Undercover fiancee

A loud groan echoed through the small apartment as Sophia stirred from her siesta. Hunger gnawed at her insides, leaving her weak and irritable. She hadn't eaten all day. Stretching her arms, she dragged herself out of bed and made her way to the parlor, where she found Isabella lounging on the couch, eyes fixed on her phone.

"Aah, babe, you're here," Sophia yawned loudly. "I'm starving. Do we have anything to eat?"

Isabella barely looked up. "Nothing, my dear. No clients today, so I couldn't buy anything."

Sophia clicked her tongue. "That's bad. Alright, I'll figure something out."

She dashed into the room, rummaging through her things.

Sophia and Isabella were two young, beautiful women trying to survive in the city. They had been best friends for years, sharing everything-except one thing. Isabella was a hairstylist, while Sophia, out of frustration and joblessness, had resorted to pickpocketing. Isabella disapproved and had tried countless times to talk her out of it.

"I swear, if you ever get caught, I won't bail you out. I don't have that kind of money," Isabella would warn.

But Sophia always had the same response. "Yet when I bring money, you eat, don't you?"

That evening, Sophia hit the streets. Her first stop was a hair salon where she spotted a young man leaning against his car. Smiling sweetly, she approached.

"Good day, fine man," she greeted, her voice laced with charm.

The man looked up, slightly amused. "Good day, young lady. How can I help you?"

"Nothing much," she said, twirling a strand of hair. "I just saw you from afar and thought you were really cute. I like you."

Before the conversation could continue, a beautiful woman emerged from the salon. The man immediately straightened up and hurried to grab her bags.

Sophia scoffed internally. So, he's just a driver. Without another word, she slipped away.

Minutes later, the car pulled off with the driver-Paul-and his boss, Miss Jasmine, inside. A short distance away, Paul reached for his phone, only to realize it was missing.

"Paul, are you trying to kill me?" Jasmine snapped as he swerved slightly.

"Sorry, ma, I just-" He paused, checking his pockets again. "I can't find my phone."

"Where did you keep it?"

"It was with me the whole time," he said, panic creeping into his voice.

Jasmine sighed in frustration. "I'll call it."

She dialed the number. It was switched off.

"Shit!" Paul cursed under his breath.

"What now?"

"I think that girl from earlier took my phone."

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Forget it. I'll buy you another one. Now, drive."

Meanwhile, Sophia examined her latest loot-a cheap-looking phone.

She sighed. This won't fetch much. Shrugging, she tucked it away and headed for a popular mall.

Inside, she spotted a well-dressed, handsome young man and deliberately bumped into him.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry! My bad!" she exclaimed.

The man steadied her and gave a small smile. "It's fine. I'm Ethan." He extended his hand for a handshake.

"Sophia," she replied, shaking his hand. She turned to leave, but Ethan suddenly pulled her back.

"Hand me my wallet," he said, his eyes locking onto hers.

Sophia froze. How did he know?

Keeping her face neutral, she slowly brought out the wallet. "I-I'm sorry, sir. It was a mistake."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Is this what you do? A pretty girl like you?"

"Let go of me," she snapped. "I gave you your wallet, didn't I? What now? Do you want to call security?"

"Maybe I should," Ethan said, his voice calm.

"Who do you think they'd believe-a grumpy man like me or a sweet-looking girl like you?"

Sophia smirked. "Even if you did, there's no proof."

Ethan chuckled and pointed to a CCTV camera nearby. "You sure about that?"

Her smirk vanished.

"What do you want?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Follow me," Ethan ordered.

She hesitated but ultimately had no choice. Without a word, she followed him to where his car was parked.

"I need you to act as my fiancée for two weeks," Ethan said the moment they got in the car.

Sophia scoffed. "Is that a request or a command?"

"You don't really have a choice."

"What if I refuse?"

"You owe me."

"I owe you nothing!" she snapped.

Ethan smirked. "Hmm... maybe I should just hand you over to the authorities."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. "You're unbelievable."

"Are you in or out?"

She sighed dramatically. "If you want me to play your fiancée, you should ask nicely, young man."

Ethan exhaled, then spoke in a mocking tone. "Sophia-whatever your last name is-will you act as my fiancée for two weeks?"

"That's more like it." She grinned mischievously. "So, who are we trying to impress? An ex who broke your heart?"

"No questions. Just do as I say."

"But I need to know," she pushed.

He sighed and finally explained. "My siblings and I are set to inherit a multimillion-dollar fortune, but my grandmother insists we must be married first to prove we're responsible enough to handle it. Next week, the whole family will gather, and I need a fiancée."

Sophia raised a brow. "Got it, Mr. Billionaire. And what's my share in all this?"

"You owe me. Or should I call security?"

"Gosh, you're so petty."

"Now, buckle up. I'll drop you off at your house."

Back home, Sophia stomped into the house, frustration all over her face.

Isabella looked up from her phone. "Aah, babe, what happened?"

Sophia narrated everything.

Isabella burst into laughter. "Girl, you should be rotting in jail right now! That guy must be nice."

The next morning, Ethan showed up at Sophia's place.

"Get in," he said.

"Where are we going?"

"My house. You need to know the rules before the family arrives."

When they arrived at his mansion, Sophia's jaw dropped.

"Wow... Your house is stunning! You live here alone?"

"Yes."

"Jeez, it's huge!"

"Come inside."

They walked in, and Ethan turned to her. "This is where the entire family will gather."

Sophia was still admiring the place when she suddenly blurted, "You're wicked."

Ethan frowned. "Excuse me?"

"You live in luxury while people out there don't even have a roof over their heads."

He smirked. "Maybe that's because instead of working hard, some people stealing just as you have tried stealing from me twice ."

Sophia stiffened. "What do you mean twice?"

Ethan crossed his arms. "Give me back my necklace."

Her eyes widened. How did he-

"Now," he ordered.

Sighing in defeat, she pulled out the necklace.

"How do you always catch me?" she muttered.

Ethan smirked. "I run a company. I deal with all kinds of people. I notice things." He leaned closer. "And if you ever steal from me again, you'll regret it."

Sophia gulped. "Noted, sir."

Ethan called for his assistant. "Stanley, take her shopping and fill her in on everything."

"And," Ethan added, "keep an eye on her."

Sophia huffed. This is going to be a long two weeks.

Is your boss always like that, Sophia asked Stanley and they walked around to mall picking things

Well he is a very nice man, Stanley answered

Hmm nice man my foot, Sophia humped

After shopping Stanley drove her home, when they got home Ethan was back already

Hey Mr grumpy am back

He just looked at her and sighed

You know you haven't shown me my room, she asked him

Follow me he told her while closing his laptop

They got to his bedroom it was so beautiful

Sophia stood in front of the grand mirror in Ethan's luxurious bedroom, staring at the

At the beautiful room, Ethan went straight to his drawer and brought out a diamond ring and handed it over to her. It sparkled under the warm chandelier light, looking way too expensive for her to be wearing.

"That's your engagement ring, and don't try to run away with it," Ethan added, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.

Sophia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Please, I have better things to do than steal your oversized rock."

Ethan smirked. "Considering I've caught you stealing twice, I doubt that."

She huffed and turned toward the mirror again, slipping the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. Damn, at least the guy has taste.

Ethan crossed his arms, studying her. "You're going to have to act the part, you know. No eye-rolling, no sarcastic remarks, and definitely no attitude in front of my family."

Sophia turned to face him, placing a hand on her hip. "And what do I get in return?"

Ethan raised a brow. "You get to avoid jail time. Sounds like a fair trade to me."

She exhaled dramatically. "Fine. But let's get one thing straight this is all fake. Don't expect me to act like some lovesick puppy."

Ethan chuckled, stepping closer. "Trust me, the last thing I need is a lovesick puppy."

"So try on the things you bought and come downstairs so I can see, cause I want you to me perfect no mistakes" he said and left the room

Sophia rolled her eyes and mimicked him mockingly

She tried each dress one by one and Ethan was not impressed at all

"My family will be in by tomorrow and these dresses are nothing to write home about.

Tomorrow? She shouted

Yes Ethan replied " that means you have to be in your best behavior"

Ethan glanced at his watch. "Get dressed. We're going shopping again."

What? "Again? But there's nothing wrong with this outfits ."

He shrugged. "You need perfect outfits for this. My family will be watching your every move."

Sophia flopped back onto the couch. "I hate this already."

Ethan chuckled. "Too bad. Now, get up."

A few hours later, they arrived at an upscale boutique, the kind that smelled like expensive perfume and sold dresses that probably cost more than Sophia's entire life savings.

Sophia picked up a dress and checked the tag. "Are you kidding me? This costs more than my rent."

Ethan sighed. "Just pick something."

Sophia glanced at him mischievously. "Oh, if you're paying, I'm picking the most expensive dress here."

Ethan smirked. "Be my guest. But remember, you're still a broke thief at heart."

Sophia gasped. "You're awful!"

"I know," Ethan said with a grin.

She stomped off to find a dress.

Thirty minutes later, she emerged from the dressing room in a breathtaking red gown that hugged her curves perfectly.

Ethan stared.

Sophia smirked. "What? Cat got your tongue, Mr. Grumpy?"

Ethan cleared his throat. "It'll do."

"Wow, such high praise," she said sarcastically.

She tried some more and they were perfect

Ethan turned to the cashier. "We'll take all of

Later That Night

Back at Ethan's mansion, Sophia walked into the bedroom with a tired sigh, She glanced at Ethan, who was already lying in bed, scrolling through his phone.

"Where do I sleep?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips.

Ethan barely looked up. "The bed, obviously."

Sophia scoffed, grabbing a duvet from the wardrobe. "No, thanks. I'll sleep on the floor." She spread the duvet on the plush carpet and sat down.

Ethan frowned. "What are you doing?"

She fluffed the pillow and replied, "Taking precautions."

Ethan arched his brow. "Excuse me?"

She turned to him with a smirk. "I don't sleep with anything in a skirt."

Ethan let out a low chuckle.

"Tell that to the dangling thing between your legs."

Sophia gasped dramatically. "Pervert!"

Ethan smirked.

"Just stating facts."

She rolled her eyes, lying down on the floor. A moment later, she sat up again. "Please, can you turn off the AC?"

"No," Ethan replied immediately.

"Why?" she whined.

"Because I can't sleep with the AC off," he said firmly.

"But I'm freezing!" she argued.

"Then wear a sweater," he shot back.

Sophia huffed, pulling the duvet tighter around her. "You know what? How much are you paying me for all this?"

Ethan's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Well, you do get to stay out of jail."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "If you call the authorities on me, fine, I'll go to jail. But remember, your family is coming tomorrow, and you don't have a fiancée."

Ethan's jaw tensed.

"Two million naira," she said smugly.

"One million. That's my last price," Ethan countered.

Sophia grinned. "One point five."

Ethan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Whatever. Fine."

Sophia beamed. "Good. Now, turn off the AC."

"Not happening."

"Ethan!" she whined.

"Goodnight, Sophia," he said with finality, rolling over.

She groaned, flopping onto the floor. "I hate you."

Ethan smirked in the dark. "I know."

The Arrival of the Family

Morning sunlight filtered through the kitchen windows as Sophia worked alongside the maid, slicing vegetables and stirring the rich-smelling stew on the stove. Though she wasn't much of a cook, she had insisted on helping. She needed to keep busy-anything to distract her from the nerves creeping up her spine.

The clatter of dishes filled the air as she set the last plate on the dining table. The aroma of freshly cooked meals spread through the house, signaling that everything was ready.

Wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, she took a deep breath and walked into the living room, where Ethan was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

Ethan glanced up and studied her. "You look nervous."

Sophia crossed her arms. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm about to lie to your whole family."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You'll be fine. Just act natural."

She shot him a pointed look. "Natural? You want me to act natural while pretending to be your devoted fiancée in front of people who know you better than I do?"

Ethan smirked. "Well, when you put it that way..." He reached over and nudged her playfully. "Relax. And please, put a smile on your face."

Sophia grinned, but it was forced.

Ethan tilted his head. "Is that the best you can do?" He sighed. "You know what? Forget the smile. Just be yourself-"

Before he could finish, the sound of a car honking outside made both of them tense.

Sophia swallowed hard. "They're here."

Ethan stood, adjusting the cuff of his shirt, his confident demeanor unwavering. "Showtime."

Sophia rolled her shoulders, muttering under her breath, "Here goes nothing."

The front door burst open, and an older woman in an elegant blue gown strolled in, her presence commanding. She had an air of authority, her gaze immediately scanning the room before landing on Ethan.

Ooh grandma you are here Ethan said while hugging his grandma

Yes my child am back home

Welcome home ma Sophia greeted

Thank you my daughter you must be tiffany

Sophia was confused

Grandma this is Sophia, Ethan introduced

Oh okay so where is the tiffany everyone has been talking about your sister even said she is a model, hope she is coming grandma asked

Grandma I and Tiffany are no more this is chioma my fiancee, the woman that stole my heart

"Technically I stole your wallet" Sophia said inwardly

Ooh okay I would be in my room the journey was so stressful grandma finally said while heading to her room

As Grandma went into her room, Sophia exhaled in relief, but her moment of peace was short-lived.

"Tiffany, seriously? Why didn't you tell me about her?" Sophia whispered harshly to Ethan.

"Because it's not important," Ethan said casually, adjusting his sleeves. "Get ready. The others will soon be here." He turned and headed upstairs.

Sophia ran a hand through her hair. "This is insane," she muttered.

Moments later, the front door swung open again, and a young lady strutted in confidently. Sophia turned to greet her, but as soon as she saw her face, her breath hitched.

Jasmine.

The boss of the driver she had stolen from.

Gosh.

Panic surged through Sophia as she subtly tried to angle her face away.

Jasmine's sharp eyes flicked to her. "Hey, where's my brother?" she asked.

Sophia forced a smile. "He-he's upstairs," she replied quickly.

Jasmine studied her for a second, then tilted her head. "Wait. You look familiar. Have we met before?"

Sophia's heart pounded. "No, we haven't," she lied smoothly.

Jasmine narrowed her eyes, scanning her face with unsettling intensity. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Sophia replied firmly, praying Jasmine would drop it.

Just then, Ethan reappeared. "Ooh, my beautiful sister, how have you been? You look good," he said, descending the stairs with a smirk.

Jasmine scoffed, crossing her arms. "Well, I wish I could say the same about you. Cutting me off from the family account, seriously?"

Ethan sighed. "Jasmine, you were spending recklessly. That account is for family emergencies, not for funding your endless vacations."

"Whatever," she muttered.

Ethan pulled her into a hug, but she dramatically pushed him away. "Ooh, you're squashing me, Ethan. Let go!"

He chuckled. "Drama queen."

Jasmine dusted herself off and turned to Sophia. "So, who's this?"

Ethan grinned. "Meet my fiancée, Sophia."

Jasmine's expression shifted. "I see. Moved on from Tiffany so fast, huh?"

"It's been a year. A lot has changed," Ethan replied.

Jasmine's lips curled into a smirk as she eyed Sophia from head to toe. "Yeah, I can see that. Even your taste in women has changed."

Sophia swallowed hard but maintained a neutral expression.

Jasmine turned away. "I'll be in my room. Tell the chef to get me rice and turkey." And with that, she sauntered upstairs.

Sophia let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Ethan leaned in, whispering, "What was that?"

"Nothing," she replied quickly.

Ethan gave her a suspicious look but didn't push further. "More family members will be arriving soon. Be ready."

Sophia forced a smile. If Jasmine recognized her, this entire fake engagement would go up in flames.

And she had no intention of going down that easily.