Accidentally Married to the Billionaire 3(2)
“I love to volunteer or raise money for charities.”
“Then see, it’s all good.”
Marj smiled. It was fake and pasted on, but she kept up the charade.
“I want to live a life where I feel valuable because of what I’m doing and contributing,” she said. “I don’t want my identity to be dependent on Brandon.”
“Don’t be intimidated by living in Brandon’s shadow. Sure you married the CEO of one of the world’s largest corporations. But you’re a big part of the package, too. Behind every man is a good woman.”
She bit her lip hard. “Um, this was a good talk.” She bit her lip hard. How the hell could she get rid of him? “Yeah, um, nice chat, but I must politely excuse myself. I have to do some grocery shopping for an elderly friend of mine.”
“I can hire somebody to shop for Maria, the lady that used to live next door to you.”
“Wow. I guess there are no secrets. Well, I don’t mind going.”
“Your main focus is Brandon, okay?”
“Right.”
“I have some cookies to bake.”
“Your cook could always make those.”
“Oh, no. You’re really getting through to me. I want Brandon’s cookies made with love. Because it’s my job to make sure he’s happy.”
“Oh, okay then.”
The idiot didn’t even know Brandon shouldn’t have cookies because of his diabetes. This man knew absolutely nothing about Brandon.
They said goodbye and Marj wished she could kick his ass into next week as he left. Instead, she pasted on a fake smile and waved. Because that’s what a good, corporate wife does.
***
The night of the party finally came. Marj wore an embellished silk gown in a rich aquamarine hue, and Brandon wore an expensive, designer tux.
Brandon squeezed her hand. “You can so do this. You’re charming and beautiful.”
She smiled. “Thanks. But so much has gone wrong. The ice sculpture arrived in pieces. The flowers never showed up. The catering service had too many call offs and canceled. Remember that old saying: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.”
“The best-laid plans can go haywire. But you turned it around. Because my wife is quick on her feet.”
Marj smiled.
“I wonder where the linen cocktail napkins disappeared too,” she said.
“It’s okay. Paper napkins will work fine.”
She watched an elderly gentleman bite into a stuffed mushroom.
“If anyone finds out all the appetizers were made by culinary students, it’ll be front page news. It’s all I could get at the last moment.”
“Nobody knows. And I sampled some of their tasty snacks. They’re absolutely delicious.”
Marj had helped them plan what to make. They all decided on stuffed mushrooms, crab puffs, baked artichoke squares with sun dried tomato pesto, avocado wrapped in prosciutto, gourmet cheeses cut into diamond shapes served with water crackers, spiced walnuts, and caviar with toast points.
“These appetizers are too die for,” a woman in a red, strapless gown said. “Who is your caterer?”
The twenty-year-old culinary student smiled. “We’re new in town. We’re called Kathy’s Catering.”
“Do you have a business card?”
“I just ran out. Everyone is asking for my services.”
When the woman walked away, Marj smiled. “Catering service?”
“You know. I think I could run one!” Kathy said. “And these people love my food.”
“After culinary school,” Marj said.
The girl smiled and headed back to the kitchen.
Marj greeted all her guests in the ballroom with a big smile as they arrived. She said a few words to really make them feel welcome.
“I just went to a glittering sit-down dinner in the Buckingham Palace ballroom,” a woman said in a fancy silver gown. “And it wasn’t even as nice as this party.”
“Why thank you,” Marj said.
“I’m Janet Sanson. I’m a reporter for People Magazine. I’m covering this event tonight.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you. I hope you’ll have a lovely time.”
She grabbed a flute of champagne as a smile curved her lips. “I’m sure I will. Oh, there’s Janet Fleebano. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Sure.”
Marj glanced around and saw how happy everyone looked. The wine, champagne, and appetizers flowed freely. Things had started out crappy, but she’d been able to turn it around.
“Who’s the best lawyer in town to break a prenuptial agreement?” a wealthy man asked another gentleman.
Marj chuckled and tuned out the conversation. She went around and made sure each guest was happy and having a great time. She listened as they talked about their nips and tucks, charities, wines, cigars, their glamorous vacations, the best caterer in town, best restaurants, and upcoming weddings. The women gave all the other women non-stop, profuse compliments about their gowns, hairstyles, makeup, and the selected jewelry for the evening.