5: The proposal
1063 Words
Vee's Pov
I'm alone in the house, my sister and Noah already at work running their restaurant. I'm in the kitchen making toast when I hear a knock on the door.
I open it to find Liam standing there, looking pitiful. "Vee, please forgive me," he says, his voice shaking. "I know I messed up, but I love you. I need a second chance."
What a jerk!
"You're an asshole, Liam. You don't deserve me. After how I showered you with love and care, that's how you repay me?"
"I'm sorry, Vee. I admit that I was stupid. It was because you were always avoiding us having s*x, and Mandy came into the picture. I couldn't resist it."
"You don't have an excuse! You ruined my birthday. Not only that, it led me into something that's shattering my life right now. Please, leave." I snap.
Liam takes a step closer, his eyes pleading. "I know, I was stupid. But I promise to make it up to you. Just give me another chance."
I'm about to slam the door shut when I see a sleek black car pull up behind him. My heart sinks. Who is this?
Liam notices my gaze and turns around, his face falling when he sees the car.
My heart starts to pound as Asher steps out, his piercing eyes locking onto mine.
"Hey, cuz! What are you doing here?" Liam walks over to Asher.
WHAT!?
My mind is racing. Asher and Liam are cousins? This is not what I expected.
Asher smirks, his eyes never leaving mine. "Just thought I'd drop by and say hi to Vee."
I'm still trying to process this revelation when Liam asks, "What's going on, Asher? You're not exactly friends with Vee, are you?"
Asher's smile grows wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Maybe not yet, but I'm working on it."
I feel a shiver run down my spine as Asher's gaze holds mine. He understands quickly that Liam is my pathetic ex.
What is he doing here? How did he find this place?
And why do I feel like my world is about to be turned upside down than it is already?
I step aside, letting Asher in. Liam's face contorts in anger and hurt before he storms off. I don't care about Liam anymore.
As soon as the door closes, I feel my body tremble with rage and frustration. I'm so mad at myself for still being drawn to Asher, for not being able to control my emotions around him.
And to make matters worse, I'm jobless and feeling helpless. Liam's betrayal still stings, and now I'm face to face with the one person who can see right through me.
Asher's eyes lock onto mine as I look up at him, his gaze intense. "You're shaking," he says, his voice low and smooth.
I try to brush it off, but he takes a step closer, his presence overwhelming me. "You're really angry," he states, his eyes glinting with amusement.
I nod, my heart racing. "I'm furious with myself. And with Liam. He has no idea what he's done to me."
Asher's smile grows wider. "I think I do," he says, his voice dripping with confidence.
I feel like I'm drowning in his gaze, unable to escape.
"What do you want from me, Asher?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
He takes another step closer, his body inches from mine. "I want to help you, Vee. I want to make you forget all about Liam."
"I don't need your help. I literally got fired at work because of your interview. I'm jobless right now and I'm not thinking of Liam or anyone. I just want a job."
Asher's smile falters, and for a moment, he looks taken aback. "I...I didn't know that," he says, his voice softer.
I scoff, "Of course you didn't."
Asher's eyes narrow, his jaw clenched. "That's not fair, Vee. I'm trying to help you."
I shake my head, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "You're not helping me, Asher. You're making things worse. Just leave me alone."
He doesn't back down. Instead, he takes another step closer, his body almost touching mine. "I'm not going anywhere, Vee. I'm going to make it up to you. And I'm going to start by offering you a job."
"What kind of job?"
Asher smiles again. "A job as my wife."
I look at him with furrowed eyebrows.
"W- What? Your wife?"
I stare at him, confused about what he's saying.
"Well, a fake marriage."
I'm stunned, my mind racing with questions. "Why me?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Asher's smile grows wider. "You're perfect for the role, Vee. You're smart, beautiful, and you need a job. Plus, you're already familiar with my...let's say, my reputation."
I shake my head, trying to process what he's saying. "But why a fake marriage? Why not just hire someone to pretend to be your girlfriend?"
Asher shrugs. "My parents want me to settle down, Vee. They want me to marry someone responsible, someone who will help me clean up my image. And I need someone who can keep up with me, someone who can handle the pressure."
I look at him, skeptical. "And you think I'm that person?"
Asher nods. "I know you are, Vee. You're strong, capable, and you're not afraid to speak your mind. You need this job, and I'm willing to pay you more than you were earning at your old job."
I hesitate, torn. A part of me is screaming to say no, to run away from this crazy proposal. But another part of me is tempted, tempted by the promise of a steady paycheck and a chance to start over.
"What's the catch?" I ask, my voice cautious.
Asher grins. "No catch, Vee. Just a simple fake marriage. Oh, and one more thing. My family is having dinner tomorrow, and I need you to come with me."
I raise an eyebrow, surprised. "Tomorrow?"
Asher nods. "Yes, tomorrow. I'll pay you $10,000 just to show up and pretend to be my wife. And if you agree to the fake marriage, I'll pay you $50,000 a month."
I'm stunned, my mind racing with the possibilities.
$50,000 a month? This is... irresistible.
But can I really do this? Can I really pretend to be Asher's wife?
- Writer
