Dominic

“Did you really have to spend this much money on today, Dominic?” Viv looked up at me with a frown playing at the corners of her mouth. “Surely a smaller event would have been just as convincing as all this pomp and circumstance.” 

I nodded, then shook my head, unsure which was more appropriate. “This is the kind of thing expected from couples like us, Viv. It’s either go all out, or disappear for a tiny private ceremony on an island somewhere. And we both know that wouldn’t be convincing to the Kingsley group. At least this way, they can’t decide we aren’t actually married.” 

She began chewing on her lip, the way she always did when she was trying to out-logic me. But then she sighed, again like she always did when she failed to. “I hate that you’re right. And I hate that you’ve been right so many times in a row.” 

“I’m sure you’ll get a few wins yourself while we’re married,” I teased. “The wife is supposed to always be right, right?” I gave her hand a squeeze and stepped up to the check-in desk. “Dominic Voss.” 

The receptionist nodded and typed away on her computer for a moment. “Alright, Mr. Voss. I have you all set up for the presidential suite. You can access the key on your phone, but I can make a physical card for you as well, if you wish.” 

“Doesn’t hurt to have a backup.” I smiled at her and patiently tapped my ID against the stone of the counter as she activated the card and handed it to me. 

“Do you still want the extra arrangements this evening? Or do you want me to send the staff to arrange them right now?”

I glanced over at Viv, who had raised one eyebrow. “This evening, thank you.” I made sure to keep my voice a whisper, and the receptionist caught on quickly. She winked and nodded with a twinkle in her eye. 

“Have a lovely evening, Mr. and Mrs. Voss. I’ve heard the reception hall is absolutely stunning already, and the decorators aren’t even halfway finished.” 

I nodded and returned to Viv, trying to ignore the annoyance in my stomach. What did she mean, the decorators weren’t even halfway done? That put them at least 30 minutes behind schedule, as far as I could tell without looking at their progress. 

“Sounds like I’m going to have to go whip the hall into shape. You don’t have to worry about me being bored while you enjoy your leisurely afternoon up in the room.” 

“Oh, I wasn’t worried about that at all. I couldn’t care less if you’re bored.” Viv smirked at me, that old glitter of amusement returning to her face. I can’t lie, she looked damn sexy when she looked at me like that. 

I brought her as far as the elevator, then let go of her hand. “I’m sure you can find the place on your own. You have my number if you need me for anything.” I watched the doors close to take her away, feeling a little disappointed. Without having her around to tease, I had to be the solemn and professional Mr. Voss for the rest of the afternoon. 

I didn’t give myself time to wallow, though. Instead I hurried toward the ballroom and hoped that things were farther along than the receptionist had made it seem. When I opened the door and saw boxes all over, I realized that she’d actually overestimated. 

“What the hell is this mess?! There is no way everything will be ready by six if you continue at this rate! Come on, hurry up. I’m not paying you top dollar to half-ass this decor.” I stomped around the room, examining every surface and every box. Hopefully some of the larger projects like assembling the displays and hanging the lights had taken up more time than putting up the smaller bits, but I had my doubts. 

To their credit, everyone began working double time under my watchful eye. The orchestra stand was soon finished and the tables at the far end of the room began taking shape. When I was sure I’d put enough fear of God in this crew, I headed for the kitchen to check on the catering. 

Trays of baked goods lined every surface and filled half a dozen rolling racks. Bowls of fresh fruit were being prepared by multiple people, while the head caterer barked his orders. I gave him a nod of approval and closed the door, not wanting or needing to interrupt their flow. 

So I returned to the ballroom and continued watching the decorators. Before I knew it, two hours had passed. The room was nearly perfect, and the decorating crew made way for the caterers. 

Satisfied that everything would be ready in time, I felt my own exhaustion pressing down on me. I hoped Viv had a long enough break, because I wanted a little time to relax, too. I re-entered the hotel side of the building and took the elevator to the top floor. Finding the presidential suite wasn’t a problem; I’d stayed there multiple times. 

What was a problem was when I reached the door, I hesitated. What if Viv didn’t want to see me still? I rolled my eyes at the thought and shook it out of my head. It didn’t matter whether she wanted me there or not. I’d paid for the room, I only promised her ‘a couple of hours,’ and I was tired too. So I pulled up the room key on my phone and smiled when the lock clicked open.

Before barging in, though, I knocked softly on the door. “Hey Viv, I’m coming in. I need a break before the reception, too.” 

She didn’t come barreling into the main room to slam the door in my face, so I opened it the rest of the way and stepped inside. I could hear the soft rise and fall of a voice in the bedroom, which I realized must be a video or podcast. 

I gently pushed the bedroom door open, and found Viv completely passed out in the bed. Her phone lay on the pillow next to her with the video I heard playing, and one foot hung over the edge of the mattress. 

For a moment, I just stared at her sleeping form. That was my wife in that bed. As much as we said this marriage was fake, I had the paperwork to prove it wasn’t. At least, as far as the law was concerned. I shook my head and chuckled at myself. 

The law might have said that was my wife, but really? She was still Viv. The other half of our dynamic business duo, and one of the only people in my life that I could rely on. That was enough for me. 

I smiled and returned to the living room, where I took off my shoes and lay down on the couch. I set an alarm on my phone for 5pm and closed my eyes, glad to have a little time to rest before the main event began. Convincing a room full of people that we were really a couple while standing in front of the officiant was one thing. Maintaining the facade at the reception? That was a different game entirely.