Chapter 2: The Deal with De Luca

"You're offering me a big amount, but it's a no for me. I can't accept that. Besides, I know you know a lot of women and they're rich too. Go for them," I told him.

I fixed my clutch bag to get ready to leave. I didn't know what to feel. I thought he was interested in my designs, but it turns out it was for a different reason.

"Thank you, Rafael, for giving me a chance to know you. I'll go ahead now," I said.

I walked out of the restaurant. I was still thinking about how I would explain everything to Trina when I got home, when my phone suddenly rang.

"Gigi!"

My brows immediately furrowed when I heard Trina's voice on the other end. I could hear the worry and panic in her tone.

"Gigi! Where are you? It's Grandma Jacinta!" she said in a panicked voice.

My heart almost pounded out of my chest when I heard Grandma's name. I bit my lip and closed my eyes tightly. Grandma was sick and needed eye surgery, but I couldn't do it because I knew it would cost a lot of money.

I took a deep breath and didn't know what to decide, but I also couldn't bear seeing Grandma suffer any longer.

"It's just one month, Gigi," I whispered to myself.

I turned back to Rafael's table and saw that he was still looking at me. Nervously, I walked back to him and sat down again.

"Okay. I'll accept your offer. I really just need the money," I told him.

I saw his face light up as soon as he heard what I said. He smiled and nodded before speaking.

"Alright. As I promised, just one month. You just have to pretend to be my girlfriend, and we won't even need to see each other every day. I'll only call you when I need you," he explained again.

I nodded. "So, what do I have to do?" I asked him.

He took a deep breath and straightened his seat.

"We'll be having a birthday party for our grandpa this coming Saturday, so I need you to be there—"

"What?! This Saturday already? But tomorrow's already Friday! Also, that's a party for rich people. I don't have anything to wear—"

He cut me off.

"I'll take care of that so you don't have to worry. Just give me your address so I can pick you up tomorrow," he said.

My heart pounded even louder. My gosh, Gigi! Are you sure about what you've gotten yourself into? If it weren't for Grandma, I wouldn't be doing this at all!

"And wait," he added.

He pulled something out of his bag and handed me a white folder.

"I already prepared our contract. It says there that you'll be my girlfriend for one month. That means you're mine for one month. You're not allowed to entertain other guys until our contract ends. You also need to show up when I say I need you, unless it's something really important," he explained one after the other.

"Wow. Clearly, you didn't overthink this at all, huh?" I said sarcastically.

"And you have so many rules, so I should have mine too. My rule is that you're not allowed to touch me. You know what I mean," I explained and rolled my eyes.

"Also, you can't just randomly pick me up at home. You have to call me first," I added.

He chuckled and nodded.

"Alright. Deal," he said.

I shrugged and immediately signed the contract he made.

"Signed. I also wrote my address and number on the back. Let's just meet in the afternoon because I have somewhere to go tomorrow morning," I explained to him.

He frowned a bit before asking,

"Is that important?" he asked.

"Yes, it is important. And you don't need to know because it's personal," I replied.

"Alright. As long as you're not meeting another guy," he said.

I almost rolled my eyes again.

"Hello? I'm too busy trying to survive so I don't even have time to date. No need to worry," I told him.

Good thing he was easy to deal with, so after that I left and went home. I told Trina the truth, but I didn't tell her parents because I knew they would only worry about me, especially since they already treated me like their own daughter.

I already received the money from Rafael, and I immediately consulted the hospital for Grandma's operation.

"I have a job now, Grandma, so you can finally have that eye surgery. You don't have to keep enduring the pain," I told her.

I've been with Grandma since I was a child. I lost my parents early because my mom died of illness when I was still a baby. I was told that my mom found me outside the church and took me in. From then on, they raised me. Even though I'm not related to them by blood, they loved me wholeheartedly. Sometimes I wonder why my biological parents left me there, but I'm just thankful I ended up with kind people like Grandma Jacinta.

She gave her whole life to me, so I want to give back to her in any way I can.

When I finished everything I needed to do that day, I received a call from Rafael. He said he was already on his way to pick me up.

"Good luck, Besh, on your first date!" Trina squealed.

"How many times do I have to tell you, this is not a date! So stop it," I told her.

She laughed and walked me to the corner where Rafael would pick me up. From afar, I could already see Rafael's fancy car. He really didn't fit in a neighborhood like this.

"Oh my gosh! He's so handsome, besh! I could smell him from afar!" Trina giggled when Rafael stepped out of the car.

"Stop it. He might notice you're crushing on him," I said.

She just laughed again.

"So what? I'm indeed crushing on him! You're so lucky!" she said.

I just grinned and shook my head at her silliness.

"This is Trina, my best friend," I told Rafael.

"Hi! Nice meeting you, Rafael!" Trina said in a flirty tone as she shook his hand.

"Nice meeting you too, Trina. I'll be borrowing your best friend for a bit," Rafael said with a slight grin.

I rolled my eyes and raised a brow at him.

"Let's go so I can get home early. Where are we going?" I asked.

Rafael laughed again and turned to me before speaking.

"You'll see," he said.

This guy is so annoying! Why does he have to be so mysterious? I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for the money he paid!

"We're heading out, Trina. Please take care of Grandma," I said.

"Go, besh! Enjoy!" she said.

I shook my head quickly. How could I enjoy it if I didn't even know where this guy was taking me?

I stayed quiet while Rafael was driving. He wasn't speaking either, so it was fine with me until we arrived at a boutique.

My eyes widened when I saw where we were. We were in front of a famous fashion designer's boutique! I only ever saw this on social media and I never thought I'd actually be here.

"As I promised. I'll take care of what you'll wear tomorrow for the party," he said as we entered.

"H-Huh? That's not necessary. I'm okay with a simple, cheap dress!" I protested.

He didn't say anything as a flamboyant man approached to greet him. I recognized him—he's Alexis Pineda, a famous fashion designer.

"Rafael! I'm glad you dropped by. I have so many new designs you'll love. Please, come in!" Alexis said.

"Perfect! I also need your help," Rafael said with a smile.

They both looked at me, so I gave Alexis a small smile. He raised a brow and looked me up and down, which made me nervous.

"Oh! Who's this gorgeous girl, Raf?" he asked and approached me.

"She's Gianna, my girlfriend," Rafael answered.

My goosebumps rose at his words. It still hadn't sunk in that I was his girlfriend for one month!

"Wow! So, I think you're getting serious now huh? You've had so many girls, but she's the only one you brought to my store!" Alexis laughed.

"By the way, nice meeting you, Gianna. I'm Alexis," he introduced.

I smiled and shook his outstretched hand.

"T-Thank you. You can call me Gigi," I replied.

I could feel my nervousness, but thankfully he didn't ask how Rafael and I met because I wouldn't know what to say.

"She's all yours, Alexis," Rafael said.

"Okay, Gigi. Come with me. We'll find the perfect dress for you," Alexis said cheerfully and motioned to his assistant to follow us.

I felt like the earth swallowed me inside that boutique. There were so many expensive fabrics, glass shelves, designer heels, and bags. I was scared to touch anything, afraid I'd break or dirty something.

"Don't worry, Gigi. Just relax. With your beauty and smooth skin, anything will look good on you. But of course, we'll find something that turns heads," Alexis said while selecting dresses from a rack.

In just a few minutes, ten dresses were already in front of me. Some were body-hugging, others were flowy, elegant, and classy. He picked his top three and led me to the dressing room.

When I put on the second dress, a deep emerald green one with a simple cut but very flattering. Alexis and his assistant looked at me at the same time.

"Oh my God, Gigi... that's it. That's the dress!" he practically shouted while circling around me.

I just laughed off my nervousness. I knew the dress looked good, but I couldn't help feeling shy.

He looked at me from head to toe. "Raf! Come here!" he shouted.

A few moments later, Rafael came in from the lounge area and looked at me. He froze for a moment when he saw me.

"Whoa..." he softly said, clearly impressed.

"What can you say, Raf?" Alexis asked with a smile.

"She looks... breathtaking," Rafael replied and looked back at Alexis.

"You nailed it, Alexis. That dress is perfect for her. It brought out her beauty even more," he added.

I almost choked on my own spit when I heard that. Really? Did he really need to throw in that kind of line?

Alexis laughed and turned to me again.

"Well of course! I'm Alexis Pineda, hello?" he said jokingly.

"You're lucky to have her, Raf," he added.

"I know," Rafael replied naturally.

In fairness to this guy. He really knows how to act. I wonder how many times he's done this with all his women.

He also picked out a bag and heels for me even though I told him it wasn't necessary, but I couldn't stop him.

"I know this is personal, but can I ask why you need to pretend to have a girlfriend?" I asked Rafael.

We were on our way home and he was driving.

He chuckled slightly, so I shrugged. I wasn't expecting him to tell me, but I was curious.

"Well, my mother is forcing me to marry someone I don't like. I'm still young and I want to enjoy life. I don't want to settle yet," he explained.

I nodded. Rich people really do have different problems compared to us poor ones.

"You should've just told them the real reason so you wouldn't need to pretend to have a girlfriend," I told him.

"You don't know my family, Gigi, especially my mom. She insists on getting what she wants," he explained.

I sighed. He was right. I didn't know his family, which made me even more nervous for tomorrow.

"What if they ask how we met?" I asked him.

He smirked again.

"Then answer them honestly," he said with a shrug.

"But I'm just a poor girl—"

"Exactly! That makes it more believable that I'm serious about you. They won't think I'm still playing around with women," he explained again.

I almost rolled my eyes at his attitude, but I understood, so I just agreed. I just hope I can pull off this act with him tomorrow.