Chapter 1 - Husband for Hire

"Marry me!"

"—what?" Aera uttered, embarrassed.

Aera is a natural beauty, just as what you would expect from a CEO of a cosmetics and fashion company.

And the man in front of her is Orson, her million-dollar investor. Unlike Aera—well, Orson is a playboy known for his ugly looks.

Aera tried to be as calm as she can. She cannot afford to lose face—not in front of an investor. "Mr. Orson, you know I can't do that-"

"Why?! If you marry me, I'll increase my investment in your company."

Aera sighed. "Thank you for the offer but-"

"Ugh, this is so annoying! What else do you want?! I already told you I'll increase my investment."

"Mr. Orson, our relationship is solely based on business. I have no intention to mix up relationships between business and private life."

Mr. Orson raised his hand, ready to slap Aera's face. "You bitch-"

"Besides, I am already married."

Halt. Mr. Orson was frozen like ice. He thought, "a woman so dignified, colder than ice, is actually married?"

He bitterly chuckled. "Ha! This is not the time for jokes, Ms. Carmiona. We all know you are not married. Not a woman like you.

Aera calmly sips her coffee. "You can believe what you want, Mr. Orson. But I can't marry you. My husband is sort of a possessive type."

She lied. Aera Carmiona is a single woman.

Frustrated and disbelieved, Orson stood up and loosened his necktie. "If you really have a husband, then bring him here, or else, I will not invest in your company." He threatens and leaves.

As soon as Orson left, Aera heaved a deep sigh as she tirelessly lean on the chair. At the same time, she pressed the small button on her watch.

*beeep*

Swift and fast, Anne, Aera's secretary and personal maid enters the cafe.

It was a good thing that Anne can read the room as she was quick to calm her stressed mistress down.

Aera sighed as she placed her palm on her forehead. "Anne, find me a husband. Real quick."

Anne stopped for a moment and sighed. "I'm guessing that the talk with Mr. Orson did not go well."

Aera rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Don't say anything. Just find me a husband."

"My lady, finding a guy who can put up with you is hard. I doubt there will be men willing to marry you."

Aera glared at Anne. "What? Why?"

Anne sighed. "My lady doesn't like to be submissive towards men. A lot of guys don't want that."

Aera furrowed her eyebrows and heaved a deep sigh. "Then what do we do? I told Orson that I am married. That annoying man just can't stop bothering me." She clenched her fist.

"My lady, if you are that desperate tofind a husband, then why don't you try this site?" Anne gives out a tablet with a site opened.

"The Professional Husband"

A husband straight out of your dreams

Aera's eyes widen. "W-What is this unethical site?!"

"My lady, it's the best site for single women. My friend used this before, she can't get enough of it until now." Anne raised her thumb as if saying, "It's really good. Try it."

Anne clicked a button that says, "Husbands for Hire"

"How about this one, My Lady?" Anne asked. Aera placed her attention on the profile.

Kaizer

32, Male

Business graduate

Smokes, drinks occasionally

Has kids

"Next." Aera sternly said. Of all men, she hates the ones who smokes and drinks.

Eliseo

67-

"Pass. Are you trying to set me up with a man with the same age as my grandfather, Anne?" Aera uttered to which Anne scratched her head with.

"Then, how about this one, my lady?"