his knocking.
The door opened slowly and a man appeared with a smile. He was wearing a shirt in hoodie shape, and blue ripped jeans. His hair were dishevelled but with his handsome features he enthralled me.

"Miss. Camilla, the boss ?"
He called out my name as if was asking. I wondered if he was stupid, the name plate is on the table was clearly showing my name in capitalization. Or perhaps he forgot that soon my face clearly grimaced with disgust.
As I believe.
"Do I not seem like ?"
I frowned at him questioning. To which he responded by oogling me from head to waist as that was all he'd see from the other side of table.
"Yes yes ma'am you do."
He smiled hinting nervousness. But kept on rooted to the place, well mannered I thought.
"Sit Mr ?"
I pointed towards the seat in front of me asking for his name. As I leaned against the chair, my back tucked with it.
"Ed. It's Ed.
No more, no less."
He giggled while telling me his name as plopped in chair. So he's a jolly person. I wondered if I've chosen someone right !
"Okey so Mr. Ed I've a proposal for you. As you needed some money I can help you regarding that."
I interlaced my fingers as I leaned against the back of chair radiating completely professional vibes. Along with my cold tone as whole it was enough to intimidate anyone.
"Really ma'am ?
Aww you're so sweet.
And too kind to help someone like me.
Thank you so much"
His eyes beamed with joy as he thanked me making a puppy face. Which was really cute. And honestly it caused a smile on my lips.
Why haven't he thought of entering into fashion industry he'd be famous with his exceptional looks.
This thought hit me badly at that time as my eyes feasted on his face.
"But I want something in return Mr. Ed"
His eyes wide opened, face creased with suspicion, and cheeks flushed. I really didn't know what came across his mind. He lowered his eyes and spoke shyly.
"Ma'am I'm really not that kinda guy."
At his words I wanted to hit that man's head into wall. Or at least whack him in face. What the hell he was thinking of ME !
"No-not that Mr. Ed. You've misunderstood my words. I want to sign a contract with you."
I stated the truth but his earlier words echoed in my mind. Don't know the woman in me giggled deep down for having such a handsome man in front of me.
"A contract ?
What kind of ?"
He was confused and suspicious. Questions continue to hum and buzz within him as I believed that. Of course everything comes with a price.
"Don't worry Mr. Ed you won't suffer any harm. This contract will benefit both of us."
Maybe I hit right. I informed my PA via intercom. While Ed was busy in scanning my cabin.
"Mr. Rhodes come with the papers."
He sprinted in with an envelope, gazed at Ed with something in his eyes. No it wasn't hatred he was drooling over a man !
"Mr. Rhodes you can go."
Somehow I didn't liked it so raised my voice a little and nodded as a sign of dismissal.
"Here open it."
I pushed the envelope towards him.
He read it carefully and then stared at me blank. Maybe he wanted some briefings. Or maybe he didn't know how to read.
So I aided thinking of either conditions.
"As this is a marriage contract Mr. Ed, it states different conditions which will be applicable on both parties. The marriage will be kept hidden from the media for one month. After that I'll announce it to the public. It's a win-win situation Mr. Ed, you can have money & will gain publicity by marrying me. And your presence will solve my problems. And as this is a contract marriage it will end after exactly 6 months. And you'll be given a huge amount."
I informed him the whole matter but he remained quiet, staring in my eyes. I found it weird but didn't let him dominate me.
When I ended he stood up in a sudden rising rage.
"How dare you ?
You want me to play along in your act just for fame !
You rich people are unbelievable, using poor only for their benefits. Right now you're taking advantage of my need."
He was saying pointing towards me. I flared up but kept quiet glaring at him eerily, the nerve of this guy. How dare he talk to me like that.
"I quit. I don't need publicity. Keep that."
He tossed the chair back & stormed out of my cabin banging the door loudly.
"This guy !"
I leaned on my both elbows on the table staring at the contract. And sighed. When the door opened again with a bang same as before.
"I'll take your offer."
He came back with worrisome expressions, brows creased together.
"Where to sign it ?"
May be his friend wasn't in stable condition.
I pushed the papers towards him & without permission he took the pen from my holder and signed it. His nature was rebellious, he didn't cared about my orders. Nor he feared me. But well I found the solution of my problem.
"Very well. We'll need the necessary things for registration."
I stood up from my chair and walked towards the door. And I found him staring at my grey attire, a suit with same shaded long coat.

"Where do you live ? We've to fetch those things as we're getting married right now."
My questions were brief.
"Uumm.....blah blah."
He told some lowely area I didn't know off. And I strode with him outside. Passing through the corridor towards the exit.
"Mr. Rhodes I want a car right now. Not that, my personal one."
As we walked in the elevator I informed my PA to prepare another car. As I wanted to avoid media. And those insolent reporters questioning without realizing next person's feelings.
We waited for some seconds in the parking lot.
"I've to make an important call. Excuse me."
He chirped and without listening to my any kind of answer went a few steps away from me.
He was talking holding an expensive cell phone & the other hand in the pocket of jeans. His dressing was quiet good. He didn't seem poor. And the way he was standing, I'd see his back facing towards me. Shoulders stretched proportionally & the gap between his both legs was quite perfect.
Mr. Rhodes came driving the car. Ed finished his call and we both drove towards that area granting another halftime to my PA.
"Why you want a contract marriage ?"
He asked me frankly as if I were his friend peering onto my face during the ride.
I was driving & didn't want to answer his question. As who the hell he was to ask me anything. I was the boss not him.
"That's not your concern."
I replied him cut short and coldly__ gritting.
"Uum....I'd know why are you doing this, so I can better act according to the demand. And can understand the situation well."
Smart man. This was the only wise thing he said during this one hour.
"I don't want to marry as I don't have time for men. You've to stay and act as my husband in front of my father. Not to forget only in name. Alone you're nothing to me & I don't have any concern with your private life."
I smirked while clearing the things.
"Tomorrow you're shifting to my place. As we'll visit my dad."
I explained him flatly the last.
"Okey. Got it."
After that he remained quiet. As we reached the area. It was full of low class houses, nearly destroyed apartments. Ed crept out of the car.
"Wait here I'll be back."
Annoyingly I let him do.
And he went into a dark small alley which was connected to the huge building of apartments much better than those on the left. Everything was quiet I gazed around the houses & flats. It was a worn out area totally opposite to his appearance.
"Here I have it."
He came back with the necessary things and slid in the car.
And we drove towards the marriage bureau. Registered as
husband & wife.
But I must say Ed smelled so good during the photoshoot, fresh like a forest after rain. He held me by shoulder during the shoot. No one had ever treated me like that. And that was drugging my senses causing a tingly sensation at the base of spine.
He was dominating upon me, brave man. I didn't like it but didn't hate it either. Perhaps his charms were working upon me.
As we made an exit from the office. I muttered curtly.
"Sharp 08:00 reach my home xxxx, this is the address. Get your things with you. Don't be late I won't tolerate that."
I immediately settled in the car after speaking.
I found Ed trying to ask something through the closed window.
I let the glass down to heard him.
"Aren't you taking me back ?"
He was waving his hand in air, questioning me with an impatient grunt.
"Don't you have feet. Get yourself back."
I replied him with no sign of mercy. And drove away. Leaving him there. Known to be a ruthless queen of boardroom and in real life how could I let my guard down for him & show some soft emotions.