Billionaire's contract fiancee: Taming the dual him

~ Dawn~

"Leaving already?" Harry, my boss asked. He was standing by the store room with a notepad and a pen clutched in his hand, probably to check the ingredients we had left.

"Yes, it's late already. I have to hurry to get to Gramps". I replied, pulling the apron over my head, and hanging it neatly on the cloth hanger.

"Do you know if Kelvin is here? He's supposed to take your place?" Harry asked, now leaning on the wall. His eyes followed my movements as I picked up my belongings from the locker and slammed it shut.

"I called him five minutes ago, he said he's on his way". I responded, my eyes not meeting his as I pulled out the hairband holding my straight jet-black hair in a ponytail and ran my fingers through it.

"Alright Dawn, see you tomorrow. Tell gramps I said hi".

I nodded with a smile, obviously in a hurry. I saw him disappear into the storeroom from the corner of my eyes.

Harry is the owner of the fast-food restaurant where I work. He is a young successful man who seems to have achieved everything he could ever want.

Unlike most young men who prefer wearing suits and getting stressed behind an expensive desk, Harry prefers rolling up his sleeves, wearing an apron, and getting stressed over a stove.

Harry has turned out to be a good friend, more like an older brother to me since he employed me after he tasted my recipe, scratch that my mom's recipe.

He employed me when I was still in high school.

That day, I was strolling on the street at night thinking about how getting a job would help me and Gramps.

My nose soon caught the aroma of delicious cake wafting in the air. I looked up at the big neon sign above the entrance of a restaurant, to my left.

"Harry's" it read. I noticed how customers were trooping in and out of the restaurant, I could see chatting customers through the commercial window. My stomach growled but I ignored its protest, making up my mind to apply for a job there.

Although skeptical about the possibility of gaining employment, I summed up my courage and pushed open the glass door. I approached a waitress who seemed less busy behind the counter and I politely asked to see the manager. The first thing she did was access the petite girl in pale blue jeans and a shirt that had the word shout out written in red on a white background, and dirty, worn canvas.

She asked if I had any complaints about the food.

"No, I just need to see the manager". I remember replying.

The waitress then excused herself to get the manager and soon, Harry showed up to attend to me.

I remember feeling nervous when I saw him. He was good-looking and tall and had stubble running along his jawline. His pearly white teeth showed as he spoke to me with a smile, asking what the problem was. I told him what I wanted and I recall he looked me up and down with a wry smile on his lips, he tucked his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants and straightened his posture. I didn't fail to notice his veins popping at the slightest movements.

"Uhmm, little girl.." He started but I interrupted him mid-sentence.

"I'm sixteen".

His brows instantly arched in surprise. I was used to his reaction because I look younger than my age, and people often think I am younger than I am.

"Uhmm, okay.." He talked to me for a while and was reluctant to employ me since he had enough staff. I knew he was going to turn me down if I didn't do something to make him want my service so I instantly told him I could cook.

He was reluctant to hire me, but after pressing him for a chance, he gave me a chance, although he seemed to have agreed out of amusement and curiosity.

He told me to come back the next day and I did, bringing along the ingredients I bought with half of my savings. I was not sure what to cook to impress him so I just chose what I know how to cook best. Mushroom soup.

Harry instantly hired me after tasting the soup, he added the soup to the menu. And now, the soup is the best seller at Harry's.

I walked out of the restaurant with my bag slung on my back and my phone which Gramps had managed to get in my hand.

"Hey Dawn". Kelvin greeted, striding toward the restaurant.

"Hi". I responded with a small smile. "Harry's waiting. I gotta go". I waved and left hurriedly, not waiting to hear his response.

As I hurried down the street, I mentally planned out what I had to do. I had to get home, do the laundry, prepare dinner for Gramps then take it to him at the hospital. I also resolved to ask the doctor about his condition so I will know how to work my ass off to save him. My brows creased in a frown as I remembered the doctor diagnosing him of coronary artery disease.

I took in a deep breath, then exhaled sharply, mentally saying a prayer for him as I turned onto the street leading to our small but comfortable and homely home.

It is usually a lonely street, with only pedestrians passing by so I didn't bother to check before crossing to the other side.

I was hardly on the other side when a car came hurtling around the corner, its headlights blinding me and its horns blaring. I froze as memories flashed before my eyes. I wanted to run but my feet were rooted to the spot, my eyes wide with terror, and my heart racing. The car hurtled toward me, the sound of squealing tires filling the air.

I heard a loud bang and I felt myself falling, my body hitting the hard pavement.

My ears were ringing, the sound of the world muffled and distant. I heard a girl's terrified scream that felt familiar, followed by a man's panicky shout.

The sounds faded and I was left in silence.

The last thing I heard was the rhythmic clicking of shoes against the pavement, and just before everything went black, I saw the glint of shiny black leather shoes, and then, nothing.

My eyes felt heavy as I tried to force them open. The bright rays of light that penetrated my pupils forced me to squeeze my eyes shut. I slowly parted them again, allowing my eyes to adjust to the brightness.

My vision was blurry but I could see white walls, and the white fluorescent bulb above me. A dazzling headache threatened to rip my head apart, making me whimper. I waited for my vision to return to normal and as it did, my headache subsided.

I surveyed the room with my eyes which were still kind of heavy and my eyes fell upon a figure in a black tuxedo suit sitting on the chair by the wall. His head was bent over a book, probably a file from the file cover.

One look at him and I could already tell he is a man of great success, either the CEO of a flourishing company or a very successful businessman. His confident demeanor and expensive clothing exuded an air of wealth and success.

"Feeling better?" He asked.

His voice made me bite the inside of my cheeks. His voice was low and husky, like a man's alluring morning voice, it sounded sweet, yet firm.

He raised his head and our eyes locked. It instantly registered in my brain that his eyes could be one of the most beautiful and enchanting eyes I've ever seen.

His metallic piercing blue eyes that seemed like they could hurt you yet make you feel things, sweet things like butterflies in the stomach.

I murmured in response, nodding slowly. My throat was parched.

"You are in a hospital". He informed me. He closed the file and dropped it beside him on the chair.

"I can tell."

My voice was raspy and low, making me cough to ease the hoarseness. I expected him to get me water but he just stared at me with those intense eyes, not uttering a word for the first few seconds.

"Do you feel pain?". He asked, adjusting his suit.

Just as I was about to speak, I remembered Gramps and my eyes widened. I quickly sat up and so did he. My sudden movements made my head throb with a sudden sharp pain. I winced but didn't relent as I tried to remove the IV needle inserted in my right arm.

"Calm down". He soothed me, holding my hands to stop me from moving. I froze at his touch, his hands were cold against mine and were quite larger than mine.

"I'll call the doctor to know if you can be discharged. Just stay calm and don't remove anything." His voice was soothing and calm, and his eyes which bore into mine made me nod subconsciously.

"Mike!" He called his voice loud yet controlled. The door burst open and another man dressed in a suit walked in.

"Sir?". He stood tall in obedience, ready to receive orders, and I could immediately tell the charming guy beside me was Mike's boss.

"Get the doctor". He ordered and Mike left immediately.

I glanced down at my hands which were still in his and nervously removed them. He let go and stepped back in understanding, tucking his hand into his pockets.

I focused to see if I would feel any pain but I felt none, making me wonder if I had been hit at all.

"The doctor said you weren't hit but you passed out due to shock". He explained, tilting his head slightly to the left as if to observe my actions and reactions.

"Are you the one who..." My voice trailed off as he shook his head in denial.

"He ran away, he left you there and ran away". He squinted his eyes and an unreadable expression flitted across his face before it quickly disappeared.

"How long have I been asleep?" I asked after a few seconds of silence.

"The whole night". He replied, making my eyes widen with worry.

"The whole night?! Oh no, Gramps". I quickly started trying to pry the IV needle off again and he held my shoulders, his grip firm and strong on my delicate shoulders.

"Calm down Dawn". He cooed.

"I need to get to my grandpa, he is hospitalized and..." My voice trailed off. "How did you know my name?" I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Your..books". He answered, his gaze not meeting mine. "And your phone". He added.

"You went through my phone? It's personal!" I protested.

"I needed to know who you are." He defended. "Although your phone is kind of broken".

"Who are you by the way?" I asked.

I attempted a polite tone but it came out more like a demand.

"I..." He paused as if trying to choose his words. "I helped you". He responded

"Thank you. Sir." I added the "sir" after a thought.

He looked young, maybe around my age or a little older. I accessed him once more, noting how tall he was, probably a little above six feet, compared to me who is only five feet three inches.

I mentally praised his looks. Especially his jet-black hair which was perfectly coiffed and shiny, it fell in waves to just below his chin, framing his face in a stylish but casual way. I badly wanted to run my fingers through his hair, both to compare its texture to mine and simply for the sake of doing so.

"Do you have something on your mind?" He asked, his facial expression a little too concerned.

His question made me wonder what makes him think I would tell him what's on my mind even if I had a serious thought on my mind. Except Gramps.

The thought of my grandpa lying lonely on the sickening hospital bed made me worry. I was about to fidget again when the door suddenly swung open and a male doctor walked in, accompanied by a pretty female nurse in blue scrubs.

"What took you so long?" My life-saver spoke to the doctor casually.

"Sorry, I was in the middle of an emergency". The doctor turned to me and smiled. " How are you feeling Dawn?" He asked.

"I need to get out of here, can I be discharged now?" I 'answered' bluntly and I could tell he was a bit surprised.

"Well, we've completed all the necessary checks and I'm pleased to inform you that you will be discharged right away". The doctor said, and I heaved a sigh of relief and impatience

"Thank you." Then the payment of the bills crossed my mind. I assumed my life-saver had cleared the bill but it would be so wrong to not ask.

"How much.." my voice trailed off as I tried as much as possible to have an expression that showed I didn't know my bills might have been cleared.

"No need to worry about that. Rex has taken care of it". The doctor stated.

"Rex?" My gaze flickered toward Rex, my life-saver. As I realized he was Rex, I smiled and nodded my thanks. He nodded in reply before his gaze flickered to the nurse who was now removing the IV needle at the doctor's command.

"I will prescribe some medication for you, please pick them up at the pharmacy on your way out". The doctor told me, but I knew in my heart I was not going to stop to get the drugs. I could not afford to spend any more on myself since Gramps needed all the money.

"Thank you, doctor.." I quickly glanced at the metal badge on his white coat. "Doctor John". I added.

The rest of what happened after thanking the doctor was a blur because my mind was preoccupied with Grandpa's condition.

Soon, I was hastening out of the hospital with my bag slung on one shoulder. As I strode briskly, I checked to see if I had some spare change for a cab that would take me to the hospital where Gramps was admitted. I was relieved to discover I had more than enough.

After ten whole minutes of waiting for a cab, I was frustrated. I tried for the one-hundredth time to turn my phone on but it didn't budge. The screen was cracked, likely from when I had fallen.

Suddenly, a black sleek car pulled up in front of me. I guessed who was inside but acted like I didn't know who by squinting my eyes and tucking my hair behind my small ear.

The tinted Window smoothly rolled down, revealing Rex sitting in the car. His eyes were focused on me as he asked me to get in so he'd drop me off at the hospital.

I quickly glanced at the car and instantly refused. I would just stain his million-dollar car, and as much as I needed a ride, I didn't want to hitch a ride with someone who smells and looks like money. Not that I'm intimidated, I just don't want too much familiarity between me and Rex, except for him saving me which I'm very grateful for. But despite my refusal, he insisted and I hopped in after contemplating.

My nose was immediately filled with his appealing cologne the moment I entered the car, the cool air conditioner calmed my hot brain which was starting to fry in the hot sun.

"Hi Dawn". Rex greeted me as if we were meeting for the first time that day. I politely answered him, anxious to get to Gramps.

~Rex~

She hurried out of the car as soon as we arrived at the hospital. She offered a hasty 'thank you' before sprinting through the hospital door, her bag bouncing on her back.

"Mike". I called and he immediately gave me the Slate PC that was resting on the seat beside him.

I collected it and carefully scrolled through the information on the screen, everything I needed to know about Dawn's grandfather.

My eyes widened at the information in front of me. I set the Slate down on my lap, looked up, and then picked up the gadget again, checking again to ensure I didn't read wrong.

Mike must have noticed the look on my face because he asked if everything was okay. I did not respond to him, still in shock from the information on the screen.

"We are going in". I told him, throwing the gadget beside me on the car seat.

Mike alighted the car immediately to open the door for me.

I stepped out of the car, straightening my tuxedo, which I had not changed since the night before.

I was not surprised by the stares I received as I made my way across the parking lot to the hospital entrance, with Mike trailing behind me. I am a fine man and I know it. If only another person did not have my face.

Mike spoke with the nurse at the reception desk and we were soon on our way to the ward where Dawn's grandfather was admitted.

It was a public ward, with no privacy except for the flimsy white curtains that did little to prevent the germs between patients.

I listened closely as the doctor in charge informed Dawn of the need for immediate surgery. She was told how much it would cost and I watched as fatigue washed over her face when she heard the amount.

The doctor and a female nurse excused themselves and left the ward.

"You know what to do". I said to Mike who immediately went after the doctor.

Dawn sank into a chair, burying her face in her palms. Her hair cascaded over the side of her face, the ends resting on her lap. My eyes flickered to the sick man lying on the bed, sound asleep. His chest rising and falling with each breath.

My brows knotted in a frown as questions flooded my mind, I was confused but also felt an almost unnoticeable feeling of relief looming within my heart.

I approached the bed, and as she noticed my presence, she lifted her head and slowly turned her gaze toward me.

"Sir". It was obvious she was surprised to see me.

"Rex". I corrected, not giving much thought to it. She pursed her lips and then asked me,

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was small and squeaky, compared to the one I heard earlier at the hospital. I could tell she was worried, very worried.

"I was not sure, now I am". I replied.

Her brow arched up and she tilted her head slightly to the left, not getting what I meant.

"How is your grandpa?" I asked, drawing her attention away from what I said.

."He..he needs surgery". She held the old man's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"It is expensive, I do not know where or how I'll get the money on time. But, I can not lose him too". Her voice was almost a whisper as if she was talking more to herself than to me.

"How about I pay for his expenses?" I offered.

Her head whipped toward me, her eyes brightened with hope but then dimmed as her brow furrowed.

"No, thank you". She rejected my offer. "You have done enough saving me and paying my bills, I will handle this. I am not a freeloader." She said,

"Freeloader Who said you would not pay back?" I smirked, raising a brow.

She peered up at me, her brows furrowing deeper.

"You?.." Her voice trailed off.

"You will pay me back for your bills and your grandfather's. But not with money". I said.

Her forehead smoothed and her frown disappeared before an even deeper frown replaced it.

"What are you talking about? You think I would give my body to you? I'd rather sleep in jail". Her tone rose slightly, indicating anger.

"I do not need your money or your body". I hesitated, thinking twice about the last part.

" I want your service". I said.

Her frown disappeared and her gaze flickered away from me then back to me.

"Perhaps, do you know I can cook?" She asked, her large eyes twinkling with curiosity. She did not wait for a response from me before she went on.

"I am a great cook, I have amazing recipes, I can..."

Her voice trailed off as I shook my head.

"No?" She mumbled.

I peered into her warm deep brown eyes and said,

"I want you to be my fiancee".

~Dawn~

I paused, waiting for him to tell me it was a joke but he did not. His face was marred with seriousness.

"That is a terrible joke". I said. Letting go of Gramp's hand.

"Who said I was joking?". He pulled out his hand that was tucked into his tuxedo pants and ran it through his beautiful hair, making me want to do the same.

I couldn't think of anything to say, I just stared at him blankly.

"Be my fiancee for two years. After two years, we won't meet again. I will pay for your grandfather's surgery and you will also get additional benefits.

He glanced at Gramps then took his eyes back to me

"Think about my proposal, Dawn". He concluded and left the ward.