The revelation that Mum had orchestrated a similar scheme for Gregory left me in a state of disbelief. 

"So you're telling me Mum blackmailed you too?" Gregory's question hung in the air, his tone tinged with a mixture of shock and resentment.

I couldn't help but join in, my curiosity piqued by the unexpected twist in the family saga. 

"What do you mean by 'you too'? She did that to you too?" I asked, my voice incredulous as I took a sip of my bubble tea, the sweetness of the drink providing a brief respite from the weight of the conversation.

Gregory nodded solemnly, his expression clouded with memories of past betrayals.

 "Yeah, she did," he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. 

"It seems Mum has a talent for manipulation when it comes to securing her legacy."

The realization sent a chill down my spine, the implications of Mum's actions casting a shadow over our family dynamic. As we exchanged wary glances, I couldn't help but wonder how deep the deception ran and what other secrets lay buried beneath the surface. But for now, all we could do was confront the truth head-on and navigate the complexities of our family ties with a newfound sense of clarity and determination. As I took another sip of my bubble tea, I braced myself for the revelations that lay ahead, knowing that the road to uncovering the truth would be fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

"Oh, yeah," Romeo chimed in, his voice carrying a weight of resignation that mirrored my own suspicions about Mum's manipulative tactics.

Gregory, ever the strategist, stepped in with a practical solution. 

"I guess you need to figure out a plan before you visit Aunt Babei. If she's convinced you're happy, she won't bother you with the blind date," he suggested, his tone thoughtful as he considered the best course of action.

I nodded in agreement, grateful for Gregory's level-headed approach to the situation. 

"You're right," I acknowledged, feeling a sense of determination welling up within me. 

"I need to show Mum that I'm in control of my own life, no matter what she tries to throw at me."

Romeo offered a supportive nod, his expression reflecting a silent solidarity in the face of our shared struggle. 

"We've got your back, Abby. Whatever you decide, we're here for you," he reassured me, his words a comforting reminder of the strength that lay within our friendship.

With Gregory's guidance and Romeo's unwavering support, I felt a newfound sense of confidence begin to take root. Armed with a plan and the unwavering support of my friends, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that together, we could overcome any obstacle that stood in our way.

"But we don't know if it's a blind date this time," Romeo added, injecting a note of uncertainty into the conversation.

"It makes more sense, but I can't risk it," I admitted, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. I turned to look at the three of them, seeking guidance in their supportive gazes.

Irwin, although silent up until now, suddenly spoke up, his voice carrying a quiet intensity that demanded attention. 

"Take someone with you to Cabo Verde," he suggested, his words cutting through the uncertainty like a knife.

I blinked in surprise, genuinely taken aback by Irwin's suggestion. 

"Wow, and?" I responded, my mind racing to process his unexpected idea.

Irwin's gaze held mine steadily, his expression unreadable yet filled with a quiet determination.

 "And make it clear to Aunt Babei that you have someone in your life, someone who means more to you than any blind date she could arrange," he explained, his voice firm and unwavering.

The simplicity of Irwin's solution struck me like a bolt of lightning, illuminating a path forward that I hadn't considered before. With his guidance, the uncertainty that had clouded my mind began to clear, replaced by a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.

"You're right," I said, a sense of determination coursing through my veins. 

"I'll do it. I'll take someone with me to Cabo Verde and show Aunt Babei that I'm not playing her games anymore."

As I met Irwin's gaze, a silent understanding passed between us, a shared commitment to standing up for ourselves and taking control of our own destinies. With his support and the unwavering loyalty of my friends by my side, I knew that together, we could face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to write our own stories and forge our own paths, no matter what obstacles stood in our way.

"You mean just like Gregory and I faked that relationship to convince them?" Romeo interjected, his voice breaking through the conversation with a hint of mischief.

I turned to him, my curiosity piqued. 

"Wait, what? Faked what and where? Was I living under a rock or something? What did I miss?" I asked, genuinely intrigued by the sudden revelation.

Gregory chuckled, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. 

"It doesn't matter. To cut it short, Romeo and I faked being in a relationship. While doing so, we both got the time needed to complete what's necessary, and since then, Mum never asked me about it," he explained with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I couldn't help but stare at them in disbelief, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place. "Wow, that's...unexpected," I muttered, trying to wrap my head around the revelation.

Romeo shrugged nonchalantly, his expression unapologetic. "Desperate times call for desperate measures," he quipped, a playful glint in his eyes.

As I processed the revelation, a sense of admiration washed over me, mingled with a hint of amusement at the audacity of their scheme. Despite the deception, there was a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among us, a shared understanding that sometimes, bending the truth was necessary to protect ourselves and achieve our goals. With a smile, I nodded in understanding, grateful for the bond that united us and the unwavering support of my friends, no matter what challenges lay ahead. Together, we were a force to be reckoned with, ready to face whatever obstacles life threw our way with creativity, determination, and a healthy dose of humor.

"Ah, that's why Mum doesn't really talk to you, Romeo," I said, nodding in understanding.

"Wise," Irwin added, his voice carrying a hint of approval.

"But who will accompany me? I have only three days. I need to make Aunt Babei believe that I am in a happy relationship, and Mum won't have any objections to me becoming the CEO if she's happy," I said, contemplating the logistics of the plan.

"Romeo?" I asked, giving him puppy eyes, hoping he'd be willing to play along.

I could feel Irwin clearing his throat before saying, "He has a girlfriend already."

Romeo hesitated for a moment, then repeated Irwin's words with a sheepish grin, "I already have a girlfriend." He glanced at me, his expression questioning.

 "Do I?" he added, looking slightly confused.

I could sense the tension rising between Irwin and Romeo, the unspoken communication between them palpable. It was as if Irwin's words had drawn a line in the sand, and Romeo found himself caught between his loyalty to his girlfriend and the pressure of our shared predicament. Irwin shot Romeo a death glare, his silent warning clear. 

I exchanged a glance with Gregory, unsure of how to proceed. With Romeo seemingly out of the picture, I racked my brain for another potential candidate to accompany me on my mission to Cabo Verde. But as the seconds ticked by, the weight of the situation settled over us like a heavy blanket, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our carefully laid plans.I couldn't believe my ears and eyes. 

"Irwin will accompany you," Gregory declared, giving him a wink. 

The unexpected revelation left me choking on my bubble tea, and Irwin, ever attentive, gently tapped my back, easing my discomfort. Our eyes locked, silently agreeing to embark on this unusual journey together. The unfolding scene was a mix of surprise, amusement, and the subtle dance of unspoken connections, setting the stage for a trip to Cabo Verde that promised more than just a family reunion. The mere thought of being paired up with Irwin sent my heart into a flutter, an involuntary reaction that both startled and intrigued me. I took solace in the knowledge that Romeo had a girlfriend, simplifying the dynamics of our impending charade. Yet, as I dug into my grilled tofu and aubergine, a wave of conflicting emotions crashed over me.

"No, no," I silently chided myself. 

"I can't fall for him. It's just going to be an act, a strategic move to secure my CEO position. No more letting men complicate my life," I sternly reminded myself, attempting to fortify my resolve.

Despite my internal pep talk, the idea of playing the part of a couple with Irwin lingered in my thoughts. As much as I despised his arrogant demeanor, there was an undeniable allure to him-a Greek god among mortals. I found myself torn between resisting the charm and acknowledging the magnetic pull that seemed to defy my logical reasoning.

"Gosh, help me," I muttered under my breath, seeking divine intervention as I grappled with the paradoxical emotions swirling within. The scenario unfolded like a culinary feast for the senses-grilled tofu and aubergine on the plate, and a tumultuous mix of conflicting desires and uncertainties on the palate of my heart. Irwin's presence, both infuriating and captivating, added a layer of complexity to the impending act, turning a simple meal into a contemplative feast for the soul.