DAISY JOYCE
Before I knew it, the clock struck five, and I decided to take a leisurely walk around the hotel. It wasn't just any hotel; it felt more like stepping into a grand mansion—large and impressive.
As I strolled, I quickly got lost in the maze of hallways. The place was so big that I couldn't figure out where I was going. As the sky darkened, I felt a wave of uncertainty and started looking for a bench to rest on, hoping someone would pass by to help me find my way. Just then, a friendly middle-aged woman appeared, breaking my solitude.
"Madam, the second young master is looking for you," she said with a warm smile.
"Oh, alright," I replied, intrigued, as I followed her. It suddenly hit me that the young master I had met must have siblings. So he has an older brother, I thought to myself.
"Excuse me, do we have a first young master and another young master as well?" I asked, my curiosity growing.
She chuckled softly. "Yes, the second young master has an older brother, the first young master, and a sister who's like a little pet to the family."
"Do they live here too?" I asked, eager to learn more.
"No, this villa belongs solely to the second young master," she explained kindly.
"Got it," I responded, feeling a bit more knowledgeable.
"Just head that way; he's waiting for you inside," she directed, gesturing helpfully.
"Thank you," I said, making my way to my destination.
---
DAMOND CHRIS
I was deeply focused on my work, going through a pile of papers, when a gentle knock interrupted me.
"Come in," I said, and she entered hesitantly, standing in front of me with her eyes on me.
"Aren't you going to sit down?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Alright, sir," she replied, taking a seat across from me.
"Let's skip the formalities—please don't call me 'sir' while we talk; it might seem odd to my family," I suggested lightly.
"Okay, um… Let's get to the point," she said, shaking off her nerves. "I've thought this over and I'm ready to sign the contract, but I'd like to set some rules before we move forward."
"All the details are in the document; feel free to take a look," I replied, intrigued by her confidence.
DAISY JOYCE
I picked up the file and read aloud:
**Rules**
1. No touching
2. Avoid invading each other's privacy
3. Separate rooms
4. Avoid falling for each other
...and so on. I paused when I reached rule number 10: no sex. I chuckled, "That's good.
"I hope you can maintain a little distance, sir," I couldn't help but slip again.
"I'm sorry… Please, just call me Damond," he replied, trying to lighten the mood.
"Alright, Sir Damond," I corrected myself, a sheepish smile creeping onto my face. "Not again!" I sighed internally as I finished signing the contract and prepared to leave.
"If you need anything, just let my assistant know," he said, returning to his papers.
I glanced back at him, a pang of nervousness in my chest. "Sure thing, sir," I replied, bracing for the inevitable look. He shot me a piercing gaze, the weight of unspoken expectations hanging in the air.
"Okay, Damond," I quickly amended, turning my attention to his assistant.
"My name is Moore," he said, a hint of professionalism lacing his tone.
"Nice to meet you, Moore. I'm Daisy," I introduced myself, setting the stage for our new partnership.
"Just a heads-up," I thought as I settled in, "business hours start now and will continue for the next six months. And please, call me 'Miss Millionaire,' not 'Mrs.' We're in a business arrangement here."
---
DAMOND CHRIS
As I rifled through the documents cluttering my desk, my phone rang, cutting through the silence like an unwelcome intruder. It was them again.
"Hello? I'm not in the mood to chat. I'm hanging up now," I said, already reaching for the end call button.
"Wait, Damond. I need to talk to you," the voice on the other end insisted, urgency edging her words. "My mom said you know your older brother is in a vegetative state, and your younger sister is gearing up for her wedding, yet you've never once mentioned a lady in your life."
Her words clawed at me, stirring a familiar discomfort. I could almost hear my father's voice lurking beneath her words.
"I have a fiancé," I blurted out, feeling a rush of adrenaline as both their silence confirmed they were taken aback. "I'll bring her to meet you."
Before they could process my declaration, I hung up, exhaling a sigh of relief. At least I wouldn't have to deal with that again. I just had to hope my stand-in would play her role convincingly.
This marriage was a necessary facade, all in the name of the family business and my parents' expectations.
"Moore," I instructed, turning my focus back to him. "Tell the maid to get the shopping ready. You'll be accompanying her."
"Sir?" His surprise was evident, mixed with a touch of confusion.
"You heard me." I fixed him with a look that brooked no argument.
"Yes, sir," he replied, his tone shifting into obedient compliance.
Just as I settled back into my thoughts, my phone rang again, pulling me back into the whirlwind.
"Underground Boss, we've got one of the guys responsible for the accident in our clutches," one of my men reported, his voice edged with urgency. "But he's tough – he's not giving up any information."
"Make sure to break one of his legs and his right hand before I get there," I said in an angry, commanding tone.
"Absolutely, sir," he replied firmly.
"Moore, make sure the car's prepped and ready to roll immediately."
Note: Damond is blind but experiences a fleeting, blurry vision once every ten years.