Bride of Convenience

Chapter 3

Monday morning came, and Julia was staring at her closet at five in the morning. She needed a power suit something to say she deserved this chance. Most of her outfits were hung up after she got home yesterday she did a quick check around the apartment and decided it was more like a house than an apartment. It was huge. It was the penthouse suite. Walking in there was a fantastic lounge room with a television that looked like a cinema. The kitchen was gourmet style although she imagined they ordered in a chef to do all their cooking she couldn’t conceive anyone with this much money cooking for themselves. Well, she wouldn’t need the kitchen she couldn’t cook to save her life. The bedroom was an Arabian palace. With pink walls and purple accessories. The wooden four post bed had gorgeous flowing curtains hanging in pinks and purples. To top it all off the bathroom was the size of her unit at home, it had a corner spa bath a two-headed shower unit and the fluffiest towels and bathrobes she had ever seen. Julia decided she could definitely live here for three months and that would make up for putting up with stuck up Harrison. Although he was stuck up, he was attractive. If you liked that strong, superior, overconfident sexy type and who doesn’t!

Finally, she decided on a black pinstripe pants suit. It was simple, strong and professional. She decided she would take the credit card tomorrow and do some more shopping. Julia pinned her wild curls in a bun on top of her head. She always wore her hair pinned or clipped back she felt more control that way. Always nagging at her was the idea that people who’d see her wild hair and would consider that she was wild and she really didn’t need people having that opinion of her.

Kate picked her up at seven thirty that morning. They drove into work chatting about old times. Kate and Julia had decided they wouldn’t discuss Harrison and the contract for safety. They didn’t want the knowledge getting out or rumours to start. A rumour in an office spread faster than the truth.

The first day was always such a hard one. Julia found herself doing what she habitually did when she started a new job, wondering if she really wanted to stay, trying to work out her colleagues and boss. She usually would decide to quit at least three times in the first hour. By the end of the day, she would just think it was better than nothing. Her boss, Paul seemed different. He was helpful and friendly and treated her with respect and warmth. She wondered what Paul thought about the contract she had signed. Did he think she was lower than life, being paid to be someone’s wife? If he did, he never let on.

Julia survived the first week and was enjoying the job. People were friendly, and her career was challenging. The second week began and was going well. After lunch on Tuesday when she arrived back at work, there was an excitement in the air. People were whispering and rushing to and fro. Then she found out why Harrison was due back in the office this week apparently he had been working in a different office for the last two weeks. He usually worked four months in each of his offices around the world. The girls in the office all got excited when he returned a bit of eye candy in the office was always good, break up the dull old day. She overheard some girls talking in the toilets.

“No, no he definitely broke up with her. I’m so sure he is currently looking for someone new. What better place to find them than his own backyard, so to speak. Imagine going to all the big events on his arm. That would be so exciting.” They giggled like schoolgirls.

“Have you seen that shot of him on his yacht it’s in his office. I mean, my god his body was made for women to get pleasure out of. He is so tanned, and those muscles are to die for. I would love to be waking up to him each morning.” More giggling.

Julia waited for them to leave before she left the toilets feeling a little awkward about her deal with Harrison. He seemed to play the field a bit she wondered why he didn’t ask one of those women to be Mrs Harrison they would have done it for free by the sounds of it. She was in a bit of a daze as she strolled through to the data entry clerks and picked up Paul’s files. She spun around and smashed straight into Harrison. Records went everywhere his and hers.

“I’m terribly sorry.” He was staring at her with his sky blue eyes. “I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new?” At first she thought he didn’t remember her and then she realised as a clerk was leaning back on their seat to watch the interaction.

“Yes, Julia Sparks.” He held his hand out to shake. When she shook his hand, her body became alive with tingles. What was that about?

“Ahh, Yes, Paul’s new assistance. I hope you will be happy here, Julia.” He smiled at her. Now she got it. That’s what they were all talking about his smile. It could melt an iceberg. So this is how he got women, a devastatingly handsome grin, outstanding beautiful blue eyes and a fantastic touch. With this kind of power, he could convert a nun. She felt her whole body heat up.

“I like your suit, Julia.” He whispered as he sauntered off. She blushed a little.