Mr & Mrs Fake

Chapter One

Theo, 25

"I know we've had complaints about music stopping when recording videos in the car, so I've fixed it. Please send the update to the app. Let me know if you encounter any issues," I tell the IT team before heading to my office. I sit down, log into my computer, and hear a knock on the door.

"Hey Theo, your father wants to see you in his office immediately," my secretary says.

"Let him know I'll be right there," I reply.

I knock on my father's office door and walk in. "You asked to see me?" I ask.

"Yes, Theo. Take a seat," he says, pointing to a chair. I sit down.

"So, what's this about? It sounded urgent."

"Son, I've decided to retire. I want to chill and vibe, as you kids say," he says.

"Vibe, Dad? Really? What does this have to do with me?" I ask.

"It's time for you to take over the business. I've been at this for fifty-three years, and I'm tired."

"And I promised your mother we'd travel more. So, we need to get you ready to take charge," he says. I nod. "I'm ready. I've been ready," I say anxiously.

"I believe you are. But there's one thing you won't like," he twirls a pen. "Okay, what is it?" I ask mistrustfully.

"You need to be married first. Seeing as you have no wife or girlfriend, that will be difficult."

"What the hell? Dad, that's absurd," I groan.

"I know. But it wasn't my idea. Blame your harabeoji," he shrugs. My grandfather made this rule about the heir being married first.

"I understand it's an inconvenience. What about that girl from your jobumo's anniversary party? April or Amy or something?" he suggests.

"It was April. She's nice but not my type," I say.

"She doesn't have to be your type. Look, I'm not supposed to suggest this, but," he pauses, "If you find a girl, you only need to stay married for six months. After that, you can get a divorce or annul the marriage, and the business will still be yours."

"I guess that's better, but it's still ridiculous. This is 2023, not 1856," I mutter. "What was harabeoji thinking?"

"Beats me," my dad shrugs. "You have two months to find someone and get married. If not, you forfeit your right as heir. Your brother will be next in line."

"Liam? But he's only ten. It'll be years before he can take over," I say.

"Son, it's not my decision. It was your grandfather's. We must uphold his wishes," he says.

"Where am I going to find someone to marry in two months? It's not like I can order a wife through the mail," I say.

"I'm sure a lovely lady would be willing for the right price," my dad says.

"Are you serious? Something is wrong with this family," I roll my eyes. "Okay, abeoji, I'll think about it. I promised Mom I'd take her to lunch, so I have to go," I say, standing up and straightening my suit.

"Just remember, you have a limited amount of time. Think quickly. I'll see you tomorrow. I have to take this call," he says, picking up his phone.

I walk to the parking garage, get in my car, and drive to the restaurant where I'm meeting my mother. I walk into "Delicious Delight" and spot her. I stride over and greet her with a kiss.

"Hello, eomma."

"Hey, Theo. How was work?" She smiles when she sees me.

"Busy as usual. I had to organize my presentation for tomorrow."

"Hmm. Did your abeoji tell you about your harabeoji's rule? I bet that was a surprise," she laughs mischievously.

"Mom, you knew? Why didn't you warn me? I'm hurt," I say, clutching my chest dramatically.

"Oh, stop. I'm sure your father told you about the loophole. My friend Mary has a daughter named Natalie, around your age."

"Sounds like you're setting me up on a date. Do I need to be head? I'm happy where I am now. I'd like to be head, but I don't want to marry someone I barely know just to do so," I sigh.

"I know it's tricky, but maybe it'll turn out well. Who knows? You might find the one during this whole situation," she shrugs.

"I highly doubt that. That's no way to enter a marriage. You're supposed to do it for the right reasons," I say.

"Theo, how do you think your abeoji and I met?" she asks.

"You met in high school, right?" I ask.

"Sort of. We went to the same high school and our families knew each other, but we were in different cliques and rarely interacted."

"When it was time for your father to take over the business, our marriage was somewhat arranged. Your father was running out of time to find a bride, and my family was eager for me to marry and start a family."

"That's how we met. We were going to get a divorce after six months, but we fell in love," she says with a twinkle in her eye.

"With all due respect, eomma, this sounds like some fairytale movie," I laugh.

"Watch your mouth," she says, popping my hand. "In a way, it was. Or is. But I wouldn't trade it for the world," she says.

"Just because you and abeoji were lucky doesn't mean it'll happen for me," I say skeptically.

"I understand your doubts, but you never know," she shrugs.

"Where is that waitress? The service here is terrible," she says, snapping her fingers at a girl behind the counter.

"Eomma, you're so embarrassing," I say, running my hand down my face. "That's rude. You don't need to snap at her like she's a servant."

"She's rude. We're paying customers," my mother says matter-of-factly.