Contract Marriage With My Billionaire Boss (Venus and Aaron) novel Chapter 22

**The Long Didn’t Say by Mark Twain**
**Chapter 22**

**VENUS**

“Are you seriously breaking up with me before we’ve even exchanged vows?”

I tried to keep my tone light, playful even, but a nervous laugh slipped out, unbidden, like an unwelcome guest at a party.

Oh, great. It’s only been a week since we started this whirlwind.

I had spun an elaborate tale for Jude, and he had bought it hook, line, and sinker without a moment’s hesitation.

And now, here I was, facing a potential breakup?

I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief at the sheer ridiculousness of the situation.

This man was a puzzle wrapped in a riddle, impossibly beautiful, exuding power, and utterly infuriating.

“No,” he replied, his voice flat and devoid of emotion. “Although I must admit, I did consider it… several times.”

I gasped, my eyes widening in shock.

Excuse me?

“And yet,” he continued, completely unfazed by my reaction, “you are still accompanying me to a charity event this Thursday. As my plus one.”

“Finally! Some excitement!” I exclaimed, rolling my eyes dramatically. “I’m absolutely bored out of my mind, lying around and munching all day.”

Sure, I had visited my mom a couple of times and checked in on Jude once or twice, but he didn’t need to know about that.

Let him believe I was moping around like a pampered house cat, basking in the sun.

“So, this event is for charity?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“Something along those lines,” he waved his hand dismissively, a hint of disinterest in his tone. “Yes, but honestly, it’s merely an opportunity for the elite to flaunt their wealth—clothes, jewelry, and, of course, men and women alike.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Surrounded by snobby, wealthy individuals? I could manage that, or at least I hoped I could.

“Is there anything else I should be aware of regarding this glamorous little affair?”

“Yes, Caroline—” he began, but his phone buzzed, interrupting him mid-sentence.

“Yes?” His voice instantly shifted, sharper and more clipped, taking on a professional edge.

18:16 Wed, Dec 17 –

The transformation was chilling. It was seamless and, frankly, impressive.

“You didn’t think to tell me that a board meeting was scheduled before I left the office?”

His tone could have frozen lava, it was so cold.

Ouch. Someone was about to get torn to shreds over that speakerphone.

“Who even hired you? Jesus, you can’t do anything right.”

I winced on behalf of the poor soul on the other end of that call.

Right where Mr. Sinclair had been seated just moments before, his laptop and a thick file lay untouched, a stark reminder of his absence.

18:16 Wed, Dec 17 –

I stepped closer, my heart racing.

It was the laptop—the one he never, ever entered a meeting without. His security blanket. His weapon of choice.

And I would know; I was his PA, after all.

The file beside it was labeled in bold: New AI Tech Proposal.

Oh no.

He forgot them.

I moved quickly, rushing out to the balcony, hoping he was still somewhere nearby.

But the street below was empty. His car was already gone. Of course it was.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

Looks like it’s up to me to save the day.

Again.

And whether he liked it or not—he owed me. Big time.