Chapter 4 First Day at Work.

I wasn’t so sure about my new job because it felt weird, very weird. I’d never heard of anyone getting hired as a girlfriend before. The whole thing sounded like something out of a movie, not real life. But the pay… the pay was too tempting to walk away from.

“A thousand dollars per deal,” I muttered to myself while folding my son’s uniform that morning. “I just hope I’m not making a mistake.”

It was 7 a.m. and I was rushing to get my little boy ready for school when my phone rang. My heart skipped when I saw the caller ID; Mr. Alexander Liam, my so-called employer.

“Am I starting work already?” I whispered, then picked up.

“Good morning, sir,” I greeted with a bright smile even though he couldn’t see me. First impressions matter, whether in person or on the phone they say.

“Good morning, Miss Maureen,” his calm but commanding voice replied. “I’ve got a family gathering that will last a week. I’ll send my driver to pick you up by 8 p.m. tomorrow night.”

“Oh… okay, I’ll be ready,” I managed, trying not to sound too nervous.

“Good then.” He ended the call just like that, short and cold.

I held the phone to my chest and sighed. Happy, because I was finally starting this strange job. Sad, because it meant leaving my son behind for a whole week. “I just hope Linda takes good care of you,” I whispered as I kissed his forehead.

The next evening came too fast. By 6:30 p.m., I was already dressed and sitting on the edge of my bed, nerves bouncing in my chest. Pretending to be someone’s girlfriend, how was I even supposed to do that? I had no idea if I could pull it off. But I had to try. For my son.

My phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Mr. Liam.

The driver is outside. He’ll take you to the boutique to get new clothes.

My eyes widened. “New clothes?!” I gasped. My pulse raced with excitement.

I grabbed my bag and went outside. A sleek black SUV was waiting. I froze for a moment….this was more than I’d imagined. I knocked on the window and the driver rolled it down, then quickly jumped out.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. I didn’t notice you were here already,” he said, bowing his head slightly.

“Sorry? Sorry for what?” I asked, confused. He looked so humble, too humble, considering we both worked for the same man. “Um… Mr. Liam said something about the boutique. Are you aware?”

“Yes ma’am,” he replied. “One of the family’s boutiques.”

“The family’s boutique?!” My jaw dropped. “Wow. I guess I’m starting to love this job already,” I whispered to myself.

He opened the car door for me and I blushed. No man had ever treated me like that before.

Minutes Later

The boutique was like a dream. Everything sparkled; dresses, shoes, bags, even the perfume in the air felt expensive. I didn’t know what to touch first. I wanted to go home with the whole store.

My phone rang. It was him. I hurried to answer.

“I’m sorry, sir,” I blurted before he could speak. “I just couldn’t decide what to pick. Everything looks so good. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

“It’s fine,” his voice was calm. “I’ll be there shortly.”

My heart skipped. “Oh… okay, sir. I’ll round up quickly.”

I finally managed to pick out some outfits and was waiting at the counter when I heard my name.

“Miss David Maureen?”

I turned. My mouth almost fell open. It was him, my boss. My heart beat wildly. Oh my God, he’s so handsome. His tall frame, broad shoulders, and piercing blue eyes almost made me forget where I was. I must have been staring too much because he frowned.

“Hello? Are you okay?”

I jolted back to reality. “Oh! I….I’m so s-sorry, sir. I was just…….” I stammered.

“Is anything the problem? You look a little lost,” he said, watching me closely.

“I’m fine,” I forced a smile.

“Good. Since you’ll be working as my girlfriend, don’t be too formal around my family. Call me Liam or any pet name, if you like. But don’t get too attached.”

His words stung a little, though I tried not to show it. “Okay… Liam,” I whispered.

“Good.” He handed me a file and a pen. “Sign this contract.”

I didn’t even read through it. I signed. He gave me another paper. “This contains everything about me you should know. Read it.”

We left the boutique and drove to his family villa.

At The Villa

The villa was breathtaking. Bigger than anything I’d ever seen. My mouth hung open as I whispered, “This place is so huge and beautiful…”

While I was still lost in amazement, an elegant older woman, maybe in her sixties, walked up.

“Son,” she said sharply, “I didn’t know you’d show up. I thought you hated family gatherings.”

He smiled faintly. “Oh, Mom… meet Maureen, my girlfriend.”

Her expression froze. “Your what? You have a girlfriend?”

“Yes….Mom.”

The tension was thick. I didn’t know why, but I felt bad, like I had walked into a storm.

He led me in, introduced me around. I tried to blend in. Soon, I was laughing with some cousins, easing into the flow.

Dinner came. The long table glittered with silverware and dishes I couldn’t even name. Just when I thought I was safe, Mrs. Alexander Kate, his mother, turned her piercing eyes on me.

“So, Maureen,” she began softly, too softly. “Where and how did you meet my son?”

My throat dried instantly. I hadn’t prepared for this. “We….we met at….at…..” I stuttered.

“At a salon,” Liam quickly cut in, his voice firm. He gave me a side glance.

“Oh, a salon?” She raised a brow. “Strange place to meet. And how long have you two known each other?”

My palms grew sweaty. “A few… weeks,” I muttered.

“A few weeks and already he’s bringing you to our family gathering?” Her voice sharpened. “Interesting. And what exactly do you do for a living, Maureen?”

Her eyes locked on mine, sharp like blades.

“I… I work… I mean, I’m into…..” I fumbled.

“She’s into fashion,” Liam interjected smoothly. “She helps with styling and selections.”

I nodded quickly, grateful for his save, but her eyes stayed on me, suspicious.

“Hmm. So, you’re in fashion. Tell me then, what brand of suit is my son wearing now?” she asked suddenly.

My heart almost stopped. I had no idea. I looked at Liam, but he avoided my gaze.

“Uh… it’s… it’s…” I stammered, praying for a miracle.

“Gucci,” Liam said flatly. “She just got nervous.”

I forced a smile. “Yes, Gucci.”

Mrs. Kate’s lips curled slightly, as though she saw right through me.

“And what about your family, Maureen?” she pressed. “What do your parents do? Where are they from?”

I froze again. My stomach twisted.

“My… my parents… they, uh…” I faltered.

“She comes from a modest home,” Liam said, stepping in once more. His jaw was tight.

Should I have just answered with ‘my parents are late’? I wondered in my head.

Her sharp eyes never left me. “You hardly speak for yourself. Does my son do all the talking for you?”

The table went quiet. My face burned. I wanted the ground to swallow me.

“No ma’am,” I whispered finally. “I… I just get nervous sometimes.”

Her silence lingered, her gaze still pressing on me. Finally, she gave a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I see.”

But she wasn’t done. “Tell me, what exactly do you love about my son? His money? His name? Or is it his face that has you sitting here?”

My chest ached, my hands trembled under the table.

Before I could answer, Alexander stepped in. “Mom, that’s…that’s enough.”

But her eyes were still on me, like she could see right through my skin.

I smiled faintly, blinking back the sting in my eyes. “I… I care about him. That’s all.” My voice cracked.