My Fake Girlfriend

"Woman? Who?" Jayden furrowed his brow in confusion. There was no name coming to his mind after seeing Layla's expression. The only women who knew his address were Agatha, his stepmom, and his grandmother. Besides them, Jayden hadn't told anyone else. "I forgot her name, Dad! But she's very mean! She even badmouthed Aunt Agatha! When I first saw her, I already knew she wasn't a good woman! She also said she'll be your wife! Isn't she crazy, Dad? I really, really hate her!" Jayden was taken aback. It was the first time he saw Layla so upset while talking to him so fervently. And what confused Jayden was who the woman Layla was referring to. However, he stayed silent as it seemed Layla wasn't finished pouring out her feelings. "Dad, you have to do something about that woman! You can't possibly want to marry her, right? No, you can't marry a mean woman like her!" Layla openly shouted. She grimaced as she remembered the face of that woman whose name she forgot. Jayden was once again surprised. Moreover, suddenly, the name of someone he had met crossed his mind. Yes, it must be Grace's doing. Because no other woman would claim that and anger Layla like that. "Layla, calm down. Your breathing is irregular like this. Take a breath and let it out slowly. You can speak slowly," Agatha immediately reached out to Layla, bringing her to sit on her lap. She didn't see this coming, Layla speaking in such anger. Agatha was quite impressed by Layla's courage in speaking honestly to her father. Jayden was equally surprised by Agatha's perceptive reaction. The girl immediately calmed Layla, who seemed out of breath. Ah, it was because she was too angry with Grace, which made Layla very upset. "Layla, forgive me." Jayden turned his body, reaching for Layla's hand, stroking it gently, and looking at his only daughter's face that even looked away. Meanwhile, Agatha tried to calm her racing heart as she was standing so close to Jayden. "You're right. Dad wouldn't marry that woman. I promise to scold her and make her regret insulting Aunt Agatha," Jayden said, causing Layla to turn towards him. His words also created butterflies in Agatha's stomach. "What am I doing? Of course, I'm doing this for Layla," Agatha thought angrily to herself. Layla gazed at her father slowly. "Do you know her? Does Dad promise not to marry her?" Jayden raised his eyebrows. "Of course not, dear. Dad wouldn't do that." Layla smiled in relief, feeling secure with her father's promise. They continued their evening in peace after a day full of drama.  *** Agatha sat by Layla's bedside, looking at the little girl with warmth. "Sweetheart, can Aunt ask you something?" Layla nodded. "Sure, Aunt Agatha. What is it?" Agatha smiled awkwardly. "Um, what kind of mom do you like, dear?" Layla fell silent for a moment, pondering the somewhat difficult question. "I always tell Dad that I don't like it when women approach him. But actually, I want a mom who is friendly, affectionate, brave, and strong, like Aunt Agatha. Hehehe." Agatha was surprised, her face suddenly blushing. But ultimately, she smiled gently. "Thank you, dear. But why don't you like it when women approach your dad?" Layla thought for a moment before answering. "I'm worried that Dad will like them more than me." Agatha hugged Layla tightly. "Dad surely loves you very much, dear. No one can take your special place in his heart. And Aunt Agatha will always be here for you." Layla smiled and hugged Agatha back, feeling safe with the presence of the kind woman by her side. Agatha felt the tight hug from Layla and absorbed her words. Although Layla hadn't expressed it directly, Agatha could feel the warmth from the little girl's heart. In her heart, Layla whispered, "I always wish Aunt Agatha could really be my mom." A wish that showed how significant Agatha's influence was in Layla's life and heart. They continued to embrace each other, creating a stronger bond between them. As the night sky darkened, Layla fell asleep soundly in her room. Agatha, unable to sleep too early, decided to finish some tasks in the kitchen and continue working on her thesis in the living room. Sipping a cup of warm tea, Agatha immersed herself in her thoughts. After a while, Jayden emerged from his room, holding an iPad in his hand. Seeing Agatha in the living room, he smiled. Jayden approached. "Not sleeping yet, Agatha?" Agatha was somewhat surprised to see him, but tried to appear calm. "No, I usually can't sleep too early. How about you?" "Same, I have a lot of work to finish. How's the progress on your thesis?" Jayden asked. Agatha chuckled softly. "It's progressing quite well. I still need to complete a few sections, but it feels like it's nearing the end." Jayden smiled warmly. "Good. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. We can work together here." Agatha nodded, appreciating Jayden's offer of help. They sat side by side, busy with their respective tasks. Although the room was filled with the sounds of typing and the bright glow of screens, there was warmth and comfort between them, creating a peaceful working night in the house. The atmosphere in the living room fell silent for a moment before Jayden suddenly made a statement. Jayden sighed softly. "Do you know? Jonathan asked me to attend a second meeting with that woman's parents but without bringing Layla." Agatha raised her eyebrows. "Really? Why is that?" Jayden shrugged. "He said the meeting would be better if it was just between the two of us. But something seems off." Agatha felt puzzled. "What do you mean by 'off'?" Jayden took a deep breath. "I'm not sure. But I have a suspicion. I feel like Jonathan is hiding something from me." They both looked at each other, trying to understand the increasingly complicated situation in the supposedly celebratory family meeting. Jayden muttered softly. "I think that man actually wants to hide the fact that I already have a child. You know yourself, right, he doesn't like Layla." "Oh my, really? Why would he be so heartless? I truly don't understand!" "That's why I'm furious. Political matchmaking like this benefits two companies. Jonathan must be lying to that woman's family about my past. If they find out I already have a child, from the beginning, they'd have strongly rejected it." "I truly had no idea about this. He's truly cruel. Doesn't he think about Layla's feelings? What would happen to her if you get married?" Agatha struggled to control the curse she wanted to direct at Jonathan. "That's why I can't stand him. Agatha, it seems I need your help." "Huh? How can I help?" Agatha raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Jayden smirked wryly. "You have to pretend to be my fake girlfriend." "Wait? What did you just say?" Agatha almost choked on her own saliva. How could such an idea come so easily out of Jayden's mouth.