Chapter 676 - [Bonus ] Pretend As His Girlfriend
Meanwhile, Brandon and Bianca finally arrived at the Victoria's Garden Restaurant. Unlike the other people who went on their blind dates, Brandon and Bianca felt comfortable with each other for their first meeting.
Maybe knowing that they had common friends made them feel closer to each other. At least, they were not totally strangers now.
Upon entering the restaurant, the waiter guided them to their reserved table. It was a private booth where they had their own privacy. They could talk all they wanted without worrying about other people overhearing their conversation.
The restaurant looked cozy and the ambiance was very romantic. There were flower lanterns hung at the ceiling that served as their lights.
The restaurant put up with their name as Garden Restaurant because of the flower decorations and different plants around them. Bianca was so amazed at the beautiful surroundings.
Though the booth was an enclosed area, they felt like they were having dinner in a garden filled with flowers and plants.
Brandon was acting as a gentleman, pulling the chair for Bianca and letting her sit first before he moved to his own seat.
Brandon also told Bianca to order anything she wanted. Though they agreed that they would divide the bills, he decided to treat her tonight especially after knowing that she was Alveena's close friend.
When their orders were served, the two started eating while engaging in a little chit-chat about their family. They were in the getting to know stage.
Brandon learned that Bianca was the only girl in their family. She had two older brothers who were serving in the military. Her brothers were high-ranking officers and her grandfather was a retired general.
Her parents had a small family business, a flower shop. They were managing five branches.
Meanwhile, Bianca learned that Brandon's family was one of the powerful families in the City of Empire. They ventured into the construction business. The Cullens Family was very influential with their combined power with the Sy Family.
After talking about their family, the two decided to discuss their personal life, or shall we say their love life.
"Bianca, why did you agree to do this blind date? With your beauty and charm, I believe lots of men are lining up for you. Why are you still single?" Brandon threw the first personal question between them.
"Okay. I will be honest with you, Brandon. You are wrong about men lining up for me. Haha, they are afraid of me since I look so fierce and intimidating in the eyes of them. Majority of men prefer those fine ladies who look fragile and need their protection, unlike me."
Brandon chuckled after hearing that. Bianca had a point. Typical men would prefer those kinds of women.
"Well, that's their loss. They should man up to get your attention!"
"I know right!" Bianca agreed while letting out a soft giggle.
"Is that the reason you decided to go blind dates?" Brandon asked her again.
Bianca crumpled her face. "It's because of my mom who keeps nagging me to have a boyfriend. Do you know that it's my Mom whom you were chatting with, not me!"
Brandon dropped his spoon and fork upon hearing that.
"What??? It's your mom? Not you?!"
Bianca smiled at him apologetically before nodding her head.
"Sorry, Brandon. It was my mom who signed up with that dating app using my pictures and profile. She did it without my knowledge. I was surprised when she told me that I should meet you or else she would disown me as her daughter, accusing me of being an unfilial daughter!" Bianca put on a pitiful face while complaining to Brandon.
Brandon burst out laughing. He was not mad although Bianca's mom lied to him. At least, Bianca showed up tonight and she didn't stand him up.
"So in short, you are just afraid to be disowned by your mother. Don't worry, I understand. At least, you are being honest with me now. I think I like you already… as a friend."
"Thank you, Brandon, for your understanding." Then Bianca giggled. "Haha, did you just friendzone me already?"
"Haha, it's not like that." Brandon scratched the back of his head.
"How about you, Brandon? Why did you try the dating app? A man of your status can easily find a girl to date." Bianca asked him with intrigue.
"Well, honestly, I'm not looking for a girl to have a serious relationship right now so I tried the dating app. And, for the other reason, I'm tired of entertaining women within my circle. I want to find a unique woman like you. Aside from that, I know it is hard to find a woman who can match up with the woman I like." Brandon's expression changed and he was saddened when he added his last sentence.
"Oh, so you already have a woman you like. Why didn't you pursue her?" Bianca became more interested in his love story.
"I tried to pursue her but I failed. She already loves someone else."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."
"Oh don't be. I am happy for her. Since I feel comfortable with you, I'm gonna share this with you, Bianca."
Bianca nodded her head, anticipating his next words.
"The woman I like… you knew her. It's Alveena."
Bianca: "..."
"Our parents set us up for an arranged marriage. But unfortunately, Alveena's heart belongs to Andrew. I believe you already know him."
Bianca nodded her head, feeling sorry for Brandon. He told her that he was currently in a moving-on stage. He let go of Alveena for her happiness. She also learned how Brandon helped Alveena to break off the engagement between them.
"The reason I am looking for a blind date is that… I want to ask her to pretend in front of my parents that I am seeing a girl. I want my parents to believe that's the reason why I didn't agree to marry Alveena. I don't want my parents to blame Alveena for the failure of our engagement."
Bianca admired Brandon for his sacrifices. Until the end, he was doing this for Alveena.
"So Bianca… I just want to ask you if it's okay with you to pretend as my girlfriend in front of my parents for the time being. Sooner or later, they will know about Alveena's and Andrew's relationship. I don't want them to hate Alveena for choosing Andrew over me."
Bianca: "..."
'Pretend to be his girlfriend?'