The Superstars Fake Fiance

A couple was engrossed in a passionate make-out session inside a luxury car parked in the VIP area of a famous mall. Anyone could catch them in the act, but they seemed indifferent, continuing their affectionate display.

"Just so you know, Ray, I love you so much." The woman whispered breathlessly, her hand reaching out to sensually stroke the man's chest.

"Me too, Babe. If I didn't love you, our relationship wouldn't have come this far. No matter what, I love you."

The woman grinned, one corner of her bright red lipstick-painted lips lifting high. She was very satisfied with the confession from her much younger lover. "No matter what, Rayyen Maximus is only Veronica Smith's," she said emphatically.

The next moment, Veronica intended to kiss Rayyen again, but before she could, the flash of a camera from outside intruded on them. This instantly snapped Rayyen to awareness, making him genuinely shocked.

"Shit! The paparazzi caught us!" Rayyen cursed loudly. "We have to get out of here," he urged.

Rayyen stepped on the gas pedal, driving his luxury car away quickly to avoid the paparazzi following them. He was very sure that tomorrow, there would be plenty of news stories highlighting him.

***

"Handsome actor Rayyen Maximus caught making out with a woman believed to be Veronica Smith, a senior model from ILook agency."

.

"Rayyen Miller's love scandal revealed, the handsome man is in a relationship with a senior model."

.

"With an age gap of over ten years, Rayyen Miller is secretly dating a senior model."

.

Rayyen massaged his throbbing temples after reading all the morning's headlines. Now, the whole country was talking about the scandal he had created.

He should have calculated the huge risk before acting. This was entirely beyond his expectations. It was his own fault for not just making out in a hotel like usual.

"RAYYEN!"

A piercing voice rang out as his apartment door opened. A man walked toward him as he sat on the living room sofa.

Judging by his face, the man was either upset or angry. It was surely related to the news about Rayyen that was currently being talked about by all the media.

"My God! What news did you make today?" the man said angrily, throwing several newspapers onto the coffee table. "I've warned you repeatedly, don't play with fire. You're a public figure. Many eyes are watching your every move out there. Now, look at this, the whole world is talking about the scandal you created. And you did it in a mall parking lot, of all places."

Rayyen sighed lazily. His head was really pounding, almost bursting. And now, on top of that, he had to listen to the rant of his manager and assistant, who talked like a runaway train. "Richard, can you calm down a bit? It's still morning, and you're already noisy. I swear, I'm really having a headache right now."

Richard put his hands on his hips, sitting next to Rayyen, his face showing clear displeasure.

"It's your own fault. I already warned you not to get involved with Veronica anymore. You're handsome, a famous actor, why are you dating a woman who could practically be your aunt? Are you out of stock of girls or what?"

Veronica Smith was a senior actress and model, well-known throughout the country, not for her achievements but for the many scandals she had been involved in.

Rayyen actually became an actor partly due to Veronica's help. She introduced him to a renowned producer, and luckily, the movie Rayyen starred in skyrocketed, making him famous.

But no one knew for sure when Rayyen started dating Veronica, who was old enough to be his aunt or even mother.

The paparazzi had long suspected their relationship. Last night, they finally managed to capture photos of Rayyen being affectionate with the woman.

"Richard... I've told you many times, Veronica is the only one I love in this world. I don't care what people say. I don't care."

Richard nodded, clicking his tongue.

"Okay, if you don't care about what's happening right now, I won't bother with it either. It's better if we go to the notary right now."

Rayyen's face immediately scrunched up. One of his eyebrows raised high.

"Why are we going to the notary?"

"You're asking why?" Richard huffed in annoyance. He had to be extra patient dealing with Rayyen. "To prepare documents for contract termination. And don't forget to have around two million ready for compensation to all partners. Haven't you read the emails this morning? From ad vendors to production houses, they'll terminate their contracts if your scandal is confirmed."

Rayyen swallowed hard. He hadn't thought that far. Compensating up to two million dollars meant he had to be prepared to go broke.

All this time, Rayyen had only focused on working. Contract issues, movie shooting schedules, ads, and payments were all neatly handled by Richard. If there was a problem, Richard would usually handle it first.

"So, what should I do?" Rayyen's face turned panicked. He couldn't afford to lose millions.

But instead of feeling pity, Richard smirked. He had told Rayyen many times that he couldn't do anything without his help.

"You have to find a girlfriend quickly to refute the scandal that's already out. That's the only way, Ray."

Rayyen immediately shook his head vigorously. There was no way he would agree to that suggestion. Besides, why didn't Richard understand that he only loved Veronica?

"No! I don't want to. You know yourself, I only love one person."

Richard shrugged indifferently. He was tired of explaining to his friend and protégé.

"Whatever. If you don't like my suggestion, just prepare the two million. And it doesn't have to be a real girlfriend, Ray!"

"What do you mean?" Rayyen was confused. What was Richard talking about?

"Just find a girl willing to be paid to be a fake girlfriend. At least you can use her to cover up the stupid scandal you've caused."

Rayyen pondered Richard's suggestion. It seemed like a good idea to counter the negative news already circulating.

"So, where do I find a girl willing to cooperate like that?"

"That's your problem!" Richard snapped. "You have three days from now. If you don't find a girlfriend, get ready to pay up!"

Rayyen clicked his tongue in annoyance. He wanted to be angry, but he couldn't. Now, all he could think about was where to find a woman who would agree to this arrangement.

Velia Sharon looked busy mixing several drinks that had been ordered by some VIP guests. She was helped by her friend Amanda, who started pouring vodka and margarita into glasses one by one.

If they spent the morning and afternoon attending classes, every night Velia and Amanda used their time to work at an exclusive bar in the city center. They did this to earn money for living expenses and tuition fees.

"Velia, have you seen the latest news about Rayyen?" Amanda asked as Velia was still pouring drinks.

"Yes, I have. It's really sad," she replied without looking at Amanda. "I hope this news doesn't ruin Rayyen's career in the film industry."

Amanda silently echoed her friend's hope. She knew very well how much Velia idolized Rayyen Maximus, an actor who had been rising in popularity in recent years. Every meet-and-greet event, she made sure to attend. Sometimes, she even visited the actor's filming locations, though she never got to speak to him directly.

Recently, the public was shocked by news about Rayyen. He was caught by paparazzi making out with a woman identified as Veronica Smith.

Up until now, Rayyen had not spoken about it. Only his manager continually denied that the man in the photo was an artist from their management.

"I can't believe it either. How could a guy like Rayyen date a woman like Veronica? That old hag must be lucky," Amanda commented as she arranged the drink glasses on a tray to be served.

While they were chatting, a commotion erupted from the VIP room. Three men were arguing, drawing everyone's attention. Curious, Velia went to check what was happening.

"Rayyen! Give me back my camera!" shouted the man, who was apparently a journalist. He tried to grab the camera that Rayyen had given to Richard, his manager, who was sitting next to him.

"No way!" snapped Rayyen. "You took pictures of me without permission. You clearly violated my privacy. So I have the right to delete these images," he said, his tall, broad-shouldered frame tense with anger.

Rayyen's face was flushed with anger. He knew this was the risk of being a famous artist. But he still hated being followed and photographed without permission, as if he had no privacy.

Instead of apologizing, another man, larger in build, came from behind. He approached and grabbed Rayyen's collar, issuing a warning.

"Give back the camera!" the man ordered.

"No way! I have the right to delete the pictures on this camera. You violated my privacy by taking pictures of me secretly."

Seeing Rayyen stand his ground, the man tried to intimidate him further and even attempted to hit him. Before the punch could land, Velia, who had been watching from a distance, hurriedly approached. Without fear, she pushed the large man, causing him to stumble.

"Don't make a scene here. Or I'll report you to security!"

"Stay out of this," the man replied as he got up. "I could hit you, I don't care if you're a woman," he threatened.

"Try it!" Velia challenged fearlessly. It was pointless to have a black belt in taekwondo if she couldn't defend herself.

When the man moved to retaliate, Velia swiftly countered, grabbing his arm, pinning him, and easily throwing him to the ground.

"Come on, fight back if you can. Even though I'm a girl, I'm not afraid of you at all!"

The man tried to retaliate, but Velia deftly attacked first, blocking and hitting him until he fell again. At this moment, the bar's security guards arrived and immediately detained the troublemakers.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Velia asked Rayyen. Inside, she was cheering because she had just met and spoken up close with her idol.

"I'm totally okay," Rayyen replied. "Thanks for your help."

Velia nodded politely. Without saying much more, she quickly left the VIP room. When she reached the bartender's station, the tomboyish girl hugged Amanda excitedly, expressing her happiness at having met and helped her idol in trouble.

"Velia, what's wrong with you? You look like a crazy person!" Amanda scolded, puzzled, as she pushed her friend away.

"Do you know what happened?"

Amanda quickly shook her head. "No, Velia!" she replied quickly, causing Velia to pout. Before she could finish, her friend interrupted again.

"Well, listen to my story, Amanda!"

"Hurry up. We're working."

Catching her breath, Velia began to recount the incident.

"Do you know? The commotion in the VIP room was because of Rayyen Miller and a journalist."

Amanda's eyes widened in shock. Her mouth nearly dropped open at what Velia had just told her.

"Seriously? Are you sure?"

Velia nodded vigorously.

"Seriously, I'm not lying. He was hanging out, probably. His manager was there too."

"So, what was the fight about?" Amanda asked, increasingly curious and excited by the news Velia was sharing.

"I'm not sure what started it. It looked like he didn't like the journalist taking his picture secretly. From what I saw, Rayyen grabbed the journalist's camera and tried to delete the photo. Then they started fighting and arguing."

"Did you guys get introduced? Exchange phone numbers, maybe?" Amanda joked. She thought, since they had met in person, and Velia had helped, there was no harm in exchanging phone numbers, right?

"There wasn't any introduction or anything, Amanda." Velia pouted. "I got too nervous and ran away. I couldn't handle it, oh my God. Rayyen is so handsome. And then ---"

"Velia," interrupted one of the security guards, stopping the conversation between Amanda and Velia.

"Yes, Mr. Robert," Velia responded politely.

"The VIP guest you helped earlier wants to meet you. He asked Miss Velia to come to the VIP room."

Velia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Her mind raced. Did Rayyen want to meet her again to get acquainted? She silently prayed that this was true. She hoped what would happen next would be a romantic scene like those in TV dramas.

"What does he want?" Velia wondered as she regained her composure.

"I'm not sure," Mr. Rahman shrugged. "Maybe he wants to thank you again."

Velia nodded. After Mr. Rahman left, she made her way to the VIP room. She went directly to Rayyen, who was then sitting with his manager, enjoying live music.

"Excuse me," Velia said nervously.

"Come in," invited the man she guessed was Rayyen's manager. "Please, have a seat."

Velia complied, sitting not far from Rayyen and his manager.

"First of all, I want to thank you again for the help you gave Rayyen earlier," Richard said sincerely. "Our artist could have been seriously hurt if it weren't for you."

Velia nodded politely. She felt a sense of pride in helping her idol escape danger.

"Don't mention it. I did what I could."

"But, by the way..." Richard continued. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"

"My name is Velia Sharon, Sir."

"Just call me Richard, don't say Sir. It makes me feel old," Richard interjected.

"Ah, yes, Richard."

"Velia, are you currently single or in a relationship?"

Velia blinked, puzzled. She wondered why he was asking about her relationship status.

"Excuse me?"

Richard chuckled softly and continued.

"I mean, are you single or do you have a boyfriend? Or maybe you're married?"

Understanding Richard's question, Velia's eyes widened.

"I don't have a boyfriend, let alone a husband right now."

"Good," Richard said. "Sorry if this next question is a bit personal. Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or engage in casual sex?"

Again, Velia shook her head.

"Even though I work in a bar, I'm 100% clean."

"Do you know martial arts?" Richard asked next.

"Yes," Velia replied. "I have a black belt and used to be a taekwondo instructor."

"Perfect!" Richard exclaimed slightly. Then he quickly asked again, "Besides working here, are you bound by any contracts or obligations?"

Velia was about to nod but then asked a question instead.

"Wait... what's this all about? Why all the questions?"

Rayyen, who had been silent, sighed softly. Then he spoke.

"Richard, you're too roundabout. Get to the point, will you? You always complicate things."

"Okay... okay!" Richard grumbled. He believed in being thorough and careful to avoid mistakes.

After a brief debate, Richard turned back to Velia. He looked her over from head to toe, slowly assessing and drawing conclusions.

"Not bad, but she needs a bit of a makeover. By the way, you're really single, right?"

Velia didn't answer but threw another question instead. Swearing to God, she felt utterly confused by all the questions.

"Sorry, but what is this really about?"

Her emotions were slightly roused. She had been asking questions without getting any answers, which naturally made her increasingly frustrated.

"Would you like to be Rayyen's temporary girlfriend? You would, right?" Richard asked directly and confidently, assuming no one would refuse such an offer.

"What? What did you just say?"

"Yes." Richard nodded. "You heard right. I'm asking if you'd like to be Rayyen's temporary girlfriend?"

Velia was shocked. She couldn't think, let alone answer. Her mind went blank like an old computer that couldn't function properly. But at the same time, she felt like she had struck gold.

"A fake girlfriend?" she repeated.

"Yes," Richard confirmed. "I'm sure you've heard or read the latest

"Yes," replied Richard. "I'm sure you've already heard or read the latest news about Rayyen's love scandal ---"

"With Veronica Smith?" Velia interjected.

"Exactly. That's why, to refute this hot gossip, our management team is looking for a girl who can work with us to dispel the bad news. Don't worry, if you agree, you'll get a pretty big payment."

Velia nodded and replied, "Why not be a real girlfriend? I don't mind doing it for free," she joked innocently.

"Dream on!" Rayyen responded angrily from his seat. "Don't try to take advantage of this situation!"

"It's just an attempt," Velia murmured softly.

"Don't even think about it. Just so you know, I'm not interested in a tomboy like you," Rayyen said irritably.

"Well, you could at least try. Besides, I can always get a makeover for you, Rayyen," she teased, winking.

Rayyen sighed in frustration. His head throbbed from dealing with Velia, who seemed to be trying to exploit the situation.

"Richard, are you sure you want her to be my temporary girlfriend? Her looks and behavior aren't convincing," Rayyen complained.

Richard didn't care. He ignored Rayyen's complaints and continued negotiating with Velia.

"So, what do you think?" Richard pressed on. "Don't worry, Velia. It won't be long. Maybe just six months. And during that time as a pretend girlfriend, you'll be paid handsomely," Richard explained.

Velia, who had been enthusiastic, now seemed to hesitate. In her mind, she envisioned herself being introduced as the girlfriend of the celebrity she idolized. It was a dream come true.

"So, Velia, are you in?"

Velia snapped out of her daydream. She smiled faintly and shook her head.

"Sorry, but I can't accept this offer just like that."

Richard smiled too. He took a business card from his wallet.

"I understand you're in shock. Take your time to think it over. I'll give you two days. If you change your mind, please contact me at the number on this card."

Velia took the business card from Richard. She then watched as her two guests left the bar.

***

Velia had just finished work. It was one in the morning when she got home and was shocked to find her mother unconscious in the kitchen. She quickly called for help. Luckily, some neighbors were patrolling the area and helped her take her mother to the hospital.

Upon arrival, her mother received intensive care, and it was revealed that her heart condition had worsened. The doctor recommended immediate surgery to prevent any further complications.

"Can't it be postponed, doctor? Does the surgery have to be done right now?" Velia asked.

The doctor nodded, looking very serious. It seemed there was no other hope for Velia's mother without following his advice.

"She needs to undergo heart bypass surgery immediately. I'm very worried about her condition. Her heart function is already abnormal, which is why she lost consciousness."

Velia was silent again. She took a deep breath, trying to think quickly. There was no denying that such surgery would cost a lot of money.

"Doctor, if I may ask, how much will the surgery cost?"

The doctor adjusted his glasses before responding.

"The bypass surgery could cost at least 80 to 100 million. It could be more, depending on the number of blood vessels that need to be replaced. This doesn't include post-operative care."

Velia's throat tightened. Hearing the amount of money needed made her feel anxious. Where could she get that much money quickly? Her salary as a nightclub waitress was barely enough. Even borrowing from a loan shark would be a struggle. It would be like committing financial suicide.

"Doctor, if I have enough money, when can my mother have the surgery?" Velia asked hesitantly.

"If all the paperwork is in order, your mother can have the surgery tomorrow afternoon."

Velia nodded in understanding. She spoke softly again.

"Please wait a moment, doctor. I need to call someone."

Velia stepped away and took Richard's business card from her jeans pocket. She wrote down the number and braced herself to call the manager of her idol at such a late hour. She felt there was no other option.

After a short wait, the call connected, and the man on the other end answered.

"Hello."

"H-Hello, good evening," Velia said nervously. She felt uneasy about calling so late.

"Yes, who is this?"

"Sorry to bother you so late. This is Velia," she replied.

"Oh my, what's up, Velia? Have you changed your mind?" Richard guessed, as if knowing what she was about to say.

"I've thought it over carefully. I'll accept your offer. But before that, may I know the amount of the payment?" Velia asked cautiously.

"I'll pay you 500 million to be Raiden's contract girlfriend for six months. If you do well, I might increase the amount."

Velia was shocked to hear the number. 500 million was far beyond her expectations.

"Okay, I agree. But can I get the money immediately? I need it for an urgent matter."

"Of course. Come to my agency's office tomorrow morning. I'll have the contract and the money ready."

"Alright, I'll be there tomorrow morning. Please send me the address."

"Okay."

The call ended, leaving Velia feeling somewhat relieved. At least she no longer had to worry about the cost of her mother's surgery tomorrow afternoon.