THE BOY I WAS PAID TO LOVE

Angel had never imagined that her life would come down to choosing between her pride… and survival. The afternoon sun burned through the windows of the small café where she worked. Her feet ached, her head throbbed, and her phone kept buzzing with messages she didn’t want to read. “Rent is due.” “Last warning.” She exhaled slowly, gripping the tray in her hand. Life wasn’t smiling at her lately. “Angel, table five!” her boss shouted. “I’m coming!” she replied, forcing a smile. She walked over, but the moment she reached the table, she froze. A tall, calm-looking guy sat there, dressed simply but confidently. His eyes were sharp—like he could read everything about you without saying a word. Cleopas. She didn’t know why, but something about him made her nervous. “Sit,” he said quietly. Angel frowned. “I’m working.” “I know,” he replied, sliding an envelope across the table. “But this won’t take long.” Her eyes dropped to the envelope. Money. A lot of it. Her heart skipped. “What is this?” “A job,” Cleopas said. Angel folded her arms. “I already have one.” “Not one that pays like this.” Silence. She hated how tempted she felt. “What kind of job?” she finally asked. Cleopas leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but serious. “Be my girlfriend.” Angel blinked. “What?” “Fake girlfriend,” he corrected. “Act like you’re in love with me. Attend events with me. Stay by my side when needed.” She stared at him like he had lost his mind. “You called me here for this nonsense?” “I’m serious.” She shook her head, about to walk away, but his next words stopped her. “You get paid weekly.” Her steps slowed. He continued, “No emotional attachment. No real relationship. Just an act.” Angel turned back slowly. “And why me?” Cleopas held her gaze. “Because you need the money… and you look believable.” Her chest tightened. He wasn’t wrong—and that annoyed her even more. “This is crazy,” she muttered. “Maybe,” he said. “But it solves your problems.” Angel looked at the envelope again. Rent. Bills. Survival. All staring back at her. “What’s the catch?” she asked quietly. Cleopas smirked slightly. “Don’t fall in love with me.” Angel let out a short, dry laugh. “Trust me, that won’t be a problem.” He stood up, adjusting his sleeves. “Good. Then we have a deal.” Angel hesitated… just for a second. Then she picked up the envelope. “I’ll do it.” Cleopas nodded once. “Welcome to the contract, Angel.” As he walked away, Angel’s heart beat faster than usual. She had just made a decision that would change everything. She just didn’t know it yet…