Chapter Two: An Offer Worth Millions
895 Words
The ballroom was still buzzing.
Guests whispered to one another while cameras continued flashing.
Amelia leaned toward Lily.
“I think we should leave.”
“Now.”
Lily frowned.
“Because you defended a waiter?”
“No.”
“Because I may have just embarrassed a celebrity.”
Before they could take another step, a familiar voice called out behind them.
“Miss Brooks?”
Amelia turned.
A tall man in an expensive navy suit approached with a polite smile.
“My name is Oliver Grant.”
“I’m Nathan Hart’s manager.”
Her shoulders slumped.
“Oh.”
“I’m being sued, aren’t I?”
Oliver blinked.
“…What?”
“For emotional damage.”
Lily covered her mouth to hide a laugh.
Oliver couldn’t help smiling.
“No.”
“Actually…”
“Mr. Hart would like to thank you.”
Across the ballroom, Nathan had changed into a fresh tuxedo.
He looked even more polished than before.
Amelia sighed.
“He’s annoyingly good-looking.”
Lily whispered,
“I heard that.”
“So did I,” Nathan replied with a grin as they approached.
Amelia’s cheeks warmed.
“Great.”
“This night just keeps getting better.”
Nathan extended his hand.
“Thank you.”
She looked at it for a second before shaking it.
“For what?”
“You defended someone who couldn’t defend himself.”
“It wasn’t a big deal.”
“It was to him.”
Amelia shrugged.
“My students remind me every day that kindness isn’t difficult.”
Nathan studied her quietly.
She wasn’t pretending.
She genuinely believed what she was saying.
Oliver glanced at his watch.
“Mr. Hart, the interview starts in five minutes.”
Nathan nodded.
Then looked back at Amelia.
“Would you have coffee with me tomorrow?”
She blinked.
“Why?”
“I’d like to talk.”
“About?”
“You.”
She laughed.
“I’m not that interesting.”
“I disagree.”
The next afternoon…
Amelia arrived at a quiet café fifteen minutes early.
She had almost canceled three times.
“What am I even doing here?”
She muttered to herself.
Just then, Nathan walked in wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.
Despite the disguise, nearly everyone recognized him.
Phones immediately appeared.
Someone whispered,
“That’s Nathan Hart.”
He ignored the attention and walked straight to Amelia.
“Thanks for coming.”
“I almost didn’t.”
“I’m glad you changed your mind.”
After ordering coffee, silence settled between them.
Finally, Amelia spoke.
“So…”
“Why am I here?”
Nathan exchanged a glance with Oliver, who sat at a nearby table pretending not to listen.
Then he leaned forward.
“I need your help.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“With what?”
“My reputation.”
He explained everything.
A manipulated video had gone viral, making it appear as though he had insulted a young fan.
Sponsors were reconsidering contracts.
His newest film was weeks away from release.
The media was relentless.
“My public image has never been this damaged.”
Amelia nodded slowly.
“So you want me to… what?”
He took a breath.
“I want you to pretend to be my girlfriend.”
She stared at him.
“…Excuse me?”
“For six months.”
She laughed.
“Oh.”
“You’re serious.”
“I am.”
“No.”
Nathan blinked.
“No?”
“No.”
“I barely know you.”
“You live in a world filled with cameras.”
“I teach second graders.”
“Our lives don’t even exist on the same planet.”
Nathan had expected hesitation.
Questions.
Negotiation.
He hadn’t expected such an immediate rejection.
“You’re the first person who’s ever turned me down.”
Amelia smiled sweetly.
“Congratulations.”
“Life is full of new experiences.”
Even Oliver, listening from a distance, struggled not to laugh.
Nathan wasn’t ready to give up.
“What if I told you there was compensation?”
“I don’t want your money.”
“What if I said the money could rebuild your school’s library?”
Amelia froze.
Nathan noticed.
He’d guessed correctly.
“I made a donation this morning.”
“The principal mentioned the roof also needs repairs.”
Her expression shifted.
“You investigated me?”
“I did my homework.”
She folded her arms.
“I should leave.”
“You can.”
“I won’t stop you.”
“But before you decide…”
He slid a folder across the table.
Inside was a contract.
Along with one number.
$2,000,000.
Amelia’s breath caught.
The money could save her school.
Help her family.
Change countless children’s lives.
She looked back at Nathan.
“You really expect me to fake a relationship for six months?”
He met her gaze.
“I expect you to think about it.”
She closed the folder.
“I’ll give you my answer tomorrow.”
As she walked out of the café, Nathan watched her go.
For the first time in years…
He wasn’t wondering whether someone liked him because he was famous.
He was wondering if one ordinary woman would choose to walk away from two million dollars.
And somehow…
That uncertainty made her even more unforgettable.
- Writer
