The Fake Fiancée

Chapter 6

Casey, still by my side, eyes me with concern. “Estel, you need to call him,” she says, her voice urgent. “He might not be there anymore.” But I’m already waving down a taxi, my mind focused on getting to the restaurant as quickly as possible.

When the taxi drops me off, it is already 2:56 pm. I sigh heavily, not knowing what to expect in there. As I get into the restaurant, a cool breeze ruffles the hem of my dress, and the air conditioners welcome a sharp contrast to the humid heat outside.

As the breeze caresses my skin, I hesitate in the restaurant doorway, the voices of uncertainty and trepidation clamoring in my mind. “I can still turn around,” I tell myself, my heart fluttering

like a caged bird. “This is all too much, too fast, too crazy. What am I doing?” But then, as if to answer my silent question, I hear a voice, smooth and assured, calling my name. “Estella?”

I spot Edward almost immediately, his hand waving in the air as if to say, “Over here!” His smile is warm, inviting me forward, yet I feel a flutter of nerves as I realize the gravity of the situation. I’m

not just meeting a cute guy here; I’m meeting the man who wants to pay me to pretend to be his fiancée. And sitting beside him is the lawyer, the only other person who knows the truth, aside from Casey.

The click-clack of my heels feels suddenly louder, my heart beating in time with my footsteps as I approach the table. “Hey miss." The lawyer smiles at me and extends his hands for a handshake. I take his hand in mine, a slight tremble in my fingers betraying my nerves as I shake it firmly. Then, with a slight incline of my head, I take my seat, the plush cushion of the chair welcoming me.

The table between us is a barrier, yet its surface is littered with plates of delicious-smelling food, the aroma filling my senses. “I’m sorry for being late,” I say, my voice tight with anxiety as I meet

Edward’s gaze.

His eyes are unreadable, his expression serious as he replies, “It’s fine. Let’s get to business.”

The crisp, no-nonsense tone of his voice startles me as he hands me a document, the paper seeming to hum with significance. “This document outlines our agreement,” he continues, his voice cool and measured.

My gaze flickers across the pages, my fingers eager to turn them, anxious to get to the part that matters—the money. I speed through the legalese, the words blurring before my eyes until I reach the payment details. My fingers stop mid-turn, my breath catching in my throat as I finally register the figure. It’s more than I ever expected. More than I’ve ever seen in my life. My heart pounds, a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

I reach for a pen, eager to sign my name to this life-changing sum, but Edward’s hand stops me, the firmness of his grip a stark contrast to the soft leather of the pen’s surface. “Don’t be hasty,” he says, his voice like steel. “Read it through, all of it, and fill in the necessary information.

His words are a splash of cold water on my fevered excitement, but I know he’s right. This is too important to rush. I glance through the document again before attempting to fill up my information. The pen moves across the page, my name a work of art, a promise to the life I’m about to enter.

“Last night you said I was the only one who could help you,” I say, my voice low but firm. “How?”

Edward’s eyes meet mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them before he speaks.

“It wasn’t just that you were in control last night. It was your grace, your spirit,” Edward’s voice softens, a warmth entering his eyes as he speaks. “I couldn’t stop thinking about how, even in

that chaotic environment, you handled things with such niceness, even though it still did not end well. My parents would love you.” His words are a gentle caress, a rare glimpse at the man behind the business suit.

I slide the document over to the lawyer, after filling in my account details, my fingers pausing for a moment on the crisp paper, my mind already racing with all the possibilities this money will open

for me and my mother. The muted ping of my phone cuts through the quiet conversation, and my heart leaps as I peer down at the screen. Sure enough, a notification blinks at me: ‘$1000 deposited.’ I feel my lips curl into a smile as I look up, warmth in my voice. “Thank you. This means so much.”

His words fall like honey, both sweet and seductive. “I’m glad to see your happiness,” he says, his smile genuine, his voice like silk. “The engagement party is next weekend. I’ll be in touch, and if you play your part well, I’ll make sure it’s worth your while. I’ll pick you up at the address you provided.” His grin lingers, even as he turns to leave, his lawyer in tow.

"The waitress will take your orders; I have a meeting to attend now. Till we meet again fiancée.” He grins and walks away with the lawyer. I watch as the door swings shut behind them. At this moment, I cannot deny the thrill of his words. “Fiancée.” The word rolls off his

tongue with such ease, with such promise.

And, for a moment, I let myself believe that this might just be the beginning of something new, something exciting. As I sit in that empty restaurant, my mind racing, I realize that I’m beginning

to care more than I should. But I tell myself that this is just a job, just a means to an end.

The conversation with Edward leaves me with more questions than answers, but the promise of more money and the chance to take care of Ma seems to soften the mystery.

I call Casey over and as she arrives, a genuine smile spreads across my face. I cannot wait to share my good news, savoring the moment as the waitress takes our orders.