Page 20 of If You Give a Billionaire a Bride

I balk at the realization that my dad withheld this from me. Although I shouldn’t be surprised since he does it all the time.If August and Liam had been aware of this, there’s no question they would have told me. I can only imagine they won’t take the news well.

“Wait a second.” I glance over at Cash, who looks ready to bolt. “If you knew, why wouldn’t you tell me?”

“I assumed your dad already had, and figured you didn’t mention it because of the legal restrictions in place on what can be talked about between companies until Stafford Holdings takes ownership of Townstead International.”

“What about this morning when you woke up with a ring on your finger? That would have been the perfect opportunity to broach the subject. Were you lying when you said we’d fly back to London and get an annulment?”

My pulse quickens at the idea that he could be playing me. That this was a sick joke to guarantee the deal goes through. Or this is just another scenario where Cash flies by the seat of his pants with no concern for repercussions, and I’ll be left paying for it.

“No, of course not,” he says quickly. “I promise we’ll get in touch with our lawyers as soon as we leave and will have this resolved by Monday, just like you want.”

“I wouldn’t advise getting an annulment,” Harrison interrupts.

I jerk my head in his direction, having forgotten for a minute that he and Dylan were here.

“Harrison is right,” Dylan adds. “This would cause a shitstorm if the media caught wind of a fake marriage in the middle of a merger. Not to mention, our board would have a field day.”

I place my hands on my head, attempting to regulate my breathing. This cannot be happening. Any second now, I’m going to wake up in my bed, and this will all have been a bad dream.

“Why should it matter what Everly and I do?” Cash asks Harrison. “Our marriage doesn’t financially benefit anyone, so who cares if we get it dissolved?”

I glance at Harrison and Dylan, who both have serious expressions on their faces, confirming that Cash is the only one who fails to grasp the severity of the situation.

“How do you think the board of directors will react when they find out you met up with the daughter of Townstead International’s CEO right after you left a pivotal board meeting discussing the acquisition? I can spin the story of you marrying your childhood friend, but it’s going to be damn near impossible to convince them if your attorneys file for an annulment come Monday morning. They’ll assume you only got married to disclose sensitive information that could impact stock prices or shape market perceptions. If that happens, the deal will go up in smoke.” He snaps his fingers for emphasis.

When Harrison puts it that way, it makes the situation even more dire. My hands shake as reality sets in. He’s right. If Cash and I get an annulment now, we’ll jeopardize our jobs, the acquisition, and both companies’ reputations.

I let the tequila and Cash’s charm cloud my judgment. Now there’s a possibility I could be stuck married to him for an undetermined amount of time. I swear I’m never taking tequila shots ever again.

“What do you suggest we do?” I direct my question to Harrison. He’s the most level-headed person here, and I can trust that he’ll give it to me straight.

“I would prefer that you stay married and pretend that you’re in love. That includes in front of our parents and Presley. I don’t trust her not to spill the beans to Mom.” I stare wide eyed at Harrison while he speaks. “It works in your favor that you grew up together and both live in London. If anyone asks, we’ll tellthem you reconnected at a local pub, fell in love, and got married on a whim while you were both in Vegas for work.”

Even anticipating his advice doesn’t make it any less of a bitter pill to swallow.

“It won’t be that bad,” Cash offers when he notices me wringing my hands.

“Notthatbad? Stafford, we haven’t seen each other in fourteen years. Now, suddenly, you think I want to live with you? Harrison just told us this could upset the merger. When my dad finds out what I did, he won’t be as understanding as your brothers.” I gesture toward Harrison and Dylan, who are observing our tense exchange.

My dad won’t let this lapse in judgment go unpunished.

Dylan steps between Cash and me. “Woah there, lovebirds.” He chuckles nervously. “Why don’t you talk this through in private before determining how you want to move forward? We’re not going to force either of you to do anything you don’t want to.” He looks me in the eye. “Whatever you decide, we’ll support you both. Right, Harrison?”

“As the CEO of Stafford Holdings, I recommend you stay married for the sake of the companies.” Harrison gives me a rare smile. “But as an older brother, I would never abandon either of you, regardless of how you want to move forward.”

I’m taken aback by their loyalty. Harrison and Dylan could easily disregard me to fend for myself and direct all their energy on helping Cash clean up the mess we’ve made. Instead, they treat me like I’m a valued addition to their family, which is far more than I can say for my father.

“You’re right.” Cash sighs. “Ev and I—” He stops when Johanna opens the door and steps outside with a perplexed expression.

“What on earth are you all still doing out here?” she scolds. “The photographer is getting impatient.”

“Is it alright if I wait in the kitchen for Cash?” I ask.

“Absolutely not,” Johanna says firmly. “They wouldn’t be family photos without you in them, sweetie. Now come along.” She places her hand on my back, guiding me inside.

Her sentiment is touching, but it’s overshadowed by the knowledge that this illusion will shatter once the truth comes out. I’ll be left alone on the sideline, picking up the pieces.

I look back to glare at Cash, paying no mind to Dylan and Harrison, who are struggling to stifle their laughter.

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