Chapter 5 - It was a great meal

"He...hello...yes, I've seen you around young master Calvin."

Calm down Aila, he's probably just bored. From what I can remember Calvin was exempted from the outings of the harem at this point. Who would've thought he was at my house during that time.

Mother Carter clapped her hands happily and thought these two have such great genes, they will surely give her beautiful grandbabies!

For someone as young as mother Carter, she seemed so feudal in thought.

Clearing his throat, father Carter said, "Let's have dinner."

Aila tried to ignore Calvin at her side. Focused entirely in her plate. She didn't see that Calvin has been eyeing her oddly.

"My complements to the chef Mrs. Carter. It certainly is much more delicious that any 5 star hotel."

Blushing happily, mother responded

"Oh you, you have such a way with words young master Calvin, please have more. We'd like to have you come over more often." Not forgetting her matchmaker role, mother interjected.

"It would be a pleasure to be in the company of such beautiful ladies." giving his best charming smile, Calvin responded.

The siblings simultaneously roled their eyes which their father found amusing.

Mother Carter ignoring these two & asked Aila

"Dear, its Calvin's first time at our house. Why don't you show him around after dinner?"

Stunned, she looked at her mother's burning gaze and said "wh...what?"

"Yeah sis, mom has been looking forward to this for a long time. You should grant her request." stiffling a laugh, Allister said.

Then she heard a thud underneath the table & found his brother's face being distorted.

I guess mother Carter is a fierce woman behind that gentle facade.

Scared that the fire will spread to her Aila readily agreed.

....and deeply regretted it.

*****

Calvin had been quite thoughtful after seeing Aila at the dinner table. He hasn't seen this side of her at all in all the times he met her. She usually wears gaudy clothes & thick make up. Who knew that a beauty was hiding underneath.

With her sitting beside him, he could smell her sweet scent and couldn't help but think back on the passionate night they just shared. But alas, the beauty seemes elusive today. But from the expression of her parents they seemed to approve of him greatly.

He knows quite well why he was invited. His grandfather as well has been nagging him to get married. He thought since Aila seemed different this morning, he could propose a fake engagement to her to keep the elders from breathing down his neck.

Aila suddenly stopped at a deserted corridor and turned to him. Without beating around the bush she asked him coldly:

"What are you doing here?"

Although a playboy, Aila knew that underneath that playful exterior. Calvin has a brilliant mind. She doesn't think for a second that he does not know why her brother extended an invitation to him.

She knows she's acting out of character but she couldn't help it. Her future beautiful life is hanging in the balance with this fast ball.

This guy better not use her to get the female protagonist jealous or just have her around as a plaything.

Although she transmigrated too late & the deed was already done, that does not mean she will continue the past Aila's stupid actions of clinging on this dead tree!

Sensing her hostility, Calvin put down his charming smile & showed her his true face.

Aila having seen his face turn cold, she waited nervously for his words:

"Aila, although we've met in such an absurb circumstance, I never thought I'd have treated you badly. I've come here because I thought you seem to be a sensible woman and would like to proposing a deal."

Aila paused. A deal?

Without waiting for her response, Calvin gently ushered her back towards the nearby veranda. He couldn't help wanting to get close to her but stopped midway and proceeded to close the door behind him.

Aila was too nervous to notice and simply responded "what deal?"

"I propose we fake an engagement for now, at least a year. We both know that our parents are more than happy to ship us together and as a comfirmed bachelor I could not see myself being held down too soon. I'm sure you wanted some breathing room for yourself too."

Yeah right, you're just waiting for the female lead to finally throw herself at you when she got bored with her other fishes. I'm sure you'll hound her like a shark later own.

I don't like it, but its just a year. Then its happily ever after, no?

Before she could respond, Calvin continued.

"I will draft a contract tomorrow. You may come to my office then to sign it. Don't worry after today it will be announced that your my fiancee."

That's too soon! I'm not ready!

"But...!"

"Here's a black card, you can spend it however you want." Then he placed a card on her hand.

Oh my! She was indeed rich now but still lives on a allowance albeit bigger than most people. Still unlimited card? Why, you really are male lead material!

Calvin having noticed the change in her expression with the card in her hand went in for the kill.

"After a year you can get any of the 4 cars that you like in my garage and will have 10 properties under your name. As the former fiancee of the Harrison conglomerate's heir, you will get 3% of the company's stocks."

What the hell? Is he serious? All that just to play pretend for a year?! I'll gladly even iron your underwear young master! Hurray for the novel's unrealistic wealthy standard.

Having been blinded by the trappings, without a second thought Aila readily agreed. Unfortunately, its time for the trap.

"But, you have to be there when I need you. Social events, family gatherings & even group outings. No exceptions."

Oh shit! My trip around the world! Fine, fine...just one year. It'll fly by fast anyway.

Tsk..."Alright fine, for 1 year only. Deal."

Calvin then finally let go of his cold face and returned to the gentle playboy that her memory knew. Before she could react he kissed her lips quickly and whispered in her ear seductively, "By the way, I had a great meal." with a wicked grin, Calvin left.

Speechless, Aila just stared at him in shock and remembered too late.

Wasn't she supposed to say that no unnecessary touching during their contract? Why was she so greedy! Arrghhh...