PRETENSION

AKESHA silently swallowed before she painted her sweetest smile and waved her hand as she saw Bien comfortably sitting on the round table. He was anticipating her arrival. 

She strolled towards him with her head held high and greeted him with a kiss on his cheek. He invited her to a late lunch at this fine dining restaurant. And sadly, Akesha could not refuse.

"Your beauty is impeccable as always," he said as his eyes beamed. He seemed genuinely happy to see her.

Bien scrutinized her from head to toe. She wore a plain, light pink velvet dress that perfectly matched her fair complexion. Akesha made sure to look presentable to distract the man from his subtle interrogation.

"What a pleasant surprise! Do you have a business in the province that you called for me?" Akesha sat down elegantly on a vacant chair in front of him.

Bien studied her face for a while. "I came here to see you, Akie."