CHAPTER 4

I sighed after reviewing the contents of the folder Aeun had given me. It was the profile of Mr. Caje, namely Mr. Bryle Calixus Caje. His family is one of the major partners of the Lees, so it was understandable that I didn't know him well, as his parents had recently transferred their company, Caje Corporation, to him. He also manages his own separate business ventures, distinct from his family's interests. He has accomplished a great deal at a young age—it is impressive that he now oversees five businesses that are no longer under his parents' purview.

Just like me, I have a company of my own, aside from the Lee's, and that’s Blu Arte’s—the art collection, sales, and museum management company I take pride in. I shook my head, setting the folder down. It was almost laughable, how serious was I? I hired a private agent just to get acquainted with that man? I must be losing my mind.

"Eli," I looked up as Aeun, who had been watching me, suddenly spoke. "What are your plans for addressing the company's issue now? You can't delay it any longer." She sighed, "The Chairman will discover the problem, and you'll be reprimanded, Eli." She added.

"I know that, Ae! I just really don't know how to manage this right now! Do you have any suggestions?" Aeun frowned at my words; most of the time, it's Aeun who comes up with solutions to get me through my problems. And I was hoping that would happen again, now that I truly can't think of a way to fix this.

"I knew that's what you were going to say," she said disinterestedly as she placed a folder in front of me, immediately piquing my curiosity. "That's the company I selected for us to acquire. They are one of the most in-demand companies right now, and they will be a valuable asset to your company once they become investors," Aeun explained. "The only issue is that they are not easy to persuade because they are very selective with their partners." She sighed and crossed her arms, "If you can secure them, your problem will be solved, and the Chairman won't scold you. What do you think?"

I remained silent in response to Aeun's words, my eyes drifting to the folder as I swiftly scanned its contents, a surge of trepidation catching me off guard. This was perhaps the first instance where the weight of a decision, one intended to fortify the very foundations of this company, had left me feeling uncharacteristically apprehensive.

I pushed aside the thought and nodded at Aeun with a determined smile. "Okay, no matter what happens, I will secure their 'yes' today," I declared. Aeun merely shrugged, looking unconvinced, but I am highly committed! I would do everything to make it happen! And nothing would stop me.

Upon arriving at the company, I was promptly greeted by several people who returned the courtesy. They likely recognized me, given that I am a well-known painter.

"Excuse me," I said, pausing and turning to one of the company's employees. "Is Mr. Valzae available?" I asked. The woman merely gazed at me, seemingly taken aback by my presence. Well, I wouldn't say I'm surprised—after all, it's me.

"M-Ms. Felicity Rose Lee..." she murmured, her tone tinged with incredulity, as if she remained uncertain as to who was standing before her. I nodded with confidence, surveying the area. "Ah, Mr. Valzae is in his office now. Shall I escort you, Ms. Lee?"

"Yes, thank you." I followed her promptly as she led the way to the elevator. I had come here alone, having deliberately chosen not to bring Aeun along, as I did not wish her to witness my current sense of urgency.

"This way, Ms. Lee," the woman said, led me to a large double door. She opened it promptly and announced, "Mr. Valzae, Ms. Lee is here," indicating my arrival. It seemed they had been expecting me for a while.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Valzae." I greeted the man standing and looking in my direction, and he smiled, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment.

"It's an honor to meet one of the most renowned painters in Italy," he said with a smile. "I'm glad to finally meet you, Ms. Felicity Rose Lee." He approached me and kissed my hand, his tone courteous.

The woman who had escorted me here left us, and we took seats on the long sofa in his office, beginning our discussion about the proposal I had offered.

"Why does a talented businesswoman like you need my company? Shouldn't I be the one approaching you right now?" he asked with a hint of curiosity, clearly not expecting me to be the one making the offer.

"I heard that your company is in demand. I thought our combined reputation could be even more impactful if we collaborated. What do you think?" He paused, studying me for a moment as if weighing the words I had spoken.

"Right, it is indeed a great idea," he said, leaning back into the sofa as if contemplating his next words. "But I'm on leave today, so I can't make a decision now. Why don't you speak with the other owner of the company? He's here right now—my best friend." My brow furrowed instantly at his words. What did he mean? He’s on leave, so he can’t decide? Then why is he here if he’s off work?

I followed his gaze, and the other door opened, revealing the familiar face of—oh my freaking handsome man! Is he the best friend? And the other owner of this company?! My goodness!

"Ms. Lee, I'd like you to meet my best friend and co-owner of this company, Mr. Bryle Calixus Caje." He introduced the man, whose gaze locked directly onto mine. I swallowed hard as I noticed his furrowed brow upon recognizing me.

Is he the best friend? Seriously? He's the one I'm supposed to talk to?! Out of all the people I could approach, it has to be him?! Gosh! Should I be embarrassed? Absolutely not, right? I’m far too captivating to feel embarrassed, aren’t I?

"What are you doing here?" He asked me coldly. I swallowed hard, sensing a lack of interest in hearing me out—if I were to propose anything, he’d likely dismiss it outright. The memory of our confrontation in the conference room flooded back, and I felt a surge of self-blame. Wait, why is this my fault?

"She's here because she's interested in proposing a partnership with us," Mr. Valzae said with a smile. If you only knew, your friend and I met earlier at my company, and he accused me of kissing him.

"Partnership, huh." He smirked, his expression unmistakably handsome—a fact that irritated me, especially since I found myself drawn to it. What irritated me more was the condescension in his gaze. I raised an eyebrow.

"Vale, give us a minute," he said firmly, then turned to me with a serious expression. "Follow me." He walked back to the door he'd entered from earlier. I swallowed, then followed him.

Upon entering the room, he immediately made his way to the far end and settled into the swivel chair. I did the same, walking over to where he was and taking the swivel chair beside him. His eyebrow rose in surprise at my action.

"What exactly do you plan to offer us? A partnership to rescue your sinking company?" he asked bluntly. I winced. Why bother sugarcoating it with him? He’d been at the meeting this morning, so he likely knew all about my family’s company troubles.

"You know what Lee Corp is facing right now, so help me out." My words were blunt, unapologetic.

"Why would I do that? Do I even know you?" I faltered at his question—did he really not recognize me? What?! Didn’t he say earlier we’d met before?! Why the sudden amnesia? Who exactly has the memory lapse here, anyway?!

"I'm not joking. My company might shut down if I don’t save it within two days," I said, in a grave tone. He studied me with a furrowed brow, clearly unmoved by my plea.

"Whatever you say, you may leave," he said emotionlessly, standing up from the swivel chair. I was taken aback, speechless—this couldn’t be happening!

"Don’t you understand? Hey, I need your help now! That company cannot be shut down—it’s my family’s legacy! I don’t want them to shame me, so please, just help me!" I pleaded, a desperate move, maybe my last resort. He turned to me, his expression caught off guard by my words. I let my desperation show, hoping he’d see how far I’d go to make this work. He sighed, averting his gaze.

"Not everything can be solved so easily," he said. "I'll help you and fix all the issues in your company, but only if you agree to my proposition." He turned to me again, a hint of a curious smile on his lips. I swallowed hard, distracted by the sharp line of his jaw… Gosh, Felicity, snap out of it! You’re in a serious situation here!

"W-whatever it is! I-I agree! J-just help me!" I swallowed repeatedly, feeling the tension in our locked gaze. I didn’t know what his demand was, but I had to agree—what if he backed out?

"Really, huh?" He smirked. "Okay then, be my fake wife." My eyes widened in shock. Seriously? Why is he even proposing this kind of arrangement?

"Time is running," he spoke again, snapping me back to reality.

"Fake wife? Are you sure about this offer?" I laughed awkwardly, the question sounding absurd as it left my lips.

"I need a wife before the year concludes. This arrangement is only for two years, after which we will part ways." He stated this matter-of-factly, his expression unreadable.

"But of all the things you could ask of me, why a fake wife? Are you concealing a romantic partner? Did you impregnate someone?" Perhaps he wants me to pretend to be his wife because someone is exerting pressure on him? Tsk. What a scoundrel.

"Do you want me to help you with your company’s problem? If you’re just going to question my reasons, you’d be better off leaving my office." His sharp retort left me wide-eyed. Guess he doesn’t have much patience.

"Is it wrong to ask questions? I just want to know." My explanation made him raise an eyebrow.

"That’s my condition, if you don’t want it, I’m not forcing you." I paused, mulling over his words. It’s just two years, right? You can do this, Felicity Rose Lee…

I nodded involuntarily, flashing an awkward smile. "Okay, I agree to be your fake wife, but promise me you’ll help Lee Corp."

A peculiar smile crossed his face, "I will. So, it’s settled then." he said firmly, but my smile faltered as I realized what I’d just agreed to.

Wait, did I really just say yes to this?