ENTANGLED: Hired as a Billionaire Girlfriend

CHAPTER 3

ROSEDALE, CANADA.

Daniel gazed over at the city buildings as Richard sped through the streets effortlessly. The past few days had been completely different from what he expected; from the business conference to Anita's cheating scandal and his best friend's crazy night outs, which he enjoyed.

He thought about the conversation they had last night. What the hell am I thinking?

Richard had been on his phone the whole night messaging countless people about God knows what.

"You know, I always have good ideas," his smile felt hopeful. "We've got a match."

"You better be right," Daniel had replied coldly before going to sleep.

Daniel was brought back to his senses when Richard stopped at the traffic light and switched on his car's speakers as he sang along to Tom Odell's "Another Love."

"C'mon bro sing along! I know you love this song and thinking about your current predicament this is perfect," Richard beamed.

"I feel like I should strangle you right now."

The lights went green and Richard sped off at full speed in the direction of the city's library as he screamed at the top of his voice along with the music.

Daniel couldn't care less because, in the midst of all this commotion, his eyes were drawn to a young woman strolling along the streets. She walked glamorously but with urgency; she might've been late for work.

He couldn't stop looking and analyzing her. She had a brown shirtsleeved Nike jacket on with white sneakers and extremely tight trousers. He smirked; for such a pretty face she had a bad fashion sense. His view was short-lived as Richard sped away, leaving her behind.

"Our candidate will be coming late."

"What?!" Daniel asked back.

"I said our candidate would be coming late," Richard screamed over the music.

"Very well then."

With the speed and driving skills of Richard, Daniel soon found himself in front of a colorful public restaurant standing hands akimbo with Richard by his side. He looked around his surroundings with interest.

The constant life of luxury must have made his instincts too sharp. The atmosphere was dull, grey and the air heavy for breath. Taking in the whole sight from children playing with ice creams to an angry customer wailing in the distance behind a queue. It felt surreal still.

"What are we doing here?" Daniel asked.

"Looking for your perfect fake girlfriend," Richard replied with visible excitement and smirked. "Were you thinking we'd be job seeking her on LinkedIn?"

What is Richard thinking? They were definitely not in the right place for the right girl; none would be able to even make a perfect match. Just then a voice jostled him back from his predicament.

"The man is Peter, he's very cocky, he's a popular hot head just a little bit rich," a stunningly beautiful young lady whispered audibly over to them as they shifted attention to her. "Welcome to Rosedale."

"Well he definitely hasn't met his match yet," Daniel murmured in disgust.

"Oh my dear Bella! You ended up catching us first. Dan, this is Bella. She works here, had her help us get a strategic table," Richard beamed as he gestured to the young lady.

"Is it Isabella or…" Daniel found himself charmingly saying as he assessed the strikingly gorgeous lady with interest. His eyes focusing on her carefully and stylishly exposed cleavage and then her face.

"Christabella. I've got a free table reserved here for you guys - it was Richard's request," she said seductively, walking over to a table at the far edge and added, "I'll get you guys something."

Daniel immediately lightened up. Was it going to be Bella? She'd make a perfect fit for the job with her attractive long legs in heels, full lips and perfect shape.

"Is she the one?"

"Nope, trust me pal I've got the right person," Richard replied with a smile too comfortable even for Dan.

"What does she do?" Dan asked as Bella approached their table with a full tray.

"You mean Bella?"

"No dummy, your candidate."

Just then Richard's phone buzzed with a message and Dan could read it from his seat.

I'm here already but I'll keep you waiting a little bit. I've got something to attend to shortly.

"Over there," Richard pointed as a girl speedily walked in through the door. "That's your candidate."

Daniel spat out his drink as his eyes widened in shock. This face was familiar but definitely not perfect. The Nike jacket, tight jeans trousers and sneakers were unmistakable. The white sneakers girl wasn't what he expected up close at first sight.

"So…?" Richard waved at his friend like a Greek philosopher.

"Richard tell me it's not her please," Dan felt his gut wrenching.

"It's her," Richard chuckled. "Once your family sees her, they'll give up. If you show them she's the type of girl you're interested in now, they'll leave you alone for good. Maybe."

"That sounds dumb, especially if you know my family."

"I don't expect a cold, loveless billionaire like you to know any better," Richard mocked and added, "I'll get her over here soon so we can get this over with. We've got some partying to do."

"I'm just going to use the restroom first to freshen up," Daniel stood up walking away to locate the toilet.

As he was walking back to meet Richard he took in the full sight and ambience of the restaurant. Though small and less luxurious, the place was very neatly organized, and their toilet was far from what he had expected - it was unexpectedly clean. As he walked, he couldn't get his mind off the candidate Richard had brought.

Richard rarely made bad choices, which was why he'd been following blindly up until now, but his skepticism was on the rise now.

Just then a body bumped into him and his masculine reflex swung into action as he held her back while her bag spilled books on the floor. His hold was firm, and he couldn't help but savor her soft skin and subtle scent.

Damn, she smells so good.

"Are you alright?" he found himself saying.

"I'm very… sorry," Alex's voice gasped back in fear and surprise. The grip on her arm was firm, and the rich tone of the masculine voice sent chills down her spine.

She regained her balance and stared back at the person who was staring down at her with intensity. She, just like everybody that got up close to him, got lost in his emerald green eyes.

Daniel, still lost in thought, couldn't believe his eyes. It was her. His candidate. Was this some fated meeting for both of them or was this all a coincidence? Up close, she didn't look so bad and he racked his brain for a word. Something to reply with.

Dammit Daniel, what's happening to you? How are you losing words for a regular girl?

"I'm lost," he finally found himself saying. "Let me help with your boo…"

"This isn't some Indian love scene duckhead, you're blocking my way!" a harsh loud tone announced from behind him shoving Daniel violently. "Get moving or I'll…”

"Or you'll what?" Daniel interrupted coldly as he poised directly at the man. He was the same man creating a scene earlier. Peter.

"The corridor is big enough for three people," Daniel added, maintaining his stance, clearly physically more fit than the man.

"I can't pass with these books from your joke girlfriend blocking the way," Peter replied, kicking the book out of Alex's reach as he passed by.

Daniel bolted into action immediately, so fast even he was shocked, gripping the man back, his hazel eyes

staring not with anger but cold dominance. "Seems like you have a death wish," he muttered, tightening his grip.