Neither of us had said a word since we left the house. We were inside his car heading to who knows where. Yet an awkward tension hung in the air. Honestly, I couldn't shake off what he did with my landlord from my mind. It was…unexpected.
He glanced at me. "What?"
"You defended me."
"Your living conditions affect me, so…"
"Mhmm. Why did you visit my place anyway? You said your lawyer would come."
"I simply changed my mind. Now stop dwelling on irrelevant things and let me drive in peace."
Adrian Rossi, the cold and unreachable business man–had come to my house unannounced. Bought it. Defended my honor. And be a total asshole about it. I shook my head. This man was confusing.
His car came to a stop at a famous meet garden.
"That's strange." I said, surprised. "This place is usually packed but today it's dead."
"That's because I reserved the whole place." Adrian said coolly, walking to a table.
I followed and sat. "You're weird."
"If you're done with your psychological assessment, shall we move on." He said pulling out his phone. Jerk. I thought.
"So, here is the contract." He handed me a flat file. "Have a look at it and let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for changes."
"Okay…here, it says that if I don't convince your family or if we get caught, I'll leave empty handed." I paused. "I'd like to change that term." I look at him. "If the reason for failure is your fault, then I'll get my money."
He leaned back. "Deal."
"In page two it says I can't date any other individuals."
"That's non-negotiable."
"Oh, someone's the jealous type." He fixed his eyes on me. How could a pair of eyes be so cold yet hot at the same time? The way he looked at me reminded me of a hawk spotting it's prey. Then he spoke.
"My reputation is important, I cannot have you tarnishing it. Which brings me to my second point. For as long as our contract is active, you need to keep a low profile. No other role-playing, and you won't tell about this to anyone. Can you do that?"
"Yeah. Sure. Won't be a problem."
"One question regarding your past acts. Is there any chance a former client of yours might recognize you? Because this would cause a huge problem."
"I don't think so. I'm always dressed up and no one knows my real name."
"Good. Any complaints before we sign?"
"I'm covered." I signed the papers without hesitation and handed them over.
He signed. "From now on, we're officially engaged."
I leaned forward. "I was thinking…if we want this charade to be convincing, we need the perfect story about how we met. It's the first thing everyone will ask."
"You're right. The more captivating the story, the less likely anyone will question it."
"Exactly. People love a good love story–even if it's fake."
He smirks and the dimples on his cheeks become more apparent. "You take this role quite seriously, I like that. So what do you suggest?"
"We need to fabricate a tale that's not only believable but also memorable." I paused, then smiled.
"Okay, how about this," I started. "You walked into the cafe looking all broody and billionaire-ish…" Adrian raises an eyebrow at me, I ignore it and continue. "... ordered a black coffee, no sugar, no smile. I was behind the counter, trying to act normal, but then I tripped and spilled whipped cream all over your suit."
He made a face. Still, I continued. "You didn't yell, didn't flinch–just looked at me and said 'well, that's one day to begin my day.' How does that sound?"
"Hmm. That could work." He looked amused. "Now that we've agreed on everything, let's turn you into the perfect Ms. Rossi."
_ _
He drives us to a famous expensive clothing store–different from the one his driver had taken me to. "Why are we here?"
"To buy some new clothes. Obviously."
I felt insulted. "Obviously? What's wrong with my clothes?!"
"Nothing. But as the future Ms. Rossi, you deserve only the best."
"Adrian?" A female voice called and walked up to us. And just like that, July Anthony–the famous supermodel–was standing in front of us. No, screw that. She was talking to us!"
Light creamy skin, lean legs, small waist, just the right curves. Blonde. Waist-length hair and a round face. "What a surprise!" She said. "I heard you were back in town, but we never really got the chance to meet.
The gorgeous woman fixed her eyes on me. Scanning me from head to toe. "And who is she?"
"July, this is my girlfriend, Mia." Adrian said, placing his hand on my lower back.
Her gaze was a mix of surprise and jealousy. "Girlfriend? Well, well. I never thought I'd see the day." There was a bit of sarcasm in her voice.
"There's a first time for everything." Adrian said, then he turned to me, "Mia, this is my childhood friend, July."
"Nice to meet you." I said calmly. She didn't answer, just kept staring at me. The tension was palpable, lingering in the air like an unspoken presence.
Even though Adrian's posture didn't betray anything, I'm certain he felt it too. His phone rings. "I have to take this. I'll be right back." He said and walked out.
"So," July crossed her arms in front of her chest. "You're Adrian's new flavor of the month?"
I looked at her, trying to hide the disgust I'm feeling. "Why do you care?"
"Let me give you some advice. You look like a nice girl. Don't get attached, he's not the settling down type."
"Thanks for the advice, July. But I think we'll manage just fine."
"Mia, I have a surprise for you." Adrian said strolling back towards us. And behind him was a dark, curvy, five-foot woman with golden locs.
I gasped. Johan Davish. The best stylist in the whole country. She's the top of the tops. She only takes on celebrities, politicians and royals. Yet here she was–ready to give me a makeover. Even July looked stunned.
"OMG, such a pleasure to meet you! I'm a huge fan!" I exclaimed.
"Darling, the pleasure is mine." Johan replied with a bright smile.
"Johan, I trust you with my girl." Adrian said.
"Aww, you're such a a sweetheart." She tells Adrian.
I look at Adrian, he certainly plays his role well.
"I'm the luckiest girl in the world, aren't I?" I blush. The look on his face said he liked that.
July's what-on-earth-is-going-on-here expression? That satisfied me.
"Are you ready to turn yourself into a fashion icon?" Johan asked.