PRETENDING

Pretending

THE THINGS I will take with me when Lawrence and I leave are ready. While waiting for him to arrive, I RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

glanced in the mirror many times since the anxiety in my chest didn’t go away.

I almost jumped in shock when I heard a series of doorbell rings.

“Just a moment!” I yelled and glanced again at the mirror to check my reddish-orange dress and tiptoe

shoes again.

“Hi!” I greeted him warmly when I opened the door.

I seemed to be burned by the way he looked at me. Nor did I escape his gentle look at my whole being.

“Ah, come in first. I’ll just get my things,” I said before turning around.

As he walked inside, I glanced at him. My heart flushed as I noticed the strength behind his stunning

features. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and faded denim jeans and his Nike shoes that

matched his brown leather jacket.

My eyes were wondering when his eyes met mine. “Let me help you with that,” he said, then took my

bag from me.

***

WE WERE JUST quiet during the trip. And I felt the awkward silence between us. But I don’t think I

need to open a conversation now.

“How was your sleep last night?” he asked, then started turning on the machine.

“Uh, it was fine.” I smiled.

“Good,” he added. He did not speak anymore because his car had already stopped. I adapted myself to

the view as the structure gradually faded, later replaced by green trees and farms.

After about two hours, we finally reached the Saavedra Resort. As always, I was impressed by the

beautiful scenery that greeted us.

He guided me inside the hotel, nor did we forget to greet some employees when Lawrence saw us.

“Let me take you to your suite first, then I’ll pick you up later for our lunch.”

I just nodded. It was just the two of us inside the elevator, but I could not understand why he was so

close to me. My heart was pounding so fast. I feel like my knees will fall if we spend more time in the

elevator.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly in my left ear.

I stiffened and lowered my gaze to the floor. “I’m fine.”

I close my eyes as he gently caresses the trunk of my hair. “I’m sorry. I know you shouldn’t be here, but

I promise to take good care of you, whatever happens,” he whispered again.

I was so grateful when the door finally opened. I finally had a chance to walk away from him.

Damn it, Margaux! It was just a whisper. It was just a touch! Calm down!

Fortunately, we quickly reached the room he had reserved for me. I saw perfection in every corner of

this room. The construction is detailed, and it seems like a lot of time was taken to beautify the place.

When my eyes were satisfied with what I saw, I turned to Lawrence who was carrying my bag.

“Thanks. I’m fine here.” I immediately pulled my bag.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Thank you again,” I said, then smiled a little.

“I’ll just check the staff downstairs. I’ll be back in a minute,” he said and bid goodbye to me.

When he left, I had a shower and changed into a red dress with the same sandals. My hair is pulled

back into a bun, and I put a little color on my lips.

Moments later, Lawrence knocked again to pick me up.

“Hi, gorgeous!” A soft smile appeared on his lips as he lay on his hand at the door frame.

My face turned to the color of a bad sunburn. I turned my head to the side to avert my gaze. I used to

be praised by others but not Lawrence.

I also felt like I was in the cloud as we walked down the grand staircase. Employees and other guests

were looking at us.

“Are you nervous?” he whispered before holding my hand firmly.

I looked at him. “No, I’m not,” I said boldly.

“Good, easier for me,” he muttered.

My forehead furrowed. What does it mean? That was the question left in my mind until we got to the

lobby and went straight to one of the diners there.

“Good afternoon, Mr. President!” the waiter politely greeted him before handing us the warm tenderloin

steak.

“Please, give her juice instead.” Lawrence stopped it when he tried to put a glass of champagne in the

flute glass in front of me.

“Immediately, Sir,” the waiter said before turning his back on us. He also returned immediately with

lemon juice on hand.

“Thank you!” I said, then give him a smile.

He only slightly bowed to me before retreating and returning to work.

“You treated your employees with that gesture?”

I looked up at him. “What do you mean?” I asked him, frowning.

“My employee. I think he likes you,” he said before looking at the waiter.

I followed his gaze as he pointed before I shook. “That’s not new to me,” I said before shrugging.

He shook his head with a grimace. I could also see the weeping of his mouth because of what I said.

“I’m scared. They took it as an advantage, to get closer to you, and I won’t let that happen,” he said

with a lace of seriousness.

I want to laugh at his reaction. “Is this part of our plans because you act like my boyfriend? I’m sorry, I

don’t want to have a jealous boyfriend,” I said, then I smirked.

“I will talk to the manager regarding this matter,” he declared in a serious voice.

“About what?” I asked.

But he still couldn’t answer as he focused his gaze on my back. Out of curiosity, I looked behind me

where I saw Elliesse enter the hotel’s main door.

She was dressed unusually. Her hair had a gleaming gold color with a reddish tone and a circular form.

Almost everyone seemed to be distracted by her forthcoming.

I don’t know how I dared to stand up even though my knees were shaking. I also didn’t know how I

could step closer to them.

“Hi, Rence!” She also warmly greeted those who greeted her. She did not forget to give Lawrence a

kiss on the cheek.

I quickly averted my gaze from that scene. I should not be affected because I know we were just

pretending, but why was it hard for me to act like one?

“Hi, Margaux!” She greeted, then waved her hands and beamed at me.

I smiled back at my most innocent face.

“How was your trip?” Lawrence cut. They remained standing and looking at each other.

“It was good. I miss the town of San Simon,” she said and showed off her sweet smile.

She seemed to mean something else to what she said, so Lawrence’s jaw tightened.

“Ah, please join us,” Lawrence offered a seat.

I immediately glanced at my food. I suddenly lost my appetite.

“Of course!” She quickly sat down in the chair next to Lawrence. The waiter approached her

immediately, and her order arrived quickly.

They were almost the only two who’s talking as if I was not there throughout our mealtime. I feel like I’m

just air around but unnoticed.