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“It’s delicious.”
I take another bite. It’s been a long time since I had a proper meal. Money has been tighter than usual. Food has been at the bottom of my list, not a priority. It’s embarrassing. I am lucky if I get two meals a day. Most nights I have to skip dinner.
“Slow down. If you want more, I can get you another plate.” I am embarrassed by his comment. I didn’t realize I was inhaling my food until I look at my plate. It’s almost empty.
“Sorry. Skipped dinner. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now.” I lie and don’t even know why.
“Don’t apologize. Eat as much as you want. I find your appetite refreshing.” I am not sure if he is mocking but I don’t care. I can’t let the food go to waste.
“You didn’t answer my question.” I take a sip of water.
“What’s that?” He mocks.
“Don’t play coy. It doesn’t suit you. What do you want from me, Mr. Manarch? Why am I here?”
“Mr. Manarch is my father. Call me Viktor. I have a proposition.”
“What sort of proposition?” I set down my fork instantly aware of my surroundings. I look around. The restaurant has pretty much cleared, only a few people left.
“I’m not going to hurt you.” There is a smirk on his face.
“It’s hard to believe when we went from a crowded restaurant to an empty one. I don’t know what your intentions are, Viktor.”
“If I wanted to hurt you, I wouldn’t have brought you here. People left because my mother is closing.”
“Then I should get going. Thank you for dinner.” I set my napkin and start standing.
“Sit.” I don’t know why but my body obeys. “I have a proposition that will benefit both of us. You have a debt to pay and I need a wife.”
“I am not marrying you.”
“I need you to live on the pretext that you are.”
“I don’t understand.”
“There is a clause for me to take over the family business. My father’s condition.”
“I don’t see how this benefits me.”
“For every week you are my fiancé I will cross off two thousand dollars from your father’s debt.”
“You expect me to be your fiancé for one year?” I am outraged he would think I would go along with this. I am not giving him a year of my life.
“You are smart. I am impressed.” Is he trying to insult me? Who does he think he is?
“I am not trying to impress you. I won’t give you a year of my life. It’s insane you would even propose it. What type of woman do you think I am?”
“You don’t have another choice unless you can come up with one hundred thousand dollars by next week.”
“I don’t have that kind of money. You already know that.” I am being played. He is cornering me and he is enjoying himself.
“It’s one year of your life. Fair trade if you ask me. I will provide you with an allowance, clothes, and anything you would need. In return, you move in with me. You do as I say without questioning.”
“Absolutely not. I don’t want to be your fiancé. Definitely don’t want to live with you. You are out of your goddamn mind.” I stand. “Thank you for dinner. I will come up with your money by the deadline.” I don’t look at him as I push my chair back and get my bag.
“The offer expires tomorrow at midnight.”
“The answer is no.”
