Billionaire's Hidden Truth

Linda's POV

My stomach churned as I gazed at the projector screen. The hush in the room was terrible after my fashion presentation. My boss, Mr. Greene, sat back in his chair with a nasty frown.

He shook his head and remarked, "This is … disappointing, Linda." "I had higher expectations."

I took a deep breath. "I can make it right. All I need is more time.

He tapped his fingers on the table and moaned. "We're short on time. You failed to deliver the presentation that we needed to get the contract.

The word "failed" kept repeating in my mind. My heart fell. For weeks, I had been working on this project late into the night. This was not how it had to end.

"Mr. "Please, Greene," I begged. "Give me another opportunity. I'll put things right.

He pushed his chair back and stood up. "You've been making mistakes for months, Linda. I believe it's time for us to part ways.

My throat tightened with each breath. Are you letting me go?"

Sorry, but that's true. Before leaving the room, he said icily, "You can gather your belongings by the end of the day."

Tears pierced my eyes and I stood paralyzed. Dismissed. As simple as that. How would I cover my rent? How would I make it through?

I could sense my coworkers' looks as I made my way back to my desk to get my belongings. I avoided looking into anyone's eyes by keeping my head down. My chest ached with embarrassment. I failed.

My best friend Sophie persuaded me to go to an event later that night, and I dragged myself along. It was an elegant, wealthy charity gala of some sort. She maintained that it would be "good for networking," even though I didn't want to go.

Sophie said, "Smile, Linda," as we entered the opulent ballroom. "You never know who you might run into."

I hardly paid attention. My head was still reeling from the last incident. Dismissed. How could my life be in such disarray?

I excused myself to go out to the balcony as we were moving through the room. I needed to take a breath and get my thoughts straight. I tried not to cry as I stood there and looked out at the city lights.

"You don't appear to be having fun."

The loud voice behind me stunned me and made me jump. When I turned, I saw a tall, dark-haired man with brown, keen eyes. In addition to being attractive and wearing a well-tailored suit, he exuded confidence.

I muttered, rapidly wiping my tears, "I'm fine." "Just... overpowered."

Feeling overwhelmed? He raised an eyebrow in question. In a location such as this?"

I nodded because I wasn't in the mood to tell a stranger about my entire wretched existence. However, he remained still. Rather, he examined me, as though attempting to understand me.

He leaned casually on the balcony railing and remarked, "You don't look like someone who belongs in this crowd."

I scowled. What is the intended meaning of that?"

"Calm down. "I didn't mean to offend you," he said with ease. "You simply seem... different." As if you're thinking about something serious.

I let out a sigh, concluding that it was irrelevant. "Today I lost my job."

I was surprised by the man's response. No awkward quiet, no faux sympathy. All he did was nod, as though he understood.

"Hard break," he remarked. "What did you do for a living?"

"Fashion design." I tried not to seem resentful as I answered, "I was a junior designer at a firm… well, until today."

"And now?"

"Now? I chuckled sourly. "Now, I'm not sure. My life is a complete wreck.

He remained silent for a while, his gaze fixed on mine. Then he gave a small smile. "Perhaps I can assist."

I blinked, surprised. "Aid? How?"

He didn't respond right away. Rather, he pulled out his phone, looked at something, and then put it back in his pocket.

"You mentioned you're in fashion," he said hesitantly. "But now that you're unemployed, you're probably unsure of what to do next."

I murmured, "Yeah, something like that."

"What if I told you that I could make that better? "His voice was confident and low as he requested.

My eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How can I fix it?"

With a solemn expression, he turned and leaned on the railing. "I have a lot of connections. I could help you get back on course, but I'd like something in exchange.

I folded my arms. "And what is that exactly?"

He continued, "I need a girlfriend," in a tone so informal that it took me a moment to process what he was saying.

I gazed at him. "A what?"

"A girlfriend. "Well, a fake girlfriend, specifically," he clarified. For several months. Someone has to fill the part for me.

I shook my head, utterly perplexed. "Are you serious? Hold on."

"Very serious," he answered. "Having a girlfriend one that the media can see helps me in this scenario. And you need assistance. It benefits both parties.

What I was hearing was unbelievable. Would you like me to pose as your girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"For what purpose? Cash?"

Calmly, he added, "Cash, contacts, a way to rebuild your career." "I'll see to it that you get what you require."

This was crazy. He was giving me a deal that seemed too good to be true, and I didn't even know him. "Why me?"

He shrugged. You are not from this planet, and I need that more than anything else. Someone sincere who isn't involved in any of the social games that are played in my group.

The entire chat made me feel lightheaded. Was this person asking me to pretend to date him to help me with my career?

Trying to make sense of it, I added, "I don't even know your name."

He held out his hand and said, "Kevin." "Donald Kevin."

His hand was not shaken by me. Rather, I gazed at him, attempting to determine whether this was a joke. But he seemed serious. There was no amusement in his black gaze.

And if I decline? Quietly, I inquired.

Kevin shrugged and said, "You leave, and we forget this conversation ever happened." "But you'll probably say yes."

I paused. The entire situation was insane. A phony partnership? How could I possibly consent to such a thing?

But what else could I do? I was unemployed, broke, and unsure of my future. Kevin was allowing me to start over. I just needed to comply for a short time.

With my head racing, I bit my lip. How much time do we have to talk?"

Three months, possibly four months. In a businesslike tone, Kevin clarified, "Just long enough to get through some… business matters."

I inhaled deeply. "And you'll assist me in standing again?"

With assurance, he said, "I'll make sure you're more than on your feet."

I stared at him for a long time, my heart thumping in my chest. All my issues might be resolved by this, but at what price?

I nodded at last, but my gut rumbled with doubt. "All right. I will.

A tiny, contented smile formed on Kevin's lips. "Wise decision."

His eyes shone with something I couldn't quite place as I watched him adjust his suit jacket. I was concerned because he exuded a sense of mystery, something sinister and covert.

He gave me one more looks over his shoulder as he turned to go. He said, "This will make all the difference in your life, Linda." "You'll see."

He then left, leaving me standing by myself on the balcony with my head spinning.

I hadn't understood what I had committed to. I also couldn't get rid of the thought that I had just struck a bargain with someone much more dangerous than I had anticipated as Kevin vanished into the mob.

Kevin's smirk lingered in my mind, a chilling reminder that he had plans I wasn't sure I wanted to be part of.