Contract marriage with an A-list billionaire

Prologue

*Elijah*

“Like all of you, I am completely in awe of his artistic talent. But I can tell you this: it’s a much greater privilege to know Elijah Grant… the person, the real guy behind the actor. If you witnessed his energy while doing charity work or heard him share his personal experiences at the Institute of the Higher Mind, you would see someone so positive and genuinely committed to improving the lives of those around him. That’s why I feel honored and grateful to call him a colleague, and most importantly, my friend. Elijah Grant, everybody!” My friend and mentor, Silas, shakes my hand as the camera flashes.

I made it. I guess that’s what they would say… getting my star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, posing and smiling for the fans and press. This is a dream come true.

Two years ago, I would never have believed this was possible. I had struggled to break into the big leagues of Hollywood and often felt like an outsider, battling self-hatred and anxiety. But then I met Silas, and he, along with the Institute of the Higher Mind, changed my life. I landed my first significant role and met Bianca on set. We started dating, and everything seemed perfect.

But no trees grow to the heavens, I suppose. Bianca left me three months ago, calling off our engagement, and I have been struggling to get back on my feet ever since. Still, this moment and my new movie coming out soon should help.

*Nina*

“… I’m very intrigued, but first, we have to talk about Elijah Grant, who just got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. Lucky guy! He also has his new movie, ‘The Heroes,’ coming out and a reunion with his ex, Bianca Monroe,” the male presenter says.

“Oh, that’s going to be so awkward,” the female presenter chimes in.

The male presenter nods. “You can say that again. Next week, they’re both scheduled to present new movies at the Venice Film Festival. Everyone will be watching, especially since those two haven’t been in contact since she called off the wedding.”

I turn away from the TV and pick up a tray of coffee. My fellow waitress, Anna, looks at me. “Why are you still here? You’re going to be late!”

“It’s okay. I’m just about to go give them their coffee and the check, and then I’ll be out of here. I’ll be fine,” I respond.

“No, there’s no such thing as fine. You’re auditioning for an Elijah Grant movie! Let me take over your table; you need to prepare!” She frets around me.

I sigh. “Like I’m really going to get this part. I don’t even know how I got the audition.”

“Oh, stop it, Nina! You’re amazing,” she tells me. “Oh, and the guy in the suit at your table? He’s kind of hot.”

I walk into the restaurant and place the coffee and the check on the table in front of three men, offering a big smile. “Thank you guys so much, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Wait, wait! You’re an actress, right?” the smallest of them asks, looking at me.

I nod, trying to keep my smile, wondering why he’s asking. “Yes, yes, I am, in fact.”

“Or are you just a waitress trying to act?” the handsome one says, giving me one of those looks that I hate.

I might have looked annoyed, and the first one quickly apologizes. “Yeah, sorry, but my douchebag friend here and I have a bet... I’ve seen you before.”

“Yeah, you’ve seen her here, you i***t,” the douchebag hottie says before looking at me. “Have you ever actually done anything?”

“I have. I was in a movie that made it to the Sundance Festival a few years ago,” I reply, wishing I could sink into the ground. This is so uncomfortable.

The first guy jumps in. “Anything on TV? Come on, sweetie, I have a hundred bucks riding on you here.”

I start to rattle off a list of, well, bit parts in various TV shows. I’m no star; I still have to work as a waitress to make ends meet, but it’s possible the guy has actually seen me on-screen.

“See, I knew she looked familiar!” The first guy smiles brightly at me, holding out his hand to his friend. “Pay me.”

“I’m not giving you anything until she does a line from one of the shows on her apparently extensive resume,” the douchebag says, and I kind of want to roll my eyes.

A woman at the next table does it for me, giving me a supportive smile and mumbles. “Oh, honey, you should just walk away.”

The first guy sends me a pleading look. Apparently, he really needs that money. “Come on, please.”

“Okay…” I mumble, thinking for a moment about which line to use. I breathe in and get into character. “That is a chance I am willing to take, Lieutenant, because last I checked, all citizens are entitled to legal counsel… even vampires.”

The guys all start laughing, and Mr. Handsome Jerk says, “That has to be the worst piece of dialogue I’ve ever heard, but I do believe you’re an actress.” He pulls out the money, paying his friend. “Enjoy it.”

“Thank you very much; I will.” He picks up the note and looks at me. “Bravo; you did good.”

“Anytime,” I say, feeling a bit dumb as I nod and hurriedly step back. I have an audition to get to.