Chapter 3

“NO, OF course.”

Maybe because of how loud and blunt Shun had said it, Lincoln froze for a moment before realizing what he had just asked.

He waved his hands in a panic manner as if clearing some invisible clouds of tension in the middle of them. “N-No, I mean–I, I, that’s–” Words stumbled, and face flushed because of embarrassment, Lincoln didn’t how he should say it.

“Calm down first,” Shun calmly said. He sipped in his cocktail and looked away from Lincoln.

He wasn’t that surprised by the other’s question. In fact, he already anticipated this. He very knew what a man like him himself was fond of doing in a place like this. Of course, what could it have been other than to get girls for a one-night stand? He was just slightly confused on why the other’s question was if he wants to be his girlfriend, and not ask him to sleep with him or something sort of that. He wondered if Lincoln likes to be committed to his flings?

“Please, let me explain.”

Was there a need for an explanation? Shun turned to him and saw Lincoln’s eyes filled with panic and his expression problematic. He sighed as he said, “It’s okay, I understand. But sorry, I’m not the type of person who likes to slee–”

“No! Wait–I mean, I’m not asking you to sleep with me. I’m really asking if you could be my girlfriend–but not really. Just, uh, pretend…” His voice became smaller and smaller.

Shun was stunned. Lincoln earlier was confident and flirty to him, yet when he revealed his true intention–a favor even–he became anxious and insecure to Shun. It was as if he was scared Shun would be very angry with him if he said something nonsensical.

Now there was really a need for an explanation. Shun pressed his lips tight. “What do you mean?”

“So, it was like this,” Lincoln started explaining. “I need a pretend girlfriend to show to my parents. I badly wanted our company for a long while now, but they don’t want me to handle it yet unless I have someone with me as my partner. I just need to show them that I already have someone so that they will give me the position of CEO.”

“And? Why me?”

By this question, Lincoln froze. It seemed like he doesn’t know the answer too. “Ah… I don’t know. Maybe because you look really good?”

Shun pfft. “Look kind or look good?”

“Both.”

After hearing his statement, Shun pondered. So Lincoln wanted his parents to give him the company and it can only happen if he has a girlfriend. He was slightly confused by that. Why would Lincoln’s parents have that kind of condition? As he think for a few minutes, Lincoln was patiently waiting for him, giving him time to think.

After thinking, Shun faced Lincoln. “I’m sorry, but I have something to work on for. I can’t bear to waste my time for your–”

“If that’s the case,” Lincoln cut him off. “If that’s the case then I will pay you. Name your price, I’ll definitely pay even years of your working here.”

Shun blinked in surprise. “What?”

“Of course, because I’ll get something because of your help, you have to get something from me too. What do you think? Will you agree now?”

Shun was staring at Lincoln, dumbfounded. Earlier, he was being problematic about his sister’s surgery bills. He needs three days to think of some way on how he’ll get that much money. And here is Lincoln, like a godsend, asked him a favor that would greatly benefit him after. Shun refused to believe this. This was so sudden there was no room for him to think.

Fortunately, Lincoln took something out of his suit pocket and boldly slipped it into his hand. “Here.”

When Shun glanced at it, he saw it was a card. He looked up at Lincoln.

Lincoln grinned. “There was no rush. Think about it and call me if you have decided.”

SURELY, FOR Lincoln there was no rush. But for Shun, he knew he was running out of time.

Sun already came out when he stepped into the hospital. After his work at the bar, he received his one-time salary and immediately went to his place to get changed. After that, he went to the hospital to visit his sister, and to also sleep. He still doesn’t get an ounce of sleep that’s why while he was walking slowly in the hallway and yawning occasionally.

Shun suddenly remembered Lincoln’s offer earlier. He took out the small card in his pants pocket and stared at it while he was walking. 

Lincoln Vega

+639** *** ****

Vega CC

Vega… Vega… Shun's brows furrowed. He doesn’t recall a company named Vega. Was he that outdated about the companies in their country? It seems to be like it. After all, he can’t afford to buy in a mall or go to the main city because he needs to save up for Shaine’s hospital bills and his own finances.

Just as he turned to the hallway, he noticed a woman walking in his direction. He stopped his tracks as he recognized who it is. 

“Ruqa,” he called.

The woman, Ruqa, is a short-haired young woman in her early twenties, maybe a year younger than him. She was wearing an expensive-looking casual outfit as she stopped in front of him. “I visited her.”

She was talking about Shaine. Ruqa is Shaine’s best friend and they knew each other for quite a long time now. Though they wouldn’t know each other if it weren’t for Shaine. 

Shun noticed that Ruqa’s expression has some hint of displeased expression. He sighed as he concluded what happened. “You knew?”

Ruqa nodded. “I asked the situation from the doctor,” she said, “Shun, I thought about it. Let me pay it for the meantime.”

Shun quickly shook his head upon hearing this. “I know you would say that, but it’s okay. I got it. I can take care of it.”

“It’s not okay,” Ruqa firmly said. “I also knew you would say that, but Shun, how long do you want Shaine to suffer?”

Upon hearing this, Shun bit his lip and looked down on his foot. His face turned gloom in an instant. Ruqa’s remarks were true, and he couldn’t refute back. He knew he was having a hard time these past years, but Shaine is too. He doesn’t want his sister’s life in danger, but he can’t afford to let other’s carry his responsibilities.

He heard Ruqa sigh and he looked up at her.

“If you ever change your mind, call me immediately. But make sure to hurry up if you won’t.” She then walked past him and left.

Shun rubbed his temple and close his eyes tightly, unwilling the pressure to take over in himself. After a while, he raised his hand, which he remembered that it was holding on to something for quite a while now.

He saw the card Lincoln had given him. Shun’s face brightened. Right, he still has a choice!

With his heart thumped like crazy, he took his phone from his pocket. He typed a message for Lincoln and sent it to his number.

I have decided. I accept your offer.