The Plan

Had Mary discovered that George was rich? He doubted it. If she had known, she would've come calling a long time ago.

"Mary is this some sort of mistake?" George asked.

"No, it- it's not." She said, seriously. "My cousin doesn't have high expectations. She just wants to find an honest and obedient boyfriend. And I think you fit that description. I already told her about your financial situation and she doesn't mind."

"An obedient boyfriend?" George thought. "Does she really just want a puppy?"

"All right. She should be here soon. Wait, here, I'll go watch for her." Mary said. Then she got up, walked to the coffee shop entrance and dialled her cousin's number. "Are you here yet? I've been waiting for you at Mosters for a while," she said.

"There's a traffic jam. I'm almost there." Her cousin answered. Even over the phone, her voice was pleasant. "Did you find me a boyfriend?"

"I did. I'm sure you'll be satisfied," Mary giggled. "Please. Don't be worried about it. I found you a poor and obedient boy, just like you asked. He's tall and handsome and his clothes are all old. He's so broke. He barely has food to eat. He works two jobs just to get by. He's perfect."

"Really? He's with you right now?" Her cousin asked. "Mary, this time I have to make sure that Melton takes the bait. This guy you found has to be good enough to make Melton jealous so that he finally takes the initiative to ask me about our relationship."

"Are you really going to marry Melton? No more thinking about it?" Mary asked.

"I'm getting older. I haven't met anyone interested in marrying me and I don't think I ever will. I know Melton doesn't look like much, but he's the general manager of a company. He's well off. He's just bought a house from the Blue Sky Corporation in Harrison. It's only two bedrooms, but the starting price of the house is already $100,000." Her cousin said.

"But isn't Melton also interested in you?" Mary asked in confusion. "I shouldn't have been doing favors like this for you. Wouldn't he fall for you if you just flirted with him a little? Why do we need to go through so much trouble just to get him to propose?"

"Silly girl, you don't understand anything. A relationship is like a game. Whoever takes the initiative is the loser." Her cousin said mysteriously.

"I still don't understand", Mary laughed awkwardly.

Her cousin explained. "If I go after Melton, even if we end up together, I'll have the lower status in our relationship. But if Melton pursues me, then I'll have the higher position. He wouldn't dare disappoint me. So if I want Melton to be wrapped around my finger and loyal to me, I have to provoke him and show him how important I am."

"Oh, so that's what your plan is." Mary said finally understanding. "That's why you need some chump to pretend to be your boyfriend. Once Melton sees you with him, he'll be so angry and jealous that he'll confess his love for you and confirm your relationship."

"That's right. The fake boyfriend plan has to work." Her cousin said. "We'll pretend to be a couple for a few days. When Melton sees us together, he'll definitely pursue me urgently because he won't want to lose me to another man. Once he establishes our relationship, I'll kick the chump to the curb and accept Melton's pursuit."

"Wow. That's an elaborate strategy." Mary said, impressed. "You've thought of everything. It's sure to work. If Melton even dares to play tricks on you, he's no match for you."

"All right, let's not talk about it anymore," her cousin said. "There have been too many twists and turns in my relationship with Melton and I'm tired of it. If a woman wants something, then she has to reach out and take it. You can go ahead and go inside the coffee shop. I still have two traffic lights to go."

"Okay. But when this thing between you and Melton is done, remember that I was the one who helped make it happen. You'll have to thank me well," Mary giggled.

"No problem. As long as everything works out, you'll be rewarded." Her cousin promised.

Mary hung up the phone and walked back to her seat across from George. She said in a bold voice, "My cousin is stuck in traffic. Why don't you order a drink while we wait?"

At that moment, Ben and Alice entered the coffee shop together. Ben recognized George immediately and said, sarcastically, "Well, who do we have here? The most famous man in Harrison."

He embraced Alice and slowly walked closer. "Darling, why do you think George is so strange? He doesn't have any money, yet he likes to go to fancy places and act cool."

Without looking at Alice, Ben said, "Don't be fooled, baby. This dude is broke as fuck, but he has the guts to go after beautiful girls like you."

George glanced at Alice coldly and sneered. He didn't argue with Ben.

The waiter walked over and asked, "Sir, uh, what would you like to order?"

"What do you have here?" George asked.