Chapter 5 Ruin The Engagement Party

"Oh, hi," Lindsey stammered, still unable to wrap her head around the fact that she was meeting with a man that looked like a movie star thanks to her online ad.

"Please have a seat."

When the man sat down, she checked him out secretly.

His thin lips were slightly pursed, giving him an air of aloofness. He possessed an angular face with refined features and a chiseled jawline. His hair, which was casually slicked-back, seemed to complement his cold demeanor. Lastly, despite donning only a well-worn brown leather jacket over a simple T-shirt and jeans, he exuded an aura of nobility that captivated the room's attention.

People who knew Domenic would've never thought that he'd wear such cheap clothes and appear in a budget coffee shop, sitting face-to-face with a woman who seemed utterly disconnected from elegance.

Such a notion was inconceivable!

"Pleasure to meet you. May I know your name?" Lindsey asked with a forced smile, feeling a little nervous.

Seeing that she didn't recognize him, Domenic breathed a sigh of relief.

"My last name's Walsh."

Since he only gave his surname, Lindsey guessed that he didn't want to tell her his real name, which wasn't unreasonable, so she didn't ask more.

"Mr. Walsh, what would you like to drink?" she offered.

"Americano, please."

"Okay."

Lindsey smiled brightly and called the waiter over.

Domenic seized this opportunity to take in her features; she had a smooth forehead, a straight nose, rosy lips, and a slender neck. At the base of her neck was a small red mark, like a peach blossom blooming in spring.

He couldn't help but think back to the night they slept together.

He gulped at the memory, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. He subconsciously tugged at his collar, feeling a little short of breath.

After ordering the coffee, Lindsey shifted her attention back to him and went straight to the point.

"Mr. Walsh, to be frank, your physical appearance meets my requirements. Now, could you please name your price?"

Name his price?

Recalling the measly amount of money she had left on the bedside table, Domenic couldn't help but chuckle.

"Let's talk about the job requirements first."

"Oh, sure." Lindsey sat up straight and explained the job. "Well, you see, I need you to act as my boyfriend at my engagement party next weekend."

Seeing that the handsome man's expression turned from one of intrigue to that of confusion, Lindsey suddenly realized that she had said something very contradictory, so she quickly added, "You see, I recently found out that my fiancé's having an affair. The thing is, I don't have any evidence. My father doesn't believe me, and he's forcing me to marry the guy, so I had no choice but to post that advertisement. To put it bluntly, your task is to ruin the engagement party."

Domenic's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Never would he have thought that the reason why this woman needed a boyfriend-for-hire was to screw up her own engagement party.

Because the man wasn't saying anything, Lindsey thought he didn't want the job. She tried to persuade him in a gentle voice, saying, "I know it's no easy task, and I'm willing to pay you good money. How about this? I'll pay double whatever your rate is."

Lindsey knew that stumbling across a man as fine as this one was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, and she figured that since he was applying for this job, he must've been very short of money. So, she decided to convince him by dangling what she thought was a handsome prize in front of him.

Domenic raised his head, and their eyes met, which made her feel a little restless.

Finally, Lindsey couldn't take it. She lowered her head and pretended to drink water, averting her gaze.

However, out of the corner of her eye, she saw the man was still staring at her.

Somehow, this feeling reminded her of the man in the hotel that night.

Lindsey shook her head. No, the world was so big. How could the random stranger from that night have stumbled across her advertisement?

This probability was even lower than winning a lottery, she mused.

Just then, the waiter came with two cups of coffee.

To ease the awkwardness, Lindsey picked up her cup and took a sip, and Domenic did the same.

"All right. I'm in."

As soon as Domenic put his cup down, he suddenly spoke, his deep, magnetic voice startling Lindsey.

"Mr. Walsh, did I hear you right?" Lindsey asked in surprise.

Domenic nodded almost imperceptibly.

He had decided to hide his identity and play along with her idea until he figured out her real purpose.

"Well, then—that's great! Don't worry. As long as I can afford it, name your price!" Lindsey said generously, beaming at him with excitement.

"What exactly do I need to do?" Domenic asked.

"Well..." Lindsey looked him up and down carefully before slowly narrowing her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"I'll buy you nicer clothes tomorrow."

Domenic looked down at the casual clothes he was wearing, his expression darkening. Did she think that he looked too poor to be with her?