Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"There haven't been many, mainly because dating is about finding a like-minded partner," he said. I almost wanted to laugh.

Like-minded?

He just wanted to find someone who made money the same way he did to increase his profits.

They said finding a job was tough these days, but if you used your brain, there were plenty of ways to make money without much investment.

"So, miss, have you decided whether to rent me as your boyfriend or to try dating me?" the man asked again.

I pressed my lips together and did not speak. He elegantly sipped his coffee. "A smart woman would choose to date. That way, you don't have to pay, and if it doesn't work out, you can just break up."

"If everyone does that, wouldn't you be at a loss?" I stirred my coffee.

"Not everyone gets this chance. I have standards too, and I choose based on the other person's conditions," he replied.

I got it. He was interested in me and thought I was good enough to give this cost-free trial.

on the services you mentioned?" Honestly, his prices weren't

him to go to the Gildon estate, I'd have to act like that

added,

"I understand your terms. I need some time to think it over. You can keep taking other orders in the meantime. If someone else suits

I said this, it hit me that this wasn't a date. It was a business

seriously. "I genuinely want to work with

candidates and choose the best one," I said. I was adopting a seasoned business

hand to call the

"No need. We

to scan the code, nodded, and smiled as

for

a bite to eat outside, wandered the night market, bought some interesting trinkets, and by the

it was about to rain, but it felt particularly gloomy tonight. I felt a chill as soon as I got out of the car and instinctively hunched my shoulders. That was when I

imagination, but the unease quickened my steps home.