Chapter 4

The sunlight filters through the large windows of the office, casting a warm glow on the desks. Oliver sits at his desk. He glances at the clock, realizing it's almost lunchtime, a perfect opportunity to discuss his proposal with his secretary. So, he strides over to Emily's desk.

"Ms. Collins," he begins, leaning against the side of her desk, "Do you have a moment? I was thinking maybe we could grab lunch together?"

Emily looks up from her computer screen, doubtful of Oliver's request. He never invited her to meals.

"Uhm…sure, Mr. Sterling. Is everything alright?" 

"Yeah, of course. I just need to talk about something important" 

With a nod, Emily gathers her belongings and joins Oliver as they head out of the office. The streets are alive with the people going in and out, and they find themselves at a café nestled between the high-rise buildings.

As they settle into a quiet corner table, Oliver orders a couple of sandwiches and a pot of coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, fiddling with the sugar packets on the table. 

"So, uhm..Ms. Collins, you remember what I asked you the other day?" he begins, his gaze fixed on the steam rising from his cup. "You know my family has been relentless about me settling down, finding a partner... the usual," 

"I know, Sir. Your family is quite persistent about such matters," Emily responds curtly.

Oliver nods, clearing his throat "You've been my secretary for 4 years—”

“5 years, 2 months, and 3 days” Emily butted in, adjusting her thick glasses.

“Right. 5 years, 2 months….” He trailed off, not expecting it to be that long already, “Anyways, this time I need your utmost help" 

Emily frowned, "What are you saying, Mr. Sterling?" 

Taking a deep breath, Oliver spoke, “I thought of your suggestions the other night. And I came to the idea of orchestrating a fake relationship to appease my family”

“I am glad I could help”

“And the perfect role for that was you …….Emily” he confessed casually.

“What?!” Emily’s mouth hung open.

She dropped the cup of coffee she was holding causing the liquid to spill on the table. She stood up, quickly taking out a tissue and drying the table, not caring about the burning sensation on her hand.

“I’m sorry, Sir” she stammered, still drying the table.

Oliver takes the tissue from Emily’s hand, motioning for her to sit, “It's okay, I know that’s a shocking statement”

Clearing her throat, Emily sat down, smoothening down her blouse.

 “I'm sorry, Sir but what did you just say? I think I heard wrong. I hope it is wrong”

“I want you be my fake girlfriend”

Emily blinked, absorbing the shocking offer, “Are you sure of what you have just said, Mr. Sterling?”

“I am”

"I'm not sure how I feel at the moment"

“I completely understand, Ms. Collins. It's a lot to ask," 

"Sir, I……I appreciate the trust you've placed in me. But engaging in a fake relationship feels... ethically challenging. I also understand the pressure you're facing from your family and it’s a difficult situation. However, I don't want to participate in deceiving your family”

Oliver nods, sighing. He expected that it would be difficult to make his secretary agree to his plan. But he was a businessman, negotiating was his job. 

"I know what I am asking is hard. That’s why I would pay you a million dollars" 

“A million dollars?!” Emily exclaimed, eyes widening. 

She cleared her throat when she noticed that the other customers glanced at them.

“Yes. With that, you can finally attain your goal as easily as that instead of waiting a few more years” Oliver casually explained.

The café hums with the quiet chatter of other customers as Emily is lost for words while Oliver waits for her response.

“I didn't think you would use that,” Emily finally said. 

Oliver crossed his arms and leaned back on his chair, “I am a businessman, Emily. I am also aware that the job I proposed was difficult so offering that large sum of money was fair enough”

Emily couldn't believe that her boss could use a little slip-up to make her consider his offer. It makes sense how the industry called her the Young Genius or the Dealmaker. He has a point. If he accepts his offer, she can resign early and start living her life with the money she saved. And truthfully enough, in her 28 years of age, she never had time to enjoy life or travel enough. 

With a firm tone, she said, "Let me think about it. I need some time to consider everything."

Oliver smiled triumphantly, "Of course, take your time. This isn't a decision to be made lightly," 

With their lunch meeting drawing to a close, they step out of the café and head back to the office, silence hangs between them. 

Emily settles back into her workspace, her mind consumed by the conversation with her boss. She glances at her computer screen, but her thoughts drift back to the lunch meeting and Oliver's unexpected proposal.

Taking a deep breath, Emily begins to weigh the pros and cons. She acknowledges the potential financial incentive, which could significantly accelerate her goal of 1 million dollars. Yet, her professional reputation remains at the forefront of her mind.

She starts jotting down her thoughts, outlining the potential risks and benefits of the proposal. After much deliberation, Emily closes her notebook with a frustrating groan, her decision still blurry. 

“Arghh”

As Emily arrived home, the weariness from the day's long hours was evident to her tired eyes. She stepped into her apartment, barely keeping her legs standing.

Her humble room greeted her. It is adorned with shelves overflowing with books of various genres while the ceiling was a mesmerizing galaxy wallpaper stretched above her bed. In one corner stood a large painting—of a modest house nestled in the rolling hills.

After a soothing bath, Emily lay on her bed, staring up at the galaxy above her. 

"What now, Emily Collins?"

Her tired eyes fixated on her ceiling. The offer was enticing. With the money, she can finally resign from being Oliver’s secretary and go back home, to start her dream life. Honestly, being Oliver’s secretary was tiring. She was not sure but sometimes, her boss looked like he forgot she was a woman. He could be courteous to others, but not to her.

She had to manage every aspect of his life—even his secret girlfriend. And it was exhausting, even with the hefty salary. But accepting the offer meant deceiving people.

"Unless they never find out" 

She was 100% sure that Oliver would agree to the utmost confidentiality of his proposal of a fake relationship. After all, uproar will happen if the truth is revealed. And it’s not like they would continue the fake realtor ship for a year. it’s just for a few months and viola! Everyone was happy. 

"Right!" she declared to her empty room, "That's my decision!"

She scrambled to her bedside table to fetch her phone and dial Oliver’s number. After five rings, he picked up. 

“Good evening, Mr. Sterling. Sorry for the abrupt call, but I've made my decision regarding your proposal,” she said confidently, staring up at her ceiling.

“Really?!” Oliver exclaimed then cleared his throat, “So, what is it?”

Emily took a deep breath, “I'm in. I'll accept your proposal. I'll be your fake girlfriend”

And with those words—she knew she sealed her fate.