The fake fiancee
458 Words
News spread across Kampala faster than Amina could have imagined.
By lunchtime, photographs of Daniel Okello entering the company with an unidentified woman were circulating widely on social media.
"Who is the mysterious woman with billionaire CEO Daniel Okello?"
"Secret engagement?"
Amina stared at the headlines on her phone.
"I've become famous overnight."
Daniel looked up from his laptop.
"Get used to it."
"I don't want to get used to it."
Before he could respond, his assistant, Grace, entered the office.
"Sir, your grandmother has invited you both to dinner tonight."
Daniel nodded.
"We'll be there."
Grace left, closing the door behind her.
Amina looked uneasy.
"Tonight?"
"Yes."
"I don't even know your grandmother."
"You'll meet her."
"What if she asks how we met?"
Daniel reached for a notepad.
"Then we tell her the story we've agreed on."
He wrote quickly.
- We met at a charity event six months ago.
- We became friends.
- We started dating three months later.
- I proposed last week.
He slid the paper toward her.
"Memorize it."
Amina sighed.
"I've never lied to anyone's grandmother before."
Daniel almost smiled.
"There's a first time for everything."
---
That evening, Daniel drove them to the Okello family mansion.
The gates opened automatically, revealing an elegant home surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens.
Amina's palms grew damp.
"This place is larger than my entire neighborhood."
Daniel parked the car.
As they walked toward the entrance, he stopped.
"One more thing."
"What?"
He gently took her hand.
Amina froze.
"W-What are you doing?"
"If we're engaged, holding hands shouldn't seem unusual."
Her heart beat faster.
"It feels unusual."
"It will become easier."
She was not entirely convinced.
The front door opened before either of them could say another word.
An elderly woman with warm eyes smiled brightly.
"Daniel!"
She embraced her grandson before turning to Amina.
"So this is the young lady who finally captured your heart."
Daniel squeezed Amina's hand gently.
"Grandmother, this is Amina."
Amina forced a smile.
"It's an honor to meet you, ma'am."
The older woman laughed.
"Oh, don't call me 'ma'am.' Call me Grandma."
For the first time all day, Amina smiled naturally.
"Hello, Grandma."
The elderly woman beamed.
"My dear, come inside. I've been looking forward to meeting the woman who made my stubborn grandson fall in love."
Amina glanced at Daniel.
He remained composed.
But for a brief moment...
She thought she saw guilt flash across his face.
Neither of them noticed someone watching from the staircase above.
A tall, elegant woman folded her arms, her eyes fixed on Amina.
"So," she whispered to herself, "this is the woman who thinks she can take my place."
A slow, dangerous smile spread across her face.
"This should be interesting."
- Writer
