8. Mouthwatering Benefits

~Vivian~

“I do have something to ask you for in exchange for free scar surgery on your face,” he said casually. “I’m sure you'll agree to my request,” he said confidently.

I raised my brow. “It depends. Let me hear everything first.”

He looked me in the eyes and said, “I need someone who is willing to pretend to be my girlfriend. You will be my fake lover for a few months.”

Stunned, I stared at his face in disbelief. “Really—? Why hire a fake girlfriend when you can have any woman you want with your current status? Or maybe you are just pretending to be rich, that's why you can’t get a girlfriend," I said, teasing him.

He laughed, amused by my choice of words. “I’m the CEO of Atlas Construction & Mining Incorporated yet you are still not impressed. I guess you have been surrounded by rich men all your life that’s why I look like a nobody in your eyes,” he said, eyes flashing with hurt.

I quickly apologized to him. “Oh, I didn’t mean that. I’m so sorry Steve. I didn't mean to insult you. This is just the way I talk sometimes, tactless. I didn't mean to insult you. Please forgive me. OK?”

He flashed a smile. “You are forgiven.”

“Alright, let’s go back to your offer. How long do you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend? And for what purpose may it serve you?” I asked, eager to know why he needed a fake girlfriend?

“This coming June, on his 70th birthday, my grandfather on my mother's side, would like to choose an heir to his real estate business empire. Two of my brothers are competing. They were both married and had children. I used to be a playboy and got addicted to gambling in my past. But I’m now a reformed man. My grandfather doesn't like my troubled past and may not be inclined to choose me as his successor. But he might have had a change of heart if he knew I already had a girlfriend and was planning to get married next year. I think I will have a chance if you become my fake girlfriend,” he explained.

I nodded my head because everything was clearer for me now. “Ah, I see…I understand your goal now. You want to put up a good image in your grandfather's eyes? That you are now a responsible person, fully reformed and can be trusted with his legacy? Am I right?”

“You are correct!” he said, giving me the thumbs up.

I fell silent for a moment, pondering his offer seriously.

He stared intently at my face. “Are you interested in hearing about the other benefits I have prepared for you?”

I was surprised by his statement. “Oh, there’s more? I thought free scar surgery was the only thing you could offer me?”

“I know that it’s not enough for someone of your calibre, so to make my offer to you more enticing, I have added more juicy benefits that will make you accept my offer without hesitation,” he said, smirking.

“Oh, let me hear it. Spill the beans!” I said excitedly.

He held my gaze in a hypnotizing manner for a few seconds before he began talking again. “Um… aside from the free surgery, I will provide you with a car. I will pay your monthly rent for the condo you will be renting. I will pay all your monthly bills such as electricity, internet, etcetera. Then I will give you a $100K allowance per month for six months. If I become my grandfather’s heir, you will get a $1 million bonus from me.”

I went into silent mode, digesting his offer carefully.

With my current state, I need to find a new job and since I have a scar on my face, I would be a cleaning lady all my life, washing dirty dishes in the restaurants…unless…I will accept Steve’s generous offer? But I do have other options, just that his offer is mouth watering, too tempting to refuse.

His offer can bring back my beauty…and maybe someday I can gain more power and have my revenge on that evil woman who put the scar on my face.

Should I seek revenge? Or leave my past behind completely and just live my life in peace?

I don’t want to dwell on the past at the moment because my pressing need is to find a job to sustain my daily needs.

I was caught up in my thoughts. I didn't notice Steve was staring at my face the whole time. He coughed a little to break the silence.

“So…what is your decision?” he asked, still observing my face.

“Your offer is good enough, but what exactly do you want aside for me playing the role of your fake girlfriend? I need to know everything before I say yes,” I said, trying to discover his other ulterior motives.

“Just be my fake girlfriend. Go to parties with me, accompany me every time I visit my family, especially if I visit my grandfather’s house. That’s all," he explained.

“Just play your part well,” he added.

“That’s easy…” I said casually. It's time to say yes. “Alright, I have my own rules for you to follow. First, there's no sex between us. I’m fine with occasional hugs and kisses on the cheeks or forehead in front of your family. Holding hands is okay, but we can’t be intimate. And certainly we can’t fall in love with each other because I have no plans for settling down and getting married for real because men are cheaters!” I said vehemently. My old anger rose to the surface, remembering how Alex betrayed me by that woman.

“Fine with me. I have no plans of settling down too. I’m not the married type,” he said. “We are indeed kindred spirits,” he added with a wink.

“Um, lastly, I have another request. Have we met before? How are you connected to my past? I really can’t remember seeing you in my life. Why did you investigate my past? What is your purpose?” I asked, trying to understand why of all women he chose me.

He smiled and said, “After our deal, I will tell you the whole truth. So in order for you to know the truth you have to agree to become my fake girlfriend first.”

I’m eager to discover the mystery behind Steve’s motive for choosing me. I have no other choice but to accept his mouthwatering offer. I have nothing to lose but everything to gain in the end.

“So…have you made up your mind yet? Is it a deal or no deal?” he asked, tapping his finger on the table, staring at my face intensely.

“Um, I still need a few days to think about your offer,” I said, trying to keep him waiting a bit longer.

He groaned, disappointed by my answer. “You need to hurry up because the moment you say yes, I will immediately book an appointment at my cousin’s clinic so you can have scar surgery as soon as possible.”

“How much is scar surgery?” I asked curiously.

“The total cost of the surgery is $1 million," he replied casually without batting an eyelash.

“Holy shit, so expensive!” My jaw dropped to the floor.