Chapter 2

Ares: Come meet me in front of the restaurant now

I rolled my eyes reading his text. Yesterday, my dad called me and told me how proud he is that I can have my own restaurant. He said he will visit me very soon. Ares is such a jerk. How can he.. did this to me. Now, I’m stuck with him for 6 months.

I walked out and released my apron. His assistant led me to his expensive car. I got inside and glared at him.

“I told you not to work, why are you so stubborn?”

“I’m a chef, I love cooking and working.”

“We’re going to your new restaurant.” He said and I can’t help but smile.

“You are unbelievable. Can I ask you something?”

“Ask away.” He said as he gestured his driver to drive.

“Why do you need a fake girlfriend? I bet all the girls who are lining want to do it for free..”

“My dad wants me to settle down because he is fed up seeing me like this. My grandmother kept blabbering about wanting to see my girlfriend. They want me to bring my girlfriend home and since I don’t want them to beat me to death. I need to search for someone who has.. a good background like you. Your face is okay and your body is okay too.” I smacked his arm and he groaned in pain.

“Excuse me? You don’t need to comment on my appearance, you jerk!”

“I’m being honest about my reasons.”

“Okay. It’s not like we will stick together every day, I’ll be cursed if that happens.” I said.

“Who says that?” He smirked and I turned to him.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Tomorrow is my grandmother’s 75th birthday and after that my sister is planning her wedding which you will help her and-”

“I’m your fake girlfriend, not your wife. Why do I hav-”

“I’m not finished, baby.” He put his index finger on my lips and I bit him. He pulled his finger out and glared at me.

“Why did you do that?”

“I hate you!”

“You better behave well around me.” He grabbed my hand and I rolled my eyes.

“I know my family will like you when you attend my grandmother’s birthday. I bet my sister will ask you to help her. They would want you around a lot so.. you’re stuck with me almost every day, baby.” He smiled and winked.

“This feels like hell.”

“6 months, Athena. Fool my family for 6 months and you will have your own restaurant. I will tell my family that we broke up too.”

“Okay.” I nodded.

“Let’s go to your new.. baby.” He said and I can’t wait to see it. After 20 minutes drive, we arrived and I saw an empty 2 storey building in front of me.

“Your new baby, everything is ready and I will gather a new team of chefs and staff for you by next week. All you need to do is decide your menu.” He said and I walked inside. I walked around and completely star-struck.

“You can start anytime, whenever you’re ready.”

“Okay.” I squealed.

“Okay?”

“Are you expecting a thank you? This is mutual.. you should thank me first.” I said and he chuckled.

“Smart girl, that’s what I like about you.” He patted my head as I looked around.

“Do you like it?”

“Yeah, I like it a lot. It’s beautiful and just the way I like it.”

“You’ll cook for me right?” He asked.

“Depends.” I joked and he turned around.

“I’m joking! What do you want?”

“There’s some ingredients in the fridge, how about you show me what you got?” He said and I gestured him to sit. I walked to the kitchen and found 2 steaks, potatoes, tomatoes, pasta and some shrimps. I decided to show my skill and told him to wait.

After 20 minutes, I walked out with two plates full of food. I put one in front of him and one for me. He took a bite of the steak and then the pasta, the shrimp and the potatoes.

“How is it?” I asked.

“Not as good.” He said as he got up from his seat.

“What?!” I looked at him in disbelief. “Did you lose your taste buds?” I asked.

“I have to go.” He said as he walked to the door and he stopped. He turned to me.

“Tonight my assistant will come to you and bring a dress for tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at 10 tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“See you.” He smiled and then he walked out. I ate my food and Ares’ food. It’s so good. I swear he has weird taste. I stayed there and decided to stop working on my previous restaurant. I need to tell my best friend Christie.

I spend my day working on menus and I’m so excited for this new journey. I should thank him one day and pay him slowly. He made my dream come true instantly. After staying in the kitchen for 6 hours, I decided to go back and bake some cupcakes for Ares’ grandmother’s birthday.

Suddenly my doorbell rang and I walked out to see a woman in office attire. She gave me a black box.

“Ms. Matthew, a package from Mr. Anderson.” She said and I thanked her. I walked in with the box and opened it. It’s a short floral dress. It’s beautiful and so.. me.

My phone vibrated and I grabbed it.

Ares: Dress beautifully tomorrow

I rolled my eyes but a smile left my face. I hung the dress and decided to go to sleep early.