Chapter 3: A REQUEST THAT WASN'T A CHOICE.
1356 Words
BIANCA’S POV
The morning came too fast.
I barely had a proper sleep. My head kept on replaying my mother's counting the coins, how to open up to Gabriel and the 5am message that ruined my life.
The question I asked myself is “how long do I have to save everything I love?”
I checked my phone and time had already gone, I had to make it there before nine.
By the time I arrived at Wilson Global again, my hands were sweaty despite the cold. This time I didn't have to translate anything, his assistant just led me straight to his office without a word.
No greeting, no explanation.
“Urmm.. Is this about yesterday?” I asked.
“I have no idea,” he replied.
Gabriel was already seated at his desk, a thin folder held on his arm.
“Have a seat,” he said.
I did.
He dropped the folder towards me, but I didn't dare to open it.
“I'm going to be very fast and direct,” he said.
“Sure, go on,” I nodded.
“I need a request from you,” he said, “I need to appear engaged with the public.”
My heart skipped, “Like a job.. Yh?”
“No, a proposal,” he continued, “You pretend to be my fiancée for sometime till I secure my company fully.”
“You must be joking,” I stared at him.
“I don't joke,” he stepped closer.
“In exchange, I can fulfill anything you want. I'll pay your tuition, your education will be secured too, then any other thing.” He listened like he knew what I had in memory.
“And yes, a weekly allowance for the contract.”
My voice came out as a whisper. “But, why me?”
He looked back at me.
“Because you're not impressed by me, and you corrected me and saved me billions, so it's more of a payback.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Then after that?” I asked.
“You're free to leave. The contract ends,” he replied. “No feelings attached though, just agreement.”
“What about my reputation?” I asked.
“You'll be protected at all times,” he said, “legally and publicly.”
I sighed, “What if we get caught…?”
“And that's why it should be kept between us,” he interrupted.
“Okay, but can I think about this?” I stood there slowly.
He nodded. “Sure, I expect that, but I'll need a reply before the end of today or the latest tomorrow.”
“Yes, yes I know,” I walked out before my head would c***k.
That afternoon, I called Vanessa.
“We need to meet up,” I said.
She chuckled, “You sound like someone who's hiding a secret.”
“Well yes I am, or something worse,” I muttered, “meet me at the café opposite my University.”
She arrived fifteen minutes later, she scanned my whole outfit.
“Why do you look this different and expensive? Did you walk out of a luxurious place?” she asked, smirking.
“Yes,” I sighed.
I told her what was going on from the job application, to the fake proposal, the money and then the engagement.
She scoffed, “wow”
Then she went quiet, staring at me.
“So?.. That's it?” I asked. “Just wow?”
She rolled her eyes, “So he just enters your life and decides whatever he wants?”
“It's not like that,” I replied, “I get to benefit too.”
She crossed her arms, “It must be nice. Some people don't get this opportunity though. Rich people fix their life.”
It said, “Are you sounding jealous?” I asked.
“No..”
“I didn't expect this,” I said softly.
She leaned back, “I know, I'm sorry. I'm just happy for you.”
“Yhh, sure,” I replied.
She quickly looked up at me seriously, “But you know what you'll be crazy to say no.”
My eyes opened. “No, you must be mad, weren't you just giving me an off reply?”
“Well, I can be mad and still be right,” she laughed.
“What about my feelings?” I asked
She replied, “This isn't about love, it's for your benefit.”
“What if I get hurt by it?” I whispered.
“Then you'll heal.” She shrugged.
“True,” I replied.
“Be smart, protect yourself and benefit from it.” she said. “..we benefit from it.” she said, smiling.
I sat back, my head cracking.
After we left the café, the answer was already made.
“Tomorrow I'll walk back into Gabriel's office, and this time I'm accepting the fake proposal,” I said.
Later that night, I found myself in the street of the bakery again. This time it was so hard to watch, the lights were still on even though it was late. That alone made my chest burn. My mum hated to waste electricity, which means that sales are worse today.
I hid behind the neighbor's shop's wall like last time. I watched her wipe the tables slowly, she moved tired. She picked up her phone immediately and dialed.
My phone rang the first time, then again.
I froze.
She was calling me.
I answered, lowering my voice, “Hello Mum.”
“Bianca,” she said, sounding hopeful and stressed at the same time.
“You won't be coming home this weekend, right?”
My chest tightened, “I don't think I can make it mum, school is busy.”
“Sure,” she said calmly, “I just thought.. Don't worry.”
“I'll make it up to you and Thomas,” I said quickly, “I promise.”
“Okay,” she replied, forcing a laugh into her voice. “Study hard.”
The call ended.
I stared at mum through the glass, she opened her drawer and stared at the money. She sighed and closed it.
I turned away before tears would fall.
“I have no other choice again, I will accept it.”
The next morning, I left for work early. The summit staff were busier than before, I barely had time to arrange myself before Harris appeared in front of me. “Mr Wilson would like to see you in his office right now.”
My heart skipped, but this time I didn't hesitate. I went immediately.
His office felt more different and more prepared. Different files were placed on his desk and a small velvet box beside it.
“Have a seat,” he said softly.
I listened.
“This is the contract,” he said, handing the folder to me. “Have you made your decision yet?”
“Yes,” I said quickly.
“For just a few months, no feelings, no love. Just contract” he said.
I flipped through the pages slowly.
Tuition, bakery bills, privacy policy, weekly allowance, exit conditions…
All that he had promised was listed there.
“And the little box?” I asked, pointing towards it.
He grabbed it and opened it.
“Simple, convincing and expensive,” he said.
“Just for the Internet. Nothing more,” he added.
I took a deep breath. “So.. Once I sign this, everything changes?”
“Yes,” he said. “Including your future.”
I picked up the pen and signed each page.
The thought of my canceled scholarship came in, my mum tears and her tired smile.
I slipped the paper toward him, “I'm done.”
Gabriel didn't smile or say a word. He picked up his phone
“It's done,” he said. He paused, then he continued, “go on.”
He ended the call and finally looked at me.
A reporter entered the room immediately.
“Hello Ms Wilson”
My heart dropped.
- Writer
