Christmas gave birth to love.

One of the benefits of participating in the contest is the fact that you won't have to worry much about what to write, 40% of my problem has been solved once I can lay my hands on a topic so I might be participating in only contest for the rest of the year as long as they keep coming.

Pearl is the only child of the Benson family, she graduated from Harvard with a first class in Business Administration. Her father wanted her back in Nigeria to learn some cultural values since she has lived all her life abroad studying, it was a tough argument between Pearl and her father, she was worried about everything she has seen and read online about Nigeria.

She finally agreed to come for a while to see if she can cope with the country's condition but another argument came upon her arrival, she wanted to stay in Lagos while her parent insisted that she stay with them in Abuja. The issue was dragged but they later agreed to her demand since she locked herself up in the boy's quarters behind the $100,000 duplex for more than two days, her father was worried that the boy's quarter won't be conducive for her and she might eventually hurt herself.

He gave her the keys to one of his mansions in Omole Phase 11 and ordered for an escort to go around with her. Pearl was happy and she moved down to Lagos, she has settle in very well in just a month and her father decided to hand over his business in Lagos over to her.

Pearl was doing great that she didn't have the time to think about traveling back because her father has handed almost all his businesses to her, it gave her so much exposure and she was always on the move going from one business trip to another.

How time flies...

Pearl has marked four birthdays since she arrived and her impact in her father's company can't be overlooked but that wasn't enough for her to maintain peace with her father, he always had one thing or the other to complain about.

Every Christmas, Pearl joins her parent and their business associate to celebrate in the only five-star hotel in the country but last year didn't end well because her father want to matchmake her with one of his associate's sons. Pearl initially tried playing along but had to voice out because she wasn't finding it cool living the rest of her life with someone she doesn't even know. (I don't blame her because her father wanted them married in less than a month).

Because of that, her father made a threat to disown her if she doesn't bring a man home during that year. Pearl didn't remember everything until her father remind her a few days before Christmas.

Are we still on this case dad? I thought we have forgotten that, it is almost a year now.

(Her father ended the call without giving a response). "He is angry", Pearl said as she sank into her bed. She kept rolling front and back on the bed thinking of what to do, at the end she came up with an idea.

The Idea

She spoke to her friend Nancy about the plan of hiring someone to pose as her boyfriend and they agreed that it was a perfect plan but which guy will take the offer? The guy must meet certain requirements because her father is a psychologist aside from being a successful businessman.

The search went on and they didn't get a guy but one Saturday morning while they were exercising at the gym, Pearl felt her gym instructor would be perfect for the job. She didn't know how to tell him about the offer that came with $10,000 and that made her worried.

The gym instructor (George) noticed she was sitting alone when everyone had left, he approached and started a conversation.

George: Hi Pearl

Pearl: Hey, George. What's up?

George: I am cool, why are you still around? Everyone left and even Nancy left like 30minutes ago.

Pearl: That's true. I am stuck with a little problem and I don't know how to go about it. (She narrated the story to George and he felt pity for her).

George: That's unfair, why would dad make such a decision for you? He should allow you to choose your choice of man. (He moved closer to her and held her hands)

He continued, "You are beautiful, intelligent, and hardworking. You are every man's dream, just handle things well and don't make a harsh decision that would ruin your future.

(Pearl was surprised that George could talk to her that much with love and care, she thought it would be a wrong choice to drag him into such an issue).

Pearl: Thanks George, I appreciate it. I will take my leave now. (She was about to close the door to the gym when George called her again)

George: Pearl, hold on. Can I feel in the spot for you? Isn't it just for one day? I can do it for you, the feeling is there. I believe you do see how much I always try to be around you but I know you can't come down so low to my level if you allow me. I can act just for that day so that you can be free from Dad's troubles for some time.

(Pearl was speechless, she had a crush on George as well but she never let him notice it. She was lost in thought and George has to tap her to come back to life).

Pearl: My bad, thanks for the help. It means a lot and I will be offering you good cash for that.

George: I am not interested if it has to do with the money, probably you can get someone for the money. (George took his bag and gave a sigh that he was leaving and they both left the gym, she felt bad for making him look cheap but she didn't want him to notice she has a crush on him).

Pearl: I will be glad if you can help me out, I am sorry for the way I sounded earlier. Can I give you a ride home?

George: That's fine, I will take a bike and let me know what the plan is, 24th of December is just 2 weeks from now. Just me a call and I will be at your service.

The two became very close from that moment and they were prepared for everything. Pearl ordered for their wear from the best stores in Lagos @Princessbusayo Fabrics and they set out in the first-class section of @HappyBoy airways.

George was so confident and they didn't worry about anything ruining the plans.

They arrived at the hotel and it would be the first time George would be stepping his feet in a five-star hotel.

They walk straight to the section of the hotel Mr. Benson already booked and they were happy to see their daughter walk in with a handsome guy, the introduction was done and George did as planned that no one suspected anything. After the gathering, it was time for everyone to leave but Mr. Benson didn't agree to anyone leaving. He had already booked the executive rooms for his visitors meaning Pearl and George had to use a room, they tried all excuses to leave but it didn't work out for them.

They took their room cards and left for their rooms, George told Pearl that she can have the room. He will sneak out to get a cheap room for the night and also return as early as possible but she refused and they both shared the room.

They talked all night, laughing, eating, and drinking before they slept off. George was on the couch while Pearl took the bed but she woke up in the night and covered George with the duvet because it was slightly cold, she sat down staring at him while he snored.

It looked like she was falling in love, she said to herself. "He is good, I think I am falling in love with him already".

Will it work out? I don't want to be a victim of another heartbreak like school days, she was deep in thought and didn't know when George stood up and came to her side.

He tapped her and asked if everything was alright and she said yes, George reached for a small box in his bag and gave it to her. He added, "it is just a small Christmas gift, happy Christmas".

Things worked out and they got married, they lived as a happy couple after.

This is a fiction story and an entry to @Greatwolfman Christmas contest, you can read the article to the contest through the link below.

https://read.cash/@Greatwolfman/its-the-christmas-season-bch-nigerian-forum-972bb6d0

#BCHNigerianForumXmasChallenge

Click on the images for source, the Lead image was designed by me using Canva App.