Christopher POV.
I was sipping my wine, reviewing blueprints for our latest building project, when the pilot announced our arrival in Skyline City.
I opened the window, a smile touching my lips as I watched the gentle night rain begin to fall. Home sweet home, I thought, as I stepped off the plane.
My smile widened as my chauffeur rushed over, an umbrella held high to welcome me.
"Welcome home, sir," the middle-aged man said cheerfully.
"I missed you too, Uncle Alonso," I replied, pulling him into a hug that clearly surprised him.
"This way," he said, recovering, and led me toward the waiting limousine. "You've grown a lot taller and even more handsome, sir," he added, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
I chuckled at his remark, about to reply, when a ping sounded, signaling a notification on my phone.
I was surprised to see the notification was from a dating app I'd downloaded months ago. I clicked the icon and saw a message: 'You finally have a request @chrislu.' I chuckled inwardly; the app seemed as surprised as I was that I'd finally gotten a request after months of inactivity.
I couldn't blame anyone, though. I wouldn't have hired myself, either. My profile had no pictures, a bare-bones bio, and my hourly rate was the highest on the platform. Naturally, I was curious to see who was bold enough to hire me. I clicked on the account that sent the request, and just like mine, it had no profile picture, no bio, and had been created just an hour ago.
Must be a desperate person, I thought.
I was about to put my phone away, as I had no intention of accepting the request, when another notification chimed.
I'll triple your price if you agree to meet tomorrow, the message read.
As intriguing as the offer was, and as curious as I was to see who would make such a ridiculous proposal, going on a fake date wasn't on my priority list at the moment.
I minimized the app and was scanning through documents on my phone when another notification arrived, this time a message from my father.
I hope you're coming and will be staying at the family home, as I would like to introduce you to someone who will play an important role in your future.
I knew the underlying message in my father's words, and it immediately infuriated me at how far he was willing to go to try and control my life.
I closed my eyes, taking a few deep breaths, attempting to quell my rising rage and regain my composure.
"Who has been visiting Father lately?" I asked Alonso, my voice carefully neutral.
"Oh, well, you know… his business associates, important people from all over the world. Oh, and the president, he's been here often with his family. You know who the chairman is," he chuckled at the end, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
I was right… again, I thought, a grim satisfaction settling within me. I pulled out my phone and clicked 'accept request' on the dating app, then replied to the message.
Send me the time and location.
A few seconds later, a reply came: Master Suite A at De Castle Restaurant, 12 pm, the name is Eve.
I searched the internet for the address, surprised to find it was one of the high-profile restaurants that my company had constructed five years ago.
"Sir, are we going to the family home or the estate?" Alonso asked.
"The estate," I replied, putting away my phone. I closed my eyes as we drove through the night, a sense of resolve hardening within me.
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I made an unexpected stop at my company the following morning, much to the surprise of everyone, as I hadn't announced my arrival. I held an impromptu board meeting, spoke with my workers, and finally signed off on a few projects before leaving, ensuring I wouldn't be late for my appointment.
The women in the restaurant turned heads, giggled, and smiled flirtatiously as soon as I walked in, something I'd grown accustomed to over the years.
I wonder if she'll do the same, I randomly thought as I approached the receptionist.
"I have a reservation for Master Suite A," I said to her.
"Follow me, please," she smiled and led the way. "Have a great day," she added, leaving me before a gold-colored door.
I knocked before entering, and the woman I saw stole my breath. She was absolutely breathtaking, like something from a fairytale. I masked my thoughts and feelings as I approached her, where she sat gracefully, her gaze fixed on me.
"Eve?" I said, almost as a question, wanting to be certain I was in the right room.
"Chrislu?" she replied, standing. A small smile played on her lips, one that could effortlessly make anyone smile involuntarily. But I kept a straight face. This was business, after all. I needed her services as much as she needed mine.
"Nice to finally meet you," she said, extending her hand for a handshake, which I took.
"I'm Eve Mickelson, owner and director of Ethereal Eve fashion brand," she introduced herself. I wasn't involved in the fashion industry, but I knew her brand; it was internationally renowned. I even owned a few of her pieces. More importantly, her last name sounded vaguely familiar, though I couldn't quite place where I'd heard it before.
"Christopher," I replied, "a freelance building contractor." I omitted some significant details, wanting to keep my true identity concealed.
"Alright, I'll get straight to the point… I need your services as a contract boyfriend for six months, maximum. Can you do it?" she asked, without mincing words.
"Six months," I muttered, considering it. I planned to stay in the country for six months, to set up my other companies before returning abroad, and more importantly, to keep my father off my back. I expected her to ask for a week, or a month at most, but six months worked for me, too.
"Name your price," she added, trying to sway me. I chuckled inwardly at her attempt; she had no idea who I was.
"How about you don't pay me?" I said, reclining in my seat, gauging her reaction. She just raised a skeptical eyebrow.
For some reason, I found her facial expressions adorable, I thought, a smile threatening to break out.
"You want to make a counteroffer?" she asked, though her tone implied it wasn't really a question. I was surprised she'd caught on so quickly; I'd underestimated her.
"I need you as much as you need me," I said, holding her gaze. I didn't miss the look of surprise that flashed across her face at my words.