Pretending

The butler took his leave and left Berlin to prepare.

Shortly, after Mr. Wilson, the butler left, she looked at herself. She is a mess. With one glance anyone can tell what had transpired between Callous and her. She had to freshen up.

Quickly, she gathered herself. She stood under the shower, washing away the night she spent.

She decided that she could pretend as if nothing happened between them. And avoid him at all costs. And he didn't seem like he was desperate for female attention either.

She finished up and picked up an outfit for the day. A blue, knee-high fitted, off-shoulder gown, which rested above her knees, as well as a pair of black heels and a bag to match. She pulled up her hair up into a neat pony. After applying lipstick and mascara here and there.

When she is done, she walks out of her room to the living area.

Standing Soo close to Callous, Tasha's eyes remained glued on him, the man of her dreams. Admiring his physique. She couldn't help herself, drooling. The man before her was a complete version of perfection. He belonged to her not Bell, "Is she not up yet?"

Although Tasha's voice was not loud, Berlin felt all kinds of emotions. She had just gotten to the living room.

Click! Click!

The two turned their heads at the sound of the heels of the lady behind them.

"It took you long enough," Callous said before slowly turning his gaze away from her.

His words are ringing with nonchalance which saves her from a lot of awkwardness. Probably he is thinking she was an easy lay.

"Bell, you are here!" Tasha exclaimed excitedly much to Berlin's shock. Berlin was tongue-tied and felt very impressed. So Tasha had such a high level of game playing six years ago.

She was finding it hard to breathe. Berlin's face turned pale. She couldn't hide her discomfort. She didn't feel this way when she didn't know who her best friend truly was. But now, seeing her killer face to face is making her feel like something is gnawing at her muscles. But still, she made sure to calm her nerves.

"Hello Tash" Berlin forced herself to say.

"Are you ready? We need to leave," his calm and authoritative voice broke her out of her stupor.

"Callous?"

"Do you have other plans?"

Berlin was shaking her head when Tasha cut in.

"Well, Yes we do... Bell and I would like to visit her mother's grave today." Tasha muttered.

This was the TRAP!

In her last lifetime, she had been unable to control the thought of visiting her mother and had willingly gone with Tasha. But Tasha and she never made it to her mother's grave. Tasha used it as a bait.

Callous who had been suspicious in the beginning had hated Berlin even more.

Thinking about it, it was probably because of those pictures, that she was never allowed to step into the Wayne family mansion. And she was left in this house or more like imprisoned in this house, all alone. Callous moved out.

"Not today, Tash, Probably... Some other time,"

Tasha's shoulder sagged with disappointment.

"Bell, What changed your mind? At least let's just pass by and say hi. We will be back before you know it. Pretty please," Tasha pleaded

"That's very thoughtful of you but not today" she declined Tasha's request. She made sure her words were ringing with deep appreciation as much as she did not want to.

Callous was watching everything. His eyes were glued to Berlin, who looked like a piece of the puzzle that he wanted to solve.

'That was the first time she didn't try pleasing Tasha. That is strange' he thought to himself.

Tasha was smiling reluctantly in understanding. She looked at Berlin and from her angle, Tasha could see the faint love bites Berlin tried to hide with makeup...

Tasha gritted her teeth and felt extremely jealous. 'Has he slept with her?'

"So, where are you heading to?... Can I tag along?" Tasha asked, hoping not to get another rejection. She was willing to be a standing block between her best friend and Callous Wayne

" I hate to turn you down. You can't come along, Tasha" She said with a sad expression on her face. Why the hell would she bring this backstabber with her or anywhere for that matter? They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, I beg to differ. I will run as far as my legs will carry me.

"This is unfair, Berlin" Tasha felt defeated. It seems her words, wants, and suggestions were falling on deaf ears.

Willing to spook her friend, Berlin added, "What did I do? You are the weird one, knocking on the home of a newly wedded couple. If I didn't know better, I would assume you were cooking up something."

Tasha's heart was almost in her throat, she looked at Berlin in surprise. This woman- when did she become so smart? Not only did she not fall for my trap...She is getting lucky. Her luck will soon run out.

Tasha had a sullen look on her face, " How could I have an agenda? Berlin, why did you say that? That is so hurtful"

"I am sorry, I was just joking. I am really glad you stopped by. Now I can look you in the face and with all honesty, say, I SEE YOU" Berlin said smiling from ear to ear.

Tasha suddenly noticed something was different from this her naive friend, Tasha remembered her to be.

Did she know?...

No, impossible

"As what?" Tasha asked with curiosity.

"Someone who hangs on and is willing to go the extra mile for the one she loves. Don't worry I will call you as soon as I arrive... Ok?" Berlin reluctantly hugged her best friend.

"Ok, I guess I will wait for your call then." Tasha feigned sadness.

"The car is waiting outside" Callous who had been busy on his phone, quickly turned his head and added before heading out" See you at the office later, Tasha"

Berlin looked down and saw Tasha slightly blushing.

In less than two minutes She had got out of the house with Tasha and walked towards the black jeep.

"This is goodbye, for now, Tasha. Take care." Berlin unwillingly hugged her best friend again before parting ways.

Immediately the chauffeur saw Berlin, he moved to the passenger's seat and opened the door for her.

"Hurry and get in or we will be late " Callous spoke as he stared at Berlin with a surprised expression on her face.

"You are here?!"

"Were you expecting someone else?"

Berlin shook her head before getting into the car and the door was shut after her.

She had got to admit, that when he said the car was waiting outside, she thought she would be driving alone. She never expected him to be here.

"You handled Tasha differently tonight," Callous murmured, his voice low

Berlin's heart skipped a beat but she kept her face neutral. "Did I?"

A slow smirk tugged at his lips, unreadable, and calculating.

The car door had already been shut trapping her inside- alone with him

Fleeing was her first nervous instinct, but why?

His eyes scanned her from head to toe again before he diverted his cold gaze to the driver in the front.

"Drive"

"Yes, Sir"