Play the part

She exhaled before continuing. He raised an eyebrow and asked her, "I'm accepting your deal." "The thirty-day deal."

She had decided to accept the offer, even if she didn't know the man. Her pride, dignity, and life were all on the line, so it was a difficult choice. 

As soon as she told her father about the concept, he rejected it. Even the thought of his boss suggesting such a thing to his daughter infuriated him. She was aware that he was protecting her out of love. He was not the type of father to happily and voluntarily part with his daughter for cash. 

However, she knew how to approach him and went over and beyond to persuade him to accept it. After some convincing, he eventually gave up. He only agreed because he trusted and believed in her, not because she wanted to do it. 

When she finally stated what he was waiting to hear, Patrick grinned. She did, just as he had known she would. 

His expression went blank once more, and he spoke to her. "OK. Give my PA your phone number and account number. I will get back to you." 

He got to his feet. And his PA came up to them. He smiled at her and turned to see his boss. 

Phina hardly heard what he said to him, but Alex nodded, indicating that he understood. Then he turned and left without looking back. 

Alex approached the table and got Phina's account number and mobile number. 

He gave her a comforting smile and said, "You can order anything. Mr. Patrick already paid for it." Then he left her mouth hanging open. 

He paid for an item that wasn't in her order. She pondered. Eating at the upscale establishment would have been pleasant, considering it had already been paid for. However, she was dignified, got up, and walked out of the eatery. She doesn't belong there. The looks she received from those nearby were intense enough to have her stand up from her seat. 

******** 

Gazing at herself, Phina stood in front of her antique standing mirror. She was dressed in a yellow gown and her church shoes, which had flat soles. 

She had gotten a bank alert the night before, followed by a message from an unknown number, Mr. Patrick's. 

Tomorrow, come to my house. 8 a.m prompt. 

Patrick M. 

She didn't think what she was seeing and shook her head. After telling her father about it, he requested that she follow his instructions. Even though it was his day off, he volunteered to bring her to his place that morning. 

She continued to wonder what would come next as she stood in front of the mirror. And she believed her meeting with her father's affluent boss would have positive results. 

She left her room after grabbing a matching purse. Her brother nodded, waved at her, and left to go to his room as her father instructed him on something he needed to do. 

Mr. Wallace asked his daughter, "Are you ready?" 

In return, she gave a nod of approval. Shaking his head, he grabbed his car key. Then, the two of them left the house. 

The two-and-a-half-hour drive felt like a lifetime. When they did arrive, her father gave her his customary guidance before dropping her off at the gate. The kind gateman asked her after her father. 

The woman who arrived to open the door for her was the same one she had encountered on her previous visit to the residence. She seemed taken aback to see her. Most likely pondering her return visit and purpose. But instead of asking her to come in, she kept her mind open. 

The mansion was still as gorgeous as it was on the first day. She was unable to handle the grandeur of the enormous mansion by herself. She hoped her brother and younger siblings might see it someday. Their dream home was always a large house. The mansion was huge and lovely. She pondered how a single man could live in such a large home. Her family might have lived in the mansion three times over. 

With the same attractiveness as the first time, she sighed as she walked into the inner living area. The house was immaculate and felt very cold. Everything was sparkly, shiny, and gleaming. She could see herself on the floor because of how polished and shiny the nearly glass-like tiles were. She could fill a book with descriptions of the interior decor. She gave an inner bow to whoever was cleaning the house for him. However, he is wealthy enough to hire anyone to tidy the house. 

When Phina finally took her eyes off the exquisite paradise of a man's living room, she noticed that Patrick, her host, was seated in the same spot as when she had last visited the home. 

He was unaware that she had entered. He did not look up, so she knew for sure. He was staring at the iPad he was holding. Sitting with his legs crossed, he rapidly tapped the phone with one hand. 

She also conceded that he was attractive. Yes, he was beautiful for a male. The all-black suit he was wearing fit him so well. He wore a black suit, shirt, and tie that flawlessly suited his broad shoulders. She knew the suit would buy the home she and her family reside in as a fashion designer. And the posture, the way he sat with such assurance... conveys strength, pride, and attractiveness. 

How could someone be both handsome and affluent at the same time? She questioned herself quietly. It appears unbiased. However, she is unable to hold God responsible. 

She said, "Good morning." 

He lifted his head to give her a look. His face was twisted into a frown. 

He gave the command, "Sit." 

It was not a hello. What a jerk the guy was. Although it was widely acknowledged that he was affluent and much older than her, this did not give him the right to treat her rudely or with contempt. 

Though glancing at something on his phone, he added, "You are quite on time." 

"I'm punctual, and I know you are a busy man. I don't want to keep you waiting," she said. I saw an alert for three hundred thousand last night in your name. What does that mean? You said you would give me the money after the deal." 

"Consider that as....a deposit." 

"Deposit?" was her query. "Three hundred thousand as a deposit. I haven't even started. Just so you know, I have pride, too, Mr. Patrick, and I stand on my word." 

His irritating attitude was starting to irritate her. She is aware of her poverty. She doesn't need his or anybody else's advice, nor does she need him to shove his money in her face. 

Patrick stared blankly at her. He thought she was cute, but she was tough and assertive. She was not like the other women who prostrated themselves before him and followed his orders. All he could hope is that it remains a non-issue. 

"I just want to make sure you know that I am not joking about what I said. And since you have it, you won't be able to back down now," he said quietly. 

And it infuriated her. Did he think she was lying? She opened her mouth to say something, but he raised his hand and went on. "And I am not taking it back. It will cover up something. Won't it, Miss Wallace?" 

She gave him an annoying glare. He was speaking the truth, though. She nodded; there was a lot of money to cover. She observed a grin pulling at the edge of his mouth. And she wanted to slap it from his attractive face. 

Then, in a hurry, he continued. He stressed the last line with gravity and caution: "You will act as my girlfriend in any social outing and to my visitors. But most importantly to my mother. She must believe we are dating." 

She wanted to know the reason for his actions. Why did he have to pay her, or any other lady, to close the deal? Why did he need her? Being influential and affluent, he could woo any woman, and she would be happy to become his girlfriend. Why must he give her payment? Or did it serve other purposes? Something that is directly related to him or his money. She only hopes it's not the latter, so she doesn't share her concerns with anyone. 

But her one concern is, "But do I have to be here for thirty days?" 

Being apart from her family bothers her, especially her younger siblings, who live with a busy, haughty father. 

"Yes. I want my mother to believe I have a girlfriend, so yes, you must stay. I plan on telling her you are coming for a visit, which will last thirty days—a month." 

With reluctance, she said, "Alright." 

It wasn't her place to find out why; he most likely had his reasons for everything. He was as dependent on her as she was on his income, so there was no point in arguing with him back and forth. 

He got up, and she got up with him. 

At once, he stood up and said, "Let's go. We have a place to go." 

"Where?" 

He left the home, saying impolitely, "You'll know when we get there." Silently, she trailed behind him. 

A man was standing beside a black Mercedes parked in front of the house, using his phone. Phina surmised he must be his second driver, who typically took her father's place on his days off. 

She expressed her gratitude for not having to ride in the vehicle with Patrick while her father drove. It would have been quite uncomfortable. Not even she could handle that, and it frightened her, so she shook the idea from her thoughts. 

Seeing Patrick approaching, the driver hastily pocketed his phone and opened the car door. 

"Good morning, sir," he said, watching Patrick enter the automobile.

He sat down and said, "Morning." 

Phina pivoted to the vehicle's opposite side and sat opposite Patrick. 

She was somewhat amazed when she saw the address of their destination on the car's GPS. Until then, she hadn't been to one, but she had read about it in novels and seen it in movies. 

Phina turned to face Patrick and glanced at him. She discovered that he had returned whatever he was doing to his tablet. Subsequently, she averted her gaze through the tinted windows. 

Lola sat quietly, wondering where he was taking her, as the entire ride was silent. She remained calm, even if she was a little afraid. For some reason, she had some faith in the man. She hoped he wouldn't betray that confidence. 

At last, they came to a structure that appeared to be a salon. However, it differed from the typical salon she frequented or had ever visited. Celebrities and other affluent individuals, including Patrick, frequented the salon. She questioned why he had taken her there. 

He said, "Come down," she obeyed by getting out of the car. 

She summoned him as they were almost at the salon's entrance. 

She said, "Mr. Patrick." 

She quickly retreated as he abruptly spun around, almost sending her flying to the ground. 

He yelled, "What is it?" 

She asked confidently, "I'm not just some minion. Can you at least tell me why we are here?" 

He remarked, causing Lola to roll her eyes. "Good, you ask." 

The man was bothersome, and he was excellent at infuriating people. She made up her mind. Because he was gorgeous and wealthy, does it mean he thinks she's a fool? He made every mistake. In addition to him, she has an equally attractive brother. Thus, he shouldn't become aroused by his money and beauty. She thought fiercely. 

"You are going to be a businesswoman who deals with salons." 

She disagreed, saying, "I don't know about a salon business." 

He responded, "And that is why you are here." 

She tried hard not to be impolite when asked, "Do I really have to do that? Can't I just be myself?" She was getting mad at him. 

"Your questions are becoming too many, Miss Wallace. I'm the mastermind, and you have to do what I say. Do you think my mother will believe I am dating some random girl who doesn't have her own life?" 

She wanted to yell at him to stop treating her like some random female, but she remained silent, clenched her teeth, and took a deep breath. 

He looked at Miss Wallace's face and arched an eyebrow, "So, are we clear, Miss Wallace?" 

She said nothing more, just nodding. He appeared content with her response, then pivoted and entered the salon. 

A woman sat on an opulent-looking sofa in front of a group of people who appeared to be her staff members. They were all dressed in matching pink and black polo shirts, paying attention to what she had to say. The first of the group to see them was a female, and she nearly blushed upon seeing Patrick. 

The employee was requested to part ways by their employer, who seemed to sense their presence in the salon. And they did, and she turned to face them. When the woman saw them, she was astonished—more specifically, Patrick. She then swiftly sacked her employees, who had turned away but were still staring at them. The men were staring at Patrick with a smile of pride on their faces while the ladies were chatting among themselves and staring at him. 

"Oh my God, look who's here, the powerful Patrick MacDowell," exclaimed the attractive woman, who appeared to be the salon owner and was dressed elegantly with a lot of makeup. 

In a somewhat different tone than he had used for Phina, Mr. Arrogant added, "You know I don't like to be called by my surname Taylor." 

She hugged him, saying, "Don't be offended, Ricky. It's just surprising." 

Phina was astonished when he hugged her back and then released her. She gave him another look as if she was still in shock that he was the one. 

She questioned once more, "Is this you, Ricky?" 

He laughed and answered, "Of course, Taylor." 

With a sly smirk, she continued, "You look good as ever. That empire is pouring you money." 

While Phina just looked at them, Patrick smiled slightly. She is shocked that the guy chose to smile rather than sneer. 

She blushed scarlet as he said, "You don't look bad yourself." 

"But you abandoned me after Raya left. Is it because she was my best friend? You know it doesn't stop us from being friends." She sighed. 

Phina rolled her eyes in her head. Just blushing from a modest compliment, the woman was now overtly flirting with him. What a farce! She pondered. 

Patrick said, "I'm sorry." in a lovely voice. 

Phina reasoned that if he wasn't going to apologize, the woman must be a very close friend of his. since he hasn't shown her any kindness at all. 

Perhaps that wasn't how he was to everyone, similar to what his PA once told her. Or he was using it to manipulate a man into giving him what he wanted. After spending a short while with him, she had seen firsthand how wealthy individuals would stop at nothing to achieve their goals, and complimenting the woman could be one of them.

She pointed him toward an office on the top floor and said, "Let's go to my office." 

She overlooked Phinaa until she trailed behind Patrick. 

"You now have a new secretary. What about the other secretary? What's her name again, sorry?" She inquired. 

Patrick asked, "Susan?" 

Her smile said, "Yeah, Susan."

He looked at her and replied, "Well, Susan is still my secretary, and Phina isn't, so Taylor meet Phina." 

That he could still remember her name made Phina happy. However, she couldn't help but wonder why there were so many formalities. What made him refer to her as "Miss Wallace"? It appears that she doesn't understand the man. 

Phina reached out to shake Taylor''s hand. However, the woman examined her from head to toe with her eyes before feigning a grin. She took the hand and dropped it immediately, which made her feel bad. 

"So, who is this Patrick?" she inquired, a little exasperated and curious at the same time. 

Phina turned to face Patrick, anticipating his response. 

"She is a friend," Patrick said without flinching. 

Sholape looked at her as if she had trouble believing Patrick was her friend. Phina saw that the woman was not fond of her. Her response was quite telling. 

She sounded like, "Uhm." 

"I would like to request a favor from you. I need your assistance." Patrick stated bluntly. 

"OK. I'm all ears." 

"I want you to explain things about your business to her. You know what I mean, right?" And he explained. 

Reluctantly, she nodded. And he explained to her what he needed her to accomplish. 

"OK. For you, I will do that. But is there any reason why.... that I need to know?" She asked. 

The woman blushed as he answered, "Not really. But thanks, Taylor. I owe you dinner." with a charming smile. 

With great delight, she answered, "Anything for you, Ricky." "I look forward to it." 

He told her, "I'll give you a call." "I have to leave now. I have an empire to return to." 

She nodded and grinned. 

She said, "I'll go call Amelia," and left the office. 

Patrick turned to face Phina, drawing nearer as he said softly. 

"Do as she says. Make sure you listen to everything she says. It is essential. And the sooner you learn, the faster you end the lesson." 

She replied, "Alright." He stared at her as if she should have spoken more, but she remained silent. 

"OK. You can go home when you are done. My driver will come to pick you up later. Just come here tomorrow. You don't have to come to my house unless I tell you so." He said. She said nothing. "I'll leave now." He left her in the office, and Taylor entered with a woman who resembled her in stature and attire. 

***********

Patrick got into his vehicle, and the driver left the compound. On the way to work, he considered Phina's actions. She was remarkably silent. When he told her he was going, and even before then, she didn't even respond. Perhaps she wasn't who he believed her to be. 

Her behavior on the day she visited his residence had surprised him. She didn't avert her gaze or blink when looking at him and didn't respond to him the way most girls would. 

At his place, he was impressed by her bravery and reaction that day. At the same time, he detested it. He detested it when women challenged him, especially when they were as young as Phina. 

Perhaps the second time they saw each other, she was just being harsh. He pondered. 

He isn't overly concerned. 

He brushed the idea from his mind and realized he still had work. Picking up his phone, he dialed his best friend's number, and on the first ring, the person answered. 

He laughed as he answered the phone, "Hello, best man." 

He requested, but Patrick joined him first. 

"How are your wife and Rose?" 

"My baby girl is on my lap, and my angel is in the kitchen." 

"That's nice, family man," Patrick said. Philip laughed as well. He said, "So... No work today?" 

Knowing his best friend reasonably well, he said, "Work can wait. I want to spend time with my family. So why the call on a weekday...and morning, to be precise." 

He is aware that Patrick takes his profession seriously. He would have been in his office on a morning like this. There were moments when he questioned how he could stay healthy with so little sleep. 

"Just call to let you know that she agreed. She agreed to make the deal." 

He declared Patrick, full of pride. He felt so pleased, thrilled about his accomplishments, and relieved that he didn't need to say or do much to persuade the woman. 

Everything was made possible by his money. 

"Are you serious?" 

"Yeah. My money did it. Just like I told you." 

He said, "Wise asshole. You're lucky then." "You will tell me about it when we see later." 

Patrick gave a nod. 

"OK. No problem." 

"Ricky." 

"Yes." 

"Treat her well," Philip suggested. No one knew his pal like he did. He is indifferent. All that matters to him is his family and his job. To him, nothing and no one is more important than those two. 

He answered and hung up, saying, "That is not a problem. We'll see later. I've got to go."