Arthur Brook
1027 Words
Meanwhile, at the Brook Mansion...
“Get married in a month, or I'll give your inheritance to your sister!” Rosalind Brook announced that same Monday morning.
As the heir to one of society's most influential families, Arthur Brook’s future was tightly bound to legacy, image, and obligation.
"Mom, you know why I can't do what you're asking." He shot back almost immediately.
“I don’t.”
Arthur tensed when Rosalind placed a hand on his shoulder, already sensing what was coming.
"It's been five years since Cecil died," she reminded him softly. "You can't live in the past forever. It's time to move forward… for your sake, and for ours."
With a final pat on his shoulder, she turned and disappeared down the hall, leaving him with his thoughts.
Arthur Brook, heir to the multi-billion-dollar tech empire ACATECH, stood alone in the living room, feeling the walls close in. His carefree days of casual flings and reckless freedom… even free f*****g… were slipping fast. He wasn’t ready to give that up.
"You know she's right,” came a voice from behind.
Arthur turned to see his father, Fernando Brook, walking in with his usual grave expression.
“You always support her,” Arthur muttered bitterly.
“For your good,” Fernando replied simply.
“Come on!” Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. “Dad…”
"It's no longer in my hands," he admitted. "Your mother wishes to see you settled, and I stand by her decision. It's time to make a choice, Arthur. Either the easy way or the hard way. A month's time is all you have, Arthur."
Without waiting for a response, Fernando walked out. He just left Arthur with no choice at all.
“f*****g family.” Arthur cussed.
"It's your fault, you know," Rita Brook suddenly said, appearing from nowhere.
Startled, Arthur nearly tripped. “What the hell, Rita?”
He should’ve known—his younger sister always enjoyed watching him squirm.
“If you can't find someone to bring home, why not hire someone?” she shrugged. “Can’t be that hard, can it?”
Arthur frowned. “Rita, I’m not in the mood for your jokes.” He opened the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water. But the thought had already started to take root.
“I’m serious.”
Arthur shut the fridge with a sigh. “What do you mean, bring someone home?”
Rita rolled her eyes.
"You're Arthur Brook!" she reminded him impatiently, her hands tapping the counter with every word. You can literally afford to hire a fiancée. And if you’re willing to listen, I can help.”
Help me? Arthur glanced sideways, intrigued. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"You know, Rita… this might be the first time you've actually made sense."
Rita's pride was momentarily dampened by Arthur's backhanded insult, but instead of responding, she squared her shoulders.
"I am the owner of a design company. It takes more than just beauty to run a successful business.”
Arthur raised an eyebrow. “And where do I find someone like you?”
“Someone like me?” Rita laughed and leaned against the marble counter. “So I’m right. You do need me.”
Arthur sighed. “I’m in a tight spot, and none of my girlfriends want anything to do with a fake marriage.”
He didn’t miss the pity in her eyes.
“What?” he snapped.
"Look, I don't want the birthright," she finally said with a shrug. "It's just too much of a hassle. How could I possibly manage a designer company and our parents' assets? I'd age a decade in a day. It suits you much better."
Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at his sister's dishonest words. "Yeah, right. So you're saying you'll support me then?" He asked.
Rita grinned, already typing away on her phone. “I’ve booked you with the best in the city,” she announced, thrusting her screen toward him. “Look at her ratings.”
“An actress for hire. Twenty five and ready to solve your problems.” Arthur blinked as he scanned the profile of a stunning woman with almond shaped eyes.
Asian woman.
“Lee?” he murmured. “This lady is for hire?”
Rita nodded proudly. “She’s a contract lover. The best, and professional enough to play your fiancée. All you have to do is show up at the hotel. I’ll send the address.” She tapped away again. “Now!” she grinned, just as a message pinged on Arthur’s phone.
“How did you even set this up?” he asked. “Does she know who I am? And what am I supposed to do with her?”
Rita let out an exasperated groan. “Arthur, today is not about you. Lee doesn’t know you. I sent her your fake profile. She thinks you are some old pot bellied fool. Now, if you want that inheritance, go on that date.”
Arthur hesitated. “Are you sure she won't know who I am?”
“Unless you tell her, she won’t.”
“Fine,” he muttered. “But if anything goes wrong, I’ll hold you responsible. I haven’t forgotten about Vincent.”
Rita’s eyes widened in horror. “You wouldn’t dare!”
Arthur’s smirk widened. “What? You didn’t think I knew he was hired too?”
She scowled but didn’t deny it.
"One more thing," Rita said suddenly, her voice dropping. “Don’t fall in love with her.”
Arthur raised a brow. “Why?”
She looked him dead in the eye.
“Because she will never love you. It's just a job for her.”
Arthur paused, blinking once. “Right. And what makes you think I'll be the one to do that?”
“I don't. You probably just want to sleep with her.”
“You sound sure of that.” Arthur grinned mischievously.
“I am.” Rita picked up her phone and turned away.
“And Arthur,” she added without looking back, “if you really sleep with her... you’re finished.”
- Writer
