Extremely long chappie to make up for the month its been! Hope you kiddies enjoy it! I really really like Brandon DeCaro's character, he's so friggen hot. *clears throat*

Okay, continue...


"To see a friend,"

Brandon leaned his chin thoughtfully against his knuckles as he stared out the window of the car, watching aimlessly as the buildings and pedestrians zipped by. What friend did she have in Manhattan? He knew he should leave it alone but the gradually building curiosity was slowly starting to pick at his mind.

Was it a man?

He scoffed annoyedly before leaning his broad figure back into the leather seats. No, she wouldn't take her child to see a man. Stella did tell him that she was no longer involved with the child's father, so there was no need for her to take him to see another fling. He leaned back against the leather of the seat, crossing his leg over the other knee in thought, and gazed at the business district that blurred past.

It wasn't like she was actually his wife; he didn't need to know her whereabouts or what she was doing. They were married for show, but nothing more. Though the whole idea had caught him by surprise, just as he was ready to hand over the hotel empire he had built from the ground right back to his father, Sky had stepped in and saved his ass once more. It was so sudden he realized he hadn't really prepared for this charade to come.

The ex that tore him apart was now his wife. As much as the idea wasn't his first option, he had to make sure she was able to play the part in public too. A billionaire's wife needed all the luxuries that came with it.

The moment he walked into DeCaro Hotel's Manhattan branch; the officials immediately approached him with an acknowledging bow. "Sir," they said in unison as Brandon walked past them clouded in his thoughts.

Amongst the plethora of branch officials stood the Manhattan Branch's manager Mr. Victor Adamos who was quick to greet the current Head Director of the company, "Mr DeCaro," He stepped forward, extending his hand as Brandon approached staring absently at his tablet as his secretary hobbled beside him, trying to keep up with his long strides, "Victor Adamos, honor to meet you sir," He continued bashfully but his face immediately fell as Brandon strolled past without so much as a glance in his direction.

Brandon's secretary, at least, his current one for the time being quickly bowed in silent apology to the flabbergasted Mr. Adamos before trailing hastily after his boss.

Brandon seemed to be in an excessively ignorant mood this morning, more arrogant than usual. Mr. Adamos stared wide-eyed at his pathetically open palm and watched the black suit-fitted hotel tycoon continue to saunter towards the elevator.

"What's on the agenda for this afternoon?" Brandon asked, stabbing the top floor button on the elevator as his secretary quickly slipped through the closing doors.

"Uh- you have a meeting with the head of the catering company DeliFoods for their drop in their shares," His secretary, Oliver recited as Brandon tucked both hands into his slack pockets before grousing.

DeliFoods caters to most of the DeCaro hotels in New York, but as of recently their stocks aren't doing too well and Brandon is adamant about removing part of their shares from his board of directors.

His chocolate-hued eyes gazed up annoyedly at the red numbers above the elevator as they incremented up each floor. He wasn't in the mood to kick a shareholder off his board so early in the morning, especially when other things were accompanying his thoughts.

Now that the world thought he had a wife and child, the news was bound to reach even the far ends of the planet. He was only temporarily staying in the penthouse in New York and planned to move to the house he bought in Bel Air a few years back to avoid all the media pestering and all the functions his father was probably putting his name down for.

"Sir, the chairman also wants to schedule a dinner with Ms. Stella possibly tonight," Oliver squeaked in reluctantly as Brandon whipped his head in the direction of his cringing secretary.

"What?" He snapped making the poor man jump from his skin. "You're joking,"

"He requests your presence to discuss and meet your wife properly," Oliver added timidly in hopes to clarify the situation and calm things but that seemed to piss Brandon off even more. He's already forced them into a charity event tomorrow night and now he's wedging in a dinner tonight as well?!

That damn old geezer.

Now that Stella was going to be under heavy scrutiny, he couldn't leave any loose ends. The chairman had to believe this was his wife and child. Meaning she had to look the part too. Considering the few times, Brandon had seen her, she didn't look anything like he remembered. It was as if she had left her knack for fashion behind, there was no way his father was going to believe she was the secret wife of the owner of a billionaire dollar hotel chain.

He had to really step it up.

Finding the silence with his own ruminations unbearable, Brandon fished out his cell phone dialing the number of his driver.

"Sir…" Vince answered the line briskly. "I have just dropped the Madam off at 82nd street, shall I wait for her return?"

82nd street? Of course, that definitely brought forth the familiar scenery of a fiery redhead who always clung to Stella's side ever since he had met her. Had she gone to see her best friend? Albeit Bloom wasn't exactly the first-person Brandon wanted to see considering her unresolved vendetta against him, he felt the need to go and see Stella again to push the agenda forward as soon as possible.

"No that won't be necessary," he told his diver within moments before hanging up and tucking his phone back in his slack pocket. Brandon's piercing gaze flickered to his buckling kneed secretary.

"Cancel the meeting," he said in a low tone before stabbing the number on the floor they were already at. The bell of the elevator sounded, and the doors rolled open as Oliver's jaw dropped. Before he could utter a single sentence, Mr. DeCaro was already out of the elevator and out of sight.

"Sir!" Oliver called out hastily, tailing his boss as Brandon walked towards the closed elevator doors beside it. "Sir! Where are you going?!" Brandon ignored him as he leaned forward and pressed the downwards arrow.

"Call the valor and ask him to bring out one of my personal cars," He instructed with his arms folded over his chest, waiting for the elevator.

"But Sir, you have a meeting with the CEO of DeliFoods in half an hour!"

Brandon turned to face his desperate secretary for a moment before ducking his 6"3 frame to meet at eye level. "Then cancel it," he spoke out in a low tone before stepping back right into the opening doors of the elevator going down.

Oliver shook his head to recover from the dumbfounded shock and boarded the elevator after his own CEO post haste. "Yes sir," He replied meekly as the elevator doors closed the moment Brandon had hit the ground floor button.

The second the elevator had reached the ground floor lobby; the valor had already rolled in the beloved red car in Brandon's collection as it sat door open in the front. Oliver clattered after his boss, trying vehemently to keep up with his long strides once more. Brandon paused at the entrance before turning to address his secretary once more.

"Oliver, tell the CEO of DeliFoods that I will meet him personally at his head office to discuss the deal," He informed him before grabbing the keys from the valor, and stepping into the vehicle. "Get Vince to escort him back,"

The window of the car rolled up without the need for a response and Brandon immediately stepped on the accelerator. Oliver sighed, clutching the tablet to his chest as the officials of the Manhattan Branch poured outside to see their CEO ditch a closing deal meeting.

This was so typical of him.

Yet he was powerful enough to reign over the hotel industry.


Stella stared nervously at the ground as Brandon sat beside her, one leg over the other as he sunk back into the sofa in Bloom's living room. If there was anything that was intoxicating about this man, it was the divine way he smelt. An addicting scent of cologne, the same cologne he wore 4 years ago, was faint but at the same time incredibly attractive.

He had taken his suit blazer off and hung it on Bloom's coat rack as he sat in his dress shirt rolled at the sleeves and navy tie that matched his slacks. Stella couldn't keep her eyes off the way he sat, fingers linked together between the three silver rings he wore. This man was, in every way, tantalizing.

He was more defined than he was 4 years ago, he always had broad shoulders and bulging biceps, but they were definitely bigger. Her mind kept wandering back to every part of him she'd seen in her bed. From his attractive pearly smile to his 6 defined abs on his deliciously tan skin.

"Mr. DeCaro, I've prepared the Autumn collection like you asked," one of the girls dressed in the tight black pencil skirt and matching shirt chirped, snapping Stella out of her flashback. She handed Brandon one of the many tablets they had in their possession.

Brandon had called in an entire wardrobe team wearing the same attire adorned with a familiar CD interlocked logo. The girl cast her eyes towards the blonde sitting uncomfortably beside him. She offered Stella a smile to which she awkwardly returned. There was no doubt, that every woman in the room couldn't keep their eyes off the handsome brunette tycoon and it was no different from it was 4 years ago.

Brandon's slim finger scrolled through the plethora of images that displayed on the tablet, "I want to see everything from here to here," He instructed before handing the tablet blatantly back to the girl. She replied with a vehement smile to which he didn't spare a glance before crossing his arms over his chest once more.

Gosh, they all look like they want me dead Stella thought. She had just laid Nic to sleep in Bloom's guest bedroom and with much convincing of her safety, Bloom had left to her study as well.

"Madam, please come this way," Another girl called forth Stella's attention as she quickly gazed up in confusion as she saw the racks and racks of evening dresses being wheeled out before glancing back at Brandon.

"My father wants to see us for dinner tonight," Brandon informed her much to her surprise, "Don't worry, Sky offered to look after Nic for the night," He had mentally prepared for all her rebuttals.

Stella opened her mouth and closed it immediately at his sentence like a fish out of water. She didn't prefer the idea of leaving Nicholas with anyone except those she was used to, but this was for the sake of the charade.

"You're my fiancée now," He added coyly as Stella's heart skipped a beat at the mere words, "I want you to look the part,"

"Right," she replied meekly before standing up to follow the assistant. They gestured her to the makeshift change room they had set up right in Bloom's living room. The dresses Brandon had selected were all hung on a rack within her reach as she flicked through the choices.

They were all extremely flattering, she didn't know what to choose.

Stella knew the logo CD anywhere. It was a very well-known label in the industry. Charlotte Debree. However, there was one this that really concerned her, Charlotte Debree's pieces started in the 4 figures!

Stella was not about to spend her whole savings on one dress to see Brandon's father!

"Madam, are you dressed?" The assistant called out over the board. Grabbing one of the dresses she was looking at before, Stella quickly pulled it on. The moment she stepped out; Stella felt extremely shy under Brandon's gaze.

He sat forward in his seat; legs spread as he leaned his elbows to his thighs. Gosh, he's handsome.

He pondered for a moment, his deep oak-colored eyes raking her figure at the plan navy dress that spread at her hips to the floor. Stella cast her eyes away, unable to bear the temptation Brandon's gaze brought with it.

He shook his head at it and immediately the assistants ushered her back behind the fitting boards to try the next one on. Stepping out again with the next, Brandon immediately declined once more.

Will nothing please this man?

After the 3rd dress was dismissed, Stella felt herself get weary as she searched through the selection once more. There was one dress amongst the lot that she found herself staring at. It reminded her of a similar dress she had been ready to wear to her last Fashion show before she walked out on her career. The dress she designed herself.

The simple but graceful midi dress came down to her knees, ending in a small frill. Its light pink material hugged her figure vivaciously as she stepped out. Her hands delicately brushed the fabric down and a small smile tugged at her lips as she locked gazes with her ex-boyfriend.

Brandon felt his breath hitch in his throat at the sight of her. She was so elegant, there was something so attractive about her that he couldn't keep his eyes off of. It reminded him of the thousand and one reasons he was so smitten with her in the first place. Before she broke his heart and had a child with another man that is.

"What do you think of it?" Brandon questioned, refusing to make it obvious that he was captivated by her as he stood up from his seat on the couch.

Stella gazed down at the dress and smiled, "I like it, but it is a bit tight," She admitted, moving her arms. Brandon stopped in front of her, as he leaned down to inspect the dress closely. Stella took the minute to notice he had rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, revealing the Patek Phillipe silver watch that clasped around his wrist.

And the veins that adorned the inner of his forearm.

"Is there a bigger size?" He inquired of the girls around the room who were quickly assembling the dresses to please the tycoon.

"No sir, that's the last one,"

Brandon replied with a curt nod before turning to address Stella, "You can try on another you like then," He offered her and Stella quickly shook her head.

Nothing pleases this man; she was lucky to have found something he approved of. She didn't want to waste more time trying on outfits he'd reject.

"I like this one," She fibbed. She truly did like the dress a lot, but the sizing was just a bit off. This would've been a perfect fit for the body size she was before, however, for now, she had to make do.

Brandon smiled at her before reflecting his gaze on the assistant. "Put the charge under the DeCaro Enterprises personal card," he told her briskly and tucked his hands into his slacks pockets. The assistant nodded quickly as she ushered the rest of them to begin packing everything else up.

Oh my god. He just paid for a four thousand dollar dress like it was pocket change!

"What time's the dinner?" She asked, trying not to freak out how that's about a months worth of her pay back home.

"7:30 pm," He answered. Stella nodded wordlessly and pondered. It was 3:00 pm at the moment, so she wasn't due to get ready anytime soon, so she might as well get out of this suffocating dress for now.

Without a word, she turned on her heel to change back into her jeans. But before she was able to hastily make her exit, Brandon grabbed her left wrist.

"What are you-" She began to question him before he lifted up her hand. Stella's eyes widened as Brandon gently slipped the fitted silver band, adorned with a massive diamond into her left-hand ring finger. His eyes remained trained on the ring as he smirked to himself at how perfectly it fit.

Stella felt her heart thump hard against her chest at the scene before her of Brandon slipping the ring onto her finger. A moment she only imagined in her dreams. Albeit it was fake, her stomach fluttered at the idea of Brandon claiming what was his with a ring.

"Do you like it?" He asked finally, continuing to hold her hand in his. It seemed blatantly clear to the girls that were sultrily eyeing Brandon before, that he was a very rich and taken man at that.

Stella's mouth fell open, but words never left her lips as she continued to stare wide-eyed at the diamond that adorned her finger. Knowing Brandon, it probably didn't cost a couple of mere hundred dollars or so.

Her eyes flickered to the turquoise box in his left hand. Tiffany and Co. Of course.

"Brandon, I can't wear this," She told him in a hushed voice.

"Why not Cara? you're my wife, you deserve the best," he emphasized the term that signified she was his. Stella quickly reminded herself that his words were meant to be a reflection of his wealth, not his love.

However, it was quite clear that all the other women in the room either wanted to be her or wanted her to disappear.

He stepped forward, closer to her this time as he wrapped his hand on the small of her back, pulling her against him, "Plus, my father is never going to believe it if I buy some cheap ring," Brandon murmured into her ear, his lips brushing her skin which made the hairs on her neck stand on end.

He pulled back, leaving her dazed and the rest of the room in awe. "Come, let's head home, I've got to grab a couple of things from the penthouse, before dinner tonight," Brandon said, stealing a glance at his watch as his other hand still stayed at her waist.

"My father is moving into the penthouse tonight after dinner, so the villa is our," He continued. Stella's heart continued to thump in her ears at the feeling of being so close to him. His masculine cologne was practically sending her into a frenzy.

"Alright Satan, step away from my best friend," Bloom's voice pierced through the tension as Stella bounded away from him out of surprise.

Thankfully because if she spent another moment in his presence, she would find herself unable to keep away.

Brandon sighed, shaking his head in exasperation as Bloom stalked into her own living room just as the assistants from CD had packed the displays. She sidestepped between the two, hands on her hips as she glared at Brandon.

"She better be home by 10 pm, DeCaro," Bloom told him pointedly. Brandon scoffed amusedly at her attitude, tucking one hand into his pocket while the other loosened the tie around his neck.

"With all due respect Miss Domino, I don't think you can tell me what to do with my wife," Brandon shot back arrogantly, and Bloom's face almost shifted to the same color as her hair.

"Listen here ass-"

"Alright, that's enough!" Stella quickly cut in, grabbing Bloom's arm before she could cuss him out. Bloom continued to glare at him as Stella stepped between them. At least something hasn't changed.

Brandon and Bloom still can't stand each other.


Stella's POV

The real charade had begun the moment Brandon's car rolled into the fountain driveway of his Manhattan Villa. Since he had already driven to Bloom's in his sports car, he had decided not to have his diver take us, but instead, take his own car.

As soon he put the car into park and turned off the engine, I felt my stomach pit. I was going to be properly introduced to Brandon's father over a sit-down dinner. I had to make sure I knew everything about Brandon as I possibly could as if we'd never broken up in the last 4 years.

This is going to be difficult.

I was so distracted by my own thoughts; I hadn't even noticed the door open until Brandon extended his hand for me. I gazed up at his deep oak eyes before slipping my hand into his and stepping out, my heart missing a beat as I stood beside him.

He was dressed in a pair of grey slacks over a navy-blue shirt that was tucked behind a black belt. The first couple of buttons on his shirt were undone which gave a teasing view of his god carved pecs.

He wasn't wearing a tie this time, but his sleeves were most definitely rolled up, showing off a different watch of the same collection. But what didn't fail to catch my eyes was the silver band that wrapped his left ring finger, one similar in concept to the one he had given me.

I kept reminding myself it was all fake, but the matching rings, the outfits, and how delicately he was treating me made my heart cry out.

The last time I had been to Brandon's Manhatten Villa was a couple of months before Nicholas was born, to tell Brandon about his child. I grimaced at the outcome of that day when his maid had told me he was in London with his new girlfriend.

I cast my eyes at Brandon, staring at his jaw from beneath my lashes as he faced the large mansion. His chocolate brown eyes flickered down to me when he noticed my attention was on him, "Are you nervous?" He asked me.

"A little,"

He smiled at me, slipping my hand under his arm so that I was holding his bicep, "Just follow my lead. Anything happens, just let me handle it," He assured me, as we walked to the front door as the butler stood beside it.

"Good evening, Young Master," He greeted Brandon with a bow of his head. His eyes catch onto my figure and bowed deeper, "And Ms. Stella, a pleasure it is to see you once more," I knew Brandon's butler from when we used to date, I was surprised to see him still here.

I smiled, nodding at his acknowledgment.

"Mr. DeCaro awaits in the dining room,"

As soon as we stepped through the front door together, the warmth of the mansion enveloped me. I had forgotten what this place felt like when I saw it last time. Though it had not changed at all.

As we drew nearer the dining room, Brandon leaned down closer to me, as he whispered, "Remember, if this is to work, we have to appear madly in love,"

If only he knew I was already a step away from being in love with him.

As soon as the doors swung open, the bright light from the dining room shone on my face and my eyes widened at the large dining table that was positioned in the middle of the room. What was worse, was the plethora of unfamiliar faces that occupied the seats at the table.

"Fucking bastard," Brandon gritted through his teeth at the sight of his father seated at the head of the table. "I knew he would pull some shit like this," he muttered annoyedly as his free hand pressed against his lips to hide the obvious grimace.

I glanced up at him, yanking his arm down at the language he was using against his father, "Be nice, he's your father," I chastised him lowly as his eyes flickered down to me with obvious surprise that I would say something against it.

Of course, having dinner with multiple older strangers wasn't exactly my ideal night, that gave Brandon no excuse to be so rude to Mr. DeCaro. He was his father.

"Brandon!" Mr. DeCaro greeted heartily upon his son entering the room. Suddenly all eyes were on us as the entire dining table turned to face the door I shifted uncomfortably beside him, "So pleased you and your wife could make it!"

Immediately the entire table broke out into hushed mutters as Mr. DeCaro announced the arrival of Brandon and me. Due to Brandon's diligence to stay private, not everyone had solid proof of him being married hence most people believed it was just an ill rumor.

Now that I was here, in person, it was definitely not a rumor.

"Father," Brandon greeted him stiffly as he walked forward with me holding his bicep. "I wasn't expecting so many guests,"

"Oh, don't mind everyone son, it was a very last-minute celebration of my 60th birthday tonight," Brandon's father laughed heartily as the rest of the table tittered with him. My eyes widened at the words that escaped Mr. DeCaro's mouth whilst Brandon was looking anywhere but at me.

It was his father's birthday?!

"Brandon did not tell you, my child?" Mr. DeCaro asked knowingly at my obvious shock as Brandon refused to meet my astonished gaze, "How could he? When he probably forgot, the absolute brat!" It seemed like a joke to Mr. DeCaro as he bellowed out in laughter but I felt incredibly guilty.

We didn't even buy him a gift!

"Father," Brandon warned as his father called him a brat. I couldn't help but smile at the insult, knowing all too well it fit him so well. He sort of was a brat at times, "Let's try not to embarrass me in front of my wife," He replied in a joking tone as the table chuckled.

"You know sweetheart, this is the first time he's even come to any of my birthdays!" Mr. DeCaro continued with a chuckle. There were two spare seats stationed right beside Mr. DeCaro as he sat at the head of the table.

Brandon led me to the seat farthest from his father as he gently slipped my arm from his bicep and reached for the chair. He smiled at me, a glimmer in his eyes as he pulled the chair back for me, motioning for me to take my seat.

My heart raced at the simple gesture, and I kept reminding myself it was all for show.

The moment I sat down, and Brandon took his seat beside mine, the entire table was raking me up and down. They seemed all in their late 50s or around the same age as Mr. DeCaro himself. Brandon and I were the only guests in our 20s at the event.

Mr. DeCaro flicked his fingers, motioning for the waiters to bring around the champagne as they reached the bottle over to the empty glasses in front of Brandon and me.

"That's fine, I'd rather not drink," Brandon cut in before the waiter could pour him a glass. Mr. DeCaro clicked his tongue, motioning for the waiter to pour one anyway.

"Drink son, it's my birthday!" He egged his son and Brandon sighed in response, "You too sweetheart," He jutted his chin towards me as I shook my head trying to politely object.

I haven't drunk since before I was pregnant.

"I have to drive my wife home," Brandon replied curtly, and Mr. DeCaro laughed in reaction.

"Nonsense, have a glass, both of you," He insisted, "You can stay at the villa for the night since you'll be coming back to move in the morning anyway,"

I gazed at Brandon unsurely and he pursed his lips back at me. I wasn't comfortable with the idea of leaving my son alone for the night, but Nic was asleep when we left anyway. Sky did tell us if we stay the night, he'd be more than happy to bring Nicholas over in the morning.

I nodded at him after a long while, agreeing to a drink. One drink.

"Oh how lovely to see you settle down Brandon," The lady seated in front of me gushed at us as the table agreed.

"I didn't think he ever would," The man beside him added. I had assumed they were husband and wife judging by their seating arrangements.

"I was just as shocked when he said he's got a son," Mr. DeCaro cut in heartily and Brandon shifted in his seat uncomfortably at all of the astonished faces that turned their attention to us.

"So, tell me, sweetheart, how old is my grandson turning this year?" Mr. DeCaro asked slyly as Brandon stiffened beside me. The table immediately all stiffened following Brandon's lead as they all gathered their attention towards me.

"Oh, he's turning 4 this year," I reached for my glass of champagne out of nervousness as Brandon continued staring at the plate in front of him. I was hoping Mr. DeCaro kept all the questions about Nicholas to me only, it would be obvious if Brandon were unable to answer that something was wrong.

"Brandon!" Mr. DeCaro chuckled, waving his hand in his son's direction, "Don't you forget your son's birthday like you keep forgetting your old man's," he warned playfully.

Brandon laughed stiffly, reaching for his own glass, "Of course not, I've cleared my schedule for May 24th,"

My head snapped in his direction so fast at the words that escaped his lips. Nic's birthday. He knew Nic's birthday.

How? I've never told him.

Brandon's chocolate eyes cast to meet my clearly flabbergasted ones as he flashed me a smirk, reaching for my hand. I was still in shock that I didn't even realize he had taken my hand in his, entwining his fingers in mine, "Isn't that right Cara?"

"Y-Yes," I blurted out with a laugh and Mr. DeCaro dimpled at me.

"Kid looks exactly like Brandon when he was younger!" Mr. DeCaro declared heartily to the whole table as they replied with marveling answers.

Brandon chuckled, giving me a warm smile, before turning to the table, "Not at all, I think he looks like his mother," He interjected, bringing our entwined hands closer to his face as he placed a frisk kiss on my knuckles.

My heart rate picked up as it started pounding in my heart at the innocent gesture. Gosh, he needs to stop this!

"My, look at you kids, so in love," Another lady at the table added as I quickly snatched my hand back, breaking myself from the trance I was in with Brandon's eyes. I laughed awkwardly and shifted in my seat, trying to ignore Brandon's burning gaze on the side of my face.

I know it was all for show, but if this goes on for any longer, I might actually fall for him!


As always, make sure to leave a comment, because I adore reading all of them!

OKAY BYE, its like 2 am and I literally just went on mid sem break hehe.