Chapter 1: When Gigi Met Rafael

They said money can't buy happiness. But whoever said that clearly never had to choose between eating dinner and saving for rent.

It's hard to be poor.

While some girls were out there posting latte art and luxury heels, I was here on the sidewalk, hoping someone would buy my handmade accessories so I could afford my Grandma's medicine. The thing is, my client wanted to buy my products for a very cheap price, and when I refused, she didn't buy them at all!

I've already lost count of how many cars passed by-until one black car caught my attention. I watched a shiny black car park across the street, chrome rims, tinted windows, engine that purred like a rich man's ego. My mouth dropped open when I saw a man step out of that car. He was holding a phone that cost more than my entire neighborhood's monthly income.

I looked down at my worn-out slippers that were still fighting for their life.

I sighed and looked at the accessories I made. All fake and all mine, but each piece was something I worked hard for and stayed up all night making. I may not have a brand, but I had hustle. And sometimes, hustle is all you've got when life keeps handing you expired luck.

I was about to leave and go home and stop being so dramatic, but I noticed a scruffy-looking man walking toward the rich guy. The man clearly wasn't aware of his surroundings, so in one swift motion, his phone got snatched.

"Hey!" I shouted.

I dropped my accessories and chased after the thief. He probably thought no one would come after him. Too bad for him, because even though we're both struggling in life, I still know the difference between right and wrong.

He ran fast, but I caught up with him right away.

"You're a thief!" I shouted at him.

Thankfully, he tripped, and I was able to grab the rich guy's phone back. The thief, clearly scared, ran off quickly.

I was panting from running, and sweat was dripping down my face as I walked back to where I came from.

"Great, just great!" I complained when my slipper broke.

I was already worrying about how to afford Grandma's medicine, and now this slipper too?

From afar, I spotted the rich guy. He was no longer in front of his car-he was standing where I had left my items.

I suddenly felt nervous when I got closer to him. He was so handsome and smelled so good. Even without speaking, he already looked expensive.

"Here's your phone," I said, handing it back to him.

"You... You chased him?" he asked.

I frowned and almost rolled my eyes at his question.

"No. I teleported in front of him using my powers," I answered sarcastically.

His face showed he didn't know whether to laugh or be offended.

"Thank you," he said, taking the phone from my hand.

"But you didn't have to," he added.

Wow. He's so rich that he could probably buy more than ten phones. I suddenly felt slapped by poverty again.

"You're right, but what he did was wrong. Next time, be aware of your surroundings-there are many thieves around here," I told him.

He smiled and nodded. Honestly, he was even more handsome when he smiled. I wanted to smile too, but I held it in. He might think I was into him.

Yes, I'm poor, but he won't get me that easily-even if he's rich!

I just shrugged and grabbed my items. I was about to leave when he suddenly spoke again.

"Wait,"

I looked at him and saw him glance at my handmade accessories.

"You made those?" he asked.

I couldn't answer right away. I couldn't believe someone like him noticed them.

"Y-Yeah. Handmade," I said with a shrug.

"You sell those here every day?" he asked again.

Wow. He's actually taking the time to talk to me?

"Yes, but today I didn't sell anything because a client scammed me. I have so many of these, but she wanted them for a super low price, and I said no," I explained.

"Oh! Sorry to hear that. Anyways, they're... unique," he said.

I raised an eyebrow. I wanted to sell them to him, but where would I get the guts? I was sure the gifts he gives his girlfriend are made of gold or even diamonds.

"If you're going to say they're 'interesting,' don't bother. I know what that means," I said.

He smiled and shook his head before speaking again.

"I was going to say you have potential. I might have something for you."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"You know what? If you're offering some shady modeling scam, don't bother, okay? I'm leaving!" I snapped at him.

He laughed again, so I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Scam? What scam? Wait."

He pulled out his wallet and took something out. He handed me a card, and I frowned as I took it.

Rafael De Luca

Executive Vice President

De Luca Group of Companies

Oh.

Sh*t.

I stared at the card, jaw nearly dropping. He was a De Luca? One of the richest families in the city and the owner of De Luca Jewelry?

"Come see me at my office tomorrow. I have a proposal for you. You might be what I need. Let's just say, it's my way of saying thank you for getting my phone back," he said.

"Wait-what kind of proposal?"

When I looked up, he was already walking away like that phone-snatching incident never happened.

I stared at the card in disbelief.

"Oh my gosh, Lord! Is this the sign that I'm finally going to be rich?"

I could barely sleep that night thinking I had just talked to a De Luca.

"Are you sure it was really Rafael De Luca you spoke to? What was he even doing in that area?" asked my best friend Trina.

I woke up early because I was both nervous and excited. Trina lived next door, so I told her right away what happened last night.

"The card looks legit, and you said it yourself. The guy had a fancy car and looked rich, so it's possible it was really Rafael De Luca," said Tito Kiko, Trina's dad.

"That's great news, Gigi. Maybe this is the answer to your prayers. I'm sure he'll offer you a job, especially since he saw your designs," said Tita Amelia.

I got even more excited. It's my dream to work in that company, but I always thought it would stay a dream because I never finished college.

If I get a job there, I can finally get Grandma treated.

"Bring your designs so you have something to show them just in case. I'm so proud of you, besh! You're finally going to work at De Luca Jewelry!" said Trina, obviously excited.

I smiled, still in disbelief. That day, I got dressed in formal clothes so I could look presentable in front of the people working there.

My mouth dropped open when I saw the huge De Luca building. It was massive, and I never imagined I'd ever get the chance to set foot there.

I took a deep breath and tried to go in, but when I faced the guard, he looked hesitant to let me through.

"Are you an applicant?" he asked rudely.

I raised an eyebrow, "Isn't it obvious?" I snapped back.

He just nodded and didn't say anything more, then opened the door. He was acting like he owned the company! Hello? If Rafael De Luca hadn't asked me to come here, I wouldn't even step foot in this place.

I entered, and if that guard hadn't stared at me like he was judging my whole being, I might've thrown my borrowed sandals at him.

I held my sling bag tightly, trying to calm myself as I passed by employees who probably earn in a day what I make in two months. The elevator smelled like aircon and intimidation, and the receptionist barely looked at me.

Where was I supposed to find Rafael?

"Miss, w-where's Rafael De Luca's office?" I asked.

"Do you have an appointment with Sir Rafael, Miss?" she asked with a frown.

I quickly shook my head.

"Appointment? N-None, but he gave me this card. He told me to come here," I explained.

The receptionist shook her head like she was confused.

"I'm sorry, Miss, but it looks like you don't have an appointment with Sir Rafael. I can't let you through," she said.

"H-Huh? Maybe you could call him? Just tell him the girl with the fake accessories is here. He'll know who I am-"

"I'm sorry, Miss, but it's really not allowed," she said.

My shoulders dropped. I should've made things clearer when we spoke last night! I knew I wouldn't be allowed in unless Rafael himself gave the go signal.

I nodded and gave up. This company just wasn't for me.

I turned around to go home, but then I saw Rafael walking. He was talking to a woman, and I suddenly had hope.

"Rafael!" I called out to him.

I didn't care who saw me. He looked up, and when our eyes met, I waved quickly. He said something to the woman and she nodded before walking away. Once she left, he immediately approached me.

"Hey," he greeted.

He glanced around and pointed toward the exit. I frowned but followed him.

"Sorry. I was just leaving, so let's talk outside instead. Let's go," he explained.

I shrugged and smiled, then nodded. I rolled my eyes at the guard who opened the door for us-only because I was with Rafael De Luca.

A luxury car stopped in front of us, and a man got out. He handed the keys to Rafael and opened the door for me. I gawked and couldn't speak right away.

"Please," Rafael said.

I nodded and got into the car. This was my first time in a car like this, and I couldn't believe I got the chance.

"Before we talk about the proposal. Have you eaten? Where do you want to eat?" he asked.

I put on my seatbelt and shook my head quickly.

"N-No, it's okay. I already ate at home before coming here," I replied.

"Alright. I haven't eaten yet," he said, chuckling a bit.

"Oh! I'm sorry. You should eat first. I'll just wait for you to finish," I said.

He shook his head and smiled again before driving.

"Just come eat with me. I'll discuss the proposal there," he said.

I nodded and shrugged. I stayed quiet while he drove.

"Sorry, this is our second time meeting, but I never asked your name," he said.

"Y-Yeah, sorry too. I didn't introduce myself. By the way, I'm Gianna Rae Cuevas, but you can call me Gigi," I stammered.

"Nice nickname, huh? I like it," he said with a smile.

I smiled faintly and didn't say anything more. He was easy to talk to. He didn't make me feel like I was poor. It felt like he was just talking to me equally.

We entered a fancy restaurant and I suddenly felt self-conscious about my clothes-they didn't feel right for the place.

"This way, Sir Rafael," the receptionist said, guiding us to a table.

"You can order all you want," Rafael said, handing me the menu.

I almost passed out when I saw the prices. I didn't recognize any of the food, and everything was so expensive. I wanted to curse when I saw the price of just one ice cream.

"I'm full. I'll just have ice cream," I told him.

Rafael frowned.

"Are you sure? I'll order something for you-"

"No!" I quickly stopped him.

"I'm really full. I won't be able to eat it anyway," I told him.

He nodded and didn't insist. He just ordered for both of us.

"I really appreciate you coming, Gigi," he said while we waited.

I nodded and smiled faintly.

"No. Thank you for considering me... so about the accessories? Are you interested in my design?" I asked.

He took a deep breath and leaned back, placing both hands on the table.

"I lied."

I froze. What? He lied?

He smiled. "I mean, I do think you're talented, but that's not the real reason why I asked you to meet me," he explained.

I had a hard time swallowing after hearing that. So what was his reason?

"W-What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"Look... I need a fake girlfriend."

I nearly lost it when I heard that.

"What?!" I exclaimed.

I was about to stand up-it wasn't even a business proposal!

"W-Wait, wait, Gigi! My family's expecting someone serious. They want to see I'm settling down, and you... You're perfect," he explained.

"Excuse me? That's not my problem!" I snapped at him.

"I know. That's why I'm asking you a favor. I can see you're not trying too hard. You're real, and you're exactly what I need," he continued.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Wow. So that's why you pretended to be interested in my designs? You gave me your fancy card and brought me to your company just to tell me you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?" I said in one breath.

He nodded. "And I'll pay you for it."

"Are you out of your mind, Mr. De Luca?" I asked angrily.

It was annoying. Why me? There were plenty of women out there-and I'm sure he knew lots of rich ones!

He slid a folder across the desk. I frowned at it. Curiosity got the best of me, so I opened it. My jaw dropped when I saw the amount of money written inside.

Three hundred thousand dollars! I could pay for all of Grandma's medical bills and buy enough food for six months. The amount was overwhelming, but I quickly shook my head.

"I just need you to play the part," he said gently. "Act like you love me. Smile. Pretend. It's just one month and we won't even see each other every day. Only when there are events," he explained.

I should've said no, because even though that money was a lot, I couldn't risk putting myself in danger. What if his family finds out I'm just pretending?