The Wedding Pact (Billion-Dollar Weddings #2)
Chapter 1
Monday
Gamerite Chatroom
Private Chat
IDA
Hey
Sry I had to cut out before we finished our convo yesterday
RaffAlone
Np
IDA
So let me get this straight
What Ur saying is U need a fake date for your bro’s wedding
RaffAlone
Stepbro
But yeah
Got it in one
IDA
Why fake? No gf to ask?
RaffAlone
Not currently
Too busy for ships
IDA
I hear you
I’m doing me right now 2
Gotta look after no 1
RaffAlone
A woman after my heart
IDA
I’m not into <3s
I’m all about the casual
RaffAlone
Likewise
And there’s my problem
IDA
Go on your own?
RaffAlone
If I’m solo my family won’t leave me alone for one second
We don’t have a great relationship
I’d rather have a girlfriend shield so I can work while I’m there
IDA
Gotcha
Yr called Raff Alone for a reason then
RaffAlone
Guess so
Hey
Been meaning to ask, what does IDA stand for?
IDA
Imaginative Displays of Affection
Joke
It’s just my name
Ida
But I’m shouting it
Cos I don’t like to be ignored
RaffAlone
Good to know
IDA
Hey
Remind me of the name of the game you recommended last week
I wanna give it a spin
RaffAlone
Mandolin’s Realm
IDA
Thanx
Thursday
Gamerite Chatroom
Private chat
IDA
Yo
I checked out the game
So much fun
RaffAlone
Cool
Manage to get far into it?
IDA
Yeah
Completed it
RaffAlone
Srsly?
IDA
Yep
When I get locked-in I play for hours
It bugs me if I don’t get all the way to the end
RaffAlone
Kudos
It took me nearly a week
From memory
IDA
So I’ve been thinking about yr problem
RaffAlone
Which one?
IDA
Yr fake date
RaffAlone
And?
IDA
Have you tried the dating apps?
RaffAlone
Nope
Not got time to fill in all the q’s crap
They want yr soul
IDA
The dates or the app?
RaffAlone
Both
IDA
Hmm
This is not looking good for you
RaffAlone
No shit
IDA
Soz
Gotta go
Work calls
RaffAlone
Laters
Saturday
Gamerite Chatroom
Private Chat
RaffAlone
Hey gamer grl
Been thinking
IDA
Congrats
RaffAlone
Ha
What are you doing this week?
IDA
Not much
“Working from home”
Got lots on the week after but mostly chilling this week
Why?
RaffAlone
Question
You got a passport?
IDA
Yeah
Why???
RaffAlone
Okay
I’m just gonna say it
Fancy an all ￡’s paid trip to the Maldives?
Just mates
Acting as my fake gf for the wedding
But low key
Your own bedroom obvs
Holiday of a lifetime
IDA
…
RaffAlone
You still there?
It’s been like 20 mins
IDA
Yeah
I’m here
Thinking
RaffAlone
Okay well think fast
Plane leaves tomorrow at nine am
IDA
Is this real?
RaffAlone
Yep
IDA
Desperate Dan
RaffAlone
Nope
Just a guy who needs a date for a wedding ASAP
IDA
You really don’t have anyone you know to ask?
RaffAlone
Believe me I’ve exhausted all options
I know it’s a weird request
Check me out if ur worried about who I am
Raffael Lonetti
IDA
…
Fuuuuuuck
Ur a bonefide billionaire dude
I recognise you
From the news
You sold the Helterskeleton app
RaffAlone
As charged
IDA
Why didn’t you say?
We’ve been messaging for weeks
RaffAlone
Didn’t want to mess with our vibe
I like talking to you with no pressure or expectations
IDA
You’ve blown that right out of the water
RaffAlone
I know it
Look
No worries if it’s a no
Just thought I’d float it
IDA
…
RaffAlone
Forget it
I get it’s too weird of an ask
I’ll figure it out
IDA
Wait
Okay
Well
Um
Okay
I guess… it’s a yes
But reserving the right to bolt if I get bad vibes when we meet
RaffAlone
Totally
Understood
Thanx
IDA
Okay
This is wild
Even for me
We should probably do a quick video call now to establish we’re both real
RaffAlone
Good idea
IDA
Let’s use the HelSkel app that made you a billionaire
RaffAlone
Ha
It’s funny, I barely look at the thing now I’ve sold it
Okay, go for it
I use the same handle there
IDA
I’ll call you now
Incoming video call
‘Hey, RaffAlone.’
‘Hey, IDA. Good to finally put a face to an acronym.’
‘You’re funny. I like that.’
‘Glad to hear it.’
‘This is so weird.’
‘I know it. Look, I really appreciate you agreeing to this.’
‘You’re welcome.’
‘So, tell me a bit about yourself. You know who I am now, but I still know virtually nothing about you.’
‘Well, funny coincidence, but I actually use this app for my job.’
‘Oh yeah? What job is that then?’
‘I have a show on here where I interview people while we play video games.’
‘Huh. Really? That sounds cool. Do you have a big audience?’
‘Bigish. It’s growing all the time. Check me out, if you like. It’s called I’ve Got Game.’
‘Yeah. I’ll do that.’
‘Listen, if I’m going to do this crazy thing for you, do you think you could do something for me?’
‘What’s that?’
‘No need to sound so wary! I was just going to suggest you come on my show. Once we’re back from the trip. I won’t take up much of your time, I promise.’
‘Hmm. It’s not really my thing, to be honest.’
‘Playing video games? Dude, we’ve talked about little else since connecting on here.’
‘I meant being on a show. I’m a pretty private person.’
‘Well, could you make an exception this one time? I promise I’ll be gentle with you.’
‘Okay… Sure… But it’ll have to be in a few weeks’ time. I’ve got a crazy working schedule at the moment. This wedding is actually coming at a really bad time.’
‘A few weeks from now is good for me.’
‘Okay. We’ll discuss it some more later.’
‘Okay.’
‘Anyway, now we’ve established that neither of us are nefarious bots, I’d better go. I’ve got a shit-ton of things to get wrapped up before we head out tomorrow.’
‘Okey doke. Send me the deets over, will you?’
‘Will do. See you tomorrow. And thanks again.’
‘Sure. Catch you later.’
Video call ends
RaffAlone
Here are all the details you need, attached
IDA
Cool
Nice tie btw
RaffAlone
Thanks
Had a board meeting earlier
Don’t normally wear suits
IDA
Shame
Suits are hot
RaffAlone
In that case I’ll pack one
IDA
RaffAlone
Ping me an address for wherever you want picking up from and I’ll send a car for you at 7.30 to take you to Farnborough Airport
IDA
Oh. Not Heathrow?
RaffAlone
Nope. We’re taking a private plane
IDA
Srsly dude?
RaffAlone
Yup. I don’t normally use them, but needs must this time. I’ve got to work till the eleventh hour
IDA
Okay. See you there tomorrow then
RaffAlone
Thanks
I owe you BIG