Hired Wife

Chapter 5. Engagement Party

Dominic

Friday soon arrives and it's our engagement party. I made sure all of the invitations went out as quickly as possible. My head is swimming in a whirlwind of distraction, confusion, and dread over how quickly this is all moving. I know Addison is more than likely feeling the same hesitation and uncertainty, but we both have a clear understanding this is something that needs to happen if we want to survive the unfair hand life has dealt us both.

"I have to make damn sure I finally become the leader in this miserable business. Becoming the leader needs to happens as quickly as possible. The idea of me having to remarry in order to become what I worked so hard to become is a pain deep in my heart I have to learn to live with," I say as I stare at my dead wife's photo.

"This is one of the sacrifices I knew I would eventually have to make. The love I have for you, my darling, will never be given to her or anyone else. She will never have my love or my devotion as a committed husband. This is strictly business and nothing more," I whisper as I place her photo back onto the nightstand. 

"Sir, it's nearing the time," Martha informs as she softly knocks on the bedroom door.

"Thank you, Martha. Will you please remind my fiancé to be ready before seven?" 

"Certainly, sir."

"I just need to man up and get through this engagement party and try my best to go through marrying her tomorrow. I really hope I have the strength to become her husband," I say as I bring the glass filled with Brandy to my lips.

I find myself going through the dreadful motions after exiting the shower and putting my tux on. The fog in my head doesn't seem to be lifting and I'm feeling more like a robot than a human man. The consequences of me not marrying her tomorrow keep playing over and over in my head. And that is how I know I will have no other choice but to marry her.

"I have worked too damn hard and sacrificed too damn much to watch my hard work crumble before me. There is no way in hell I am about to allow anyone keep me from what I earned," I say as I clench my hands into fists. 

"Sir, Ms. Foster asked me to inform you she will be in the party room in just a few minutes," Martha informs me.

"Thank you, Martha. I am on my way down there now," I reply before gulping down the remainder of Brandy.

"Ok, you can do this. You know how this game is played and you need to make sure you do not lose this game. Ready or not, it's gametime," I say as I open the door.

"Good evening, Dominic," her soft voice forces my head to turn around in her direction. I knew from meeting her the first time she is absolutely beautiful but seeing her in her gold dress and silver high heels. The style of her beautiful red hair in an up twist with barely visible gold glitter making her bright blue eyes pop.  It's all I can do to keep myself from devouring every part of her.

"Damn," I say gently biting my bottom lip.

"Thank you. You look so handsome, Dom. Your gray tux really brings out the blue in your eyes. The walking cane is a nice touch," she compliments. I extend my elbow offering her to place her hand under my arm. She does and we soon make our way downstairs to our guests.

"Remember Addison, after our guests are gone, I need you to sign the agreement. It's the only thing left to take care of before our wedding tomorrow. Everything is already in order."

"I understand. Don't worry, I have already verbally agreed to marry you tomorrow. I have no plans of backing out of our agreement," she assures me before the large golden doors to the party room open. Her stunned eyes glance up at me once we hear the song starting to play.

"That's the first song you chose for them to play, Dom?" 

"Smile sweetheart, people are looking directly at us," I gently squeeze her hand. A forced smile soon forms on her face.

"Oh God, we are never going to be able to pulls this off," she says through clenched teeth.

"We will if you just calm the hell down and give the performance of your life. I am counting on you to convince these people we're madly in love with each other," I also say through clenched teeth.

"Ok, if you say so, sweetheart," she stops and looks up at me. As everyone smiles and keeps their eyes planted on us both. 

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining me and Dominic tonight. It means a lot that you're here with us, especially the day before our special day. I'm sure all of you are wondering who the hell is Dom about to marry?" She laughs and it causes everyone else to laugh.

"Addison?" I whisper next to her ear.

"Let me introduce myself. Hello, everyone, I'm Addison Foster. Dom and I met a while back when I came in for an interview. I guess you can say over time we got to know each other, and unexpected feelings started to develop between us.  I certainly wasn't looking to be romanced and I know Dom wasn't either but fast-forward, here we are getting ready to become husband and wife tomorrow. So, with that being said, we both do hope all of you enjoy yourselves tonight and please, don't be shy, help yourselves to the bar and seafood buffet, "she gives a soft smile as she lifts her wine glass. 

"Please forgive me for intruding, but I personally want to introduce myself to your beautiful fiancé, Dominic. Hello, I am Stephano Delillo," he says as he kisses her hand.

"Good evening, Mr. Delillo. It's a pleasure to meet you," she replies. 

"Dom, she is quit the beauty, Congratulations," Stephano smiles.

"Thank you, Stephano. Please, you and Andrea help yourselves to the bar," I say and feel a tremendous amount of relief we're actually convincing our guests this fake relationship is real. That is until I hear a voice that catches me off guard.

"Good evening, Dominic, and Dominic's fiancé. Wow! I feel hurt being left off of the invite list," she snaps. 

"Roxanna, what the hell are you doing here?" I ask and notice she looks over at someone who I consider an enemy.

"Hello, Dom. It's been a while. Roxanna is my plus one," he smirks.

"Dear lord, there just isn't enough alcohol in the world to get me through this night with the both of you. Who the hell sent you an invitation?" I growl.

"Dominic, are you going to introduce me to your soon to be wife?" Roxanna asks.

"No, now go away. Far, far away, Roxanna," I hiss.

"Dom, stop being so rude. Good evening, I'm Addison Foster, Dom's fiancé." Addison introduces herself.

"Well, hello. I have to say Dom, you managed to land yourself a beautiful lady," he licks his lips.

"Zander, you can stop circling my fiancé like she's your prey. Addison, will you please wait for me at the bar?"

"Dominic, why are you so angry?" Addison asks me.

"Addison, please wait for me by the bar," I insist.

"Fine, I'm going to get myself a martini," Addison replies.

"Ok you two, don't even think about it. Addison is off limits. Do yourselves a favor, stay away from her. Or you will not like the consequences," I threaten.

"Why her, Dominic?" Roxanna asks me.

"Roxie, you knew all along it would never be you. You need to hear my words. If I find out you even attempt to go near Addison, I will make you disappear. Both of you," I glare at Zander and her.

"Is it safe to come back here?" Addison approaches with caution. I grab her hand.

"Let's go mingle with our guests, Addison. I believe we have given these two guests enough of our time.

"Addison, we should go out for lunch soon. We can have a girl's day out," Roxanna grins as she sips her champagne.

"Roxanna, I am warning you for the last time, tread very carefully, or you just might end up as shark bait," I snarl. 

"Dom?"

"Everything is fine, Addison. Let's go mingle with our guests."