#####CHAPTER 4

Will you be my fake girlfriend, Dovey?" Luca asked, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. My lips froze, and my throat went dry, leaving me speechless.

"What did you just say?" I stuttered, hoping I'd misheard him.

Luca looked calm and collected, his eyes locked on mine. "I didn't stutter, did I, amore mio?"

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm my racing heart. "Why me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Luca's eyes flickered with confusion. "What do you mean?"

I sighed and rubbed my eyes, trying to process this surreal situation. "Sir, I...I don't even know you," I stammered, looking at our intertwined hands.

Luca's grip on my hand tightened. "My name is Luca," he said, his eyes intense. "And I know this sounds crazy, but I need you to trust me. I have no choice."

My curiosity piqued, and looked up at him. "What do you mean you have no choice?"

Luca's expression turned serious. "My father wants me to settle down, and he's chosen a wife for me. But I didn't like her, so I told him I had a girlfriend without thinking. Now he wants to meet her by the weekend."

His words tumbled out in a rush, leaving me stunned and wondering what I'd gotten myself into.

"You have A-list celebrities lining up to be your girlfriend, why me?" I asked, incredulous. "You don't even know me, how can you expect a stranger to be your girlfriend?"

Luca's gaze remained steady, his eyes piercing mine. "I can't trust them to keep their mouths shut," he said bluntly. "But I need someone to pretend to be my girlfriend, and I'll provide for your needs, whatever you want. Just ask, and it's yours."

I was taken aback by his offer, my hands flying up in exasperation. "Excuse me, Luca, but just because I'm willing to help you doesn't mean you need to buy me off. I don't want your money, no offense, but you're making me feel like some kind of...I don't know, a prostitute or something."

My words came out in a rush, my cheeks flushing with indignation. "I'm willing to help you because you seem like you're in a real bind, not because I want something in return. You don't have to bribe me, Luca.” I said looking down at my lap like it was the most interesting thing in the world

Luca's fingers gently lifted my chin, and my eyes met his. I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his ocean-blue eyes, the intensity of his gaze making my heart race. "I'm sorry, that came out all wrong, I didn't mean it like that, Tesoro," he said, his voice low and sincere.

I felt a flutter in my chest at the softness in his eyes and the sincerity in his voice. "So?" he asked, his eyes filled with hope.

I gestured between us, my hands fluttering in frustration. "How long are we going to keep up this charade, Luca? How long will I be your pretend girlfriend?" I asked, my voice laced with skepticism.

Luca's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in thought. "We'll just pretend for my family's sake, Dovey. If they seem to buy it, we'll just stay together for a while, and then we'll stage a breakup. We'll make up some excuse like we grew apart or something."

I felt a pang of disappointment, my heart sinking at the thought of our relationship being nothing more than a ruse.

What if I want us to be real? What if I want this to be real?

I felt a lump form in my throat, my heart aching with disappointment. Was I just a convenient solution for Luca, a means to an end? Or was there something more between us, something worth exploring? I searched his eyes, hoping to find a glimmer of truth, a spark of something real.

I swallowed hard, my nerves getting the better of me. "We...I...don't know you," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Luca's smile was gentle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He stood up, his movements fluid, and I followed suit, my legs feeling like jelly.

He stepped closer, his body inches from mine, and I could feel the warmth of his skin radiating towards me. "I'd like to take you out," he said, his voice low and husky. "We can get to know each other."

My heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, my mind racing with the possibilities. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, staring into the unknown.

"Ok," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Luca's eyes lit up with a warm smile, and he reached out to take my hand. I felt a jolt of electricity as his fingers wrapped around mine, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

"Great," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "I'll pick you up at 7 tomorrow night."

I nodded, my mind still reeling from the sudden turn of events. As I watched him walk out of the cafe, I couldn't help but wonder what I had just gotten myself into.

I stared at Luca's retreating figure, my mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. I felt like I was in a daze, my thoughts jumbled and confused. I quickly rushed to the staff room, seeking refuge in the familiar surroundings. I collapsed onto a chair, trying to process what had just happened.

Just then, Emily walked in, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "I just saw you talking to Mr. Hottie," she said, her eyebrows dancing with excitement. "What's the scoop?"

I hesitated, unsure if I should share the truth with her. But something about Emily's kind and caring nature put me at ease. "Emily, I need to tell you something," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But promise me you'll keep it a secret."

Emily's grin faltered, replaced by a concerned expression. "Of course, I promise," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

I took a deep breath and recounted everything Luca had told me about the fake girlfriend request, the dinner with his father, and the whole ordeal. Emily listened intently, her eyes wide with surprise.

When I finished, she let out a low whistle. "So, he asked you to be his girlfriend?" she said, her voice filled with excitement.

I scoffed, trying to clarify. "Fake girlfriend, it's not real," I emphasized.

But Emily just smiled knowingly. "Even though, girl, I see the way he looks at you. He has the hots for you, can't you see it?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, trying to play it off. "I think I should have supported your optician when he said you needed glasses," I joked, attempting to deflect her observation.

Emily chuckled, her eyes shining with amusement. "Oh, I'm just calling it like I see it," she said, winking at me. I shook my head, laughing, and got up to change my apron, feeling a bit more at ease with Emily's support and friendship.

As I walked away, Emily called out, "Hey, don't think you can escape that easily! I'm onto something here!" I smiled and waved her off, but couldn't help feeling a flutter in my chest. Was Emily right? Was Luca interested in me?

I pushed the thought aside and focused on my work, but Emily's words lingered in my mind.

Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a wild and unpredictable ride. A ride that would take me on a journey of self-discovery, love, and heartbreak. A ride that would change my life forever.

As I worked, Emily's words echoed in my mind, fueling my curiosity and wonder. Was I ready for what lay ahead? Only time will tell.