We arrived at Winterfell Café (which had the same name as Winterfell City) that Dante liked so much. The architecture of the place was beautiful, and at the entrance, there was a Spring vine arch with pink leaves that was very inviting. A waiter came to greet us, show us the tables, and the menu. The floor and walls had a rustic feel, which made the atmosphere even cozier. We made our choices, and Dante noticed how fascinated I was with the place.
— The place is beautiful, isn't it? - He asked me.
— Yes, I hadn't been to this café before. - I said, admiring the location.
— I guessed right then! Now, let's try the coffee. - He said, smiling.
— Yes, but we still need to talk about the terms of our "Fake Relationship."
— You're such a spoilsport! - Dante said, making a face.
— Well, isn't that why we came?
— It was, but we can enjoy this wonderful space with a magnificent Saturday breakfast. Are you going to tell me I'm wrong?
I would have loved to retort, to say that he wasn't charming and that I wasn't at risk of falling in love. However, I knew none of that was true. Everything was wonderful, experiences I had never had before that were affecting my mind and my heart. They weren't bad feelings, on the contrary, they warmed my heart, a wonderful sensation. So all I could do was agree.
— Yes, you're right. - I said, resigned to the situation.
— Show a little more enthusiasm, Kyra.
— I'm trying. - I said, giving a forced smile.
— Oh, that's awful, you're scaring me like that. - Dante said, furrowing his brow and widening his eyes.
I couldn't pass up the opportunity, so I made a face, crossed my eyes, and smiled like crazy. Seriously, it was hilarious, but I didn't expect him to burst out laughing. The man was handsome when he smiled! I ended up with rosy cheeks.
— You're hilarious!
— I know, I'm good at what I do. - I felt proud of my personality.
— I've never met anyone with your personality, you truly are a roller coaster.
— I know, and I'm proud of it. But now, no more stalling, let's get to the terms. Did you bring them, or are we going to define them now?
— I've already brought them, you just need to sign.
— Huh, but weren't we going to define them together? - I said, not liking that very much.
— I know you don't approve of how I did it, but rest assured you won't be harmed in any way. I took care of every detail.
— Okay, but I want to read the contract and see if I agree.
— No problem, it's in this folder. - He said, taking an envelope out of his folder, which contained the document I was supposed to sign.
— Okay, I'll read it. - I took the envelope and pulled out the document, which contained the following information: It had our information at the header, and below that were the clauses.
>> Dating Contract <<
* First clause: The contracted party must do as requested by the contracting party during public appearances, including displaying affection, holding hands, hugs, and even kissing.
* Second clause: Sexual relations are expressly prohibited.
* Third clause: No one else shall know about this contract, except for the two parties involved (contracting party and contracted party).
* Fourth clause: The duration of the contract shall be a maximum of 6 months, with the possibility of extension by the contracting party if they remain in the city for a longer period.
* Fifth clause: In case of violation of the third clause, the contracted party shall pay R$ 100,000 to the contracting party and will also be subject to legal action for defamation and public slander. The same applies to the contracting party.
* Sixth clause: The contracting party shall cover all costs at establishments, trips, events, college tuition fees, and shall provide tutoring for subjects the contracted party needs help with, in addition to a fee of R$ 100.00 per hour.
* Seventh clause: In the event of a breach of contract by the contracting party, they shall pay R$ 100,000 to the contracted party, in addition to the fees, college tuition fees, and agreed-upon charges.
I started reading the darn contract, and when I reached the second clause, I was sipping my coffee and ended up choking.
— What is this? - I said incredulously.
— Are you okay, Kyra? - Dante said, seeming worried.
— Yes, but what kind of clause is this, sir? I didn't expect it to go beyond a hug, let alone this.
— Calm down, sweetheart, this is to protect you, trust me.
— What do you mean? Like, did you include this clause to protect me or to "protect yourself"?
— Both things. That way, we don't run the risk of falling in love.
— Oh, really? So you think people fall in love because of sex?
— Isn't that the case?
I started laughing, and now I was the naive one here.
— Why are you laughing? I don't understand.
— You're even more naive than me! It can't be that you actually believe this, are you trying to deceive yourself? Ah, I see! It's the brain tricking the heart for protection.
— And what if it is? I have to try to protect myself somehow.
— Well, you like Lola, and there's no way you'll fall in love with me, so don't worry.
— I used to like Lola, but I'm immune now.
— I see, you still get affected when you see her.
— Yes, but I want to tell her to go to hell, although I have to be honest.
— When you feel resentment or bitterness towards someone, it's because you still have feelings for them. The moment you no longer care about her, that's when you've truly forgotten her.
— How do you know these things if you don't have a boyfriend?
— That doesn't mean I've never fallen in love. Having a boyfriend doesn't mean anything, but we've all experienced heartbreak.
— Okay, but do you agree with the clauses of the contract? Do you want to modify anything?
— Let me finish reading.
I continued reading the contract and read the duration of the contract.
— Will you be staying in the city for 6 months?
— Yes, initially according to my schedule, I'll have several lectures, some classes that I'll be teaching at the university you attend, and a few events in nearby cities.
— Wow! I'll have to pretend for all that time?
— Yes, you'll have to accompany me to events, occasional trips, and anything related to public appearances.
— But I don't have clothes, shoes, and such to go to events.
— Finish reading the contract, please.
— Okay, okay. - I continued reading the contract.
— R$ 100,000! Are you going crazy? I won't sign this, I can barely afford to support myself, how am I going to pay that?
— Kyra, it's just for security. I'll also have to pay if I break any rules or cancel the contract. As for the clothes and other accessories, I'll cover the costs. It's all stated in clauses 5 and 6.
— I'm really insecure about signing this agreement.
— Think about it, we'll both benefit from it. Have you read the last clause of the contract?
— Not yet.
— Then read it. I believe it will be fair to you.
I read the last clause of the contract and was in shock. Dante looked at me surprised by my reaction.
— What's wrong, Kyra? Don't you like the conditions? Why that horrified expression?
— Not everything is about money, you know?
— I know, but I want to help you and see it as an extra on top of your part-time job.
— Do you pity me?
— Of course not, but I like to reward those who work with me. It's my policy, I've always been like that with my team.
— I'm not part of your team. - I said, feeling completely hurt by the situation.
— But I want you to be, please, don't make me beg.
— I don't want you to beg, but I have no intention of accepting this.
— Think about it, if you don't sign, you won't be able to defend yourself if things get out of control.
— What do you mean? Defend myself?
— Yes, because everyone already knows we're dating. It's no use trying to back out now, look out the café window.
I looked towards the window and saw several reporters taking pictures of us. When they saw me looking, they pretended to be tourists, hiding their cameras and phones. Seeing that, I realized there was no way to escape the situation I had gotten myself into, and Dante was right.
— I hate you, you know that, right? - I said, wanting to hit him.
— I know that's a lie, that deep down you adore me. - He smiled charmingly.
— You must be crazy, that's the only explanation! I'll sign this crap because I have no way to escape. Damn it! - I grumbled and signed the contract. Dante smiled with a sense of victory, and we both kept a signed copy.
— Satisfied? - I said, angry.
— Of course not, I want to finish my coffee with strawberry cake that I haven't had a chance to try yet. What did you order?
— Coffee with milk and powdered milk cake. I haven't tried mine either, I was so focused on the contract that I even forgot about this heavenly delight.
— I want a piece of your cake, I've never tried powdered milk cake.
— Obviously, I'm going to eat it all by myself, you don't deserve my cake.
— Ahh, but now you have to give it to me according to the contract clauses. Right into my mouth.
— Are you kidding me? - I said, incredulous.
— Obviously not! Come on, I want to see if the cake is as good as you said. What do I do now? I've already signed the contract, there's no turning back. I put my hand on my forehead in disapproval and sighed defeated.
— Alright, but it'll be my way! - I cut a piece of cake and went for the "airplane" style to put it in his mouth. When it reached his mouth and he went to bite the cake, I quickly took away the fork, leaving him hanging. He had a dumbfounded look, and I started laughing so hard that tears welled up in my eyes.
— Ha, ha, not funny. Can you do it right, please? - Dante said, with a forced smile.
— Alright. - I wiped away my tears and redid the process, but this time, the right way. The people at the window went wild; I even saw flashes on the cake.
— The cake is really good. Now it's your turn to try mine.
— Why, God? Why me? - I said, looking up at the imaginary sky.
— Come on, it's not that bad.
— Alright. - I said, waiting for the "airplane" move. The cake's flavor was truly wonderful. It wasn't too sweet, but at the same time, the strawberry tasted fresh. Everything there was delicious, including the coffees.
— Did you like it?
— Yes, everything here is amazing.
— Let me tell you, it's been a while since I had this much fun with someone. You really are full of surprises. - Dante said, looking at his watch; it was already 11:30 in the morning. - The conversation is great, but unfortunately, I have to hit the road. You don't have to come to this event; don't worry, I'll take you home.
— You don't have to, I'll take a taxi, go without worries. - I said, winking at him.
— Are you sure? Actually, I'd feel better if I drove you home, to make sure you're safe.
— I know, but I'll take a walk around downtown.
— Okay, but be careful with the reporters. If anything happens, say you're very happy and that soon they'll see us at a social event, where we'll openly talk about our relationship.
— Sounds good.
Dante stood up, went to my chair, and gave me a peck on the lips. I was taken by surprise, and he noticed my confusion, so he whispered in my ear, "Don't worry, it's just a farewell kiss from your boyfriend. We have to be convincing." With that said, he grabbed his things and left the café.