Chapter 4

Hanna re-entered Ethan's office.

Mila had initially stopped her, saying that Ethan never allowed cleaning inside his private office when he was there.

Hanna carried a cleaning cloth and supplies. The office was so polished she could almost see her reflection. She pretended to clean, even though it was already spotless. Her job seemed easy—good pay with extra perks.

The door burst open harshly, revealing Ethan's stepbrother, Lucas Sebastian Jones.

Hanna turned away, hoping he wouldn't recognize her as one of the dancers from his bachelor party.

"Why was my project disapproved?" Lucas angrily threw some folders onto Ethan's desk.

"Because your team's project is garbage," Ethan replied, unfazed by Lucas' anger.

Lucas sneered, laughing loudly. "Are you getting back at me because Cali chose me? It's been six months. We're married now. Can't you accept that you lost? The high and mighty Ethan Charles Miller is a loser!"

"I'm not being petty. Your team's concept is just trashy. And you're not really talented. You're here because you're the son of the man clinging to my mother's skirt," Ethan rebuked.

Lucas moved to punch Ethan, but Ethan's bodyguard quickly intervened. Furious, Lucas stormed out of the office.

Hanna quickly made iced coffee for Ethan, adding extra ice to cool him down. "Mr. Miller, your coffee."

Ethan glanced at the coffee on his desk. "You're also good at making decisions, huh? Who said I drink iced coffee?"

"Mr. Miller, just try it. It's better with ice. It'll cool your head too," she insisted.

"Hold on! You're a cleaner here, not a barista. Please, get out of my sight."

Hanna left Ethan's office and waited for someone to accompany her on the elevator. She didn't know how to use it since it was her first day there.

As one of the three elevators opened, Belinda stepped out. She pulled Hanna inside and took her to the rooftop.

There was a cafeteria on the rooftop where employees hung out. The work environment at Mythical Marketing Solutions was impressive. Drinks seemed to be free there, just like in the canteen below.

Belinda called the waiter and ordered two cups of coffee and cakes.

"Oh, no need, Madam Miller. I'm still working," Hanna declined politely.

"You're talking to me, so you don't have to worry," Belinda reassured her.

Hanna smiled hesitantly at Belinda, wondering what skincare products she used because her face was wrinkle-free and poreless. Belinda was probably the same age as Hanna's mother, who was in her 50s.

"Have you thought about my offer?" Belinda asked.

"What you're asking is difficult. Just wait for your son to fall in love and give you a grandchild," Hanna replied.

"Is 2,000,000 dollars not enough? Plus, I'll cover your sibling's medical expenses."

Hanna's eyes widened. "What if I don't get pregnant?"

"You're not infertile, are you?"

"What if your son doesn't want to be intimate with me?"

"You'll find a way. He introduced you to us as his girlfriend, so you'll be together. Seduce him. I'll send you the clothes and accessories you need. It looks like you need a makeover too. You look slovenly," Belinda remarked.

Hanna's face soured at Belinda's words, but she knew they were true. She had no time for herself.

Belinda continued. "You know, no matter how hard you work, you won't earn 2,000,000 dollars. This is your chance to provide a better life for your family. I'll make sure your sibling gets treated at the best hospital."

Hanna nodded. "Okay. I accept your offer."

She felt anxious, worrying that she might not be able to leave the child if she got pregnant. But she would think about that later.

Belinda was delighted. "Come to me tomorrow. There's something you need to sign. Don't tell anyone about our agreement."

Hanna nodded again, realizing that nothing was impossible for the wealthy.

***

The next day, Hanna signed an agreement with Belinda to give her a grandchild.

Belinda sent her clothes, shoes, makeup, and jewelry, which Hanna could return once the agreement was fulfilled. She also provided a condo unit for Hanna to stay in.

Hanna couldn't bring these items home and explain them to her mother, who would surely be furious.

Hanna had an appointment at the salon that Sunday. She wore the clothes Belinda had given her: shorts and a floral off-shoulder blouse. Belinda wanted her to look good to attract Ethan.

The makeover was free, so Hanna didn't refuse. She almost didn't recognize herself with her newly straightened hair, shaped eyebrows, facial treatment, and freshly done manicure and pedicure.

As she exited the salon, Ethan came out of a phone store across the street. He approached her, eyeing her from head to toe. "Did you use the money I gave you?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I earned that money, and I can do whatever I want with it."

"Anyway, why are you dressing up? For me? You're wasting your effort. I'm not interested in you," Ethan stated.

"Really?! Then why did we go at it several times that night—" She bit her lip, recalling how he had taken her four times. Even drunk, his passion had been insatiable.

"What are you talking about?" Ethan asked, his voice low and teasing.

"Mr. Miller, I said you smelled me in the car for several minutes. Then you say you're not interested in me." She covered up her slip of the tongue.

"I just remembered your scent. I like your scent but not you. There's a big difference!" he snapped.

"Okay, Mr. Miller. I'll go now."

Hanna quickly turned to leave, but he grabbed the hem of her blouse. "Join me for dinner."

How could she refuse? She wanted free food but doubted she could swallow anything tasty with Ethan around.

Hanna nodded and followed Ethan to a fancy restaurant. She secretly admired the man sitting across from her. He was indeed handsome, the kind that could make any woman weak in the knees. He had a charisma that was hard to ignore.

"You might melt from staring at me. I told you not to fall in love with me if you want to keep pretending to be my girlfriend. I don't like drama."

"Mr. Miller, why do we have to eat together? Maybe you want to date me, huh?" she teased.

"I don't know where you get your courage from. Don't forget who I am and who you are. Know your place."

Her face darkened. "I know my place, Mr. Miller. I was just joking."

Their order arrived.

"Ma'am, are you an actress? You're very beautiful," the waiter said, making her smile at the compliment.

But then the waiter accidentally knocked over a glass of water, soaking her arm and blouse.

Ethan took a deep breath, glaring at the waiter.

Hanna wanted to warn the waiter as he moved to wipe her arm.

"Try to touch my girlfriend, and you'll leave here crippled and jobless."

The waiter quickly apologized and backed away.

"You're too harsh. It wasn't intentional," Hanna said.

"Which one didn't he do on purpose? Staring at you since he walked in or intentionally pressing his body against your arm?"

Ethan was in a bad mood, so Hanna kept quiet. She could understand why his ex-girlfriend might have left him—he was hard to deal with.

"We need to take a picture to show my mom," Ethan said, taking out his phone.

They took a selfie, with Hanna standing behind him, hugging him from behind.

The table was cluttered with utensils. A spoon and fork would have sufficed. They ate in silence. The food was delicious, and she had never eaten at such a restaurant before.

"Be my fuck buddy," Ethan said.

Hanna choked on the sausage she was eating. Did she hear him right?!