Play Pretend

Play II

Days passed by quickly, before Alyssa remember Gideon's message, it's already the end of the month. Because of her busy schedule, she rarely had a breather. Every day, she had to deal with a lot of paperworks, attend meetings and seminars, then paperworks again. The thought of getting ready for Gideon's arrival slipped away from her mind. It was when she received a message from Gideon again that she remembered.

She originally planned to invite the Gomez and Lucian family for a dinner as a welcome-home party for Gideon, but Gideon flatly refused and told her it's enough for her and him to go to dinner together since Gideon's family already planned a party for him.

Alyssa didn't think much of it and agreed easily. She already contacted Mrs. Lucian, Gideon's mother, that she will be the one to fetch Gideon from the airport. Mrs. Lucian agreed gently, followed by a heartfelt chuckle that made Alyssa feel confused what that chuckle meant. Leaning on the backrest of her swivel chair, she saw the door of her office opens, and her secretary entered holding a thick white folder.

"Miss, here's what you told me to look into. I've arranged them by their economical status."

Alyssa lips twitched, looking at the professional look of her secretary. Watching the man place the folder on the side of her table, she suddenly asked. "Jin, how long have you worked for me?"

Jin's eyes narrowed, "I've worked with Miss for 3 years already."

Alyssa crossed her fingers, laying it on her lap. "3 years, huh. Working for me that long, you already know what to say, and what to keep secret, do you?"

Jin, who understood Alyssa's hint, immediately nodded. "Rest assured, Miss. No one will get a word of these."

"Better be that way, or else you'll be the first to bear the fire."

As Jin exited the office, Alyssa let out a deep sigh as she closed her eyes. How embarrassing does it sound when people knew that she's investigating all the bachelors in the city in search for a well-fitted man to date? She's been given a lot of titles ever since she was recognized as the granddaughter of the most famous Gomez Couple. The high-flower of S Province, the treasured granddaughter of the most famous model in the country back in the days, and the domineering chairperson of her own entertainment company. Yet, not even a single boyfriend?

Girls of her caliber often have a lot of boyfriends on the side, some even kept pets. Yet she didn't even have a single one. God knows how many tabloids have been released speculating whether she was a lesbian or not. She was even called the cleanest high-figure in the country, yet that doesn't sound as a compliment but instead seems to be mocking.

Massaging her forehead, Alyssa twirled the pen on her long and slender fingers, absent-mindedly thinking of her future prospect.

She didn't know when she fell asleep, but she found her self in a dream.

She was still inside her office, lying in her secret bed.

In front of her stands a man around 1.9 meters, his face was blurred, and on his hand was a long sharp knife. Alyssa almost screamed, her chest rising and falling faster. Damn, is she having a nightmare?! A serial killer?!

Looking at the figure in front of her in fear, Alyssa's lips trembled a few times before she could speak. "W-Who are you?! What do you want from me?!"

"...You should get married! Get pregnant! I want a big fat grandson!"

When the voice of her mom came out of the figure's mouth, Alyssa was dumbfounded. The fear was replaced with shock. Her face distorted as she screamed. "Mom! Leave me alone!"

Goddamn! Even in her dream, her mother kept urging her to get married! How ridiculous it is, it's so weird hearing her mother's voice from a figure of a man wielding a freaking knife.

Alyssa had no choice but to wake up, frustrated. Damn it! Just when will this torment going to disappear!

Hurriedly reviewing the information on the folder, time passed by. When she was done reviewing them, it's already 7 in the evening. The employees have clocked out, while some remained for overtime work.

Alyssa, who's in the uppermost floor, dazedly stared at the nightlights of B City. She was thinking of many ways she could solve this problem. She already used all the reason to push back marriage, and can't think of any reason anymore. She stretched her body, feeling really tired lately but didn't even finish much of work. Sometimes she couldn't help but to think maybe she's really lesbian, that's why she can't stand men, aside from her grandpa and her good friend Gideon. As she was about to clear her table, the phone on her pocket suddenly vibrated, taking away Alyssa's attention.

Taking out the phone, she saw the name of the caller and raised an eyebrow.

"Nita? Why call? Did something happen?" She asked, curious on why her friend called. Nita, her long-time friend, is a famous actress. She's the typical film queen, and have a lot of blockbuster films on her back. She was also the most prized talent in Alyssa's company.

Even though they're very close friends in person, they rarely contact each other because of the nature of their status in the company.

"Nothing~ Can't I check on my dear best friend?" Nita replied gently.

Rolling her eyes, Alyssa sat back on the swivel chair. "It seems that you are not too busy these days, how about another project?"

"Wait no! You know I'm in a vacation!" Nita angrily replied. Alyssa can even hear the woman's brisk footsteps.

Laughing, she couldn't help but to implore her friend of her true intentions. Sure enough, there's a reason why she called.

"Nothing really~ Hehe~ I just heard that Gideon Lucian is about to go home next month. I was just...wondering if you could arrange us to meet? Hehe~"

The moment she heard the name Gideon, she already knew Nita's purpose of calling. Aside from being known as a film queen, Nita is also known as an extreme playgirl. She's a hedonist, and believes that seeking-pleasure is the purpose of life. Being the film queen satisfies her craving for attention, and keeping male pets everywhere is her long-time hobby.

Alyssa could only close one eye on these things, as long as Nita don't ruin her career and Alyssa's company. Now hearing her interest of Gideon, she knew she had to draw the line this time.

"Nita, you know you can't touch my people, have you forgotten?" There's coldness in her voice that even Alyssa didn't notice. Only Nita heard the warning on Alyssa's voice, making her silent. In her mind, Nita couldn't help but to speculate. Her people? What does this mean?

A second later, Nita laughed teasingly. "I'm just joking with you, Lys~ Why so serious?"

The coldness receded from Alyssa's eyes as her voice returned to normal. "Oh, really?" She replied non-committal.

"Heh, I heard that your mother is pressuring you again to marry?"

"Um, nothing different." She retorted.

Nita seemed amused, "Why don't you just go find a man to play pretend with? I mean, in this case, aunt Aliana wouldn't even bother investigating. She'll be happy as long as there's a man beside you."

Hearing her words, Alyssa was stunned. "Play pretend? What do you mean?"

"Pay someone to pretend to be your boyfriend, or even get married! Money is the answer to everything, Lys, you just have to get money work and you can get that problem solved!"

Frowning, Alyssa found it feasible. However, how can she make sure that her grandparents and her mother wouldn't see through her lie? She voiced it out to Nita, which the latter replied with:

"That's why I advise that you find that person in your inner circle. That way, it will appear believable."

Alyssa's eyes narrowed as she stared at the sparkling lights of the city, a plan gradually forming in her mind. "...You're right."

Nita laughed. "I'm always right, you know that, Lys. Anyway, I've got to go. Send some news if you find someone, and I'll help test them for you."

"Fck off."

Nita laughed before cutting off the call, leaving Alyssa again in silence.

Fake marriage... Play pretend...

That doesn't sound bad, right?