EMILY

It would be totally stupid to go. That's what the voice in my head said. But did I listen?

Well, if I did, I wouldn't be sitting in front of the same man who insulted me on our last date when he asked why I wanted to get married.

What was the worst that could happen? I had weighed my decision before leaving my apartment.

But him asking me to pretend to be his girlfriend was not one of the thoughts that crossed my mind.

"Sorry, what did you just say?“

His green eyes, cold and icy, just like the first time we met, held mine. His stare was so intense that I had to look away and clear my throat before glancing back at him.

“I don't like to repeat my words, Emily." His voice is the exact definition of harsh.

"Well, pardon me for asking you to,” I scoffed.

If he wanted to be rude, then I'd be too. I hate being nice to stupid people.

“Pretend to be my girlfriend for one night, and if we are able to convince my family we are in love, I'd pay you a million dollars.”

“We can come up with an excuse for you going out of the country for a while while I become the president of the company.”

Did this man think I was a clown? Why would I agree to pretend to be his girlfriend? If he was this arrogant and rude, I don't even want to talk about his family. I couldn't even pretend to like him, not to talk of being in love with him.

A million dollars was—wait, a million dollars for one night?

What?! Why would he pay so much for that kind of lie?

He seemed to notice my sudden change in expression, and I immediately tried to keep a blank face, but I guess I sucked at that.

“You seem to forget I have my own money too.”

Why was I going on with this 'I am wealthy lie?!'

“An extra million dollars does not sound bad. It's just one night. I'm not asking for us to get married.”

“If you can do your part, then we can forget we've ever met.”

I didn't say anything.

I mean, my head was screaming at me to agree at once. There was a long way a million dollars could go in my life. I could pay my dad's debt, change my wardrobe, and furnish my new apartment. But I didn't want to give him satisfaction just yet.

I mean, if I were pretending to be rich, I should not jump at his offer like any poor person would.

“Give me time to think about it.”

“Do be quick about it. The dinner is tomorrow.”

With that, he got on his feet and walked out.

Sighing, I took out my phone and called Charlie's number. She picked it up instantly.

“Hey girl, I've been trying to reach you since morning.”

I got on my feet and started to head out.

“Let's meet at our usual drinking place.”

“You are back?!“ She exclaimed.

Well, she'd be surprised. I was the one who vowed never to step foot here again, but do I have any choice now?

I'd get a better job with more monthly pay and a house for free. That was a lot to ignore.

“Unfortunately. I'll meet you in thirty.“

“Hm, sure”

I ended the call and ordered an Uber as soon as I was out.

When I got back to the apartment, I changed into comfortable sweatpants and a black t-shirt before heading over to where I was meeting with Charlie. Luckily, it was just a twenty-minute walk, which I most definitely needed to think about Alex's proposal, but still, when I arrived at the shop, I hadn't made up my mind yet.

“Emily!“ Charlie squealed and jumped on me, almost falling to the floor. I laughed and wrapped my hands around her in return, not caring about the people around us watching us.

I mean, I've only seen her in person twice or three times in the last three years. I didn't want to come back to this city for any reason, and she understood and respected that. We could only see her whenever she was on vacation, which her workplace was unfortunately stingy with.

When we finally let go of each other, we took the last seat outside the store, and she went to get drinks for both of us.

“So there's a lot I want to ask." Charlie started as she dropped the two bottles on the table and took her seat.

“When did you come back? No, how long have you been thinking of coming back? We still talked yesterday, didn't we?“

“What happened?“

I sighed and popped open the bottle. I poured it into the shot glass and downed it at once before turning back to Charlie.

I started by telling her about the company being sold, being lucky to not get fired but seeing that I had to come back to New York, and agreeing to it because I thought it would pay me, and I even talked about meeting Alexander tonight, his proposal, and what he was offering. When she heard the last bit, her eyes widened. I mean, even I had the same reaction.

"Wow,” she breathed out as she reached out to fill my glass before gesturing for me to take it.

“That's a lot,” she added.

I exhaled and chugged down the liquid, squinting slightly when it passed down my throat.

“So, how do you feel now that you are back in New York?“

I thought about it. A few years ago, I had left this place in tears, hating my family, hating this place, and even myself, but when I stepped out of the plane into the airport, I felt nothing. Maybe it's because such a long time has passed and I was learning to put the past behind me even though it pricked me every day, or it was just because I was just settling in.

“I'm not sure,” I said to Charlie a few seconds later.

“Maybe I'll be fine as long as Mother doesn't know I'm back,” I added, snorting.

She nodded and reached out to pat my shoulders. “You'll be fine.”

"So,” she drawled as she set the glass aside and leaned in closer.

“Will you accept Prince Charming's proposal?“

I rolled my eyes. Prince, he could be, but charming? In his wildest dreams.

“I don't know if I should.”

She raised a brow, as if questioning my sanity.

“It's for one night, right? It's not like he's going to ask you to get married or something. And he's agreeing to offer that much for just one dinner. I'd say you should go for it.”

I groaned, throwing my head backward.

“I don't know Charlie.”

ALEX

(I can't wait to meet your fiancé.)

I read Calvin's text as I made my way out of the restaurant.

That fucker and always trying to get on my nerves.

I thought of the last meeting with my family.

*two weeks ago*

“What do you mean I have to get married to convince the board? Was this your plan when you had me hide like a coward all these years?!“

Grandmother carefully set down her coffee cup, and she met my gaze.

“It's exactly what you have heard, young man. There are a lot of people who think you are not fit to take over the company. That's the only way we can convince them that you are indeed responsible,” she replied.

I turned to my dad, who was doing everything but talking about the issue, and then I looked back at her.

“I'm not getting married. Never”

A line creased her forehead.

“If this is about-”

“I told you I didn't want to hear her name again.” I cut her off.

She rolled her eyes and returned to her food. Everyone else on the table had gone quiet.

I kicked my seat back and stormed out of the dining hall.

Heck, this family was insane.

**

I detested the idea of getting married just to take over what was supposed to be mine, but it was like this time around, I had no choice. Grandmother had said it was the board's decision, but I knew it had been her idea all along.

All the blind dates I had gone on were futile. Even though some have been recommended by my grandmother and were from rich homes, I hadn't had any interest in any one of them. Well, until Emily.

Maybe I had provoked her at first, but it had been a bad day for me too.

Somehow she interested me, and that was why I had reached out to her again.

She was outspoken and straight-forward, and that's exactly what I wanted. Even though it was just fake and for a moment.