Ruined Date

Chapter 001.

Lola's POV

They said money can't buy happiness. However, for me, money can solve my problems, and that's what brings me happiness.  

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and couldn't stop smiling. I mean, how could I not? I was breathtaking, even to myself.

"Ma'am, you look beautiful", one of the mall attendants complimented me.

My lips curled into a smile. You are probably wondering how I got here. Let me introduce myself... I'm Lola Smith, a versatile advocate of disguise. Yes! You heard me right.

I stepped out of the fitting room wearing the third dress. The mall attendant's eyes widened. Yep. This one was definitely a killer.

The phone buzzed, and I opened the chat.

“I sent the $5,000 f*e. Pick any dress of your choice under my name; I will send the location shortly "

"Oh, LoIa", I swayed my waist slowly the moment the alert entered; no music can move my body the way a credit alert does. Almost immediately, another message from my client came in with the address, and I grinned. 

Let the destruction start.  

Today will be my third time ruining a blind date, and I could feel the success glaring at me. The first two dates went so smoothly that my confidence leveled up for this one.

"I will pick the three clothes, put the bills under Miss Sinclair's name" 

I chose the fitted white gown. It hugged my figure perfectly and stopped just above my knees. It was designed with white pearls, and the sleeve reached my wrist. The diamond earrings caught the light every time I moved, matching the necklace resting against my collarbone. Tying my hair neatly to the back, I walked out of the mall with black sunglasses glued to my eyes. 

Twenty minutes later, the cab stopped in front of a Michelin five-star restaurant.

"Wow", my mouth parted in awe.

 Sometimes, I felt guilty for pretending to be someone else and ruining other people's relationships for money.

 However, that guilt couldn't pay my bills nor give me this kind of experience. Who could imagine a jobless fellow like me would dine in a five-star restaurant?

Damn guilt!

"Let's go, Lola..." I bit my lip; I was now someone else. 

 "Jade Sinclair"

 The shopping bags hung on my two arms as I stepped into the restaurant. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above me, and the scent of expensive perfume filled the air. I suddenly felt underdressed until I remembered I was wearing ten thousand dollars' worth of clothes.

 I slowed my steps, letting my 5-inch heels click against the polished floor as I walked toward the table. Every click of my heels drew more attention.

The man wore a perfectly tailored navy blue tuxedo. His neatly styled brown hair and expensive wristwatch screamed old money. 

"Hi! Hi! I'm Jade Sinclair." I stretched my hand for a handshake.

"Nice meeting you, I'm Zack." He shook my hand.

I flashed him a smile. "Your hands are so soft! I guess it's not mature yet." The look on his face almost made me laugh.  

"What do you mean?" He tried to stay calm. 

I ignored his question and set the shopping bags beside me. Then I slipped off my sunglasses and reached behind my back to adjust my bra. The elastic strap snapped lightly, making him cough into his fist. I flashed him a sweet smile.

 "You know I love to make my babies comfortable"  

"By the way, do you drop your manners outside before coming in?" My eyes looked around the table before glaring back at him.

His face twisted in confusion; he looked around, and people's attention was on us, which is what I wanted. 

"What are you talking about?"

I slammed my fist against the table. "Aish!! I hate when people make me repeat myself. Is your second name "What", or did any of your ancestors have a connection with that word?"

He gave me a confused look.

"Cause you use it a lot! It's annoying!" I slammed my fist against the table once again; a low murmur spread across the restaurant. 

The restaurant manager walked up to us. "Hello, couples, can you sort things out gently?" He said calmly, but that got on my bad side.

"Couples? Do we look like one?" I demanded, gritting my teeth as my patience ran out.

Confusion etched on his face as he responded. "Yes, you make such a perfect couple." I noticed the manager was feeling tense, glancing at the man repeatedly. 

Judging by the manager's reaction, this guy had to be important, but that won't stop my mission today.

"We are not!" A scream tore through my throat. I glanced back at him. "You have no manners! You can't even order water for me as a simple gesture, yet you are seated like a statue with a gigolo vibe"

The moment I said the last part, some customers started laughing. Some ladies criticised the man for not being romantic enough. 

"And what if I refuse?" The man suddenly asked.

I blinked repeatedly. "Huh?"

"Just like you said, I'm a statue. I can't do anything but sit and watch you." Just then, he stood up and adjusted his suit. "I guess things can't work out between us"

That's it! Third mission accomplished! However, it wasn't complete without one final manipulative touch.

"We can talk this out, Zack. I just don't like mannerless idiots that use the word "what" all the time. But I guess you are different." I bit my lips as I watched his reaction. Deep down, I was insulting him right to his face, yet somehow making him think I wasn't. 

He chuckled. "Thanks, but we can't make a great couple. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave"

I watched him disappear through the exit before bursting into laughter. Damn! You are such a bad girl, Lola. 

Satisfied, I grabbed my shopping bags and walked out of the restaurant. The cool evening breeze greeted me the moment I stepped outside. I sent a message to my client, and she added a tip.

"Oh my gosh!!!" The payment alert of five thousand dollars dropped, and I spun in circles. "Yes! Yes!"

I was still celebrating when my phone beeped with a message notification. 

“The money is taking too long. If you don't meet up, I will let everyone know what you did! Don't try me, Lola!”

I read the message over again, and my palms suddenly became sweaty. My life was filled with thorns and deadly secrets. 

Just then, a call came. I straightened up before answering. 

"Gurl! Where are you?" Mia's voice came through the phone. 

Mia is my best friend and my favourite gossip partner. Sometimes, our gossip is more accurate than Fox News.

I flipped my hair backward before responding. "I just completed my mission." 

 I remembered the face of the man from earlier, and I burst into laughter. "He is so pissed"

Mia joined me at the other end; we both laughed. "I have good news for you. Have you checked your mail today?"

I squeezed my face. "Mail? What's happening there?" My client usually sends messages via SMS; I barely use my email. 

"Damn you, gurl! Your job application was approved! I checked the website a few minutes ago and saw that your application had been approved." Mia explained. 

"What?" I screamed, ignoring the gaze coming from others.

 She stood by me after I lost my parents during our final year at university. Her family became my family, and ever since then, she's been more like a sister than a friend.

"What do you think about tonight? Should I book a spot at our usual bar?" I asked, practically dancing in excitement.

"Screw you, girl! You are going for an interview tomorrow; don't be a dead ass!"