Page 36 of Dr. Billionaire's Fake Marriage

I arch my eyebrows, realizing that her mother is supposed to be at the hospital hours before her surgery.

I dip my hands into my pockets and say, “If you need me to come to pick you up tomorrow, I’d be happy to do so.”

Camile looks into my eyes. "I'd appreciate it." I am quite surprised that Camile doesn't object to me coming to pick her up. Is she starting to see us as a couple already? Is she doing to me what Amelia does to Henry?

“I will come by your house by eight,” I promise, then I beckon to my driver, “Take Camile with the car.” My driver nods and walks away to turn the car around.

"Thank you," Camile says as she turns to leave, but she stops to ask, "When is the wedding?" Her eyes are darting to Mother.

"Wednesday, on my porch. That is the only private area we can get," I reply. "You only need to bring a witness." I swallow and pause. "Camile, I know this is not your dream wedding, but this is best for us both."

Camile scoffs, "You don't even know about my dream wedding." I turn silent at her words, realizing that I know little about her, and it isn't wise of me to talk like I do. "I don't feel right doing this behind your mother's back. I feel like I am betraying her."

"I will take the full blame," I assure her. “You don't have to worry about that," I add as my driver comes around with the car. I watch Camile hop in as a hand pulls me backward.

Henry looks to be tired of the whole charade, but he has to be the man of the hour.

“Are you out of your mind?” Henry whispers as he edges back. “The media is everywhere. They can publish a story about you and Camile by tomorrow.”

I shake my head. "They can't…the spotlight is on you today, bro."

Henry sighs. He knows I am right, and we stand by the door for a few seconds.

Henry casts a glance inside. "Do you think we will one day regret this?" He goes on to say, "I mean, living by our mother's and society's rules. Do you think we will wake up one day and regret ever living such a rigid life?"

I have no answer to Henry's question. "I don't know," I reply. "I honestly wish I knew the answer to your question." Henry and I return to the restaurant, giving in to the charade once again.

****

I stand in front of Camile as I adjust my suit. I didn't know I would be so nervous, but Camile's smile makes me feel much better.

We are gathered on my porch with four others: Camile, the bride; Amelia, Camile's witness; Henry, my witness; and my driver, the man joining us. These are the people I trust with my deepest secrets. These are the people that Camile and I both trust.

We say our vows, ones copied off the internet. I hear Camile emit a loud sigh as if she is glad to get the burden finally off her back.

After the ceremony on the porch, we all sit at the table while the maids serve dinner.

Camile often avoids my eyes, but I sit near her while Amelia and Henry pretend to be conversing.

“When are you moving into the house?” I ask between courses.

Camile looks like she just remembers that we have to live as a couple; she pauses to find an excuse to buy some time. "I have to ensure that my mother is being cared for."

"Your mother is in the hospital under expert care; you will be home by yourself…Is that what you want?"

"I need a night to myself. I will move into the house tomorrow," she says sternly. It sounds like I just asked a girlfriend to move in with me.

“Have you told your mother…” I ask, “about this?”

Camile shakes her head. "I will tell her once she gets better. You are right. She will be at the hospital for a few months and won't notice I haven't been living in the house anymore."

Camile looks around the house again. "If I am living here with you, many changes will be made in the house."

I watch her lips curve into a smile. “Anything you want to do with it, it is yours.”

I look around the house and realize that the decoration isn’t the only thing about to change for the next six months. Perhaps, I will also be changing and may be unable to recognize myself.

****

---