My Boss Rent A Wife

Ting!

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Hannah pulled her phone from her bag, her eyes narrowing at the notification glowing on the screen. She quickly wiped a crumb from the corner of her lips with a tissue, her fingers twitching as she considered replying to the email.

Her heart sank. She'd have to work this Sunday.

"Seriously? You're still doing that silly part-time job?" Lucy asked, shaking her head in disbelief as she watched her best friend.

"What's your problem with it?" Hannah shot back, smacking her lips in irritation. "I've been doing this for years. There's no way I'm giving it up now."

Lucy crossed her arms, an exasperated look on her face. "You already have a steady job, don't you? Why not just leave the part-time gig? What's the point of hanging on to it?"

Hannah squinted at her, stuffing a large piece of bread into her mouth as if to emphasize her defiance.

"You don't get it, Lu," she said, her words muffled. "You get to have fun with someone, and you get paid for it. Where else can you find a job like that?"

Lucy arched an eyebrow, suppressing a laugh. "If someone overheard you, they'd think your part-time job was... well, something less than respectable."

"Like I care," Hannah retorted, sticking out her tongue. "As long as I'm making money, people can think what they want."

Hannah wasn't bothered by anyone's judgment. She knew she wasn't doing anything wrong. Her job wasn't scandalous, and she wasn't selling herself to sleazy men. The idea alone made her shudder. What kind of person would do that?

Lucy leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Ann, I'm serious. Wouldn't it be better to find a real boyfriend instead of... you know, pretending to be one? Isn't that what you really want?"

Hannah chuckled bitterly, her gaze drifting to the rain-soaked street outside the window.

"If I could find a boyfriend, I wouldn't need this job, would I?" She paused, watching people hurry by with umbrellas. Her voice softened. "You know why I do this, Lucy."

Lucy sighed, her teasing smile faltering. "You're still not over him, are you?"

Hannah's jaw tightened, and she looked away.

"Thought so," Lucy said, smirking.

"Oh, shut the fu*k up," Hannah muttered, annoyed.

She pushed her plate aside, her mind already drifting to her to-do list. After this, she needed to hit the supermarket. Great, she thought, realizing she'd forgotten her umbrella. 'Just my luck.'

One of the reasons Hannah didn't have a boyfriend was that she still couldn't forget her high school crush. A senior she had admired from afar, he'd captured her heart with his quiet confidence and kind smile. Hannah had been so smitten that she'd chosen the same college-and even the same major-just to be closer to him.

She had clung to those feelings all through college, her devotion unwavering. But life had a way of moving people in different directions. He had left to study abroad, disappearing from her life entirely.

Now, years later, Hannah sighed heavily. Though she hadn't seen him in person for so long, her feelings for him remained stubbornly intact.

'Why can't I let him go?' she wondered for the thousandth time.

He didn't even exist on social media, not a single trace of him to be found. It was as if he'd vanished from the digital world.

Is he doing well now?

"Ann," Lucy's voice broke through her thoughts. "How long has it been since we graduated? And you're still hung up on that guy?"

Hannah shrugged, avoiding her friend's gaze.

Lucy narrowed her eyes. "And don't tell me you've never been interested in any of the guys who rented you."

"I don't know, Lu," Hannah said softly. "I never felt anything for them. I do this job because... sometimes I just want to feel what it's like to have a boyfriend. Even if it's fake."

In all the years Hannah had been a rented girlfriend, not once had she felt any real connection with the men who hired her. Sure, a few had tried to pursue something more, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

Sometimes, she felt like her life was stuck in a loop. She envied the couples she saw on the street, laughing and holding hands. She wanted to experience love-real love-but somehow, it always felt out of reach.

"Honestly, I don't get you," Lucy said, shaking her head. "If you want a boyfriend so badly, just find a real one. Why play this rented girlfriend game? I swear, your brain works in the weirdest ways."

Hannah chuckled, grabbing her bag. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say. I'm heading out. I need to stop by the supermarket before it gets too late."

Lucy blinked in surprise. "Wait, you're leaving me here?!"

"You should head home too," Hannah said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

"Are you serious right now? You promised I could stay at your place tonight!" Lucy yelped, scrambling to pack up her things.

Hannah smirked as she headed for the door. "Then hurry up, slowpoke."

Lucy groaned, rushing to catch up, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

**

It sounded absurd, even to Hannah herself. No one could truly understand why she agreed to the request-least of all her. But the money was good, and that was reason enough. On Saturday afternoon, as planned, she walked into the bustling café, her heart thudding as she scanned the room.

Her client was easy to spot. A man sat alone in the corner, exuding an air of cool detachment that seemed to repel anyone from sitting near him. Taking a deep breath, Hannah approached him cautiously.

"Um... Mr. Carson?" she asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.

The man looked up briefly, his expression unreadable. "Sit."

Hannah managed a faint smile and pulled out the chair opposite him. Settling into her seat, she studied him for a moment. He was tall, sharp-featured, and undeniably handsome. The kind of man who could turn heads in any room.

Her thoughts spiraled. Why would someone like him need to hire a fake girlfriend? Surely, with looks like that, he could have women lining up for his attention. The mystery intrigued her, but before she could ponder it further, his voice cut through her thoughts.

"You only need to act as my girlfriend in front of my father and grandfather," Cameron said bluntly, his tone colder than the café's iced beverages. "We'll be having dinner with them later. Once that's done, you're free to go."

Hannah blinked, momentarily taken aback by his curt demeanor. Wow. Charming.

"Uh, sure," she managed to reply. "Anything else I should know?"

He continued, ignoring her awkwardness. "We've been dating for two months. We met here six months ago. Keep your story straight, don't embellish, and for God's sake, don't say anything unnecessary."

Hannah bit back a retort and nodded. "Understood... uh, sir?"

"Cam," he corrected sharply. "And don't be so formal. My family will pick up on that immediately."

"Right. Got it." She forced a bright, agreeable tone, though her fingers itched to smack the arrogance out of him.

Cameron regarded her with a critical eye, his brow furrowing slightly. "I don't like your look."

"Excuse me?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and offense.

"Your outfit. It's not suitable," he said bluntly, rising from his seat. "Come with me."

Still stunned, Hannah followed him as he strode out of the café without a backward glance. Her annoyance simmered as she hurried to keep up, his long strides making her feel like a fumbling child.

Cameron led her to an expensive-looking sports car parked out front. Hannah stopped in her tracks, her jaw slack. Who was this guy?!

Sliding into the driver's seat, Cameron gestured impatiently for her to get in. Reluctantly, she opened the passenger door, the plush leather seats doing little to soothe her irritation.

They drove in tense silence until Cameron pulled up to a boutique nestled in a chic part of town. Without so much as a word, he escorted her inside, where racks of designer clothes and displays of sparkling accessories awaited.

"I don't see the problem with my dress," Hannah muttered as she trailed behind him, feeling utterly out of place.

"But I do," he said simply.

Before she could argue, a stylist approached them, and Cameron began issuing instructions with all the authority of someone who was used to getting his way. Hannah stood there, fuming, as she was whisked away to be "fixed."

Nearly an hour later, Hannah stepped out of the salon, her appearance utterly transformed. Her hair had been styled into soft waves, her makeup subtle but sophisticated, and the dress Cameron had chosen for her was nothing short of breathtaking. The sleek, emerald-green fabric hugged her figure perfectly, and the matching heels added an elegant touch. It was the kind of outfit she could never dream of affording on her own.

She cast a sideways glance at Cameron, who seemed unfazed by the expense. This guy is insanely rich.

Without a word, Cameron opened the car door for her, and they drove off. Their next destination was a restaurant at a luxurious five-star hotel, its grand entrance framed by towering pillars and glittering chandeliers visible even from the parking lot. Hannah tried not to gape as they stepped inside.

A waiter, dressed impeccably in a crisp uniform, greeted them with a polite bow. "Mr. Carson, your table is ready. Please, follow me."

Cameron nodded curtly, his hand resting lightly on Hannah's back as he guided her forward. The contact sent an unexpected shiver up her spine, but she brushed it off, chalking it up to nerves.

As they walked through the opulent dining area, Hannah couldn't help but let her thoughts wander. Why on earth does a guy like him need to hire a fake girlfriend? With this kind of money, he could have anyone he wanted. Her gaze shifted to Cameron's chiseled profile.

There's got to be something wrong with him. Maybe he's controlling. Or secretly weird. Yeah, definitely weird.

The waiter stopped in front of a set of double doors, opening them with a practiced flourish. "Your room, sir."

Cameron strode inside without hesitation, and Hannah followed close behind, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The private room was intimate but lavish, the kind of space reserved for VIPs. Seated at the table were two men, both dressed sharply in tailored suits. They looked up as Hannah and Cameron entered.

Hannah's steps faltered as her eyes landed on one of the men. Her breath caught in her throat. No way!

It was her boss. The president director of her office.

Her heart dropped to her stomach as she instinctively stiffened, her mind racing. What is he doing here?

"What is my boss doing here?!" Hannah froze, disbelief coursing through her as she took in the familiar face across the room.

The older man, the president director of her company, raised an eyebrow at her.

"What took you so long? I was about to leave!" he barked impatiently.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa. I had a few things to handle first," Cameron replied smoothly, completely unfazed.

'Grandpa?!' Hannah's thoughts spun. 'Wait-Cameron is the grandson of Mr. Carson?!'

"I thought you weren't coming," said the man seated beside him, who looked younger but had a distinguished air. Hannah guessed he must be Cameron's father.

"Of course I came. I wanted you both to meet Hannah," Cameron replied, a hint of a smile on his face as he gestured to her.

Hannah swallowed hard, feeling as if the ground had shifted beneath her. She should have realized-Cameron's last name was Carson, just like Harish Carson, the president director of her office.

Cameron pulled out a chair for her, gesturing for her to sit. "Take a seat, sweetheart."

"A-ah, alright." Hannah gave a quick nod, trying to mask her nerves as she took her place beside him. She was reeling. Cameron Carson was Harish Carson's grandson?

"So, this is your girlfriend?" Harish's eyes were sharp as they flicked over her, scrutinizing her every move.

Hannah forced a polite smile, though her hands were clammy. 'Does he know who I am?'

"Yes," Cameron said, his tone confident. "This is Hannah, my girlfriend."

"G-good to meet you, Mr. Carson," Hannah managed, staying in character as Cameron's supposed girlfriend. "Cam has told me so much about you."

Harish let out a booming laugh. "Then I'm sure you're bored of hearing about my adventures by now. I honestly didn't expect my grandson to bring a girl around. I thought he'd given up on relationships after... well, that incident."

'So that's why he hired me-a fake girlfriend to appease his family?' she realized, glancing sideways at Cameron.

But a sense of relief trickled through her. 'If Mr. Carson didn't recognize me, then I'm safe- at least for now.'

Hannah's stomach knotted with worry. She had worked for years to get into Carson's company, and the last thing she wanted was for her career to be ruined over a fake relationship.

"Come on, Grandpa," Cameron chuckled, breaking the tension, "let's not bring up ancient history in front of Hannah."

Harish waved a hand, laughing heartily. "Ah, forgive me. I'm just thrilled to see you with a girlfriend, Cam."

Josh, Cameron's father, turned to her with a warm smile. "It must be quite a task, being my son's girlfriend, don't you think, Hannah?"

Hannah returned his smile, nodding.

"Sometimes he surprises me. But... that's actually one of the things I admire about him," she replied, sounding more convincing than she felt.

Josh laughed, giving Cameron a playful nudge. "Well, you're lucky to have found such a lovely girl. And Hannah, I apologize in advance for whatever you'll have to put up with."

"Why are you talking as if I'm some sort of disaster?" Cameron muttered, a hint of annoyance crossing his face. Hannah stifled a laugh, realizing how different he looked when he let his guard down. There was something charming about the way his usual sternness softened, if only for a moment.

'Wait-what am I thinking?' she scolded herself, forcing her attention back to dinner.

The evening went smoothly, and to her relief, Harish seemed oblivious to her real connection to his company. Both men seemed to like her, even going so far as to show their approval of her "relationship" with Cameron.

But a thought gnawed at her-what would happen if Harish found out that her relationship with Cameron was just an act? She shook her head, dismissing the worry.

After dinner, Cameron drove her home. Silence stretched between them, each lost in their own thoughts. Hannah couldn't help but worry. If Harish or Josh discovered her role at the company, it could jeopardize everything she'd worked for.

Meanwhile, Cameron seemed blissfully unaware that the woman he'd hired was one of his grandfather's employees.

"Get out." Cameron abruptly pulled over to the side of the road, his tone cold and unfeeling.

"Here?" Hannah asked, disbelief in her voice as she looked around at the empty stretch of road.

Cameron pulled out his wallet and tossed a few bills in her direction. "I'll call you if I need you again. Now get out."

Hannah let out a disbelieving chuckle. She'd thought he would at least drop her off near her apartment or at a café-not leave her stranded on the side of a highway.

"What? You thought I'd give you a ride all the way home?" Cameron raised an eyebrow, looking almost amused.

Without another word, she picked up the money he'd thrown, dropped it onto the floor of the car, and climbed out, slamming the door behind her. Cameron sped off, leaving her alone in a cloud of exhaust.

"What a jerk!" she muttered, flipping him off-though he was too far gone to see it.

Frustrated, Hannah hailed a taxi and finally made it home. Though Cameron had paid her more than agreed and even added a tip, his rude behavior had soured her mood entirely.

When she got to her apartment, she threw her bag down and collapsed onto the couch, groaning in frustration.

"Whoa, what happened to you?" Lucy, her roommate, asked, raising an eyebrow as she walked over.

"Lucy, I think my career might be in serious jeopardy," Hannah mumbled, running a hand over her face.

Lucy's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Why? Don't tell me you're actually falling for the guy who hired you. Wait, are you getting married and quitting your job?"

Hannah rolled her eyes. "No! My client is Mr. Carson's grandson!"

Lucy's jaw dropped.

"Mr. Carson? The only Carson I know is the president of our company," Lucy said, her eyes widening.

"Exactly," Hannah replied with a weary sigh.

"You're kidding! The guy who hired you is Mr. Carson's grandson? I didn't think your life could get this interesting. Didn't I tell you that your 'side gig' would come back to bite you?"

"Oh, shut up, Lu. My head's pounding." Hannah rubbed her temples. "And for the record, I don't like Cameron. His attitude makes me want to scream."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so his name is Cameron, huh? And... is he at least good-looking?"

Very. Extremely.

But Hannah bit back the thought, scowling as she remembered his arrogant behavior. "He's my worst client. I've never met anyone as self-absorbed as he is."

Lucy smirked. "Really? Because it sounds like you didn't totally hate your night with him. What exactly did you two do?"

Hannah threw her an unamused glare. "Does it look like I had fun?"

Lucy laughed, waving off the remark. "Relax, your career will be fine-"

"No, Lu. My career could be over." Hannah gave a nervous laugh. "I had dinner with Mr. Carson. The Mr. Carson!"

Lucy's eyes grew wider. "Wait-Harish Carson? Did he recognize you?"

Hannah shook her head. "Thank goodness, no. I guess it makes sense, though. I'm just an ordinary employee, no one important."

"Then don't stress about it. He didn't recognize you, which means you're in the clear," Lucy said, patting her shoulder

Hannah sighed, hoping Lucy was right and that this wasn't the start of a catastrophe.

The next morning, Hannah dragged herself to work, exhausted from a night of anxious thoughts. What if she accidentally ran into Harish at the office? She'd seen him around before, usually in the elevator, but never expected he might actually notice her.

She swiped her access card at the main doors and stumbled toward the elevators. She joined three other employees as the doors opened, but just before they closed, Harish and Cameron stepped inside.

Her heart dropped. Oh no. Why are they here?!

"Why do I have to meet them now, of all times?!"

Hannah lowered her head the moment she noticed Harish and Cameron stepping into the elevator. To her relief, she was tucked away in the back corner while they stood near the doors. A small group of employees shielded her from their view, but it didn't ease her anxiety.

'This is bad!' she thought, her heart pounding. 'If this keeps up, they'll figure out who I am!'

Her mind raced. Why would the company owner share an elevator with regular employees anyway? Shouldn't someone like him demand exclusive treatment? Hannah had counted on avoiding situations like this, and yet here she was, caught in a precarious moment.

Ting!

The elevator chimed as the doors slid open on her floor. A wave of dread washed over her. She couldn't just stay inside, because it was her stop. But walking past Harish and Cameron felt like a disaster waiting to happen.

"Dammit!" she muttered under her breath.

In a desperate attempt to mask her identity, Hannah undid her hair tie and let her hair fall over her face like a curtain. She lowered her head even further and whispered in a deliberately raspy voice, "Excuse me, sorry, I need to get through."

Harish and Cameron stepped aside, puzzled, as she brushed past them.

Both men exchanged a glance, watching her retreating figure.

"Why does she look like a ghost? I couldn't even see her face," Harish remarked with a chuckle as the elevator doors began to close.

"Her voice was weird too," Cameron added, frowning slightly.

Meanwhile, Hannah darted down the hallway to her division's room, her heart racing like a drumbeat.

'It worked!' she thought, her chest heaving. Did they recognize her?

She shook her head. No, she don't think so. For now, at least, her secret was safe.

"Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" Lucy asked as she approached Hannah, who was still struggling to catch her breath.

"I saw him," Hannah whispered, her voice laced with frustration.

"Who?" Lucy raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Cameron!" Hannah hissed, glancing around nervously.

Lucy's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth in shock. "You're joking!"

"What are you two whispering about?" Denise suddenly chimed in, interrupting their hushed conversation. She leaned closer, a curious grin on her face. "Oh, right, Hannah. Have you heard the rumors?"

"Rumors?" Hannah asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Are you serious? You need to hang out with the rest of us sometimes! Then you wouldn't miss the big news about our CEO's grandson," Denise said, her excitement bubbling over. "He's so handsome, Hannah. I swear, one look at him, and you'll be smitten!"

Hannah and Lucy exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable. Was Denise talking about Cameron?

"If a guy like that ran this company," Denise continued with a dreamy sigh, "I'd actually look forward to coming to work every day."

"They've been talking about Cameron non-stop since this morning," Lucy muttered, crossing her arms.

Hannah slumped into her chair, exhaling heavily. Cameron's arrival seemed to have cast a spell over the office. To her coworkers, his presence was like a stroke of good fortune, a dazzling new star to brighten their mundane days.

But for Hannah, it was nothing short of a nightmare.

Why does he have to work here? Of all places?!

The chatter about Cameron's charm didn't let up all day. Everywhere Hannah turned, someone was gushing over his looks or speculating about his life.

By the end of it, Hannah's patience had worn thin.

If only they knew what a jerk he really is.

Meanwhile, Cameron lounged in his grandfather's chair in Harish's grand office, leaning back with a satisfied smirk.

"I'll be sitting here soon," he murmured, a spark of ambition lighting his eyes.

Harish, who had been observing him with thinly veiled amusement, scowled and waved him off. "Get out of that chair. It's not your time yet."

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Cameron stood and straightened his suit. "So, when will it be my time, Grandpa? When will you induct me?"

"Induct you?" Harish echoed, leaning back against his desk with a sly smile. "Oh no, no. Not so fast. You have to get married first. Only then will I swear you in as the new chairman."

"What?!" Cameron's eyes widened in disbelief. "But you told me I could take over if I had a girlfriend!"

"Did I say that?" Harish stroked his chin theatrically. "Well, forget it. Plans change. Marriage first. Then the chair."

"Are you playing a trick on me?!" Cameron growled, his frustration palpable. "I've already introduced you to my girlfriend! Why are you suddenly moving the goalpost?!"

Harish raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his grandson's indignation. "So what? You've found the right woman. Why don't you marry her? What's the holdup?"

Harish turned to Ben, who was standing dutifully beside Cameron, an amused glint in his eye. "Isn't that right, Ben?"

Ben nodded, barely suppressing a grin. "Absolutely, sir. It'd be even better if you got married and had a son. Then, one day, you could pass the company on to him."

Cameron shot Ben a murderous glare. "Oh, shut the hell up. Whose side are you on?"

Ben's shoulders shook with silent laughter. He'd known Cameron since their college days, and their friendship had only grown stronger over the years. But since Harish called Cameron home to prepare him for the company, Ben had been promoted to Cameron's secretary, much to his endless amusement.

"Exactly! Ben understands me," Harish said with a hearty laugh, clapping his hands together.

Cameron clenched his fists. "But, Grandpa-"

"I won't hear another word," Harish interrupted, his tone firm now. "If you want to sit in that chair, you'll get married first. End of discussion."

Cameron ruffled his hair in frustration, his face twisting in irritation. His grandfather's sudden change of heart was driving him mad.

Marriage before power? He glared at the chair as if it had betrayed him too.

**

Hannah sighed, barely masking her irritation as Denise and the others continued their endless chatter about Cameron. Even Lucy, who should have known better, had joined in on the conversation, occasionally glancing at Hannah with an innocent smile, oblivious to her growing annoyance.

'I need a break,' Hannah thought.

She stood abruptly, grabbing her phone and bag.

"I'll grab some lunch... and coffee," she muttered to herself, heading for the elevator.

Once inside, she pressed the button for the lobby and leaned back against the wall, hoping for a moment of peace. But her hopes were short-lived.

When the elevator reached the third floor, it stopped, and the doors slid open.

Cameron stepped in.

Hannah's heart sank. Damn it! Why now?!

She immediately ducked her head, letting her hair fall over her face like a curtain. If Cameron recognized her here, of all places, her carefully guarded identity could unravel in an instant. Her career-her life-could be in jeopardy.

The elevator doors closed, sealing the two of them in the confined space.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Hannah's pulse raced, her mind scrambling for an escape plan. But Cameron didn't seem to notice her. He stood beside her, his expression distracted, lost in his own thoughts.

Unbeknownst to Hannah, Cameron wasn't focused on his surroundings at all. His mind was preoccupied with one thing, securing his position as the next president director. His grandfather's ridiculous condition loomed over him like a storm cloud, and he needed a solution. Fast. As soon as possible.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. Pulling his phone from his coat pocket, he quickly typed out a message.

Cameron: I need your help.

Hannah's phone chimed, the sound breaking the tense silence in the elevator.

Her breath caught. No. No, no, no!

She clutched her phone, terrified to even glance at the screen.

Cameron, startled by the sound, turned his head toward her, his brow furrowing. For a moment, his gaze lingered, as if trying to place her.

Hannah's heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it. She tightened her grip on her phone, praying the elevator would reach the lobby before her secret unraveled.