Part 2Best Actress in Love (and Scandal)

With a billion-dollar check in hand, the first thing I did was buy a sprawling villa right on the coast. The second was to drop ten grand into my small fan community’s server chat.

Finally, remembering I had a job to do, I gave Vivian a call.

"Hello, my generous benefactor. What's on the agenda for today?"

Even though she was only a year older than me, she was signing the checks, so a little respect was in order.

"I have an awards ceremony tonight," Vivian's cool voice came through the phone.

My heart soared. "Excellent! I'm sure you're swamped, so I'll let you get to it. Have a great time!"

I was about to hang up, marveling at how easy this gig was, when her voice stopped me. "You're coming with me."

Wait, what? I hadn't had a project out in eight months. What was I going to do at an awards show? Besides, I didn't even have an invitation.

As if reading my mind, Vivian added, "The invitation and a car will be at your door in thirty minutes."

The benefactor had spoken. All I could do was offer my thanks. "Wow. Your efficiency is terrifying."

I had no idea that "terrifying" was just the beginning.

Later that night, Vivian was on stage accepting her Golden Griffin award. The host asked for her acceptance speech.

She stood at the podium, her gaze drifting over the audience until it landed squarely on me.

"I'd like to take this moment to clarify something for all my fans," she began, her voice ringing through the auditorium. "There is nothing going on between myself and the actor Louis. I have never interfered in his relationship with any other starlet."

She paused, a small smile playing on her lips.

"The person I'm in love with is Susan Summers."

"So, no, I'm not some desperate homewrecker. That's not true. Susan has already agreed to be my girlfriend."

The entire room erupted. Everyone was cheering, celebrating the queen of Hollywood finding her true love.

Everyone except me. I was just staring, dumbfounded.

When did I agree to that? We were just trying things out for seven days!

On day one of our billion-dollar contract, I'd already been played. I knew this money wouldn't be easy to earn. This was way, way worse than just sleeping with her.

As Vivian finished her speech, the camera operator swung a lens right onto my face. I had to instantly plaster on a smile, a perfect eight-teeth-baring grin, while my mind was screaming.

You magnificent bastard! You absolute, magnificent bastard!