Chapter 8 A life a masks

Mom, actually, I've already met someone," he says, trying to sound casual. His mom's voice perked up. "Really?! Oh, that's wonderful! Tell me all about her!" Vincent hesitated, knowing he had to tread carefully. "Well, we've only just started talking, but she seems really great. Smart, funny, and beautiful." His mom squealed with excitement. "That sounds amazing! What's her name?" Vincent hesitates again, not wanting to commit to a name just yet. "I'll update you soon, Mom. Promise." His mom laughs heartily. "Okay, okay.

I can't wait to meet her! When are you seeing her again?" Vincent shrugs, trying to play it cool. "Soon, Mom. Soon." His mom's excitement was palpable, even over the phone. Vincent knew he had temporarily dodged a bullet, but he also knew his mom would be eager to meet this mystery woman soon. He just hoped he could keep the charade going until he figured out a way to get out of it. Satisfied with his response, Vincent's mom bid him goodbye.

After taking a shower, Vincent settles into his couch, phone in hand, and opens the dating app. He had been putting it off all day, but his mom's enthusiasm had piqued his curiosity. He wanted to see if his match was still active, and maybe, just maybe, they had something worth exploring. He swipes through the app, his eyes scanning the profiles until he lands on hers. Her name was Leeli, and she was twenty-five years old. Her profile picture was an AI-generated picture of a beautiful lady with long, curly hair. He reads through her bio, learning that she was a graphic designer, loved hiking, loved judo, and was a fan of indie music. He swiped back to her profile, his eyes scanning the details again. This time, he noticed something that made his heart skip a beat-her job title. Graphic Designer at Art-verse. The same company his business was currently partnering with. "Wow, this is very nice. At least I will have an eye inside the Art-verse. I just need to get acquainted with her. And I know that would be very easy," Vincent says with a satisfying smile on his face. He opens the chat and sees that she has read his last message, "Hi," but didn't reply. "Unbelievable! That woman, Leeli, she's blind! She doesn't know what she's missing out on. Me! The great Vincent, with my chiseled jawline, my piercing blue eyes, my impeccable style. I'm a catch, a prize, a god among mortals. And she has the nerve to swipe left on me? To reject me? It's laughable. She must be joking. I'm the one who should be doing the rejecting, not her." I mean, what does she want? A bland, boring, average guy? No, she needs someone like me. But no, she's too blind to see it. Too stupid to recognize greatness when it's right in front of her. Well, her loss. Seriously, these dating apps are a joke. They're all just a bunch of shallow, vapid women who don't know what they want." After he rants for a while, he wanders about the app and sees what his profile is like.

"The humiliation!" Vincent thought to himself. "I can't believe I got snubbed because of my subpar profile. I mean, I'm a catch, but my profile didn't showcase that. It was basic, boring, and uninspiring. He takes a deep breath and gets to work. He uploads a new profile picture, one generated by an AI algorithm. He decides not to use his real picture because he is really popular but crafts a bio that highlights his interests, his accomplishments, and his wit. He made sure to include keywords like "entrepreneur," "thought leader," and "visionary." As he worked, he muttered to himself, "This is it. This is the key to unlocking the gates of online dating success. I mean, who wouldn't want to match with someone as impressive as me?"Finally, after hours of tweaking and perfecting, his profile was complete. He gazed at it admiringly, nodding in approval. He wishes Leeli's profile were as smart as she is. He thinks of this encounter with women, many he wishes to forget. They are either forcing themselves on him or want his money. There was a time he thought he was in love, but it was all just a clever manipulation. The experience had left him jaded, his heart hidden behind a mask of steel. He convinced himself that he was better off alone. Vincent's eyes narrow as he makes up his mind on how to get information from Leeli.

Soon it's daybreak, and Lillian was glad that she could get some sleep after hours of restlessness. Lillian stretches her arms and yawns, feeling the warmth of the sun streaming through the windows of her cousin's guest room. She reaches for her phone and sees the message from her assistant: "Congratulations, Miss Lillian! You got the project! I just received an email from the director's office. But there's a catch-you need to form a partnership with Vincent Hanstrup, the CEO of Hanscorp. And he has already set a date for a meeting at the company." Lillian rolls her eyes as she thinks of her rival, Vincent Hanstrup. She had expected this. She suspected that the director would want Vincent on the project because of his abilities in the art business. She leaves her room to break the news to her cousin. Rani is arranging the dining table for breakfast as she tells her she got the contract. "Lillian, oh my gosh! You got the contract! That's amazing!" Rani exclaims. Lillian smiles wryly. "Yeah, I got it. But I have to work with him." Rani's eyes sparkled. "You mean with Vincent Hanstrup? The handsome CEO? You're so lucky! You get to see him all the time now!" Lillian raises an eyebrow. "Lucky? You think being forced to work with my rival is lucky?" Rani giggles. "Well, think of the perks! You get to gaze into those dreamy eyes every day." Lillian shook her head, unimpressed. "I'm not interested in his looks, Rani. I'm interested in getting the job done." Rani pouts playfully. "You're such a killjoy, Lili. Can't you just enjoy the opportunity while you can? I know you're a tough cookie, Lillian. But I also know you have a soft spot for handsome men! Don't pretend like you don't!" Lillian playfully rolls her eyes. "Rani, focus! This is a business deal, not a dating show. I need to keep my head in the game." Rani grins mischievously. "Okay! I know. But a girl can dream, can't she?" Lillian shakes her head, chuckling. "I think you've been reading too many romance novels, Rani. This is the business world, not a fairy tale." As they bantered back and forth, Rachel couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. She had always been driven by her passion for business, but a part of her was curious about the enigmatic Vincent Hanstrup.