C7 Goodbye

Alice couldn't believe she was discussing her appearance with Kendrick. It was surreal, considering their initial encounter. "So, what do you want me to look like in front of your family?" she asked, catching Kendrick off guard.

"Well, can you look sophisticated in front of them? Someone that is a conversationalist," he responded. Her eyebrows furrowed as confusion painted her face.

"Elegant," he continued. "Be graceful and stylish in appearance and manner." Alice raised an eyebrow, studying him intently.

"Do I need to fake my identity as well?" she asked directly. Kendrick found her question surprising but quickly recovered. They were bound by rules, and one of them was to mind their own business.

"No, there's no need to do that," he answered. "You should know my family and think ahead of them. They might be nice in front of you, but I know they would conduct their own investigation about your life. Just be true. There's no need to lie. Tell them who your parents are and what they do in life," he instructed.

Alice nodded, understanding the task at hand. Kendrick took a deep sigh, meeting her gaze. "Spill it," he urged, sensing there was something she wanted to say.

"Why do you need to hire me? Yes, I used the word 'hire' because you will be paying me for doing this. And, again for the nth time, I know that you need me more than I need you," she said in a serious tone. Her question surprised him, but he quickly referred to the rules they had set.

"Rule number 1. No questions allowed," Kendrick asserted. Alice shrugged her shoulders, not pressing further. There was something different about her demeanor now, and Kendrick was thankful for that. It seemed she understood the boundaries between them. They anticipated no problems until his grandmother transferred all the inheritance in his name.

As they discussed their plan, Kendrick felt a spark of excitement. The inheritance wasn't just about the money for him; it was an opportunity to make changes in the family business. He envisioned taking control and proving himself to his father and aunt, who doubted his capabilities.

Kendrick knew the agreement was unconventional – he had to be in a relationship to secure his inheritance. Still young and reluctant to tie himself down, he couldn't understand why everyone around him was pushing him to get married.

As for Alice, Kendrick was grateful she seemed to grasp the situation. She wasn't interested in him romantically; her motives revolved around the money and a desire to get back at her ex-boyfriend. It was a mutual agreement, and Kendrick was content with that. Once the inheritance was transferred, they would part ways as if they had never met.

"Okay, don't worry. I should know how to handle this," she assured him, flashing a smile. Kendrick observed her features – she was undeniably beautiful, leaving him puzzled about why her ex-boyfriend had left her.

"Thank you, and here's the initial payment as promised. Make sure to look elegant on Saturday night. I've included extra money for you to buy branded clothes. You'll be in front of the Villarama Family, so better to make a good impression," he said, not intending to insult her but being straightforward. Kendrick knew his family, especially his aunt, and he didn't want Alice to feel belittled.

"There's no need to remind me, Kendrick. Just watch what I will do on Saturday. I think you also better warn the person who makes you worry like that," she said, taking the cheque from his hand.

"Okay, just don't do anything stupid, Alice," Kendrick warned. She smiled sarcastically, replying, "Consider it done, boss." After a sip of her orange juice, she asked, "Is there anything you need?"

Kendrick shook his head. "No, I should be good. I will be going out with my friends, so you can leave if you want." She continued checking her phone, not bothering to look at him.

"Okay, Alice. Even if I'm not around, make sure you know what you're doing. An investigation will be conducted after I introduce you to my family. They're wealthy people, so you have to watch every action you take. Don't put us in trouble," he emphasized.

"I know it's not written there, but don't do anything stupid. I'm counting on you with this one, Alice. I don't want our plan to be ruined. I know you'll understand once you meet my aunt and the rest of the family," he said before leaving.

"I know. I'm sorry. I will do my best not to do anything stupid, though I'm not really stupid," she replied sarcastically. "Okay, I better get going. Send me an email if you have questions or need anything," Kendrick said, leaving her alone.

"Goodbye," Alice said, watching him leave. As Kendrick left her line of sight, she couldn't believe she was involved in this transaction. Trying to be kind, she couldn't help but feel something weird about him. Why would Kendrick Villarama hire a girlfriend instead of getting a real one? Questions swirled in her mind, especially when she saw the generous amount of money on the cheque he gave her. An idea sparked in her mind, widening her eyes with the possibilities.