"Let's just say it might involve something more of the family dinner," Mark said with a smirk plastered on his face as Gina looked at him abruptly, curious to know what favour he had to ask of her.
She knew she couldn't offer anything to him at that point, but she was forever indebted to him for saving her life even though she was meant to end her life that instant he saved her. "What favour?"
"I need you to pretend to be my fiancée, just to please my grandfather," Mark stated, without any hesitation as he ran his hands through his hair wishing for Gina's response, but he hoped she wouldn't decline such a request, knowing fully well how many female celebrities and businesswomen would die for such opportunity, but Gina was just….
"That's… that's a huge favour," Gina said, her eyes widening in awe as she expected him to ask such from her.
Mark let out a low laugh. "If you do this for me, I'll grant you anything you ask for. No matter how impossible it seems, I'll find a way to make it happen."
"Why me? Why not someone else?" Gina said uncertainty washed over her. Mark could go ahead and pick any woman of higher class, but she was just a nobody and didn't fit to stand by him. What will his prestigious family think of him?
"That's because I know you," Mark replied without hesitation. "And because you're already involved in this charade with your ex-husband. You know how to play the part. Plus, I believe you could benefit from this task as well."
Gina felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over her. She was taken aback by the sudden proposal and her mind flashed back to the moment in the bathroom before lunch. She. Noticed a slight change in her body, a sense of queasiness and fatigue that she didn't want to think about. The idea had crossed her mind, but she pushed it away, not wanting to deal with the possibilities just yet.
Seeing her hesitation, Mark shifted her gaze to his, locking in the depths of eye contact as he held her jaw. "Think about it, Gina. You could have everything you want father this. Just okay the role of my fiancée in front of my grandfather and the rest of the family."
Gina's reluctance was evident. "Mark, it's not that simple. Pretending to be engaged isn't something to be taken lightly."
She was worried about everything that was happening in a rush, she hadn't gotten over her ex-husband's betrayal yet, and she could easily catch feelings during the fake engagement.
"I know," Mark said, his eyes earnest But think about the benefits. You said your ex-husband ruined your life. If you help me, I promise I'll help you get revenge against him. Whatever it takes."
Gina's interest was piqued at the mention of revenge. Her ex-husband had left her with nothing, and the thought of having the power to turn the tables was tempting. She looked into Mark's eyes, searching for any hint of deceit but found none."
"Alright," she said finally, her voice firm. I'll do it. But only because you promised to help me get back at him."
Mark shook his head, and a sense of relief washed over him as he had gotten over his grandfather's clutches in the meantime.
They shook hands to seal the deal, and Mark immediately called his assistant. "Arrange for us to leave for my grandfather's estate tomorrow," he instructed. "Make sure everything is in order.
The next morning, Mark's assistant, and Mark's chauffeur were busy loading the car with some few things Mark would be needing. Gina stood by, feeling a bit out of place. She didn't have any clothes to bring along, having not anticipated this turn of events.
"I don't have anything to wear, just this dress I've been putting in since yesterday's lunch." She confessed to Mark, feeling slightly embarrassed as she scratched the back of her need, nervously.
Mark smiled reassuringly. Don't worry about that. Well, stop at a shopping mall on the way. You can get whatever you need."
They drive to one of the most upscale malls in the city. Gina was hesitant to spend much, but Mark waved off her concerns. "Use this," he said, handing over his black card to her. "Get whatever you need. Don't hold back. You'd have to please not just me but my family."
Gina hesitated, the black card feeling heavy in her hand. "I don't need anything too extravagant."
"Trust me," he said with a smile. "You deserve it. Besides, this is all part of the plan. My family expects a certain level of sophistication. You need everything to play the role convincingly."
Reluctantly, Gina began to shop. She picked out a few modest outfits, but Mark gestured her to go for the latest designs, urging her to indulge a bit. After a while, she found herself enjoying the experience, trying on elegant dresses, stylish shoes, and exquisite accessories. Each item seemed to transform her appearance, making her feel more confident and prepared for the role she was about to play.
As they left the mall, bags in tow, Gina couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. How was she going to face his family? Mark's promise of revenge against her ex-husband was a powerful motivator, but she was having a lot of doubts that his family would like her or welcome her warmly.
She stole glances at Mark who caught sight of her stares and told her not to worry too much. "My family are nice people. I trust you'd do just great." He said as he gestured to his assistant to pack up all the bags in the car.
While they were now set for the Hughes estate, Gina's heartbeat accelerated, she could hear the sound of her heartbeats in her ears as she clenched her chest with her eyes closed. "I can do this." She muttered under her breath.