Preface

        

    Agat Rayden scowled and muttered some Italian words under his breath as his fake date abandoned him. He didn't even remember her name. She wanted to be his real date. He was ready to pay a huge amount for being his fake date. He'd never actually date when he didn't feel for her.

     He was desperate to have a date tonight, so he could introduce her to his parents as his future wife. It wasn't like his CEO post was in danger. But it could be if he couldn't fulfil the wish of his father. His father's condition was driving him crazy. He would marry only when he'd feel for her, his heart should beat for her, not because his father's testament was demanding it. 

     He was already running late for the party. His father would declare his retirement after it, only if he introduced them to his future wife. He had worked hard a lot to gain his position in the company. He couldn't allow anyone to destroy everything. 

       ' I wanna be your actual date. If you say yes! Call me. ' 

      He frowned at the message. He wanted to crush the phone in his hand, but it wasn't the time for showing anger. He shoved his phone in his coat's pocket. No excuse would work with his father now. He highly doubted his charm over his father. The media was already waiting for him out of his office. He wanted to dig his head in his work. But it was quite impossible with the words of his father. 

      "Mr Rayden... " His assistant said, opening the door. Her hand was still holding the doorknob. There were thick glasses over her nose and she was holding her tab. She always reminded him of his mother. Although, she wasn't that older.

     " Mr Chris Rayden called. He was asking for you. " She said as she walked into the office and stood in front of the desk. 

     " Mrs Blake, " He stared down at his wrist, " Your kids must be waiting for you. It's late. " He said, looking up at her.  

     " It's Friday evening. They are with their aunt for the weekend. My husband will be here in a few minutes. " Crimson red crept on his cheeks. She was in her early forty. He had seen pure love between them, a perfect couple. Which still made him believe, ' true love still exists. '

     He managed a small smile for the woman as he didn't want to shout at her. Obviously, he didn't want to spoil her date with her husband, " You can wait for Mr Blake in the lobby. It's not your working hour. " He said looking up at him. 

     " Thank you, sir. " She said and walked out. A smile tugged on her face. 

     He blew out a slow breath and pulled his shoulders straight. He hadn't felt the need to snap things before, nor he felt helpless before. 

     His phone buzzed with a text. He lifted the phone and stared at it with a deep frown. 

          I'm waiting for you two.

     His father texted him. He didn't click to replay. He gathered his coat from the chair and walked smoothly out of his office. He pocketed his phone and took out the keys of his car. 

         I can tell them. She's sick. It'd earn me some time to find me a fake girlfriend.

       He was ready to give her a handsome sum. But with his conditions. He didn't want a mess. 

       He left his office from the back door of the building. The media always wanted to know about him. It wasn't just his parents, but all news channels, reports were waiting for him to reach the party with his girlfriend. 

     The place was deserted. His expensive car was parked in front of a sign Rayden limited. He stepped onto the grey pavement. He opened his car door. He got behind the wheels and ran his hand in his hair. He exhaled with a sound. He was careful, his one mistake could leak this in the media. He didn't want it to be the headline in the morning. He accelerated the car. He was hoping his excuse to work. 

     He pulled over the car in the garage and looked out of a window. He was nervous for the first time in his life. His bodyguards stepped out of the black SUV. He didn't need them, but he wanted to stay away from the media and their questions. He beckoned at them to pursue him.

     He entered the hall silently. All gazes turned to him, flashes of light were hitting his eyes. His bodyguards kept the reports at some distance but their questions were still reaching to his ears, He raked his eyes around to see his parents. He was ready with his excuse and hoped it would work. 

       His eyes caught a beautiful figure standing near the gargantuan glass wall. He heard his heartbeats in his ears. His hands itched to touch her. The hall was full of buzz, and music. She was standing alone, showing her back at the hall but he could see the glimpse of her beautiful face. She was in black, full sleeves dress. Her half-length hair was straight and spread over her back. Gathering them at her one shoulder, he wanted to place a soft kiss on her neck. He could see the soft skin from the transparent cloth of her arms. While all women seemed to compete in showing skin. She was wearing extra clothes compared to others. But he loved it. His lips curled up into a smile. 

         Good, I didn't want anyone to ogle at her. I don't care if it will be breaking news.

     He stepped closer to her. He didn't want to startle her. His eyes were fixed on her. He couldn't avert his sight away. She was in a floor-length gown with a round neckline hiding her collarbones. Correct Apparel! He had seen her many times. When all eyes were glued to him, his eyes were on her, and her eyes were always lowered doing her work. 

          She's perfect to be my wife. But for now, she'll be my date.

       He strode at her side confidently. He stood with a small distance between them. He looked at her face with a small smile. She was staring out at the night view of the city. Her face was calm and her smile was adding more charm to her beauty. He placed his hand on the mirror wall down her hand. 

             Perfect! 

        He never prayed but he was praying for her to be single whenever he glimpsed at her. He would prepare the contract in such a way that it would merge her with him for eternal life.