FAKE RELATIONSHIP PROPOSAL

I never saw myself sitting in a coffee shop, hearing my employer make such a ridiculous proposal. Ignoring my heart palpitating in my ears, I watched as the froth in my coffee gently swirled. This was no ordinary talk. Absolutely not in the slightest.

"So, what do you think?" With a note of irritation in his voice, Ethan inquired, staring into my blue eyes.

What was it I thought? I saw it as the most ridiculous notion I had ever heard. But that's not at all what I uttered. "You want me to mimic to be your girlfriend for a weekend?"

He gave me a somewhat indifferent nod, suggesting that the question he was posing wasn't entirely absurd. Only for my sister's nuptials. For years, my family has been bugging me to bring someone home, and lately, they've been on this big "you need to settle down" push. I can't go through that again if my mother starts fixing me up with the daughters of her friends if I don't show up with someone."

I gazed at him, the words swirling within my head but never quite coming out. Three years as Ethan Reynolds's employer, he wanted me to play girlfriend to escape a matchmaking ambush. Me, his personal assistant, who at the moment could hardly make ends meet.

"Why me?" At last, I was able to inquire, speaking no louder than a whisper.

For an instant, I thought I glimpsed a hint of weakness as his countenance softened. I trust you, that's why. You already know my family from all the phone calls and Christmas cards, and you are the one that knows me the best out of everyone."

I bit a lip as I peered out the window at the busy street in the city. Indeed. This likely explains why, apart from work-related matters, he seldom spoke to me at the workplace. I knew my present circumstance was unstable, so I wasn't naive. Living in a tiny apartment and struggling to make ends meet, I was deeply in debt from my college debts. My work was the one thing that kept me grounded in reality. And now Ethan wanted me to step out of that stability by posing as his girlfriend.

"What's my purpose?" I posed the question, startling even myself. If there was more to his plan than simply preserving his skin, I would have told him no, but the desperate new me wanted to hear it.

Ethan sat back in his chair with a sly smile on his face. "I'll pay off your student loans."

My heart stopped beating. utterly. Unsure whether I had heard right, I blinked at him. "Excuse me?"

"Everyone," he affirmed. "I am aware of your difficulties. Think of this as a...business deal. You assist me, and I assist you.

I remained uncertain whether I should feel relieved or insulted. The fact was, I was at a loss for what to do. Every day I felt like my debt was crushing me, and now Ethan was giving me a chance to get out. However, at what expense?

We were in deep stillness for a while, and I could feel my chest becoming tighter. Ethan stared intently, waiting for my response. Telling him I wasn't for sale and turning to go would have been a wise move. However, the notion of being financially free at last was too alluring.

I responded in a firm voice, "Fine." "But I have conditions."

Clearly fascinated, he raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"You make this look real," I said as I started to cross off my requests on my fingers. I refuse to act like some uncomfortable arm candy at your sister's nuptials. As long as we're doing this, it's correct."

With a nod, Ethan's countenance darkened. "Agreed. And what else?"

"Secondly, after this weekend, everything will resume as usual. There are no strange or uncomfortable people in the workplace. When the wedding concludes, this ceases."

After seeming to consider it for a time, he nodded. "Deal."

I let out a deep sigh, feeling as if a thick blanket had covered my choice. "Alright. I'll carry it out.

Ethan smiled again, seeming more victorious. "Well done. We go the next day."

I made a blink. "Tomorrow?"

He sprang up and retrieved his coat, responding, "Yeah," It's the wedding weekend. Charlotte, start packing. Our destination is upstate New York."

My heart was still pounding as I sat there in disbelief as he turned to go. I just agreed to what? I was going to pretend to be someone I wasn't, entering a world I didn't comprehend, with a guy who was just my boss. This was a bet with my whole life, not just a fictitious romance.

And what's the worst aspect? I wasn't even sure if I could carry it off.

As I started to comprehend the absurdity of the circumstance, my phone beeped. A text message from Ethan: "My former partner will be present." She still believes that we exist. I'll see you next week."