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"Oh, well," I begin, slightly flustered by his penetrative stare. "You are single and not looking for a relationship?"
"Yes. I don't think I'm really wired for that. But I really need to show my father that I am fit to be Managing Director."
I am a little confused by his words. If he wouldn't get into a relationship, then how does he think he can prove he is ready?
"I don't know how that's going to work. Do you have another proposition for your father?"
Declan shakes his head.
"Father is pretty staunch in his ways and won't accept any compromise. So, I am going to give him what he wants, only that I am going to need help."
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, knowing that I am required to ask now, and I do.
"What do you need help with?"
"A fake girlfriend that will eventually become my fiancée," Declan says without mincing words.
I am thankful that I hadn't taken a sip of my drink then because it would have ended up on the table.
"A fake girlfriend? Isn't that cheating?"
"It is, but without his knowledge. I know that this is a very crazy idea, but it's the only way I am going to get what I want. I don't think it's even possible to fall in love with a woman right now and ask her to marry me. That only happens in the movies."
"I think even that is too wild to be scripted."
I'm still stunned by what Declan just said, but Declan decides that I am not shocked enough and hits me with another.
"I need you to be my fake girlfriend, Felicity."
My blood freezes, I look into Declan's serious eyes, hoping that he's at least making a stupid, silly joke. But he doesn't burst into sudden laughter to signal that.
"What do you mean by ‘fake girlfriend’?"
"You will only need to act as my fake girlfriend until my father considers me fit to take over the company. With his health challenges, I’m thinking that he's going to retire earlier than he thought. I desperately need this,” he breathes. “This job,” he says, looking away and back at me, “is really all I've got. Everything in my life seems to be falling apart except this."
Even though I’m moved with pity for Declan, I know that accepting to be his fake girlfriend is something that I'll never do.
"I cannot be your fake girlfriend. That is completely unethical, I refuse to lie to your father in such a manner. I work for him, and I owe it to him to be truthful and straightforward at all times."
"Felicity…" Declan begins to say, but I’m already getting up and grabbing my purse.
"I'm really sorry to have to say no and also cut our little fun outing short, but I have to head home now."
I expect Declan to hurry after me, but he remains in his seat instead.
"I will pay you. You won't have to play the part for free."
I stop short and glare at him.
"You think money is everything? That you can buy me with buckets of cash?" I spit.
I dip my hands into my bag, bringing out several bucks. But Declan stops me.
"I invited you, I'm paying."
His eyes are hard, daring me to argue. I shove the money back into my purse, not ready to spend another minute in his presence, and whirl around.
"Thank you for inviting me out; I had a great time chatting until a few minutes ago," I say, beginning to make my way out the door.
