Billionaire’s wife

Richard’s gray eyes locked onto Kristin’s brown ones as he asked, “What makes you think I’m gay?”

“It’s obvious!” Kristin replied. “All your employees are male. It’s unusual not to have any female staff.”

“For me, it’s not unusual,” Richard said, his voice darkening. “I don’t like working with women. Their presence repels me. I have no business with the opposite gender. I despise them.”

“But I’m a woman,” Kristin pointed out.

“Then you’ll be the first woman I’ll associate with. I just need you to stop the rumors from spreading.”

“May I ask why you hate women?” Kristin inquired.

“My life is not your concern. I have no intention of asking you about your life, so you should do the same. We’re married to clear my name, not to get to know each other. Understand?”

“Fine,” Kristin said, rolling her eyes as she returned to her meal, while Richard focused on his phone.

Just as Kristin finished eating, Luke arrived. Kristin, who loved food but stayed slim, greeted him with a smile.

“Luke!” Kristin waved, and Luke returned the smile.

“Good morning, Richard,” Luke greeted with a smile.

Richard nodded and left the house, while Luke approached Kristin.

“The dress looks good on you,” he said.

“You got it, not Mr. Grouchy.”

“The money is his, but I was the one who got the dress for you. Richard has zero knowledge about women.”

“Do you know why he hates women?” Kristin asked.

“I’d rather not say. Let’s go; it’s time to get you fixed up as Richard’s wife,” Luke smiled.

They left the house together. As usual, Richard was in the back seat, his eyes fixed on his Apple laptop. He was a workaholic, which had contributed to his power and influence.

Kristin joined him in the back seat, facing the window. She didn’t want to trouble Richard further.

Richard’s focus remained on his laptop until they arrived at the department store. The store was empty, as Richard wanted to change Kristin’s appearance before announcing her as his wife.

He wanted her to appear as a classy woman, which the public would believe he’d go out with.

Kristin marveled at the luxurious store.

Richard noticed her fascination and shook his head.

A man with gray hair, the store owner, approached them. He was accompanied by a few male employees, as Luke had instructed to avoid any female staff.

“It’s an honor to see you here, Mr. Richard. My employees will be at your service,” the gray-haired man said with a smile.

Richard ignored him and walked away. Kristin, still admiring the store, did not follow. He returned, grabbed her hand without warning, and glared at her.

Kristin avoided his gaze, understanding the reason for his irritation. Luke chuckled at the scene.

Shopping for Kristin began immediately. Designer dresses, bags, and heels were chosen, and Kristin wished Richard had given her the money instead.

The next step was her hair and makeup. In her expensive strapless dress and heels, Kristin transformed from a farmer’s daughter into a classy billionaire’s wife.

When she emerged from the dressing room, Luke barely recognized her.

“Is this you or something else?” Luke teased, making Kristin laugh.

“Do I look beautiful?” she asked. Luke gave her a thumbs-up, and she grinned.

“Isn’t she done yet?” Richard asked, walking up to them.

He was looking for Kristin without realizing she was right in front of him.

“She’s standing in front of you,” Luke said.

“Where?” Richard asked.

“I’m here, Mr. Grouchy,” Kristin waved, catching his attention with her dazzling smile.

Richard’s eyes were fixed on her. Although surprised by her transformation, his cold face showed no emotion.

"You kept staring at me. Do I look beautiful?" Kristin asked.

"No," he answered curtly, then walked away.

"I’m still asking how you manage to cope with his behavior. He didn’t have to be so cold," Kristin frowned.

"You should get used to his personality," Luke said with a smile.

After the payments were made, Luke returned to Richard’s house to drop off the things they bought for Kristin, while Richard and Kristin went to register their marriage.

The lady in charge of the marriage registration was shocked by the news, but Richard’s icy demeanor made her too intimidated to ask questions.

She proceeded according to his instructions. Rings were exchanged, and all necessary signings and pictures were taken.

This was all Richard needed to prove to the public that he wasn’t gay, and with Kristin’s new transformation, it would be easy to believe.

Richard kept a secretive eye on her until the lady announced, "Congratulations, you’re hereby pronounced husband and wife."

The words stung Kristin’s heart; she was now married to Richard. It’s just for a year, she reminded herself, and then it will all be over.

---

When Luke uploaded the news about Richard's marriage to Kristin, it went viral within minutes. Comments flooded in, with many curious about who Kristin was, as no one in Las Vegas seemed to know her.

"You’re more like a celebrity now, Richard. Everyone wants to know about your wife. I told you the rumors about you being gay would die down if you provided solid proof. People only believe what they see. Their focus is now on how you met Kristin, forgetting they once ridiculed you," Luke said.

Although Richard was satisfied with the outcome, his face remained as cold and impassive as ever.

"What’s next?" Luke asked.

"I won’t involve Kristin in any public demands. I’ve cleared my name, so don’t accept any interviews. She’s not used to the spotlight, and I don’t want to drag her into it."

"Whoa! You’re trying to protect her, aren’t you?" Luke grinned.

"Do you have a death wish?" Richard’s tone was icy, causing Luke to stop smiling.

"Here’s the information I got about Kristin. It was easy to run a background check since she mentioned she’s from Glenwood."

"I didn’t ask you to do that."

"Everyone knows you’re married to her. Ophelia will be determined to find out more about Kristin. You should know a few things to be prepared for her questions."

"I won’t be answering her questions, and there’s no need to know more about Kristin. We’ll go our separate ways after a year."

"Just in case you need it," Luke said, dropping the document on the table.

"The hotel?"

"It’s back to normal."

---

Lewis angrily threw his glass of vodka on the ground after watching the news about Richard’s marriage.

"It’s impossible for him to get married! He hates women!" Lewis spat, his hatred for Richard evident.

Although Lewis's company, a movie production house, isn’t related to Richard’s business, he harbors a deep-seated loathing for Richard due to past events.

"The public shouldn’t be believing him! There’s no way he’d get married!" Lewis spat again.

"Hating on Richard won’t do you any good," Natalie, his wife, said from her wheelchair, a result of an accident caused by Lewis.

"Did I ask for your opinion?" Lewis snapped.

"All you ever do is wish for Richard’s downfall! In the quest to see his downfall, I ended up in a wheelchair! What did Richard ever do to you to deserve this hatred?" Natalie shouted.

Lewis, though not the type to hit a woman, clenched his fists angrily. "This conflict is between Richard and me. Stay out of it! He thinks getting married will solve everything, but he’s just adding fuel to the fire by involving Kristin!"

---

Ophelia clenched the paperwork in her hand as she watched the news on TV, every station reporting on Richard’s marriage to Kristin, a woman unknown in Las Vegas.

Unable to bear the reports any longer, Ophelia turned off the TV. Her attempt to ruin Richard’s reputation by anonymously declaring him gay had backfired, only boosting his status with his marriage to Kristin.

Seething with anger, Ophelia picked up her phone and dialed a number. "I have a job for you. Look into Richard’s wife, Kristin."