Signed Up for a Dinner . Got a Fake Relationship Contract Instead

The moment she disappeared, I pulled out the chair and sat.

Damon stared at me like I’d just escaped an asylum.

“What the hell was that? And who are you?” he asked under his breath.

He was still staring at me, eyes wide in disbelief.

I leaned forward a little and said quietly, “Please sit down. People are already watching.”

He hesitated, then sighed and sank into the seat like he had no energy left.

He looked at me again, frowning. “Who… are you?”

I smiled nervously. “Um… I’m Ayla. Ayla Morgan.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“I… I used to work for you. You fired me two days ago… in your office. The Sky Lounge issue? The champagne trays?” I reminded him softly, hands folded in front of me.

His eyes widened a bit in recognition. “Oh. Right… that girl.”

He paused, then frowned again. “But what are you doing here? Why did you get involved in my date?”

I looked down for a second, then met his eyes again. “I… I didn’t plan to interfere. I was here for a blind date too—arranged by my stepmother. But I noticed you… and I saw you looked uncomfortable. So I thought maybe I could help.”

Damon gave me that cold, unreadable stare. “Without asking me?”

I continued, begging, “I know. I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you or anything. I just… I just thought maybe, if I helped you… you could help me too.”

He tilted his head, silent.

“I really need that job back, Mr. Cross,” I said quietly. “I’m not here to fight or argue. I’m begging you. Please. I’ll work harder. I’ll prove myself. Just… give me another chance.”

He stayed silent, his eyes scanning my face.

I continued, “I know I messed up that day. But I really don’t have any other option right now. Things are bad at home, and I’m trying so hard to stay afloat.”

His jaw clenched slightly.

“No wonder you stepped in to help,” he finally said, eyes narrowing just a bit. “That whole scene just now… convincing.”

“I was just trying to help… Please sir, I would really appreciate it if you could give me back my job. I promise to do better this time.”

“Hmm.” He leaned back slowly, folding his arms. “Meet me in my office. Monday morning. Eight sharp.”

I gasped a little, eyes widening. “Really? Thank you, sir.” I stood up and bowed slightly.

He stood up, adjusted his sleeves, and walked away.

As he turned and walked away, I let out a shaky breath. I was about to grab my bag when I noticed something strange—he had stopped halfway across the restaurant.

He turned slightly, looking thoughtful.

“She’s… good. She may be capable,” he muttered to himself. “Convincing. Quick.”

He turned fully and walked back to me.

I stared at him, confused.

He pulled out the chair and sat down again.

“What if,” he said slowly, “instead of giving you your old job back… I offer you something else?”

I blinked. “Something else?”

He nodded. “Yes. Something that will pay you more than your old job.”

As I heard the words pay you more, my bones fully relaxed. All I needed now was money—to clear my late father’s debt and be free from my stepmother’s claws.

“I’m interested,” I said out loud.

He continued, “A contract. You play a role—my girlfriend. In front of my grandpa. Just appearances. In return, I help you out. Financially.”

My breath caught. “You want me to… pretend to be your girlfriend?”

His expression didn’t change. “Yes. In front of my grandfather only.”

I swallowed hard, unsure whether to feel scared… or intrigued.