Marrying My Fake Boyfriend

Brad seemed to sense that she was distracted and worked to keep her mind on other matters. He made her laugh, and he made sure her smile never diminished. Cherrelle felt better when they were walking back to her building. The man was like a tonic when she needed it. And he seemed to know just what she wanted.

It was a pity this marriage was all for show. Cherrelle would have liked to have kept him a little longer than they had decided.

At the end of the day, Brad picked her up and drove her home. Cherrelle was feeling much better and was looking forward to an evening of putting her feet up with a takeout and a good movie. Brad was considering staying over if Jim wasn’t free for a gym session, and Cherrelle was eagerly waiting for the yes he would stay over.

There wouldn’t be any s*x, as per the agreement between them, but their friendship was building considerably and Cherrelle was cherishing it.

Her good mood dissipated, however, when they pulled into the private parking lot under her apartment, and they found Cherrelle’s parking space taken up by a red BMW that was double-parked across hers and the space of her neighbor’s next to it. Cherrelle wondered what the BMW would have done if her car wasn’t in the shop having a service.

But she did recognize it. And she knew that she had visitors.

Brad looked over when he heard her groan. “What’s up?”

“Ma and Pa.” Cherrelle nodded at the car. “They’re in my apartment.”

“How do you know?”

“It’s their car. And if their car is here, chances are they’re inside.” Cherrelle sat back with a loud exhale of air. “What’s the point in having a doorman when people can bribe him to let them in?”

“They don’t have a key, do they?”

“Just you for appearance sake.” And even then Brad barely used it. “My apartment is sacred to me.”

“I know the feeling.” Brad pulled into an empty space not allotted to any of the residents further down and turned the engine off. “Shall we go in?”

“No, but let’s get this over with.”

They couldn’t avoid her parents forever and chances were they already knew about their quickie wedding if Jason had already called them. Cherrelle was amazed she hadn’t received any calls from either of them, either on her cell or through Cameron, her personal assistant. Then she remembered that her cell phone was in for repairs and Cameron had been told to always say that Cherrelle was in a meeting or was busy if either of her parents called.

She led the way up to her apartment and let them in. Logan was pacing around her lounge, and Emily was seated on the edge of the couch, her hands folded in her lap and her back straight. There was no indication that they were there for anything specific. But, all the same, Cherrelle reached back and took Brad’s hand.

“Thanks for knocking, Pa, Ma,” she said airily. “I didn’t hear you due to the fact I was out.”

“Don’t play cute, Cherrelle.” Logan swung around on her. “Jason called me. He tells me you’ve gotten married to him.” He glared at Brad, who didn’t even flinch. “Is it true?”

“Yes.” Cherrelle felt Brad squeeze her hand in support. “After talks of weddings, we decided we couldn’t wait any longer.”

“In a courthouse? We expected more of you.”

“We expected to be invited, at the very least.” Emily added primly.

Cherrelle let out a sigh, trying to sound chastised but not quite making it. “I’m sorry, Ma. It was all a bit of a rush.”

“I know.” Logan stalked towards her. “Because you knew that we knew you were faking being in a relationship to try and get out of marrying Jason.” He waved a hand dismissively. “This marriage is getting annulled.”

“No!”

“Yes. It’s not a real marriage and it was given under false pretenses.”

“And a marriage to Jason Colney is a real marriage?” Cherrelle shot back. “Pa, he’s openly admitted to me that he doesn’t want me for me. I’m not marrying for less than love.”

“That may come later,” Emily said distantly.

“Or never.” Cherrelle lifted her chin defiantly at her father, barely flinching as she saw the fury in his eyes. “I’m married now and this marriage is not getting annulled. I’m a grown woman in charge of billions and my own company. I shouldn’t have to be married off like I’m in a third-world country. I can choose who I want to marry and how.”

“Not in our family you can’t.”

“How about we have a proper wedding?”

Cherrelle knew her parents were as surprised as her as she turned to stare at Brad. He shrugged when he saw her expression.

“A white wedding as we talked about? Then we can do it properly.”

Cherrelle knew what he was doing. Pacifying her family. While she didn’t really want to go through another wedding, she was prepared to do it so as to get her parents off her back.

“You won’t go through with it,” Logan jeered.

“I just wanted to marry Cherrelle.” Brad put his arms around Cherrelle and pulled her against him, giving Logan a smile. “But if it will make everyone happy, I’ll give her a white wedding. The works.” He turned to Emily and presented her with the same smile. “Cherrelle tells me you’re brilliant at organizing and you have an eye for the best quality. Do you fancy giving us a hand, Mrs. Mason?”

That had the desired effect. Emily loved being in charge in her own way, organizing and bossing people about. Her smile lit up her face and she nodded. “I’d love to.”

Logan still didn’t look happy. “I still think this is a farce.”

Cherrelle groaned. “Would you stop being so suspicious, Pa, and be happy for me for once? I’m married and you’re still not satisfied.”

“This is fake and he’s only after your money,” he snapped.

“Not interested in money.” Brad grinned and kissed Cherrelle’s cheek. “Just your daughter.”

“Don’t play soppy, boy.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

The two men stared at each other for a moment. Finally, Logan backed down and looked at the floor. He sighed, sounding defeated.

“Come to our house on Saturday at nine. We’ll get going with the wedding details then.” He looked up and locked eyes with Cherrelle. “And we’re not waiting until Christmas. Next month is sufficient.”

Cherrelle knew exactly what he was saying. And her antennae tingled. He was up to something, but she couldn’t figure out what. “That’s fine.”

Logan nodded stiffly and beckoned Emily to him. Then he stormed out, Emily following more sedately. Brad closed the door behind them.

“Phew, I thought they’d never go.”