Page 17 of Faking it With A Grumpy Billionaire

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to hear your own side of the story.”

“And then what? Convince me to agree to his plans?” I said sarcastically, knowing Lydia would never ask me to agree to his bizarre ideas.

Well, not until I looked her in the face and realized I was wrong. Her facial expression told me all that I needed to know.

“No, you must be joking, Lydia. You can’t possibly be in support of him!”

“Just hold on a second, Liz. How about we look at the positive sides of this?”

“And the negatives!” I added almost immediately.

“Would you just give me a moment, please? Just listen to what I have to say.”

I looked at Lydia and decided to give her an open ear—at least to consider what offer she might have. Besides, it was Lydia. There was no way I could refuse her. “All right, I’m all ears.”

“Look, I know, and I agree that my brother could be difficult sometimes, but I would like for you to consider what you stand to benefit here.”

“Which is?” I asked.

“He is offering to sponsor your business with huge funds and assign certain business professionals to help you manage the brand. Also, being his fiancée—or rather fake fiancée—means you would get to meet lots of rich people. Your target market. You would also gain the right exposure as well. If you ask me, it is a good deal. All for pretending to be his fiancée, and you don’t have to do much. All you have to do is pretend you’re engaged.”

I mulled over everything Lydia said, and she did have a point, but then, at the same time, what would happen after the charade was over?

“What if word gets out that it was all a charade.”

“Never. Remember that it’s just between the three of us.”

I let out a sigh, still not fully convinced. While the benefits seemed enticing, the idea of lying to many people gave me pause, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for that.

“I don’t know, Lydia. This is your brother. You know how he is.”

“Would I ask you to do something that would harm you?” Lydia asked, and I nodded no.

“I always have your best interest at heart, and to be honest, Will does need your help. The rumors going around about him are not suiting, and it is gradually taking a toll on his business and our family business as well. Please, Liz, just do this for me.”

“Now, when you say it like that, you leave me with no choice,” I responded as I looked at her.

Lydia had always been there for me through thick and thin! If this was something I could do to repay, then I would. Despite my reservations, I knew I had to help my girl out.

“All right, I’ll do it, and only because you asked. Not because I want to help Will.”

“Oh my! Thank you very much! I promise you, you won’t regret it.”

“I better not!” I said as I allowed her to embrace me. Seeing the smile on her face was enough to fill me up, but I could not shake the feeling of uncertainty about whether I was making the right choice.

“I’ll inform Will right away, and you both can schedule a meeting to talk about your individual terms and conditions. Is that okay?”

“Of course,” I responded plainly as I helped myself to one of the treats Lydia had brought over.

If I was sacrificing this much, then at least I could treat myself to a nice chocolate bar. As I munched on the very satisfying bar, I kept hoping within myself that I was taking the right step.

Oh God.

***

As I walked into the restaurant to meet Will, a part of me began mentally calculating the amount in my bank account, just in case I needed to pay for anything.

It was clear that I could not afford a meal in this place. The exterior alone was intimidating for those who were broke. They obviously achieved their aim with that one.

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