Chapter 2 Lee Paul

Meanwhile at the Brook's Mansion...

"Get married, or I'll give your inheritance to your sister!" Rosalind Brook announced that same Monday morning.

As the heir to one of society's most influential families, the man's future was tied to the traditions and expectations of his duties.

"Mom, you know the reason why I can't do what you're asking."

The man tensed when Rosalind placed a hand on his shoulder, sensing what she was about to say.

"It's been five years since Cecil died," she reminded him softly. "You can't stay in the past forever. It's time to move forward, for your sake and for ours."

With a final pat, she disappeared around a corner, leaving the man to his emotions.

The man's name was Arthur Brook, heir to the multi-dollar technology company, ACHTECH. Arthur felt trapped as he realized that his days of flirting were slowly coming to an end. But he wasn't eager to part with such a way of life.

"You know she's right." A voice said.

Arthur turned to his father, who appeared with a grave expression.

"You always support her." Arthur spat bitterly.

Fernando Brook scoffed. "For your good."

Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. "Dad..." he was about to say when Mr. Fernando Brook interrupted.

"It's no longer in my hands," he admitted. "Your mother wishes to see you settled, and I stand by her decision. It's time to make a choice, Arthur. The easy way or the hard way." He walked away without giving Arthur a single choice.

"It's your fault, you know," Rita Brook suddenly said, appearing from nowhere.

Startled, Arthur almost tripped. "What the hell, Rita?" He should have known by now that his sister was delighted to see him this way.

"If you can't find someone to bring home, why not hire someone? Can't be that hard, can it?"

Arthur's brow furrowed in confusion. "Rita, I am in no mood for your jokes." He opened the fridge to get a drink. But the suggestion was beginning to form a seed in his mind.

Rita bristled. "I am serious!"

Arthur slammed the fridge shut. "What do you mean, bring someone home?" he asked nonchalantly. With the corner of his eyes, he watched his sister roll her eyes to the heavens.

"You're Arthur Brook!" she reminded him impatiently, her hands tapping the counter with every word. "Surely you can afford to hire a fiancee if need be. If you are willing to listen, I can help you."

Help me? Arthur thought mischievously. A smile played at the corners of his lips as he considered Rita's proposal.

"You know, Rita," he began, his tone filled with amusement. "This might be the first time you've actually made sense."

Rita's pride was momentarily dampened by Arthur's backhanded compliment, and instead of responding, she squared her shoulders. What gave her anger away was her twitching eyes.

"Duh, I am the owner of a design company. It takes more than just beauty to run a successful business."

"Where can I find someone like you for this plan?" Arthur requested as nothing came to mind for the fake fiance operation.

"Someone like me?" Rita's laughter rang out through the room as she leaned casually against the polished marble counter. "So I'm right, you do need me." she declared, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Arthur sighed. "I am in a tight spot, and none of my girlfriends will agree to this shitty plan." He wasn't even ready to commit to a fake relationship with any of his girlfriends.

Arthur didn't like the stare of pity Rita gave him.

"I don't want the birthright," she finally said with a shrug. "It's just too much of a hassle. How could I possibly manage a designer company and our parents' assets? I'd age a decade in a day. It suits you much better."

Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at his sister's dishonest words. He knew Rita was hardworking and could work well under pressure.

"Alright, so you're saying you'll support me then?" He asked.

Rita merely grinned as she tapped away on her phone, her fingers dancing across the screen with practiced ease.

"I've already booked you with the best in the city," she announced proudly, thrusting the phone toward Arthur with a proud smile. "Take a look at her ratings."

Arthur's eyes widened as he peered at the screen, his gaze falling upon the image of a striking Asian woman named Lee.

"Lee?" he murmured. Odd name for a beautiful woman. "This lady is for hire?"

Rita nodded enthusiastically, her smile widening at his shocked reaction. "That's her," she confirmed. "Lee is ready to play the role of your fiancée. All you have to do is meet her at the hotel address I'll send to you." She tapped away on her phone once more, her grin growing wider with each passing moment. She was up to something, and Arthur was sure of it.

"Now!" she announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. A message popped up on Arthur's phone.

"How did you arrange all of this?" He asked, picking up his phone. "Does she even know who I am? And what exactly am I supposed to do with her?"

Rita let out an exasperated groan. "Arthur, today is not just about you," she scolded gently, like Arthur was three years old. "You're acting dumber than I thought. Lee is a professional contract lover. She is the best, and I've already sent her your fake details. Now, if you want to claim your birthright, you'll go on that date."

Arthur felt unsure for a moment. "Are you sure she doesn't know who I am?"

"Unless you reveal it to her, she won't know."

"Fine," Arthur resigned... reluctantly. "But if anything goes wrong, I'll hold you responsible. I haven't forgotten about Vincent." Now, thinking about it, Vincent wasn't actually Rita's fiancee. She must have requested his services through this same app.

How pathetic.

Rita's eyes widened in horror. "You wouldn't dare!"

But Arthur's smirk told her otherwise. His eyes twinkled mischievously as he delivered the final blow.

"What? Did you really think I wouldn't find out?"

As if she just remembered, Rita suddenly became serious, ignoring his earlier tease. "One more thing, Arthur. Don't fall in love with her or sleep with her."

Arthur snorted. He would never do the first part, but he was curious about the second. He would very much love to do that. "Why?"

"Because she will never love you back, and... she will lose her job."