Chapter 4 Gramps first

My eyes were trained on the closed door and I didn't even notice Gramps was awake until I heard his frail voice calling me. I whipped my head toward him, all thoughts of the proposal vanishing from my mind as I focused on Gramps, embracing him.

"Gramps". I whispered, tears welling in my eyes

"Oh, child". He gave my hand a gentle squeeze when I finally pulled back from the hug.

"Don't worry, I am as strong as a horse". He joked.

"You are not Gramps, you need surgery".

He paused, his eyes searching mine.

"Okay, I'm not as strong as a horse". He said and I chuckled, blinking away tears.

"I'm sorry I didn't come last night". I murmured an apology.

" Oh you didn't? I didn't notice, I slept like a baby".

I smiled at his words, fixing his gray hair with my hand, although it did almost nothing to make his hair look better.

" Are you okay child?" He asked, noticing my silence. I nodded with a smile, my mind drifting back to what the doctor said about getting Gramps into surgery soon.

I thought of Sir Rex's proposal and how I was running out of time. I knew I couldn't make that much money within a short period. The proposal was tempting but also questionable.

I was curious as to why he would ask me to be his fiancee for two years, doesn't he have a girlfriend? Why does he need someone who would pretend to be his fiancee? What's in it for him, and why did he ask me? Me.

My inner voice warned me it could be a trick or a dangerous proposal but I dismissed the thought. I wanted to find out if there was more to the proposal.

I need the money and the only way to know if it's legitimate or not is to talk to Rex ..sir Rex

My gaze locked with Gramps who was still observing me to know if something was wrong with me. I smiled, silently assuring him that I was fine.

"Is it the money?" He asked as if reading my thoughts.

"Don't worry about that Gramps, I've got it covered". I quickly interjected.

"Are you hungry? I'll hurry home and make a delicious soup for you". My smile widened.

He stared at me for a while without uttering a word and I thought he was going to refuse until he nodded, a small smile forming on his lips.

"I'll be back soon, Gramps". I hugged him again then grabbed my bag from the floor, where I dropped it, and slung it over my shoulder. I waved at Gramps and then slipped out of the door.

I hurried out of the hospital and ran toward the parking lot, my eyes scanning through the parked cars for any sign of Sir Rex. Luckily, I saw his car still parked in the same spot and hastened my steps as I approached his car. I knocked gently on the window and it lowered.

"Let's talk". I said

"Get in". He instructed me and I did.

Mike was not in the car and somehow, it made me feel nervous, but I calmed myself.

"So you agree?" He asked, his piercing blue eyes peering at me

"What's in it for you?" I asked, not meeting his gaze.

"Assets, my family assets".

I tilted my head slightly to the left, waiting for him to continue.

He unbuttoned one of the buttons on his suit then slouched against the car seat, making himself comfortable.

"My family cherishes women. It's kind of an entrenched thing, and somehow I won't be given a hundred percent access to my entitled assets unless I get a woman".

"So, you are just using me to secure your inheritance?". I said, leaning into the seat.

He gave a half-hearted shrug "Maybe. Two years is enough to convince them we are together".

I gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, not so concerned about him 'using me'. All I need is money for Gramps surgery.

Silence reigned for a while before I spoke.

"How do I know you are being genuine and I won't be in any kind of danger".

"You just have to trust me. You'll also get to sign a contract, my rules". He paused, allowing me to digest the information. "It's really simple to pretend to be my fiancee for two years. You'll be able to save your grandfather and you will get extra benefits that come with being my Fiancee". He offered.

"What will I owe you at the end of two years?" I asked, threading carefully so I wouldn't fall into some kind of trap.

"Nothing". He gazed at me, a small smile curling the corners of his lips.

I thought in silence for a while and he let me have all the silence I needed by silently scrolling through his expensive phone.

It was a good offer. He is obviously wealthy, meaning I'll get a taste of luxury for two years. Not that I'm a golddigger, but who doesn't want the taste of luxury?

I might also learn one or two things from him and build connections that will help me in the future. And most importantly, I'll be able to save Gramps, on time.

"When do I sign the contract?" I asked.

His gaze lifted from the screen of his phone, a youthful grin spreading across his face.

"Whenever you are ready, at my office. Mike will pick you up".

"Can I sign it today?" I asked. The earlier I sign the contract, the sooner Gramps will get his surgery.

"Even better". His smile widened.

"Just to be clear, you are going to introduce me to your family as your fiancee and we are going to keep that up for two years''. I questioned.

"Maybe one or two parties, nothing that will hurt". He assured me.

I cringed at the thought of attending parties with him, pretending to be his fiancee, but it was too late to turn back now.

"Alright ". I responded.

A moment of silence resigned before he broke it.

"Going somewhere darling?"

My head whipped toward him as I threw him a disapproving look.

"Shouldn't we practice for later". He asked, his voice teasing.

"Is that necessary?"

Instead of replying, he leaned closer, his hair brushing his eyes as he did. His minty breath fanned my face. Instinctively, I shrank away, eyeing him suspiciously.

His smirk widened as he reached for the seat belt behind me.

"Relax". His voice was a hoarse whisper, almost making me squirm in my seat.

He fastened the seatbelt around me, the click of the buckle filling the silent car.