Page 18 of Dr. Billionaire's Fake Marriage

Henry doesn't have to remind me; besides, I am not falling in love with Camile.

Whatever I feel is only fascination. I am simply drawn to Camile's personality. I only want to know what she has under her skin.

“I am not falling in love with anyone,” I assure Henry. “I know what I am doing.”

Henry looks like he doesn't believe a word I have just said. He shrugs.

“Mom wants you to see Emilie today.” Henry tells me Mother is already planning the engagement party with Emilie and her parents.

"I don't want to go through this," I tell Henry. He chuckles and tells me that is the life we signed up for when we were born into our family.

"I know you hate Emilie, but you have no choice; her family's influence is one of the things this family needs…what this hospital needs."

I lick my lips. Henry is wrong; I don't hate Emilie. I am simply irritated by her sassiness, pride, and need to be worshiped.

Henry tells me there is something else I can do to avoid marrying Emilie.

“Get a list of other women whose parents have the influence our family needs and see if you can get along with any of them.” Henry chuckles. “That was what I did with Amelia. She saved me from getting stuck with Emilie’s little sister.”

Mother had chosen Lilly, Emilie's sister, for Henry. But he had escaped Mother's plan when he insisted he was going for Amelia, whose father's influence is also paramount to the growth of the hospital.

I am relieved at Henry's suggestion, but he is not done advising me concerning Emilie.

He tells me Emilie is a disaster; going out with her sister for a few months made him go for the lesser evil: Amelia.

"And Camile, you two are never going to happen." I don't know what gave Henry the impression that I have ever been interested in my staff member, but I am aware of what is happening, and I have no intention of falling in love with Camile.

"Thanks, bro." I am thankful that I got this advice just before Mother goes on with the engagement.

"Good luck convincing Mom." He closes the door behind him. I exhale hard because I will need that good luck of his.

After my long shift today, I head to Mother's house. I must tell her to cease the engagement preparation with Emilie's family.

Mother is by her favorite spot when I spot her. She is by the garden, resting her back on a long chair.

She wears a sunshade that allows her to look straight into the sun.

"Mom," I say, standing beside her and waiting for her to look at me. "I need to speak with you," I say as she eventually looks up. She signals to one of her maids, who brings another chair for me to sit on.

“I need you to pause the preparation with Emilie’s family.” Mom removes her shade so she can see me clearly, and I can see her reaction to my words.

She smiles. "Nothing can be done about it," she says. "You have known this since you were a kid."

I scowl. "It's not about the arranged marriage; it is about who you are arranging it with."

“Emilie is a good girl with a great family background,” she assures me, but we both know that the latter is the only good thing about Emilie.

Emilie is a spoiled brat, and I don’t see myself living with her for the rest of my life.

“Henry already refused to marry her younger sister. What do you want her parents to think of me?” Mother lashes out.

Whatever they want to think.I thought.

I hold Mom’s warm hands. “Mom,” I plead and smile at her. “I need you to give me the benefit of the doubt. Give me the list of prospective partners, let me go out with them, and I can tell you who is best choice for me.” I say, hoping it is enough to change Mother’s mind.

Mother finally sighs. "Okay," she acquiesces. "I’ll give you one week, Troy, to decide. After that, I am making the decision it for you."

Do I need to remind her that I am a forty-five year old man, who is more than capable of making his own decision?

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