"I need you to be my girlfriend," Jason said.
Girlfriend?
My mind went blank. Did I hear him wrong?
"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice unsteady.
"It's just a fake relationship, Miss Jessica," Mike clarified, his expression calm, as if this were the most normal request in the world.
I stared at them both, completely thrown off. Why me? Out of all the women in this city—rich, beautiful, powerful women—why me?
"I don't get it," I muttered.
Jason's cold gaze locked onto mine, making my breath hitch. "Be my fake girlfriend," he repeated, his tone firm.
For a second, I forgot how to breathe. His eyes—dark, unreadable—held mine as if he was daring me to refuse. My heart pounded, but I forced myself to turn to Mike instead.
"There are benefits," Mike said, sensing my hesitation.
Benefits?
Before I could ask, he placed a thick stack of papers in front of me.
"Here's the contract," he said, sliding it closer.
I hesitated, then slowly opened it. My eyes scanned the contents, stopping when I reached a section titled: Obligations of Party B—which was me.
My eyebrows furrowed as I read:
I must live with Jason.
I must attend all family gatherings with him.
I must act as his girlfriend in public.
I swallowed hard and flipped to the next section: Benefits for Party B.
The contract lasts three years.
I will be paid $20,000 per month.
I will receive a black credit card with unlimited funds to buy a house, car, clothes—anything.
My grip on the paper tightened.
"What… is this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Is it too little?" Mike asked casually.
My mouth fell open. Too little?
For them, this amount was probably pocket change. But for me? Even if I worked my entire life, I'd never have access to unlimited money.
"No, no. I just—" I shook my head. "I won't do it."
"Miss Jessica, you're the only one suited for this," Mike insisted.
I clenched my fists. "I'll only sign if, after three years, you transfer me to the graphic design department."
Jason's expression didn't change. "I promise."
Wait… he agreed? Just like that?
I hesitated for a moment before reaching for the pen. My fingers felt heavy as I pressed it to the paper, signing my name. Jason took the contract and signed his name beside mine with effortless ease.
"Done," I murmured, the weight of my decision settling in my chest.
Mike wasted no time. "As per the contract, you'll be moving into Mr. Jason's house immediately."
I stiffened. "Living with him?"
I hadn't processed that part yet. No rent, no utility bills, no expenses—sure. But living with Jason? That was a whole different nightmare.
"No. I have my own house," I protested.
Jason's sharp gaze flickered toward me. "You already signed, Miss Jessica."
My stomach twisted.
"If you don't come on your own, I'll pick you up myself," Jason added, his tone leaving no room for argument.
My family's faces flashed in my mind—Mia, Liam, Mom, Dad.
No. I couldn't let Jason show up at my home. That would only raise questions.
I forced a smile. "No need. I'll come to your house myself."
Mike smirked, as if he had already expected me to give in.
Jason leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Good."
I walked out of the office alone, my steps heavy. The moment I shut the door behind me, frustration took over. I stomped my foot against the floor, biting my lip.
The contract…
Jason still had his copy, while mine was clenched tightly in my hands. My fingers curled around the edges as if I could crush the terrible decision I had just made.
This was a mistake. A huge mistake.
I let out a sharp breath, trying to shake the feeling off. What's done is done.
I left the company and flagged down a taxi. The ride home felt shorter than usual, maybe because my mind was drowning in thoughts. When I stepped inside the house, everyone was in the living room.
Liam was lounging on the couch, holding the remote and watching TV.
"You're back after storming out?" he commented without looking away from the screen.
"Sis, what happened?" Mia asked, her brows knitting together in concern.
I hesitated before calling out, "Mom."
She appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "What is it, Jessica?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I have something to do for three years, so… I'll be moving out."
The room fell silent.
Liam's hand froze mid-air, and he finally looked at me. "What?"
Dad lowered his newspaper, his sharp eyes now fixed on me.
Mom frowned. "What do you mean, Jessica?"
I forced a small smile. "The house is too far from my company, so I'm moving into an apartment closer to work."
Mia's lips pressed into a thin line. "Then quit and stay here."
Dad sighed. "Why don't you find another job?"
Before I could answer, Liam scoffed. "Dad, there aren't a lot of jobs out there, and you know how hard it was for her to get this one after all these years."
I narrowed my eyes at him. I wanted to smack him, but at the same time, I knew he was sort of… helping me.
"Yeah, yeah, he's right," Mom admitted reluctantly.
Dad exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Did you at least find a place to stay?"
"Yeah, I just need to pack my things and head there," I replied.
Mia tugged at my sleeve. "Can I visit you, sis?"
I hesitated. "No. I'll be busy, but I'll visit you when I can."
Her face fell instantly. "Oh… then forget it." She turned away, sulking.
Liam smirked. "Let her work, little princess. What's your problem?"
I sighed. "I'm going to my room to pack."
"Alright," Mom said, already heading back to the kitchen.
I went to my room, packed my things, and when I stepped out with my suitcase, my family was already waiting.
Then they did something unexpected.
They hugged me.
A tight, warm hug, like I was getting married and they'd never see me again. It made my throat tighten, but I held back my emotions.
I walked outside, and they followed. As I got into the taxi, they stood there, waving.
I waved back.
As the car pulled away, my phone buzzed. It was Mike, sending Jason's house location.
When I arrived, I nearly lost my breath.
Jason's house wasn't just a house. It was a mansion. Luxurious. Expensive. But somehow… cold.
A servant greeted me at the entrance, giving me a once-over before leading me inside.
"The young master isn't home yet," she said.
I nodded, dragging my suitcase into the living room. The interior was a mix of grey and white—modern, sleek, but lifeless.
I sat on the couch, exhaling deeply.
The servant stood before me, studying me with curiosity.
"Miss, this is the first time Jason has brought a girl here," she said.
My stomach tightened. Oh?
I thought that model woman—his so-called childhood sweetheart—had been here before.
The servant smiled. "I'm Rhoda. I've been working here for ten years. And you, little lady, what's your name?"
"Jessica," I replied.
She grinned. "A perfect name."
I gave her a small smile. "Thank you."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "So… are you Jason's girlfriend?"
My breath hitched.
No. Absolutely not.
I forced a smile. "Yeah, I am."
Rhoda's smirk grew, but she didn't push further. "I should get back to cleaning. Have fun, Miss Jessica."
She walked away, leaving me in the quiet, empty house.
I exhaled, exhaustion finally hitting me. Even though my actual work hadn't started yet, I was already inside my boss's house.
I slipped off the grey slippers Rhoda had given me, pulled my feet up onto the couch, and lay back.I closed my eyes.