Page 32 of Faking It with my Small Town Billionaire

We have been entertaining ourselves with the different stories the townsfolk keep coming up with.

“Go on,” I say with a grin. “Hit me.”

“Apparently, you and Orson have been secretly dating for years. They think it’s the only reason Donovan Enterprises would want to invest in Willow Creek. You must have convinced him, and of course, the first place to be renovated will be your bakery.”

I snort and shake my head. “Well, they’re creative. I’ll give them that.”

Jasmine is about to reply as she’s tying her apron, when the bell tinkles, and a customer walks in.

“Hi. What can I get you?” I ask.

He’s a tall man with dirty blonde hair. He’s well dressed in a taupe suit and looks like some kind of businessman. He’s definitely not a local because I’ve never seen him before.

“One of those, please,” he says, pointing to a pastry.

“Of course.”

“I can see why Orson is always talking about the bakery,” the man says. “I take it you must be his latest conquest.”

This remark gets Jasmine’s attention, too, and we both look at him with raised eyebrows.

“I’m sorry. Do I know you?”

The man shakes his head. “But I know your husband. You guys did get married, didn’t you?”

“Who are you? Are you with Donovan Enterprises?”

He snarls as though I’ve just insulted him. “Not a chance. My name’s Marcus. Orson and I cross paths every so often. My company is one of the other investors involved in the redevelopment of this town.”

“Right,” I say.

“A bit of advice,” he says once I’ve handed over his pastry and taken his money. “Keep an eye on your new husband. He’s known for having a few girls in tow.”

Marcus then flashes me a smile and strolls out the door.

I can only stand there, completely stunned. And then I feel Jasmine’s arms around my shoulder.

“Don’t you listen to that man, Lily. He’s no more than a troublemaker. You know Orson would never hurt you like that.”

The thing is, I shouldn’t really be bothered. I mean, we’re not actually married, are we? And yet, it does bother me. It bothers me a lot.

For the rest of the day, I can’t shift from this feeling. There’s an ache in my gut, and my mind is racing with doubts. I “married” this guy, but the truth is, I don’t really know anything about him. What if Marcus is right?

Your marriage isn’t real, Lily.

But even knowing that, I still feel gutted. And as I narrow the feeling down, I realize what it is.

I’m jealous.

13

Orson

All things considered, the last couple of weeks have gone pretty well. It was hard for both of us at first. I’ve never shared any living space with anyone, ever. Not even in college. My father bought me an apartment outright to make sure I kept my mind on my studying.

The last time Lily shared her space with anyone was when her sisters still lived at home, and that was nearly ten years ago. So, yes. It’s been quite an adjustment. The good thing is, this apartment is pretty spacious. I suppose I grew up in a huge house, and thus, I naturally veer towards living in something larger than a shoebox.

To keep up appearances, I’ve been staying here most nights. From what I hear, we are the talk of Willow Creek, which is exactly what I wanted. Word will get back to my grandfather soon enough, and I have no doubt that he’ll send for me like he always does.

---