Pretending to Be in Love - 1

IVORY

As I listened to the words coming out of Alexander's mouth, my heart skipped a beat. His grandfather was coming over, and we had to pretend to be in love. It felt like a punch in the gut, a sudden wave of panic washing over me. He even has a grandfather?

And pretending to be in love? It sounded like something straight out of a cheesy rom-com, not my idea of a relaxing evening. But I couldn't exactly say no, could I? It was his family, after all. 

It's been a week since my allergy incident. A full week of less drama, less Alexander and less mafia antics. It's been peaceful so far, but I don't think this peace is going to last long. Obviously. 

Ava's father was buried four days ago at the cemetery. Ava as expected, is still grieving his death. I try as much as I can to always check up on her and cheer her out of her grief.

"But, why are you just telling me this today?"

"It was impromptu. I was also told today that he is visiting. He wants to see you...to see my wife." My eyes flew to him as he said those words. 

"What's the deal? Is your grandfather not aware that this is a contractual marriage?" I bit my lower lip a little to suppress my nervousness. 

Alexander quickly reached out and slowly tucked my lower lip away from my teeth. I looked up at him in bewilderment. His face was contorted as though he was in pain, and his eyes was transfixed on my lips.

"Don't do that again, Angel." His voice was low and raspy, more like a low and regulated growl. His eyes trailed up till it met my eyes. My breath hitched as his grey irises stared intently at my hazel ones. It was a battle of the eyes, so to speak, none agreeing to back down. 

After what felt like forever, Alexander looked away, and gazed around my room.

"Get dressed, baby. He'd soon be here. Remember, we have to act like actual couples, we have to act in love." 

I plastered a smile on my face and nodded, trying to appear unfazed by the request. Deep down, though, I couldn't shake the feeling of agitation that crept up on me. How was I supposed to act like we were in love when we were nothing more than actual strangers.

Alexander gave me a little shake of his head before he walked towards the door and exited the room, shutting the door rather loudly behind him. As soon as he was gone, I plopped my body down on the bed with a loud sigh, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions raced through my mind. The idea of pretending to be in love with Alexander still felt surreal, like a bizarre twist in a story I never expected to be a part of.

A knock sounded on the door, and I muttered a, "Come in". The door creaked open, Claire's head appeared first before she displayed her full body and came inside the room, closing the door as quietly as possible. 

I sat up on the bed and gave her a smug look which she replied with a playful grin. 

"You look quite different today," I pointed out, referring to her hair that was flowing freely down her back. It was usually packed up in either a bun or a French braid. This is actually my first time seeing her hair free and flowing.

"I know, right?" She giggled like a little girl. "Master Clark said I should let my hair down, at least once in a while."

My brows shot up and squinted my eyes. "Oh, I see. Clark, huh?"

"No, no, it's not what you think, trust me. Well, I just considered his words and I'm grateful I did, because this is freedom." She waved her head to the sides with a smile. "Though, due to the nature of my job, I'll have to pack it back up."

I laughed out and shook my head slightly. "It sure suits you though, you should let it down more."

I watched her as she walked into my closet. After a few minutes, she walked out with two dresses in her hands. She approached me and stood in front of me, raising the two clothes, indicating that I should pick one.

I pointed at the creamy coloured satin with thin straps, totally ignoring the other dress that was white in colour and strapless.

"I actually preferred the white one, but it's fine." She proceeded to drop the dress I chose on the bed beside me, before walking back to the closet to keep back the white dress. 

"How's Alexander's grandfather like? Is he loving, kind, gentle or is he brutal, rude, arrogant, just like his offspring?" Claire gave me an amused look before chuckling.

"You'd find out when you meet him. You ain't getting no words outta my mouth." I groaned and glared at her, earning a loud laugh from her. "I'd leave you to get dressed, your grandfather-in-law is on his way. Anticipate." With that, she left the room. I groaned out and palmed my face in exasperation.

I took a deep breath and made my way to the mirror, trying to compose myself and ignore the fluttering of nerves in my stomach. This was just a temporary act, I reminded myself. It was all for show, a performance to please his grandfather. I couldn't let myself get caught up in the charade, no matter how convincing we had to be.

I tried to push aside my feelings of discomfort and insecurity, reminding myself that this was just for show. It was all part of the act, a way to appease his grandfather and keep up appearances. But deep down, a part of me couldn't help but wonder - what if this was more than just a charade? What if there was a chance for something real between us?

I quickly shook the thoughts off. This is a contractual marriage, and I am not going to fall in love with Alexander. If I perceive my heart feeling anything for him, I'll rip it out and feed it to the birds of the air. I'd just do what I signed myself up for - act as his wife for a year and then leave.

I spent the next few hours mentally preparing myself for the charade. I practiced fake laughter in the mirror, tried to remember if I had ever seen him show any signs of affection towards me that might appear genuine to an outsider. It was all so absurd, yet I knew I had to go along with it for his sake.

A knock came from the door and I looked towards it. "He is here, Ivory. We have to go now." I heard Claire say from the other side of the door." My heart plummeted as she said those words. I had to take a deep breath to calm myself down. 

As I smoothed down my hair and straightened my outfit, a sense of determination settled over me. I would do my best to play my part, to act like we were the perfect couple. I would smile and laugh and hold his hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, even if deep down I knew it was all a facade.

With one last glance at my reflection on the mirror, I squared my shoulders and approached the door. 

And, here goes nothing!