Billionaire's Hidden Truth

Linda's POV

Staring at the ceiling, I sat on my bed. My thoughts kept racing. I was going to act like I was Kevin Donald's girlfriend. I kept hearing the words. It looked so absurd, like something from a low-budget film. And yet, here I was, giving it some real thought.

I looked at my phone and saw Kevin's number in my call log. He was still a mystery in every way. He needed a phoney girlfriend, but why? Why me? The only thing I was certain of was that I had few other choices. I was in a mess after getting fired, and Kevin had offered me a way out with no conditions attached well, not besides the fictitious relationship, anyhow.

I said to myself in a whisper, "This is crazy."

A knock on the door cut me off in my tracks. My roommate and close buddy Sophie peered in. "Hey, you've spent hours in here. Are you all right?"

I tried to grin. "Yes, I was just thinking."

"How about? After entering and taking a seat next to me, she inquired, "Since that charity event, something has been wrong with you." Didn't you meet someone?"

Uncertain of how much to tell her, I paused. Sort of. I mean, it's confusing, but I met a guy.

Sophie's eyes brightened. "Difficult? Leak! Is he attractive?"

I laughed, but it was a hollow chuckle. He is indeed something else. It's not what you think, though. Simply put, he made me an offer.

"A bargain? Like money, what? Sophie appeared perplexed.

Sort of. I'm supposed to be his girlfriend, he says. For several months. I said, feeling foolish as I spoke it aloud, "In return, he'll help me get my career back on track."

Sophie's mouth dropped open in surprise as she blinked. "Are you serious? That's crazy! Who does that?"

I shrugged. It seems that he does. And, Soph, I'm not sure. I feel a little desperate.

For a minute, Sophie remained silent as she took it all in. "This sounds like problems, Linda. Are you certain you can rely on him?"

I let out a sigh. "I'm not sure. However, what options do I have?"

Kevin and I had coffee at a small, fancy café downtown the following day. When I got there, he was already seated in a fitted suit, looking as calm and collected as usual. I couldn't help but see how people looked at him as if they were aware of his importance.

He nodded at me as I sat down and said, "Linda."

I said, still feeling uncomfortable about the whole thing, "Kevin." "So, just how is this going to operate?"

His look was unreadable as he reclined in his chair. "Easy. Together, we'll go to events, appear in public, and play the role. I'll make sure you get everything you need in exchange for you acting like my girlfriend.

I mumbled, looking at my coffee cup, "Right." But why me? Why not another person?"

Kevin's gaze wavered, but his tone stayed serious and icy. "Because my world does not include you." It's easier since you're an outsider. There is no past or baggage. Simply a neat, uncomplicated setup.

My spine tingled at what he said. He was so cold and calculating. I began to question whether I was only a pawn in whatever game he was playing.

"How is your planet doing? I couldn't help but sound resentful as I asked. How precisely am I getting myself into this situation?"

Kevin's lips curled into a slight smile as he lifted an eyebrow. "You'll learn soon enough."

I shifted uneasily in my chair. "I'm not sure if I can pull this off."

He stated forcefully, "You already agreed." "It would be a mistake to back out now."

That icy, authoritative tone was back. He seemed to be telling me instead of asking. A knot started to grow in my stomach. I had gotten myself into what?

Kevin accompanied me to a high-profile event that night, a gala for the introduction of a new product from a tech business. The air was heavy with riches and power, and the setting was opulent and packed with powerful people. Even though Kevin had decided for me to wear a gorgeous designer outfit, I still felt uncomfortable. The sense that I didn't belong here persisted, though.

As we spoke with the guests, Kevin was the epitome of a gentleman, always keeping his hand on the small of my back. However, despite his endearing smile and lighthearted banter, I could still feel our separation. Even though he was performing his role perfectly, I couldn't help but wonder what was truly happening behind those brown eyes.

I saw Daniel, my ex, whom I hadn't seen in years, as we moved through the room. He looked happier than ever and was laughing with a woman I didn't recognize. My heart fell. Why him out of all the individuals to encounter?

"Linda?"

Daniel's voice echoed behind me, and I froze. I felt sick to my stomach as I turned to face him. "Daniel."

He looked at Kevin and then back at me, saying, "Wow, it's been a while. I didn't expect to see you here." Are you with a significant other?"

My face reddened with shame, but before I could react, Kevin moved forward and put his arm around my waist. "She's with me," he stated with ease and a protective tone. "Donald Kevin."

Daniel was anxious for the first time as his eyes expanded in realization. "Donald? The Donald Group, that is?"

Kevin had a calm, self-assured smile. "That's correct."

After a moment of hesitation, Daniel's lips formed a sneer. You upgraded, didn't you, Linda? It must be pleasant to have someone look after you.

A surge of rage rose in my chest. This was a new low for Daniel, who had always been patronizing. I yelled, "I don't need anyone to look after me."

"Oh? Daniel's smirk grew as he lifted an eyebrow. "Because you weren't exactly doing well the last time I checked."

At my sides, my hands clenched into fists. He had no idea what he was talking about, and I wanted to shout at him. However, Kevin moved in front of me and tightened his hold on my waist before I could speak.

Kevin remarked softly, in a dangerously composed tone, "Linda doesn't need to explain herself to you." "And if you could respect her, that would be appreciated."

For the first time, I noticed a glimmer of doubt in Daniel's eyes as his grin vanished. He looked from Kevin to me, obviously not knowing how to react.

Kevin turned to face me before he could speak another word, his face softening just enough to look sincere. "Shall we, sweetheart?"

With my throat too constricted to speak, I nodded. Even though this whole situation was phoney, I couldn't help but feel thankful for Kevin as he guided me away from Daniel and his conceited little girlfriend.

I kept thinking about what had just transpired as we headed back to the event's main area. Kevin had stepped in and played the ideal, protective lover after Daniel had embarrassed me. The situation seemed almost too good to be real.

Are you all right? Kevin's voice cut through my thoughts as he inquired.

"Yeah," I whispered, still trembling. "I appreciate you filling in back there."

"Don't bring it up," he said in a bland tone once more.

However, Daniel was observing us from the other side of the room before I could reply. His gaze kept coming back to me even though he was speaking to a few other people. He seemed to be waiting for me to make a mistake or exhibit some vulnerability.

Feeling anxious, I muttered to Kevin, "Daniel is watching us."

Kevin's eyes narrowed as he looked at Daniel. Then abruptly, his lips brushed my ear as he drew me in closer. "Calm down," he whispered. "We have only just begun."

As his words took hold, I stiffened. There was a sinister, even predatory quality to his tone. I briefly wondered whether Kevin was having as much fun toying with Daniel's thoughts as he was with mine.

But before I could take everything in, Kevin said, "Just trust me," leaning in and grazing my temple with his lips.

The audience was unaware of the tension that was building between us as the action went on around us. However, I couldn't get rid of the sensation that I was deeper than I thought. Kevin had assured me that he would assist me and improve my life, but at what price?

I couldn't help but wonder what Kevin's true plan was as we left the gala arm-in-arm. I was beginning to believe that I had just entered a far more perilous situation than I had anticipated, and there was more to him than first appeared.

Kevin's grip on my waist tightened, and as we stepped into the night, he whispered in my ear once again, "This is only the beginning, Linda."