Riches in Disguise

If I mentioned that I went to buy a villa, I would definitely be the laughingstock. I could only come up with a simple lie and said, "I just went out for a stroll to clear my head."

"Why didn't you invite us?" Benjamin asked.

Matthew suddenly chimed in. "Let's talk about Charlotte instead."

I was taken aback. Why discuss her?

"William, you probably don't know this, but Charlotte is a volunteer at our school. She goes to nursing homes and orphanages to help out every month."

I really didn't know that. However, given the way Charlotte and her friends acted, I figured they were just doing it for a good reputation. I couldn't believe she would do it purely out of kindness.

Liam added, "Charlotte's actually really nice. When we first started college and had military training, she even served me mushroom soup."

I wondered if that was really something worth mentioning.

While I was mentally criticizing Charlotte, Isabelle said, "She's just been led astray by Lina. She was pretty nice at the beginning of the semester. William, don't blame us for treating you badly. It's just that your reputation among the girls isn't great. We don't treat others like that."

"Ahem."

Matthew suddenly cleared his throat, prompting Isabelle to quickly add, "That was just a misunderstanding! I realize now that you're a good person, so we won't treat you like that anymore."

I was completely confused. Just as I was about to ask, Matthew suddenly

wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"We're planning to set you up with Charlotte."

I spat out my tea in shock and looked at Matthew in horror. "What did you just say?"

"Don't freak out! It's true. I discussed it with Isabelle, and we think you two would be a good match. Plus, she's really pretty!

"You know beautiful girls can be a bit feisty. Just be patient with her, and once you're together, she'll be sweet and obedient!"

I couldn't help but wonder what these people were thinking. I quickly stood up.

"Don't play matchmaker! I have no interest in Charlotte, and I don't want anything to do with her!"

"It's not random matchmaking."

Matthew pulled me back down into my seat.

"Isabelle and I have talked about it for a long time. We really think you two would be a good fit. William, you're a man. Don't dwell on the past.

"When Charlotte gets here, we'll find a chance for you two to talk alone and clear up any misunderstandings."

I took a deep breath, feeling utterly frustrated.

Just then, Isabelle's phone rang. "It's Charlotte! She's probably on her way. I'll go get her. You all better convince William not to mess this up!" With that, she headed for the door.

As soon as she left, I spoke up. "Matthew, are you kidding me? Can't you see how much I don't get along with Charlotte? Even if I tried to cooperate, she wouldn't take it seriously. Please don't make this any more complicated for me!"

"Trust me! I'll help you win Charlotte over today!"

Just then, I received a notification for a money transfer. I opened it and saw that Matthew had sent me one hundred dollars.noveldrama

"What's this about?" I asked.

Matthew smiled. "When Charlotte arrives, buy her something nice. Be generous. It's important to make a good first impression. Once you two are together, you won't need to worry about this anymore."

I was at a loss for words. Did he really think I didn't have money to buy gifts for a girl on a date? It was even more ridiculous that he wanted to set me up with someone like Charlotte.

I couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking.

"I'm going to check on Isabelle," I said, feeling overwhelmed. I needed to leave this situation. I just wanted to head back to the dorm and sort things out.