The car finally stopped at a huge and expensive compound, the house was massive, My bad I meant mansion.
Nathan got down waiting for me and I slowly crawled out of the car.
"Common, this way cupcake"
I gave him a weird look immediately.
"What? You don't like it? We can fix that" He said with a smirk and I rolled my eyes.
As we walked in, a maid hurried over.
"Welcome back, sir. And... we have a guest?"
Nathan nodded. "Yes Emily, this is Fiona my girlfriend, prepare the guest room beside mine. And tomorrow morning, get her a wardrobe fitting"
The maid simply nodded as Nathan takes my hand and leads me to the kitchen.
"Sit" he said signalling to a high stool.
"What would you like to eat"? He asked.
"Um... I...I "...
"Common cupcake, be free with me, you're not going to act like this when my family are around".
"When are they coming"? I asked.
"Soon, very soon, in the next 2 days we'll get to know each other really well, so you don't fumble"
Another maid rushed to the kitchen bowing.
"Sir Nathan, I'm sorry I wasn't here on time please let me take over".
"It's ok Lara, I want to cook tonight for my cupcake". He replied with a smile.
She slowly raised her head up giving me a stern look then rolled her eyes.
"Excuse you? Did you just roll your eyes at me"? I asked immediately trying not to raise my voice.
"Of course not madam. I would never".
She replied clearly scared of Nathan.
"You might not be lucky next time, behave yourself. Understood"?
"Yes madam"
"You can leave Lara" Nathan interfered giving me a kind of confused look.
Immediately she left I spoke.
"Your worker is clearly inlove with you, sorry if I seemed off but I don't tolerate disrespect" I said and he laughed.
"Oh, now you're making fun of me"
"No,no, its just... one minute you were nervous and the next you're giving order"
Nathan placed a pot on the stove, still laughing softly as he opened the fridge.
"That's good though," he said, pulling out ingredients. "My girlfriend needs all the confidence she can get. You'll need it when my mother starts interrogating you like a detective."
I blinked. "Interrogating?"
"Oh yes. My mom doesn't believe anyone is good enough for her son. She'll ask your age, your background, your great-grandfather's village name…" he shrugged casually, like this was normal.
"Just stay calm and don't break ."
"Easy for you to say," I muttered, swinging my legs nervously on the stool.
He glanced at me over his shoulder. "Relax cupcake, I'll prep you tomorrow."
There he goes again.. cupcake.
"By the way, why cupcake?" I asked, folding my arms.
He grinned. "Because you're soft, tiny and sweet… at least I hope so."
I looked away immediately. Why does he talk like that so freely?
Rich men and their expensive confidence.
He rolled his sleeves up and started chopping vegetables, his watch was glinting under the kitchen light. The kitchen smelled warm, of butter, onions, something fancy I couldn't pronounce. My stomach growled loud enough for both of us to hear.
He paused.
"Was that you?" he asked, trying not to laugh.
I covered my face. "I'm hungry… okay?"
He handed me a slice of bread like he was feeding a stray cat. I snatched it quickly.
"Slow down," he said. "No one's going to steal it."
"Old habits," I mumbled with my mouth full.
"Habits change," he replied gently. "You're safe here."
For a second, his voice didn't sound playful. It sounded real. Like he meant it.
I stared at him, wondering why a man like him would choose someone like me for this crazy arrangement.
"Why me?"
He kept stirring the sauce. "Because you didn't look at me like everyone else does."
"Like a walking ATM?" I joked.
"Exactly," he smiled faintly. "Do you want the deal, Fiona?" he asked. "I won't force you. You can leave if you prefer the streets."
"Oh nice, let me remind you Mr arrogant that my father is a rich man"
"Mr arrogant? Nice"
Good, cause that's what you are. How hard could it be though? all I have to do is pretend to love you right?" I asked slowly.
He smirked a bit. "Pretend to be my girlfriend. Love is optional."
My chest warmed strangely.
Before I could reply, he placed a steaming plate in front of me a creamy pasta, that smelled like heaven.
"Eat."
I did. It tasted better than anything I'd eaten in weeks. I tried not to moan like a hungry wolf but well… I failed. He smirked.
"Cupcake approved?" he teased.
"More than approved," I said with my cheeks full. He only laughed and leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching me like he was studying every reaction.
This was going to be harder than I thought. Pretending to be his girlfriend was one thing… but pretending not to fall for him might be the real problem.