Chapter 16

I open the door and step in, taking a second to frown at the traumatising bells just above the entrance. Why anyone would intentionally choose to put them there is unknown to me. 

Then I glance up and I'm forced to catch my breath. She's looking directly at me. Her brown eyes like warm honey. And there's that shocked look on her face. That look that makes her seem all kinds of beautiful. Her hair is down, framing the sides of her face. 

She looks like a being of heavenly descent. 

I proceed to walk to the counter where she's currently seated. A book in hand. That small and delicate hand that serves to make my wild imagination run even wilder. She flickers her eyes across the entire store before finally resting them back on me. And I'm very glad to see that we're alone. Lying is a skill that requires concentration and peace of mind. 

" Good morning Mrs. Kendrick, "

I smile, she parts her lush lips. And I realise just how full and enticing they truly are. 

Such suckable lips. 

Such kissable lips. 

" Morning, " she replies. Then she takes out a dried yet lovely flower from between the pages of her book and uses it to mark the page she's on. Placing it aside afterwards. And I noticed just how delicately the action was done. As if both the book and flower meant everything to her. 

" How may I help you? " she asks. Her tone formal, yet shaky. 

" I believe you know why I'm here, so I'll just cut to the chase and revisit my earlier offer, "

" But I already told you that I'm not interested, "

She's gaining a little courage. Not enough, but I can tell that she's trying her best to appear confident. 

" Trust me, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't urgent. "

She hangs her head, her hair framing her face even more, making it harder to see her features. And I can't help but think that it was intentional. That she's always trying to remain unseen. To be nothing more than a shadow even while walking in light. And all I want is to make her look up at me. 

For such beauty should never be hidden. to

" But you can just find someone else. I'm sure that there are a lot of girls out there that wouldn't mind helping you. "

" You're right about that. But I particularly want you. "

She raises her head. Then shakes it. 

" Why? "

I almost didn't hear the question. I was caught in a trance where my main focus was admiring her. She's dressed in an oversized hoodie and jeans. They do her absolutely no justice. 

And I want to see her dressed in less. Much less. And I want to be the only one that does. 

She raises her brows, and I recall the question she just asked. 

" Because, Arden told me that you're a good person. "

I take the time to tour the store. Not really looking at anything in particular, but I just want to have a chance to concentrate better. And it's proving to be very difficult to do so while looking at her. 

" Listen Layla..." I stop by some scented candles. Tracing my fingers along them before I slowly turn back to her. I can't lie, I love how her name sounds coming from my mouth. 

" Arden just found out that his parents are arranging a marriage of convenience for him. Strictly for the sake of money. And it's to a girl he's never even met before, "

I can see that she's beginning to get affected by the story. And I haven't even started lying yet. This might just be easier than I thought 

" That's so.... sad, " she says. And I can tell that she means the words. 

" I agree, it's very sad indeed. The poor guy is distraught, he feels pressured to say yes because of the deep loyalty he has towards his parents but I don't think it's right for him to sacrifice himself like that, don't you agree? "

She immediately nods. Some of her earlier shyness has reduced and she's more willing to actually engage in the conversation. 

" He's trying to act like he's okay but I can tell that he's not. You see, Arden is like a brother to me and it pains me a tremendous amount to see him silently suffering like he is. "

" It's really nice of you to try and help him, "

She smiles, the faintest curve of her lips. The action strikes me straight to my spine. 

" He's unaware of my plan really. And I don't know how he'll react once he finds out. "

" And what exactly is your plan? "

The more she talks the more melodious her voice gets. It's sweet, just like her. And I wouldn't mind listening to it for hours. 

" Well, after days of gruesome thinking and brainstorming, it came to my realisation that his parents would not force him to marry if they believed him to be already wed. "

" And that's why you want me to.... "

I nod. She's definitely getting touched by the thought behind the action which means that I almost have her. 

" And like I said, you'll be fairly compensated. All you have to do is pretend to be his wife for a short while. Enough for his parents to dispel the idea of selling him of for monetary interest. "

I'm very keen on the type of words I use. I want her to view Arden as a helpless tool that's just being used. Then she'll feel awful if she doesn't choose to help him.

" I don't know, "

" Please, this is the only chance I have to help him. He's going through a lot. He just lost his girlfriend a while ago and he's depressed enough as it is. "

She starts biting her lower lip. And I find myself walking back to where she is. Perhaps to just get a closer view of the very sensuous action. 

" They broke up? "

I was about to say yes when another thought appeared. It would mean me lying even more than I had planned to but I'm sure that it will undoubtedly seal the deal. And the end does justify the means. Something warns me against doing it but I ignore it. 

" No...." I begin. Turning my face to the side and acting as pained as I possibly can. 

" She committed suicide. And Arden still hasn't fully recovered from the ordeal. He's actually quite.... depressed if I may say so. He refuses to even leave the house. "

I've hit my mark. I can see it in the way her expression changed. And there's that very hurt look in her eyes. I've never cared for other people's emotions. 

But for some reason, I care about hers. 

And I can tell that I just stirred some very hurtful memories. But I have to just push through with the plan, I can't start regretting my decision now, not when I'm so close go getting her to agree. 

" He's blaming himself for her death. And now his parents want him to just fly to Russia and marry someone else. But I completely understand if you don't want to -"

" I'll do it." 

She cuts in. Her voice was a firm whisper. And in that whisper I heard all the emotions that were coursing through her. 

" Are you sure? I don't want you to feel pressured into making the decision, "

She shakes her head. The stands from the seat she's on and turns around to face the other way. 

" No, I'm sure. I agree, Will you excuse me I have to use the washroom. "

And with that she strides away. 

I should be happy I got her to agree. But I can't help but feel like a complete jerk. 

Which I'm aware that I am, but before today I've never really cared about it much. And I try not to start. I got the job done so now I just have to go and tell Arden that his girlfriend killed herself a while ago and that he has to start acting gloomy. 

And  as I leave, I hear a faint whimper. A muffled sob.  It burns me inside!!

                             💮🌼💮🌼💮🌼

I lazily swang from side to side on my seat. Listening as Arden unreasonably shouted. He thinks I went too far. But I clearly remember him saying that I could do whatever I had to to make the girls agree to the deal. 

And I didn't even tell him why I told her his girlfriend killed herself. And according to how things are currently going, I think that information is better left unsaid. 

He finally finished his pacing and stood. A hand on the back of one of the seats and the other on his waist. Then he shook his head and blew out a long needed breath. Speak of being dramatic. 

" Come on dude, she's a really nice girl, and I just don't feel okay with lying to her like this, "

There he goes acting like the perfect gentleman again. His father runs a drug cartel which he's destined to inherit and he's trying to talk to me about morals.