Sean POV

I was seated in the study of my mansion when I heard the jingles of a key and the door opening. I was watching the reactions of people online after I had posted the picture of Katie's fingers online. I purposely didn't reveal her face yet but I will soon.

I'm stalling that process for the reactions to grow massively and keep people waiting before I finally let the cat out of the bag.

Earlier today when I made a proposal to her, I wasn't really planning it. The ring I haven't heard of was just a coincidence. I went in there to pick a ring for her so we could continue the pretense we had going on but she beat me to it when she started discussing the part and I know the only ticket I can use on her is a proposal.

She recently lost her mother and I'm not obliged to owe her anything and I know when she finds a job soon she'll call out agreement quits so I had to do what I did to save my ass.

The study door opened, revealing my best friend, Rick walking in. He had a big scowl on his face as if he was annoyed by something. I would like it if I said I didn't know why he drove down here to meet me despite his tight schedules.

"What did fuck did I just read, S?" He questioned, pulling out the seat opposite mine and settling down. Immediately lunging for the half opened bottle whiskey and pouring himself a drink.

I smiled at his expression. Rick and I grew up together so he knew what went down between Katie and I. I already briefed him on the details of how I asked her to pretend to help me in order for me to help her mum but now her mum is dead and my cover is about to blow so I had to do what I did.

"Man, you wouldn't understand," I say.

"You better start talking right now. The whole city is talking about you being engaged and you're here saying I wouldn't understand. What is that supposed to mean"

"It is what it is"

"So no one hacked your hacked account?" He asked again.

"Yes. I posted it myself" I took the now empty bottle from him and also poured myself a drink, taking it all down in one gulp. I used the back of my sleeve to wipe my mouth clean before I turned back to Rick.

I explained all what happened to him all over, reminding him I never planned this from the stars. He kept nodding at intervals.

"Wow, that's some fucked up shit" he say.

"It is," I confirmed.

"So, you're going to get married for real this time. Man, C'mon. You knew what she did to you" Rick says and I understand how he's feeling now. He's my best busty and we truly support each other every time.

Now he's worried about me based on my pay with Katie.

"Yes, I know but I had no choice. I have to be a father before they can consider me" I blurted out.

It's yay a fucked up role my father had stated that I had to complete before I could get my inheritance. Who makes such rules nowadays anyway?

Initially I had thought it's just to see me with a chick I'm serious with but, No, after the show with Katie at the ball the other night they made it clear that I had to produce an heir also.

"I think you should let her know what she's into." Rick says and I look up at him with widened eyes.

"No, She'll never agree"

"But she agrees to marry you."

"Yes, but that's different…"

Marriage and giving birth are two different things

I want to go on and tell him that Katie gave birth to a baby on her own but I stopped myself as Rick doesn't know. I wouldn't know myself if her mother hadn't told me.

The plan isn't for her to carry the baby herself. We could get a surrogate or something, but I can't do this without having a wife to convince the shareholders.

"She probably thinks you still love her," Rick muttered in a very low voice. I think it's not meant for me to hear but I did anyway.

"So, how're you holding up with Vikings? Are they still hell-bent on not changing the terms of the contract?" I say changing the topic.

I want to bring the attention away from me and my love life. Rick is as still as I am but he's not in the situation as I am. He still has his dad around so he's not being pushed to settle down anytime soon.

"Do you think you're still single?" My subconscious came knocking but I pushed the thoughts away and shut the voice in my head. Now is not the time to start feeling guilty.

Rick and I discussed some other things before he decides to leave as it is getting dark. After he had left, I couldn't help but wonder about his words from earlier.

She probably thinks you still love her.

I closed my eyes and let my mind take over. I shouldn't be using her vulnerability against her. It's not right. But if I want to survive, I have to do all I can to get my position even if that means using her.

I couldn't let go of how heartbroken I was three years ago when she dumped my ass without any explanation. Even though I've learnt of the reason now, that does nothing to fill up the hole in my heart.

I loved her.

I've not been in any serious relationships after that but I wasn't clean. The little bit of brightness on my hand jolted me out of my thoughts and I looked down to see a ring on my finger.

"This is really happening" I muttered then brought out my phone to post a picture of Katie and I together.

We took it right after my proposal. After going through series of picture, I finally found one I like. She was smiling in this and you can see her ball dancing with excitement.

She probably thinks you still love her.

Rick's words came haunting me again. I linger over the send button for a while before I finally posted the picture and tagged her in it.