strangers to lovers

CHAPTER-FIFTEEN:

I was sitting in Luke's kitchen as we were scrolling through apartment advertisements as he handed me his phone as he slid it across the table to me. The two of us were scrolling through the online apartment ads when we found the three bedroom apartment, two bath apartment for sale. Then Dylan laughed and offered to help me find a new place after I explained the incident. Three bedrooms, two baths, only two thousand dollars a month." I gave him the flattest look I could muster. As well as getting a copy of Luke's best photos, he also made us coffee, and he stole a few pictures from us. I smiled as I smirked at the phone, thinking that the embarrassing photos would be sufficient to blackmail me. I sighed, pushing Dylan's phone toward me. In response to my reply, he flattened his lips and replied, "Let's keep it under 1,000." "You will not be able to get anything good under 1,000." "Should we clarify what good means to us?". Despite my offense, he didn't seem offended by me at all. "I'm not telling you to search for an elaborate multi-story apartment. "I'm just saying you should not buy just because it is cheap. Take a look at your apartment.". It is important to keep in mind that anything that isn't totally run down is going to be pretty expensive, so look for something that is more expensive. It was frustrating to know he was right, but it was frustrating, too. The idea of getting a decent apartment was not impossible with Luke's money, but it was a little frightening as well. There is a lot of money involved every month. What if it gets out of hand and the contract ends? In the end, Dylan rolled his button-up sleeves until his elbows, and I watched him distractedly as he sat up straighter in his chair and took off his suit vest, saying, "According to statistics, one third of your income should go towards your housing expenses." I watched him distractedly as he spoke. My eyes were fixed on him, but I quickly redirected my attention. It makes sense that the rest of the money would go for food and gas or fuel or whatever. Do you rent or what? How do I know that? Are you a tenant?" Of course, he rented. It was then that he returned his phone and said, "I just bought some properties that I intend to rent out to people. I think this is an excellent investment, but I want to make sure they are accessible to everyone." "How many places do you own?" "I have ten." I dropped to my knees and stared at the cold table

stunned by what he said. My jaw dropped almost to the ground. There was such a big difference between classes in what he talked about. I was in a state of shock when I realized how different their lives were. I apologized to Dylan for sounding like I was

gloating when he touched my shoulder. Although I was mumbling under the table, I was able to locate a couple of nice houses in the neighborhood that were at a great price, and he clarified that I was not able to buy them. Despite wanting to hit my head against the table, I couldn't do so. Taking a thumbs up, I replied, "I am more than happy to assist, since I am considering buying a few properties around here in Poughkeepsie and Arlington." "Well, I will do everything I can to help," I replied. "Well, I would be happy to assist." My ears perked up, and I slowly lifted my head. Having learned from Dylan about them, I am more than happy to help. I'd love to make you an offer if they were profitable. I would let you know if they were profitable, as he explained to me, I would let you know. If I rented a place from this landlord, I would consider it a great rental property, especially because I perceived him to be really trustworthy and he said, "You can tell everyone you know how awesome of a landlord I am, as long as you tell them so." He seemed to have a good sense of humor. Having a landlord like that wouldn't be so bad. As he nodded, he said, "It is still a good idea for me to find a Dylan. I have no idea what he is talking about when it comes to being the lawyer he wants me to be." "Does your mother know?" "No." He leaned back a little and breathed in a long sigh as he said that. I hope she hopes that if I don't follow in my dad's footsteps, then I will follow in hers." "What do you do?" "She runs some resorts." "Have you heard of Paradiso?" he asked. Her mom and Luke's mom both attended Harvard and ended up running hotels. She thinks we will be the next generation of hotel owners one day." My mom and Luke's mom both went to Harvard together and ended up running hotels. In my opinion, that is how we became friends, and it is also because we annoy our families. Dylan laughed. As he joked, he grinned. "A lot of times we cheat on each other's tests," he said, grinning. "Where did you guys attend college together?" he added."I slowly realized that he was not only rich and handsome, but he was also smart? The information dawned on me slowly. "Here in New York at Columbia University." I knew it was a high-quality

school. He wasn't only smart, but he was also rich and handsome. I started to get annoyed. "I see." "Luke's a good man," Dylan replied, his voice warm. While I'm not excusing his ignorance, I believe he has a good heart. I think he needs some time to

learn about different things in the world.

"Honestly, I don't see him as a bad person." Dylan looked a little sheepish and paused, unable to see the good side in him. "What's your point about talking him up?" I wondered why I wasn't sure he was a perfect angel, but I was beginning to see him as a good guy. The thing is that Luke only has one real friend, and I'd like to have two of them. If you are patient with him, maybe you'll be able to get along with him, ha ha." "Is Luke really not close to friends?" I asked. In the midst of my slow realization of my lack of knowledge about Luke, I realized that he had a mother and a brother who may have been deceased or missing, as well as the inheritance of Connor hotels. Not that I expected to know everything about him after only knowing him for a little over a week. In fact, I knew that he had a mother and a brother who may or may not have survived. That was pretty much all he had to know. Sebastian said, "If you count the people who use him for his money as friends, then he has many," offhand. My nose twisted up as I gasped, "Yikes." There was no way Luke wouldn't fall victim to this every time either. I could see that he was keying on you as if you were begging him to spend money on you. "I mean. Are people really like that?" I asked, "I mean." "That would be embarrassing." He told me solemnly, "You'll be surprised." Everybody knows someone who spends way too much money on their partner and then they get taken advantage of. Usually, you realize how much money you're wasting. Luke doesn't realize it. My brother is a little sarcastic, aren't you?" I said sheepishly to him. "Oh, he likes attention." I propped up my elbow on the table and placed my chin on my hand,

staring at Dylan quizzically. "Has Luke dated a lot of girls?" I asked. " Well, it's not that bad." "My brother is the same way, so I don't think it's a bad thing." "I didn't say it was bad." It took him a moment to think. "Not really. Luke doesn't talk that well with

girls. Usually, they just hang on to him until they get bored because he won't make a move on them. Dylan's only ever dated one girl seriously." "Really? What was she like?" Dylan asked, a grin on his face. "You wanna know?" I nodded, wondering if anyone could stand Luke for a few hours? "You've got to ask him." I groaned. It was kind of funny when he said, "Why don't you just tell me?" "Why do you want to know? I don't like him." "No!" I replied. Me? Like Luke? That's a laughable thought. Sure, he's cute,

but-no! He wasn't cute. "I don't like him. I mean, as a friend, I like him. "I see." I narrowed my eyes. "What? What do you mean by that look?" "Nothing." "That's not a nothing look." He held up his hands. Laughing, he replied, "It's not anything.

Why do you think it's something?" "Are you trying to get me to do something weird?" "No, I'm just " He was caught off by a slammed door, and I turned to the balcony. I jumped, turning to see if Luke was home yet? Would he usually slam his house

doors? I heard the unmistakable sound of high heels and froze, because I knew he didn't wear them to work, so I froze. I glanced at Dylan bewilderedly before turning back to the balcony, where an older woman was staring down at us, hands

crossed. I knew it was Luke's mother in 3 seconds just by her demeanor. "Ella, play along with me," Dylan said. "We're screwed," I whispered back at him, totally frozen. Why was his mother here? Why didn't Luke call to warn us? Then Dylan

jumped up from the table and kicked. I kicked as well. She didn't respond as she walked down the stairway and through the living room, her eyes on me the whole time, her foot she didn't respond as she did. Everything she wore screamed affluence-

from the three-inch heels to the black pencil skirt to the bright red jacket. She had deep red lips that complemented her olive skin. Her hair was long and black and perfectly curled, not a strand out of place. The girl was gorgeous, even though I was intimidated by her. She stopped in front of me with her green eyes in slits. Luke looked like her. Except she didn't seem like a predator awaiting her prey's demise. It was hard to keep eye contact as I straightened my back. I looked at Dylan and he cleared his throat. "H-hello." He grimaced a bit. I realized he didn't know my last name. "Mrs. Connor, this is Ella, uh..." Despite his hesitancy, Mrs. Connor's gaze remained on me, and she didn't seem to notice his hesitation. I raised my hand to Ella pierce, but she did not take it. As she asked, I awkwardly lowered it back to my side. "Why are you at my son's house, when he's at work?" Dylan asked. "Uh-" "Mrs. Connor, you can't just start interrogating people when you meet them," she replied.

"Mrs. Connor, you can't just start interrogating people when you meet them," she answered. I believe that when you meet someone, you can't start interrogating them right away.". In shock, she put her hand on her hip as Dylan was standing right there. I

jumped to his defense immediately, but a slight shake of his head stopped me short, as if to say, "Mr. James, are you running away from your mother again?" I couldn't believe my ears when he said that. This was Luke's mom! I felt my skin crawl as I felt the heat rush into my skin. He didn't comprehend that I wasn't offended by his words. He thought it was quite normal. Dylan laughed lightheartedly. "Ha ha, I'm just here to keep Ella company." Mrs. Connor stared at me sternly. There's no way Luke lets anyone stay over at my place. Why are you still here?" She replied, "That's, um." Ella, say something, I knew I didn't know what I should say. What would be the appropriate response to that? Had I lied directly to her? If so, then what would I tell her? We hadn't even discussed it! How was I supposed to tell her that I was pretending to be her? It wasn't going to be possible for me to pretend to be her! Dylan sighed loudly and put an arm around my shoulder, giving me a sense of relaxation afterward. Continuing, Mrs. Connor stated, "That's why Luke can't keep a girlfriend." "Girlfriend?" I asked again. The gaze on her face grew wider and she stared at me. "You are Luke's girlfriend?" I squealed with delight when I realized I was wearing Luke's t-shirt and ratty jeans. Oh my gosh! Isn't it true that Luke had told me she would be able to tell my status by the way I dressed? Dylan responded before I had time to say anything, "You've never heard of me. Who introduced you to him?" I was glad he was with me. I had a hard time lying under pressure, so I was glad I had him with me. It's especially bad when you lie about yourself. She looked at Dylan harshly. He just got back from France after living there for a few years," he lied smoothly. I have a list of candidates Luke needs to meet." "Her family is also looking for a suitable partner for Luke, so I suggested her. Our families go way back." "How come you've never mentioned her before?" he asked. That man was good. He must be a lawyer, right? He could have picked a country where English was the primary language, but Mrs. Connor looked at me expecting him to. In response to my questioning tone, Dylan turned to me and asked, "France, you say? Did you study

there?" "Yes, yeah." I replied. "What did you study?" "Business?" Dylan seemed to be looking at my questioning tone. Because she is the next heir to a hotel chain in France, she is returning to the United States to rekindle her connection with the U.S., and I thought it would be a good idea for them to get to know each other better. As Mrs. Connor appraised me again, she appeared impressed. "I didn't say you did not say anything?" I wondered if I had stayed at a hotel there in high school. Why did I take Spanish in high school? I had no idea what I was talking about! My hotel's name was...? "Maybe," I replied with a sigh. "We're growing in France, but we're still growing. Maybe you have heard about Fleur Hotels? Is that what you meant by Fleur Hotels?" She tilted her head to one side as she contemplated it. "Maybe." It has been two years since I visited France. Have your parents come along with you? She twisted down in anger as I said, "No, they are still in France.". I wanted to speak to them. Still, Luke should have introduced his mother to someone who he is considering dating. "Or, you should not have properly welcomed me." Thinking about dating?" Did she not realize that I had already been dating him for quite some time already? As if reading my thoughts, she went on to say, "Until I have met your parents and you have demonstrated your worth to our family, I won't recognize you as his girlfriend." It does not make sense to lose someone you care about. The goal is for Luke to be with

someone who will help us succeed. It may be my intention to give him a little leeway when it comes to dating, but I'm not trying to put you off. I'm just telling you this in order to prevent you from getting your heart broken if you end up being Connor. I

had no idea what she meant by the last sentence, but she ended by saying, "Some people just aren't cut out for it." The tone of her voice sounded like a threat, and I steeled my eyes into a straight line as Dylan shook his head vigorously and gave me an X

as he gave me the signal. She gave me a straight line as if she were saying, "Luke understands that business comes first." I would be able to make Luke let you go in a heartbeat, regardless of how much he cares about you. My jaw twitched when she

replied, "I'm Ella." So don't get too ahead of yourself, Ellen." I glanced down at my hair and grinned inwardly as you asked, "When's your last haircut?" I wonder how she picked that up? "Did you forget about your looks after you came here? Or do you just seem like someone from the slums?" I felt my lips curl up. I felt Dylan squeeze my shoulder. "Alright, alright. It's a day off, excuse her looks. I'll help to arrange a meeting with her parents. This topic aside, is there a reason you came here, Mrs. Connor?" "Just to make sure his belongings were still here." My shirt was pointed at when Dylan grabbed it. She smiled, but it was really more of a sneer than a smile. She must have known that it was Luke's shirt as she pointed at me. "You don't need to worry. We only do it in the bedroom," she smiled wide at me, "I respect that you and my son are adults and have a reputation to uphold." She looked horrified at Dylan digging his nails into my skin as he dug them into my skin as he was doing it.

Maybe we can get through in the kitchen. We'll make sure the shades are closed. As soon as we stared each other down for a moment, she turned her nose up at me. She has to work on her manners before she meets me again." I chose to remain silent,

and Mrs. Connor eventually started walking away. I told her not to mind her. She is grumpy when she is hungry, so I didn't mind her." As Dylan finished his last sentence, he gave me a pinch on the shoulder. As the heels clicked up the stairs and down the hallway, we heard them disappear before their voices. My breathing stopped when Dylan let out a long sigh, and then I felt myself calm down again. "Well," I whispered, wide-eyed, "I'm doomed." The hair on my chest teased me with every breath. Trying to control my anger, I ran my hand through my hair roughly, sucking in a big breath of air. "It's okay, Ella." I ran a hand through my hair roughly, sucking in a big breath of air. "It's okay. Just apologize to her next time you see her." Luke is going to kill me. It's my job to do so. I'm gonna get kicked out really fast, it's my fault. Ah, I'm dead." I'm dead." "I'm dead." I'll die." I'm dead." In response, he snorted and coughed, saying, "Whatever, just calm down." I reacted groaningly, and picked up the newspaper again to look for jobs. "Really?" I asked. "Really?" I was sure I would hear from Luke any minute that I had been terminated. I had been a bad employee for so long." My throat filled with a groan and I reached for the newspaper to look for jobs.