Page 1 of Faking it With A Grumpy Billionaire

Chapter one

Elizabeth

Letting out an exhausted breath, I couldn’t help but rethink the choices I had made while sitting in the seventh office this week. And it was only Wednesday.

Despite following advice I found online to personally approach companies for potential investors or loans, nothing seemed to be working out.

“I’m sorry, Miss . . .”

“Elizabeth, sir. Elizabeth Giller,” I said my name, knowing well that I was about to be met with an unpleasant response.

“My bad, Miss Elizabeth. Umm, we looked through your proposal, and . . . um, you have great figures here.”

“But?” I interjected as soon as he completed his statement. He had already begun with “I’m sorry,” so there was no point beating further around the bush.

“We are sorry, but we lack the resources to invest in your business, ma’am.”

“We are deeply sorry.” That was the last I heard from his speech—not that I hadn’t anticipated hearing the same thing as in the previous meetings, but it never felt any different. The disappointment still carried the same sting.

“It’s fine, sir. Thank you very much for your time,” I said before picking up my proposal with the little dignity I still had left.

As I left the office, I released another sigh and looked around briefly before beginning my journey home. After the kind of day I’d had, all I could think about was the comfort of my cold bed against my skin. I craved the taste of chilled orange juice and cookies while I indulged in binge-watching any new show that caught my attention.

But even as I tried to divert my thoughts from the pain, it still persisted.

Oh God! Was this a mistake? Or was I headed down the wrong path?

Having left my job to chase after my dreams, I hadn’t anticipated how hectic it would be. I vividly recall the words of my previous boss after I handed in my resignation letter.

Do you think this is a wise decision? Leaving a high-paying job like this? For what? A business you are yet to start?

I had left that job with immense confidence, but now, I found myself lacking that same self-assurance. Even my parents had tried to convince me not to leave the job. But how could I stay in a position that offered me no peace, joy, or fulfillment?

The only person who seemed to understand where I was coming from was Lydia.

Amid everyone advising me against leaving my job to start my business, Lydia stood out as the sole supporter who encouraged me to pursue what I truly desire. She encouraged me and helped me so much in the starting up of my brand.

Just as I thought about her, my phone began to ring. I pulled it out, only to find that it was her calling.

“I was just thinking about you,” I said.

“As expected. How did it go? Tell me it went well?”

“I wish it did, Lydia. I really wish it did,” I said as I looked at my feet while still walking.

“So sorry, love. I’m sure something will come through soon enough.”

“Of course. Thanks a lot, girl.”

“You sure you don’t want me to—”

“Lydia, we talked about this!” I immediately interjected her statement, knowing what she was about to say.

“I just want to help, Liz! Okay, see me as an investor. How about that?”

Letting out a breath, I inwardly rolled my eyes. I knew Lydia very well. She had given me this offer numerous times, but I needed to stand my ground. The last thing I wanted was for her to put her hard-earned money into my business, knowing well enough that she had already made a million other sacrifices for me.

“Lydia, my response remains the same. You have done enough for me already. There is no need for this, okay? Trust me, I would figure out a way! Remember, I always do!”

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