My Fake Girlfriend

"Athena, we need two salmon steak." The head chef said and I gave him a thumbs up. I quickly started to do my thing. I'm a chef in a really famous fine dining restaurant called Skye. It's a western fine dining restaurant.

I always wanted to be a chef and now I'm 25 years old getting my dream job. My dad is a famous chef too and he has his own restaurant in New York. My family are all in New York while I'm alone in LA.

Why? I want to have my own experience without leeching to my dad. I don't want him to help me and I don't want people to hire me because of my dad. My two brothers came here to LA every three months to check on me because my parents worried too much.

We always call every 3 days, just to check on me. I'm glad that I have a family who supported me in everything I do. My dad taught me all the basic things and I'm grateful for it. My mom is a fashion designer, she used to hope that I would be like her but she supports me one hundred percent. As for my brothers, the oldest Jayson is an architect and my second brother Jackson is a doctor.

"Athena, 3 carbonara and another salmon steak!" The head chef said and I quickly do my thing. Order kept coming and there's no stopping.

"1 Lobster mac and cheese."

"2 Lasagna."

"1 Mushroom soup."

"3 Fish and Chips."

I bet I cooked all the food on the menu tonight. I'm not complaining at all, I love my job but sometimes I just need 5 minutes to breath.

"Athena, come on!" I passed the playe and he gave me a nod. There's 5 professional chefs here and we all worked good as a team. Order kept coming and suddenly I was stopped by Minnie. She's our manager and she gestured me to stop everything.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Please follow me." She said in a serious tone. I gulped nervously because I'm pretty I didn't make any mistake.

"But.. can it wait?" I asked.

"It's the boss' order."

"Boss?" I asked.

"Yes, our boss." Minnie gestured me to follow her fast. She led me out from the kitchen to the second floor.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"I don't know, please keep up the pace.." I followed her up and she lef me to the small meeting room. She knocked the door and gestured me to go in. I opened the door and my eyes widen.

"Anderson?" I looked at him disbelief.

"Hello Athena." He smirked as he got up from his seat.

"What are you doing here, Ares?" I asked.

Ares Anderson is my highschool friend. We're friends nothing more. He's the most popular guy in school. He's a playboy and he always change his girls like he changed his clothes. Now that he's all grown up, girls leeching to him for his money.

He's still popular until now, he's all over the magazine and all over the celebrity news.

"Athena, how are you?" He asked as he pulled me into a hug. I looked at him suspiciously.

"Sit down, please." He said.

"You're my boss?" I asked and he nodded.

"Okay, that kinda make sense."

"You like your job?"

"Of course, or else I won't work here." I stated the obvious.

"Because you're fired." He said and my jaw dropped. I looked at him confused because I'm pretty sure that I didn't do anything wrong.

"Did I do something wrong?" I asked.

"From now on, I want you to be my fake girlfriend." He said like it's nothing.

"Excuse me?" I looked at him disbelief.

"My fake girlfriend." He repeated and I looked at him coldly.

"I heard it, I'm not deaf."

"Agree to it then.." He said proudly like I'm going to agree to it that easy.

"No." I said and Ares' face was priceless. He didn't see it coming. I bet he never got any rejection before.

"No?"

"No, I'm not doing your stupid plan. Why would I be your fake girlfriend? You can pick other woman, they will do it in a heartbeat." I said and he sighed.

"That's the point, Athena. I don't those girls, I want you to be my fake girlfriend. I know you can keep a secret and I already checked your background. You have a clean and good background to begin with. Your father-"

"You're looking into my background?" I cut him and I wanted to smack the shit out of him.

"Of course, I need a likable girlfriend to bring home to my family."

"What if I can't keep a secret and why me?"

"You can, I know you're capable of this." He smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"No."

"You have to, I already fired you."

"That's not fair, Ares! You can't just fire me and expect me to.. agree with you!" I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"You have to."

"No. I'll just look for another job."

"You can't, I bought a place for your new restaurant. Just take it as my payment for you to be my fake girlfriend." My jaw dropped again and I sat down because I can't believe that this is happening.

"No, I don't need your money or that restaurant."

"It won't be hard, I promise. All you need to do is stand beside me and treat me like I'm your boyfriend. I'll pay you too and give you this restaurant for free." He said and I looked at him speechless.

"No."

"How about I already told your dad that you have a new restaurant that you buy with your own money?" He smiled.

"You did not!"

"Call him.." He said and I sighed.

"How long do you need me for?"

"6 months." He said as he sat down in front of me.

"That restaurant is mine by then?"

"Yes. It's all yours."

"Will there be a contract of something?" I asked. He took out a file from a bag behind him. He gave it to me.

"What is this?"

"Contract and some regulations for this.. relationship." He pointed at the both of us. I opened the contract and he already wrote my name and that we will be dating for 6 months. I turned the page and there's rules too.

He doesn't want to make this relationship public. He wants me to join him in all family related events. He wants me to not contact him for personal matters. He doesn't want me to tell anyone. He doesn't want me to have a boyfriend by the time we're dating. He wants me to act like a good girlfriend. There will be some skinship involved so I have to be ready.

"Any questions?" He asked.

"You're basically just using me as your trophy?" I asked.

"Yes, something like that." I scoffed.

"We won't be a couple in public, you don't need to worry." He said.

"Okay."

"So I sign this here?" I asked and he nodded. I signed the contract without thinking twice. I don't know what's in my head a few seconds ago but I hope I don't regret it.

"Good girl." He smiled. I gave the file to him and he signed it too. I got up but he stopped me.

"I'll text you about the restaurant."

"You don't even have my number." I looked at him raising my eyebrows.

"Give it to me then."

"No."

"That's what I thought. I'll text you tonight, girlfriend." He smirked and I left the room.

No regrets, Athena. No regrets.

Ares: Come meet me in front of the restaurant now

I rolled my eyes reading his text. Yesterday, my dad called me and told me how proud he is that I can have my own restaurant. He said he will visit me very soon. Ares is such a jerk, how can he.. did this to me. Now, I'm stuck with him for 6 months.

I walked out and released my apron. His assistant led me to his expensive car. I got inside and glared at him.

"I told you not to work, why are you so stubborn?"

"I'm a chef, I love cooking and working."

"We're going to your new restaurant." He said and I can't help but smile.

"Your unbelievable. Can I ask you something?"

"Ask away." He said as he gestured his driver to drive.

"Why do you need a fake girlfriend? I bet all the girls who are lining want to do it for free.."

"My dad wants me to settle down because he fed up seeing my like this. My grandmother kept blabbering about wanting to see my girlfriend. They want me to bring my girlfriend home and since I don't want them to beat me to death. I need to search for someone who has.. a good background like you. Your face is okay and your body is okay too." I smacked his arm and he groaned in pain.

"Excuse me? You don't need to comment on my appearance, you jerk!"

"I'm being honest about my reasons."

"Okay. It's not like we will stick together everyday, I'll be cursed if that happens." I said.

"Who says that?" He smirked and I turned to him.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Tomorrow is my grandmother's 75th birthday and after that my sister is planning her wedding which you will help her and-"

"I'm your fake girlfriend, not your wife. Why do I hav-"

"I'm not finish, baby." He put his index finger on my lips and I bit him. He pulled his finger out and glared at me.

"Why did you do that?"

"I hate you!"

"You better behave well around me." He grabbed my hand and I rolled my eyes.

"I know my family will like you when you attend my grandmother's birthday. I bet my sister will ask you to help her. They would want you around a lot so.. you're stuck with me almost everyday, baby." He smiled and winked.

"This feels like hell."

"6 months, Athena. Fool my family for 6 months and you will have your own restaurant. I will tell my family that we broke up too."

"Okay." I nodded.

"Let's go to your new.. baby." He said and I can't wait to see it. After 20 minutes drive, we arrived and I saw an empty 2 story building in front of me.

"Your new baby, everything is ready and I will gather a new team of chefs and staffs for you by next week. All you need to do is decide your menu." He said and I walked inside. I walked around and completely star struck.

"You can start anytime, whenever you're ready."

"Okay." I squealed.

"Okay?"

"Are you expecting a thank you? This is mutual.. you should thank me first." I said and he chuckled.

"Smart girl, that's what I like about you." He patted my head as I looked around.

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah, I like it a lot. It's beautiful and just the way I like it."

"You'll cook for me right?" He asked.

"Depends." I joked and he turned around.

"I'm joking! What do you want?"

"There's some ingredients in the fridge, how about you show me what you got?" He said and I gestured him to sit. I walked to the kitchen and found 2 steak, potates, tomatoes, pasta and some shrimp. I decided to show my skill and told him to wait.

After 20 minutes, I walked out with two plates full of food. I put one in front of him and one for me. He took a bite of the steak and then the pasta, the shrimp and the potatoes.

"How is it?" I asked.

"Not as good." He said as he got up from his seat.

"What?!" I looked at him disbelief. "Did you lose your taste buds?" I asked.

"I have to go." He said as he walked to the door and he stopped. He turned to me.

"Tonight my assistant will come to you and bring a dress for tomorrow. I'll pick you up at 10 tomorrow."

"Okay."

"See you." He smiled and then he walked out. I ate my food and Ares' food. It's so good, I swear he has a weird taste. I stayed there and decided to stop working on my previous restaurant. I need to tell my bestfriend Christie.

I spend my day working on menus and I'm so excited for this new journey. I should thanked him one day and pay him slowly. He made my dream come true instantly. After staying at the kitchen for 6 hours, I decided to go back and baked some cupcakes for Ares' grandmother's birthday.

Suddenly my door bell rang and I walked out to see a woman in office attire. She gave me a black box.

"Ms. Matthew, a package from Mr. Anderson." She said and I thanked her. I walked in with the box and opened it. It's a short floral dress, it's beautiful and so.. me.

My phone vibrated and I grabbed it.

Ares: Dress beautifully tomorrow

I rolled my eyes but a smile left my face. I hung the dress and decided to go to sleep early.

I got up around 7 am, I ate my breakfast and jumped into the shower. I wore the dress that Ares gave me yesterday and curled my hair before braiding my top half. I put my make up on and sprayed some perfume. I put on my highheels and looked at myself in the mirror.

I look.. okay.

I grabbed my bag and put my phone, cards and my powerbank. Just in case I need it. My phone rang and it's Ares.

"Hey, I'm at the lobby. Come down." He said and I ended the call. I walked out from my apartment with my cupcakes and went down to the lobby. He's already opened his car window gesturing me to get in. I walked towards him and got into the car.

"Good." He said.

"Hi to you too." I said sarcastically.

"I just need to act as your girlfriend right? We don-"

"Did you read the full contract?" He raised his eyebrows.

"Nope, why?"

"Read it when you get home and I'm going to help you do this today."

"What is it?"

"There's so many rules there and what a shame that you already signed it without reading all." I glared at him and he chuckled.

"What's in there?"

"Trust me, I'll help you." He smirked and then silent.

"What if they ask you when and where do we meet and something like that?" I asked him.

"We met in highschool, that's not lying and we met again in a reunion. I'm interested in you and I like you.. and we already date for 2 months."

"Your 2 months is full of hitting models." I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not going to go public with you, I'm just going to show you to my family and tell them you prefer to be private because I don't want to hurt you." He said and I nodded.

"Which is that a big bullshit lie."

"Why? You want to date me for real?"

"Yeah, when chicken starts to moo." I rolled my eyes.

"That's what I thought because I don't date, I don't want to stuck in a relationship. I want to have fun."

"So you take them to bed?"

"Sometimes. I'm being careful, I don't want any mini me running around just yet."

"You're such a weird guy. Having a relationship is a good thing and why don't you want one?" I turned to him.

"Why don't you have a boyfriend? Too bad in the rules number 23, no dating while we're in this fake relationship." He smirked

"I know that rule besides we're in a fake relationship, what if I meet my soulmate?"

"No can't do, rule number 12, you can't end the contract before it's over."

"You memorized it?" I looked at him disbelief.

"Of course, I have to." His car stopped in front of a big house. I looked at it and it's a classic house. I got out from his car and walked inside with him. He slipped his arm around my waist before entering.

"Rule number 20, show skinship to everyone." He kissed my cheek and it burned my skin. "Rule number 25, I get to kiss you anytime."

"That's not fair, I'm not your toy!" I hissed. He put his finger to my mouth and slid his arm to my waist again. He went straight to the garden.

"Granny! Happy birthday!" Ares left me to hig his grandmother and kissed her cheeks. I smiled and Ares turned to me.

"Who is this?"

"Granny, this is Athena, she's my girlfriend. The one that I told you about." Ares introduced me to his grandmother.

"Hello, I'm Athena. Happy birthday. I hope you like cupcakes, I baked you some." I said as I gave her my pink box full of cupcakes.

"Thank you so much, Athena. You can call me Lily and I'm glad that Ares decided to introduce you to me after hiding it for months." Lily smiled and I chuckled.

"Oh my.. who is this lovely girl?" I turned to see who I assumed Ares' mother.

"I'm Athena, Ares' girlfriend."

"I'm Rachel, Ares' mother. It's so nice meeting you, I thought he's.. being delusional. This is his first time introducing his girlfriend to us." She held my hands and I turned to Ares.

"Isn't she lovely?" Ares said as he wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Is he giving you a hard time?" Lily asked.

"Sometimes."

"Babe.." Ares whined.

"I'm kidding, he's lovely."

"Hello.. Hello!" A beautiful girl came into the picture and she hugged Lily.

"My beautiful granddaughter.." Lily hugged her tightly.

"Happy birthday Granny, I love you so much!" She said and Lily kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, my pumpkin."

"Hello." She turned to me after I greeted her.

"Vi, this is my girlfriend, Athena. Athena, this is my sister, Viola." Ares introduced me to his sister.

"Nice to meet you, what did he do to you until you want to be his girlfriend?"

"Hey! That's an insult.." Ares hissed and he kissed my cheek.

"You two are the cutest!" She squealed. "I like her already!" They all excused themselves except Ares to go greet other guess. I elbowed Ares and he looked at me confused.

"That's for kissing and touching me."

"Why? It's in the-" I cut him by linking my arms to him. Lily was walking towards us.

"Athena, you should help Viola plan her wedding. I think it would be fun for you to hangout with her." Lily said and I turned to Ares.

"Told you.." He whispered in my ear.

"But I-"

"No buts! I like you akready and I want to soend more time with you!" Lily pulled me away from Ares and he made me sit with Viola and Rachel.

"So.. Athena, where do you work?" Rachel asked.

"I just opened a restaurant, I'm a chef." I smiled.

"A chef?" Lily turned to me.

"Yes."

"You have to teach me how to cook." Viola said.

"Of course, tell me when you're free and I can come to you and teach you."

"Really? OMG, you're the best!" Viola squealed.

"How about we learn it here? We can learn it together." Rachel suggested.

Suddenly people started to fill the place and they all went to Lily to wish her a happy birthday. I sat there alone but I enjoyed the moment.

"Athena." I turned to Ares and he gestured me to come to him.

"Babe, meet my dad. Dad, this is Athena, my girlfriend." He introduced me to his dad and I shook his hand and hugged him briefly.

"Athena."

"This is a real one or.. just one of your flings?" His dad asked.

"Real one, dad. I like her a lot or else I won't introduce her to you."

"Good, I'm Aaron by the way." He said and smiled. Aaron then excused himself because he has to entertain other guess. I turned Ares and wrapped my arms around his neck. He looked at me raising his eyebrows.

"Your grandmother is looking at us. I want to slap you so bad for today." I said with a big smile. He slid his arms around my waist.

"Oh.. you're going to kill me by the end of the day."