The Princess' Request

Those softly spoken but serious words had a greater effect on Lorelai. This was the first time since developing Lorelai that Mallory found herself so dumbfounded. The red flags just kept popping up the more she interacted with Stella. Mallory at this point had her right hand tightly gripping onto the pepper spray in her purse which sat next to her just obscured out of view from Stella by the table that separated them. Lorelai slowly faded away as Mallory focused on the girl in front of her as she began to speak up once more.

"Firstly, do you know the policy of Honeyed hearts?"

"Yes. I can guarantee that you will be in a very public setting and if you at any point feel uncomfortable you will be allowed to leave without any issues."

"Secondly please get rid of all the ambiguity and tell me the purpose of your hiring of me for this case. I would personally like you to know I am no escort or do I provide any special services."

"Snappy! I like this side of you a bit better. Firstly I understand that this situation is a bit unconventional but I promise that I have no ulterior motives."

"Personally I am still a bit unconvinced and frankly uncomfortable with this situation but I am willing to listen to you."

"Understandable and this is precisely why I was rather intrigued by your profile. I am going to be honest with you Mallory, your acting skills are rather top notch."

Mallory's eyes widened as her name left Stella's lips. Mallory's heart raced as very suddenly she felt like a cornered animal and her adrenaline fueled brain was beginning to encourage her to sprint as quickly as her slender legs could take her out of the cafe and as far away from this troublesome girl but instead just sat there motionless listening to each word that followed from Stella's lips.

"I have heard the rumors but honestly I would never have expected such a fiery classmate to be on a hired girlfriend application."

For the first time since Mallory's arrival Stella turned her view from the rainy streets behind the pale window towards Mallory's Sapphire irises. A small smile curled on her lips as the sunglasses shifted slightly downwards to expose those stern ruby irises. However what caught Mallory's focus was instead the faded black circles that surrounded Stella's eyes and the puffy eyelids that accompanied them

"Okay so you know who I am. Are you just trying to blackmail me or bullying me into being your yes girl or something?"

"I have no reason for doing that Mallory. As I indicated before all I am looking for is a date for the charity event. Think about it this way I had no reason to even offer you this job upon finding this information out. If I just wanted to tease or black mail you there are much easier ways."

Stella's words rang true for she could have easily spread it through social media or anonymously blackmailed Mallory. Every word out this girl's mouth made Mallory sick but she kept on listening despite her mind's utter confusion as to why she was still here.

"So then what happens if I deny your little request? You release this information then?"

"If you truly wish to deny then I walk out that door and you never see me again."

"How would I know you would just leave me alone."

"Honestly you have no assurances but my word but as the daughter of Draseric Industries I promise I will hold up my end of the bargain."

Mallory sighs as she mulls over Stella's words. Stella clearly holds all the cards in this situation but she had no reason to reveal them. Then something dawned on Mallory. She didn't have the most to lose in this current situation because imagine the headlines of every news outlet and magazine if they found about this information if Stella was indeed who she claimed to be.

"I want proof that you are indeed who you claim to be."

"Okay Mallory. Well you can probably just do an internet search but if you want I will post an image of this cafe to my verified witter account."

"That sounds fine."

Without much issue using the information provided by Stella, her Honeyed hearts account and a quick internet search it all matched up. Furthermore with my instruction I was able to indeed verify her witter account. By all accounts this was indeed Stella Amastacia the heir to Draseric Industries which honestly made her even more scary.

Draseric industries was by all accounts one of the fastest growing technology based startup companies of the 21st century. In a mere decade they had begun to rival the father companies of technology. For example Mallory's phone was actually produced by Draseric industries.

"Okay Stella, what are your conditions?"

"Alrighty! Plain and simply the charity event is a black tie event hosted by my parents. All you need to do is show up and be my supportive girlfriend."

"Ughhhh! Okay simple enough. This is a one time deal right?"

"Only if you wish for it to be. We could keep the facade up for any more formal events but that would require both of our consent and if at any point we decide to separate then we can do so amicably."

"Stella you are a giant pain!"

"I promise that you would be well rewarded for putting up with such an annoying bossy employer"

For the first time since we met, a true smile crawled across her lips as Stella gentle giggles filled the air. As if the string that held her rigid snapped as Stella gently sank back into her seat. That small moment of genuine delight even caused the tense Mallory to release a deep sigh of relief.

"Well it seems like we have an agreement but remember all policies of Honeyed Hearts are still in effect. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes I understand Mallory."