𝟑𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

~~ 6. ~~

"It's a choice just like I said and I'm not forcing you. I'm going to pay you ten million after the end of the deal."

              Her mouth fell wide open in disbelief.

             Did he just say that? Ten million. He was offering her ten million. Then she hit herself inwardly for thinking so low of herself.

"Are you trying to buy me Mr Demilade? " She asked quite angrily.

             He smirked.

"Buy you? What for? This is business. It's purely business. I need someone to act as my girlfriend for thirty days and you need the money. You know you need the money Miss Bamidele. You won't get the chance elsewhere. There are a lot of things that the money could solve for you." Demilade said confidently and he simpered.

"The choice is all yours." He said again.

             Lola looked away and thought about what he just said. He was right. The money could solve a lot of things right now in the family. She could pay her brother's WEAC fee, and buy a new sewing machine and a weaving machine. She could even use the money to pay for all her grandmother's treatment. She could take another JAMB form and prepare to go back to school the following year and have enough for registration and school fees.

              He was offering her something that could do a lot of good in her life. She can't earn one-third of that money from working as a waitress and from the clothes she sows in a year. But he was offering it to her... In just thirty days.

"Why me? Why offer me such a.... deal? You don't know who I am. You could pay someone else to do just that for you." She said confused.

             Why did he even need an acting girlfriend?

            Well, that's not her problem and her concerns.

"Well Miss Bamidele, that's my choice to make. And you don't need to know anything. What you just need to know is that... You seem to be trustworthy. And I know your father. I'm trying to help you here. So like I said it's pure business." He answered.

             Lola fought the urge not to roll her eyes. Is everything a way of making money or spending money for rich men? She asked herself internally rhetorically.

               He could see different reactions playing on her face. From anger to confusion to doubt and annoyance.

"You can look through the file to know more about it." He said throwing the file in his hand on the centre table that was in between them.

              She picked the file up and glanced at him before opening the file to read its content.

               She read through the things written in the book. There were things he expected her to do and not to do. He gave her rules to follow and state clearly what isn't going to happen.

               It seemed okay to her. That is if he can keep to the end of his bargain.

"How do I know I can trust you?" Lola asked.

              He smiled in his usual silly way and said.

"I'm a man. A businessman. This is like making a business deal. You can trust me. I won't write those if I can't keep them. I keep my word." He said emphasizing the last part.

               She nodded.

"Can I think about it?" She asked.

"Alright." He said to her, shrugging.