A Deal with Destiny

Chapter: 2/2

The moment I stepped into my apartment, Sir Liam's offer replayed in my mind. The money was tempting me, a lifeline for the business I'd been dreaming of for years. But the thought of pretending to be his girlfriend sent a shiver down my spine.

"I'm home," feeling the exhaustion of the day settle in. Being a secretary in a big company was tiring, especially with a boss as arrogant and self-absorbed as Sir Liam.

"You're home already? How was your first day?" my mom asked, her voice warm and welcoming.

"It was tiring, Mom. My boss gave me a mountain of tasks in my first day! Anyway, what's for dinner? I'm starving," I replied, already picturing myself collapsing onto the couch.

"Don't worry, sweetie. Just do your best. You'll love this," my mom said with a smile, pointing to a delicious-looking dish.

"Wow! Braised Tofu! My favorite!" I exclaimed, my spirits lifting slightly at the familiar comfort.

The next morning, I found myself facing Sir Liam again. "Sir Liam, about your offer the other day, I've decided to accept. I'll pretend to be your girlfriend," I said, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

"Oh, really? That's great news," Sir Liam replied, a charming smile playing on his lips.

"But sir, can I ask why you need a rented girlfriend? I'm just curious, and I want to do this right," I asked, my voice laced with genuine curiosity.

"Ahm, I'll tell you in right time. But for now, here's the contract. Just read the rules and regulations, if you have no concerns, sign it. So we're officially business partners," Sir Liam said, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

"Don't fall in love? Hahahaha! No offense, sir, but don't worry, you're not my type. It's impossible for me to have feelings for you," I laughed, my tone light and teasing.

"You won't fall for this handsome face? Ms. Deguzman, you don't seem to know who I am. I'm Liam Smith Funtabella, the heir of the Hayas Group Corporation. Who wouldn't fall for me?" Sir Liam retorted, a hint of arrogance in his voice.

"Tsk..! This guy is so arrogant," I muttered under my breath. rolling my eyes

"Did you say something, Ms. Elie?" Sir Liam asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"No, sir. I was just saying, many women would be head over heels for you because you're handsome," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Any concerns, Ms. Deguzman? If you have no more questions, you can get back to your work. I'll give you the down payment later. Keep the contract and keep it secret. It's just between us, understood?!" Sir Liam commanded.

"Got it, sir."

While I was working on the documents my boss had assigned, my phone rang. I hesitated, unsure whether to answer or ignore the call. I decided to ignore it, but then a text notification popped up.

"Elie, Can we talk?"

"Why aren't you answering my calls?"

"How are you?"

I ignored them, and focusing again on the paperwork, that gives me a head ache.

"When will I ever finish this? So many documents. I'm starving. The break time can't come soon enough," I grumbled to myself.

"Ms. Deguzman, what's wrong? You look pale," Sir Clark, another colleague, asked, noticing my distress.

"Nothing, Sir Clark. Just hungry," I replied, forcing a smile.

"Just hang in there, break time is coming soon. Keep it up!" Sir Clark encouraged.

"Sir Clark, I have a question. Why is Sir Liam so... arrogant? He seems to think he's above everyone else," I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Just let it go. He's like that. He has a sad life, that's probably why he acts that way. But he's actually a good person," Sir Clark said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

"Sad?" I asked, intrigued.

"Yeah, you see, Sir Liam..." Sir Clark started, but before he could continue, Sir Liam's voice boomed from the hallway.

"Clark....?" Sir Liam called, his voice sharp and demanding.

"I'll talk to you later, Ms. Elie," Sir Clark said, rushing out of the office.

"Go ahead sir"

"What was that, Sir Liam?" Sir Clark asked, hurrying into Sir Liam's office.

"Cancel all my schedules and appointments today and send Elie here. We have somewhere to go."

"Okay, sir."

"Ms. Elie, come to Sir Liam's office now."

"Me? What now?" I wondered, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach.

As I approached Sir Liam's office, he emerged, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that stole my breath. He moved towards me, his presence filling the space between us, a silent, unspoken power. He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear.

"Prepare yourself. We have somewhere to go."

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. My cheeks flushed, my breath hitched in my throat. The intensity of his gaze, the nearness of his body, the unexpected intimacy of the moment – it all left me breathless and utterly confused. What exactly was I getting myself into?

"Where are we going, sir?" I asked, my voice a little shaky.

He just smiled, that infuriatingly charming smile that always made my stomach flip. "Don't worry about it. Just follow me. Get in the car."

After an hour of driving, Liam pulled up to a beautiful house. "Here we are, my place," he said, his voice a low rumble.

"Your house? What are we doing here?" I asked, feeling a little confused.

"You'll see. Let's go! Everyone's waiting for us." He took my hand, his touch sending a jolt through me. His eyes were full of mischief, and for a moment, I felt a strange sense of anticipation.