THE DEAL
The computer screen displayed a series of numbers that Kimberly had been working on for the past two hours. She double-checked repeatedly to ensure that everything she had done was absolutely perfect without any errors.
After sending a copy of the document to Nicholas via email, Kimberly turned off her computer and prepared to leave.
“Are you finished?”
Kimberly’s body straightened instantly at the sound of the deep voice. She turned to the source of the sound and realized her boss was leaning in the corner of the room with his hands clasped.
“Yes, it’s done. I’ve also sent all the data to your email address,” Kimberly replied.
Nicholas nodded.
“It’s already six in the evening. If you have nothing else to do, you can go home. But before that, there’s something important I want to discuss with you.”Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
“Huh? What do you mean, sir?” Kimberly asked, puzzled.
“Pack up your things and come to my office right now.”
Kimberly reached for her work bag and followed Nicholas, who had already entered his office. There, he settled himself on a leather sofa not far from the window.
“Please, have a seat,” Nicholas instructed.
Kimberly obeyed her boss’s request and sat on the sofa.
“What important matter do you want to discuss, sir?” Kimberly inquired.
Nicholas took a deep breath before speaking. “I don’t want to beat around the bush. I just want to ask for your help.”
Kimberly raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, sir?”
“First, I want to ask if you’re currently in a relationship with someone? I mean, with a man.”
Kimberly shook her head. She couldn’t admit that she was trying to get close to her boss.
“Are you in an arranged marriage?” Kimberly shook her head again.
“Do you want to be my temporary girlfriend?”
Kimberly’s eyes widened. “Huh? W-what? Did I hear you correctly?” she asked, feeling a bit flustered.
Nicholas nodded.
“You heard me correctly. I want to ask for your help to become my temporary girlfriend. My parents will be visiting Indonesia, and they want to meet my partner when they arrive.”
“But, sir, I don’t think I can help you,” Kimberly firmly replied.
Nicholas was taken aback. He didn’t expect Kimberly to refuse his request. He was quite confident she would accept it. Now he had to think hard about how to persuade Kimberly to agree.
“It’s just temporary, Kimmy, once my parents return to England, you can go back to being free.”
Kimberly remained silent for quite some time, lost in her thoughts.
My main goal was to become your girlfriend.
But not like this.
This feels like you’re treating me like a puppet.
Damn it!
“Kimberly, what do you say? Can you help me?” Nicholas asked.
Kimberly shook her head.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t help you.”
Nicholas closed his eyes for a moment, thinking about what else he could do. He had thought that his secretary would agree to his request, knowing that Kimberly had been seeking his attention for a while. But now? She had rejected him outright.
“Fine, I won’t force you. But don’t blame me if I fire you for defying your boss’s orders!” Nicholas warned.
Kimberly grumbled in frustration. “Seriously, sir? Are you threatening me?”
“I’m not threatening you. I’m just giving you a choice.”
“Mr. Nicholas, why do you have to force me to be your temporary girlfriend? Are you running out of women?”
“Because all my friends chose you!”
Oh my God.
So this Mr. Iceman is choosing a girlfriend based on his friends’ choices?
Absolutely amazing.
Should I give him a round of applause?
“Mr. Nicholas, in this world, there are millions of women. Some are beautiful, some are average. Some are annoying, sexy, obnoxious, dumb, smart, kind, and so on. But why me to be your temporary girlfriend?” Kimberly retorted.
Nicholas let out a soft sigh. “Because you possess all the qualities and criteria you mentioned earlier.”
“Hah? You’re truly insane!”
“Just average. No need to be too surprised. So, what’s your choice? Do you want to be the temporary girlfriend, or do you want to lose your job and become homeless?”
“You’re cunning! Do you think that’s a favorable choice for me? Please, realize you’re resembling a land leech right now,” Kimberly sneered.
“Rather than a land crocodile?”
Oh, damn!
Can I pounce on this man in front of me right now?