Page 13 of Marrying a Billionaire

“Yeah,” Lillian said, turning away from the mirror and slipping on the dress. She zipped up the back as far as she could and then unlocked the dressing room door.

Cassie’s eyes widened. “Wow, that looks amazing on you,” she said, twirling her finger to indicate that Lillian should spin around.

After the zipper was fully up, she waved for Lillian to follow her to the pedestal in the far corner that was surrounded by mirrors.

Lillian stepped up and glanced at her reflection. The dress was beautiful. It fit her in the top and then flowed around her like a waterfall. How could something so expensive seem meant for her? There was no way she could pay for this.

“I—I need to get this off,” she said, stepping down from the pedestal and heading toward the dressing rooms.

“Lillian? Where are you going?” Cassie called from behind her.

As soon as she was inside, she shut the door and locked it. Now safe, she turned and collapsed on the chair next to the mirror.

What was wrong with her? How could she possibly think that this was a good idea? She was going to mess up and fail yet again at something that was important. People never stuck around for her. Reed should just call it off. Take everything she had—which was next to nothing. What did it matter to a billionaire?

“Lillian? Is everything okay?” Cassie’s voice was followed by a quiet knock. “If you’re worried about what Reed would think, he’s going to love it. You look amazing and will totally fit the part he’s asked you to play. Don’t worry, everyone is going to love you.”

Tears filled Lillian’s eyes as she took a deep breath. She appreciated how grounded Cassie was. It helped calm her down.

And then she felt stupid. Why was she freaking out? She could do this. She had to. Reaching down, she wrapped her hand around her stomach bulge. Whatever was going to happen with this pregnancy, she needed to be prepared. A single, out of work mom didn’t seem like the best idea.

So what if she had to fake a relationship? She was sure it wasn’t the worst thing someone had done for money. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and counted down from ten. When she reached one, she felt better. Her stomach didn’t hurt, and she was more grounded.

She needed to make the decision right now to marry Reed Williamson. That way, there was no more thinking involved. She would fake this, make the money, and leave. He would get his company, and she’d be taken care of. This was the best option for both of them.

She slipped off the dress and pulled on her shirt and jeans. When she opened the door, she found Cassie on the other side with her eyes wide.

“You okay?” she asked.

Lillian nodded. “Yeah, I’m sorry. I just got overwhelmed.”

Cassie clicked her tongue. “I totally get it. I’m sure this is all crazy. When Reed told me what our mom did, I couldn’t believe it.” She smiled over at Lillian. “But it’s a nice thing you’re doing for my brother. He deserves this more than Mason. That snake.”

Lillian hung up the dress as she listened to Cassie. “Who’s Mason?”

Cassie dropped her jaw. “He’s our half-brother. The conceived-through-an-affair baby my dad had.” She studied herself in the mirror, pushing up her roots as she turned her head to the side.

“What does Mason have to do with any of this?” Lillian sat down on the chair again.

Cassie glanced over at her. “Reed didn’t tell you?”

Lillian shook her head.

“Mason stole Hannah, Reed’s fiancée, and got her pregnant. Now they’re getting married which means he is fulfilling my grandfather’s stipulation while Reed is left with nothing.” She gave Lillian a warm smile. “Enter you.”

Lillian wasn’t sure what to say to that. That seemed like a lot of information to be given. “Does he. . .” She studied Cassie. “Do you think he wants me to know this?”

Cassie hesitated for a moment before she shook her head. “I’m sure he’d want you to know. You’re marrying him, after all.” She reached out and hugged Lillian. “Oh, I’m just so excited that you guys are going to stick it to Mason!”

Lillian patted her back. She liked that Cassie had this open and unabashed way about her. Never had she been so welcomed into any family. Joshua’s parents never approved of her, and she’d been moved from foster home to foster home as a kid. She’d be lying to herself if she said she didn’t enjoy this.

“Thanks, Cassie.”

Cassie pulled back. “Anytime. Reed’s the best brother. He really is the greatest.” She pinched her lips together and raised her eyebrows. “Now, let’s blow his socks off with some awesome clothes.” She held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. “Hand me the card he gave you and I’ll take care of everything. In fact,”—she glanced toward the shop’s door—“head two doors down to Serenity Salon and ask for Stacy. She’ll handle your hair and make-up. Tonight is going to be epic.”

Even though the thought to protest raced through her mind, Lillian nodded and grabbed her purse. What Cassie suggested sound amazing. Just what she needed after the last few days. Plus it helped her get away from this shop with the crazy attendant and prices that made her head swim.

“Thanks, Cas,” she said as she stepped out of the dressing room and out into the shop.

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