My Billionaire's Fake Holiday

My billionaire boss is unbuttoning his pristine dress shirt in my passenger seat, and I have absolutely no idea where to look.

Two mountain ranges away from civilization, his cell signal is dead, and the skyscrapers are long gone. Jasper, the man who usually terrifies entire boardrooms with a single glance, looks at me with the tragic resignation of a martyr walking to the gallows. His trembling fingers pop the top button, revealing a hint of his collarbone and the sheen of sweat on his neck.

"Avery," he says, his voice rough and low, staring out at the desolate wilderness. "Ive already wired your bonus. As long as you don't sell me off to the village... I'll agree to do anything."

Chapter 1

Finally, the holiday break had arrived.

After slaving away in the city for a whole year, living off microwave dinners, I felt like I was turning into a walking preservative zombie. In order to get decent treatment back home, I had a stroke of genius.

I caved to peer pressure and sent a text to my mom, Glenda, lying that I was bringing a boyfriend home this year.

Heh heh, plan executed.

Just thinking about my mom's signature braised pork, ribs, and fried meatballs, I was practically drooling. At that time, I completely failed to realize just how big this lie was.

The day before the holiday, just as I was packing my things to flee the city, "The Matriarch" called via video chat. I had just picked up and hadn't even had time to call out "Mom" when "Her Majesty's" joyous voice came from the other side of the screen: "Honey, did you get the tickets? By the way, does the young man have any food allergies?"

"No allergies, he's easy to feed."

He was imaginary anyway; he didn't need to eat.

Glenda nodded furiously on the other end. "That's good. Your dad and I booked a nice table in town and invited all the aunts and uncles. We're just waiting for you two to come back and bring down the house."

As soon as she finished speaking, my dad's big face squeezed into the screen. Seeing the old man's getup, my heart sank. Earl, who usually insisted on wearing a tank top and shorts through all four seasons, had actually gelled his hair and dug out that stiff, outdated suit from the bottom of the trunk.

He grinned at the camera, wrinkles and all. "Daughter, how's my outfit? Is it classy enough? Rusty next door is getting hitched for the second time, you gotta make your dad proud..."

"Alright, alright, stop bringing up sore spots." Glenda shoved him aside, leaning close to the camera with a terrifyingly benevolent smile. "Travel safe. Bring him home soon."

The call ended, and my scalp went numb.

I'm done for. I played myself.

I just wanted to scam a free meal, not push myself into a fire pit! If I went back alone now, a tag-team beatdown from my parents was inevitable.

"Avery, everyone is fighting for the elevator, why aren't you moving?"

I looked up and crashed right into Jasper's deep, profound eyes.

He was my direct senior in college. After graduation, he didn't want to inherit the family fortune and insisted on starting his own business. Back when I graduated into unemployment and was hitting walls everywhere, he was the one who waved his hand and took me in.

Weekends off, full benefits, and a year-end bonus higher than my salary. As long as the company didn't go under, I could work for him until retirement. Looking at that handsome face, a bold idea suddenly sprouted in my mind.

I shot up from my chair, my eyes burning with intensity. "Boss, do you have plans for the holidays?"

Jasper was startled by my sudden enthusiasm. He subconsciously took a half-step back, thought for a moment, and said, "I do, but in principle, I don't accept"

"I want to treat you to a meal. Will you do me the honor?" I cut him off before he could finish.

The boss is human too; what's wrong with taking him back for a good meal? Besides, he could serve as a human shield against the hail of bullets from my family. Two birds, one stone.

Furthermore, if you're bold enough, I could even get the boss to take paternity leave... I mean, take on the role of a boyfriend. He sends me money that makes my heart race; he assigns me work that raises my blood pressure. He's pinned at the top of my messages, and he's the first to reply.

How is this any different from dating?

Looking at my big, longing eyes, the refusal on the tip of Jasper's tongue took a sharp turn and became: "Okay."

Chapter 2

The drive back to the countryside was a long haulover ten hours.

I was up at the crack of dawn, raiding the supermarket for supplies. And because I couldn't let my meal ticket starve, I even went out of my way to grab those insanely overpriced artisan truffle bagels and the oat milk latte he likes. Id seen Jasper eat this breakfast at the office before.

The guy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so I had no clue what possessed him to want to "experience real life" with me. I guess Ill never understand the joys of the richmaybe he was just looking for a thrill.

When I pulled up to our meeting spot, Jasper was already standing by the curb looking like a runway model. He was wearing a high-quality camel coat over a white cashmere turtleneck, his long legs wrapped in tailored black trousers. The sunlight hit him just right, making him practically glow.

I zoned out staring at him.

I didn't snap out of it until he walked over and tapped his long fingers against the window, his voice cool and crisp. "Avery?"

I jumped and hurriedly unlocked the doors. He slid into the passenger seat, his expensive aura instantly making my beat-up little car feel even more pathetic, tossing a sleek leather weekender bag into the back that made my upholstery look like cheap plastic.

It felt like stuffing a designer bag into a woven sack.

Stop it! Why should a corporate slave like me feel bad for a capitalist?

"We're eating this early?" Jasper raised an eyebrow as I floored the gas pedal.

"Well... it's a long drive. You should put something in your stomach."

I handed him the still-warm breakfast. As Jasper reached for it, his fingertips accidentally brushed against the back of my hand. I didn't think anything of it and pulled my hand back.

Holding the paper bag, he caught the rich scent of truffle and shot me a surprised look. His expression turned a bit thoughtful, but he didn't ask any questions. Soon, the savory aroma filled the entire car.

While waiting at a red light, I couldn't resist stealing a glance at him. The guy ate way too elegantlyslow and methodical, like he was shooting a commercial. But that wasn't what I was focused on.

I stared at the golden, perfectly toasted bagel and swallowed hard. That was a twenty-dollar bagel! Id never splurge on that for myself. If it weren't for trying to keep him happy, I wouldn't be such a sucker.

Watching it disappear into his mouth bite by bite, my cravings kicked into overdrive.

Growl

The loud rumble was excruciatingly clear in the quiet car. Before I could find a hole to crawl into, Jasper had already turned his head.

Seeing me staring straight at his mouth... er, the bagel in his hand, he gave a light cough. The tips of his ears turned slightly pink, and his voice dropped low. "Eyes on the road."

"Oh."

I tore my gaze away from the bagel with great difficulty, my wallet weeping in spirit. Jasper pursed his lips awkwardly and looked away.

Once Jasper had his fill, he pulled out his tablet and started working. Several hours flew by. The road conditions were getting worse, and the surrounding scenery was becoming increasingly desolate.

Jasper glanced out the window. We had left the highway ages ago and were now winding our way up a mountain road deep into the wilderness. Barren rocks lined both sides, and we were about to crest the mountain.

"Where exactly are we going?"

He glanced at his phone, which was showing a red battery icon, and his eyes flickered with a hint of wariness.

I was too focused on wrestling with the winding mountain road to hear him clearly. Assuming he was worried about my driving skills, I casually replied, "Relax, Im a pro. Just trust me with your life."

Totally safe!

But clearly, my honest reassurance sounded very different to his ears. Jaspers pupils dilated slightly. But being a man who had seen it all, he quickly forced himself to stay calm.

"Avery, if I remember correctly, Ive already deposited your year-end bonus and performance bonus into your account, right?"

"Yep."

The money was definitely there. Otherwise, where would I get the confidence to go home and act like a big shot?

Chapter 3

Seeing my bright, beaming smile, Jasper seemed to relax a little. He asked tentatively, "Are we going to some kind of country retreat?"

Another sharp turn came up ahead. I yanked the steering wheel hard. My ears only caught a mumble that sounded suspiciously like work jargon.

More work? Was he about to change the proposal again? Seriously, even a mule would quit at this pace.

I pulled a long face. "Boss, its the holidays. Can we please not talk about work?"

Jasper looked down at his completely black phone screen. His fingers gripped the edge of the device tightly, his eyelashes fluttering as if he were undergoing an intense internal struggle.

Such dedication. I gave him a mental thumbs-up. No wonder hes the boss.

I went back to focusing on driving. Hehe, soon Id be eating Glendas famous braised pork! After crossing two more mountains, there wasn't a soul in sight.

Suddenly, there was a rustling sound next to me. I turned to look instinctively.

What I saw almost made me slam on the gas instead of the brake.

In the passenger seat, the usually untouchable man was unbuttoning his shirt, revealing his collarbone. He hesitated for a long time, then, as if giving up all resistance, he closed his eyes with a look of tragic resignation.

"I'll do it."

Me: "?"

The air froze for three whole seconds.

Looking at Jaspers "martyrdom" expression, my brain buzzed. What kind of R-rated talk was this? And why unbutton the shirt? Am I the type to take advantage of someone in a crisis?

Although, his body was indeed temptingnice collarbone, a hint of firm chest muscles...

Stop!

I slammed on the brakes, causing the car to fishtail slightly on the dirt road. The sudden stop jerked Jasper forward, the seatbelt eliciting a muffled groan from him.

"Boss, are you misunderstanding something?" I looked at him in horror. "I just want to take you home for a meal and... borrow you for a bit."

Jasper, still shaken, collar open and eyes confused, asked, "Borrow me?"

"Yeah." I gripped the wheel guiltily. "Glendamy momis pushing me to get married. She insisted I bring a boyfriend home. I figured with your class and looks, youd be the pride of the village. Youd definitely shut up all those nosy relatives."

Jasper froze.

His deep eyes searched my face, seemingly checking if I was lying. After a while, he looked down at his undone buttons, then out at the mountains. His ears turned red instantly.

Silently, he buttoned his shirt back up. One by one. He even did the top button, making his Adam's apple look more prominent.

"Just pretend to be a boyfriend?" His voice was a bit hoarse, holding a trace of undetectable... disappointment?

Impossible. Definitely my imagination.

"Of course!" I vowed. "Room and board included. No labor required. You just need to smile, nod, and call them Mom and Dad if necessary. Deal?"

Jasper leaned back, returning to his usual cold, deadpan self. "Avery, my appearance fee is very expensive."

"Then who was it that said they'd agree to anything just now?" I muttered under my breath.

Jasper stiffened, cleared his throat, and looked out the window. "Drive. I'm hungry."

You got it! As long as the boss cooperates, Ill survive the holidays!

Chapter 4

As soon as we pulled up to the house, I was absolutely stunned by the spectacle in front of me.

My front porch was decked out with festive decorations, and a "red carpet" was rolled out on the groundwhich, upon closer inspection, was actually just some old red bedsheets Glenda had retired. The yard was packed with neighbors standing on both sides, gawking.

Earl was standing dead center, chest puffed out, wearing his Sunday best. Next to him was Glenda, sporting a brand-new maroon coat and a freshly done, incredibly massive perm.

"She's here! Earl's girl is finally back!"

Someone shouted, and the crowd instantly went wild.

I parked the car, took a deep breath, and looked over at Jasper in the passenger seat. "Boss, it's showtime. Remember, right now you are not a billionaire CEO. You are my sweet, attentive boyfriend. Just... Jasper."

Jaspers mouth twitched slightly. "...Just Jasper?"

"Yes, it sounds friendlier."

I unbuckled my seatbelt, but before I could even open my door, Jasper had already stepped out.

In that instant, the noisy crowd suddenly fell silent.

Jasper was used to wearing tailored suits in corporate boardrooms, carrying an aura that naturally kept people at a distance. Standing there now at the entrance of a dusty country yard, his camel hair coat was spotless, his posture straight as a pine, and his face perfect from every angle.

It looked like a Vogue model had wandered onto a Hallmark movie set.

It was a total clash of worlds, but somehow, he made it look good. Earls eyes lit up instantly, and he straightened his back even more.

Glenda was even more direct. She rushed over, shoved me out of the way, and enthusiastically grabbed Jaspers hand. "Oh my, this must be Jasper, right? So handsome! Even better looking than in the pictures! You must be exhausted from the drive. Come in, come in!"

I was left standing there in the cold, watching my own mother fawn over my boss while holding his hand. I had mixed feelings. Was this the legendary "forget the daughter, worship the son-in-law" phenomenon?

Jasper clearly wasn't used to this kind of reception. His body stiffened slightly, but he adjusted quickly. He gave a respectful nod, a polite smile on his face, his voice smooth and gentle.

"Hello, Ma'am. Hello, Sir. I'm Jasper, Avery's... boyfriend. Sorry for the sudden visit."

That word "boyfriend" rolled off his tongue way too naturally.

Earl was grinning from ear to ear. He strode over and clapped Jasper hard on the shoulder. "Good lad! Look at this buildsolid! Way stronger than Rusty next door! Come on, let's go inside and have a drink!"

When that heavy hand landed, I saw Jaspers shoulder visibly dip. My heart skipped a beat.

Dad, please! That is a billion-dollar corporate shoulder! If you break it, selling our house wouldn't even cover the medical bills!

I originally thought this silver-spoon heir would be uncomfortable with everything in the countrysidehating the rustic bathroom, the old furniture, or the simple food. But as it turned out, the guy was a born actor.

At the dinner table, Glenda brought out a massive basin of her specialty stew. It was steaming hot and smelled incrediblepork belly stewed with homemade sauerkraut, sausages, and hearty bone-in meat.

My mouth was watering. I reached out with my fork, but Glenda swatted my hand away with her own silverware. "Where are your manners? Let Jasper eat first!"

Me: "..."

Jasper looked at the giant bowl of glistening, fatty meat and hesitated for a split second.

My heart tightened. It's over, I thought. His rich-boy cleanliness freak-out is kicking in.

Just as I was thinking of a way to smooth things over, Jasper picked up a piece of tender pork belly and put it in his mouth. He chewed twice, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

"It's delicious," he praised genuinely. "Rich but not greasy, melts in your mouth. You're an amazing cook."

Glenda was so happy she looked ready to give him the whole pot. "If it's good, eat more! Look how thin you are. Is Avery mistreating you?"

Jasper gave me a look full of hidden meaning, a smile playing on his lips. "It's okay. Work is just busy usually. Avery actually... takes great care of me."

He put a heavy emphasis on the word "care," making my scalp tingle.

Chapter 5

Jasper was tearing through dinner like a man on a mission.

He was genuinely hungry, and he was being incredibly polite about it. He ate the spicy sausage links without flinching. He mimicked Earl, biting into a scallion pancake roll with a loud crunch.

I sat there, watching with my jaw on the floor. Was this the same Jasper who demanded his coffee at a specific temperature and refused to eat steak unless it was perfectly medium-rare? This looked more like a billionaire's son starring in a countryside survival reality show.

Three rounds of drinks later, Earl was buzzing. He grabbed Jasper, acting like they were long-lost brothers. "Jasper, listen to me. My girl here... other than having a bottomless pit for a stomach, she's got no flaws!"

Jasper held his glass, his cheeks slightly flushed but his eyes surprisingly clear. "Don't worry, Earl. Avery is excellent. I like her very much."

I was gnawing on a rib and almost choked myself to death. Its just an act, right? No need to be so method about it.

But Earl teared up hearing those words. He gripped Jaspers hand tight. "Good! Hearing you say that makes me happy! Come on, bottoms up!"

Jasper didn't hesitate. He downed the whole glass in one go. That was 100-proof homemade moonshine!

Terrified, I kicked him under the table, signaling him to take it easy.

Jasper turned to look at me, his eyes misty and drunk, looking puppy-dog sad. He whispered, "Why'd you kick me? Dad proposed a toast. I can't say no."

Dad?

My face heated up instantly. How did this guy get so... clingy when hes drunk?

Then came the sleeping arrangements.

My house is a classic countryside bungalow. Its spacious, but there are only two bedrooms. Usually, I sleep with Glenda, and Earl sleeps alone because his snoring sounds like a chainsaw.

Glenda cleared the table and announced matter-of-factly, "Alright, tonight Jasper and Avery take the guest room. Earl and I will squeeze into the master bedroom."

"No!"

Jasper and I shouted in unison.

Glenda paused, looking at us suspiciously. "What's wrong? You two shy? You're practically married, right?"

"We're not!" I explained quickly. "Mom, we haven't... we're taking it slow! We need to keep it proper!"

Glenda rolled her eyes. "Cut the crap. We only have these two rooms. The radiator in the master bedroom is cranked up high, and you know your dad's snoring. Do you want Jasper to sleep with Earl and listen to a symphony all night?"

I imagined Jasper sleeping next to Earl... The image was too terrifying to process.

Jasper knew when he was beaten. He looked at me, then at the master bedroom, and finally gritted his teeth. "I'll sleep on the couch."

"Absolutely not!" Glenda insisted. "It's the middle of winter. Even with the heat on, it gets freezing after midnight. What if you get sick? It's settled. The guest bed is huge. You stick to your sides. Build a wall of pillows in the middle if you have to."

In the end, under the Queen Mother's decree, we surrendered.

The bed in the guest room was indeed massive, a King-sized bed that took up most of the floor space. Glenda had specially changed the sheets to a brand new set featuring two swans forming a heartblindingly red.

Jasper stood by the bed, staring at the giant red floral duvet in deep thought