The Fake Fiancée

Chapter 8

Just then, Estel walks into the room and stops halfway as she catches sight of the gown I had in my hands. “Gosh Estel, that’s so expensive! Why did you buy that?”

Then I see a piece of paper still inside the bag. "I did not, someone got it for me.” Estel’s eyebrows crease as she snatches the paper from my hands and reads its content silently, almost inaudibly. “My family loves lavender.” She looks up at me. “Who’s it from?”

“It's definitely from Edward, we just spoke on the phone," I state.

“Wait, wait, what does he take you for? So because his family loves lavender you have to wear it? I thought it was from a lover!”

“I didn’t ask for it, Estel, he just sent it. Please don't go over the sermon about going along with whatever he wants and losing myself in the process. I have to do this; the gown isn't looking bad.”

“Edward? Who’s Edward?” Ma’s question interrupts our banter, and for a moment, we cease talking. I exchange a look with Casey, shivers running down my spine, not knowing how to tell me about Edward and his weird deal.

“Ma, why don’t you get some rest?” Casey says, holding her on the shoulder and gently leading her towards the door.

“You need to get some rest.” She slams the door and turns to face me, and the silence of the room rushes back in like a tide. “Alright, spill it,” she says, almost in a whisper. “When are you guys going to make plans for the party? It’s not like Edward can just show up and expect you to know what to do.”

“There are no guys, there is no making plans. He said the party is none of my business." I utter. "What? How are you supposed to know what to do?” she asks, as though she expects me to answer that. “I don't have a choice, I guess I'll have to play along."

“Then don't wear this stupid dress." She says. “Stupid? Come on, I like it, and I don't care what he takes me for; I will wear what he wants me to wear as long as he pays me well." I say stubbornly and I leave the room.

As I enter the sitting room, I am scared Ma will not recognize me. I tiptoe towards the sofa where she is comfortably sitting. As soon as she notices my presence, she lifts her head to see. A radiating smile graces her face showing that she recognizes me.

“Estella,” she voices affectionately. “Come here.” She taps on the spot beside her, motioning me to sit beside her. Without wasting time, I sat on the sofa beside her, casting my eyes on her and taking in her weak frame and tired eyes. “How are you doing Ma?” I ask. “I’m okay, my dear,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I miss your father.”

“I miss him too, Ma,” I admit, as memories of my late father flood into my mind. A sad smile appears on her lips. “But he's always here with us," I add. Ma nods in affirmation to this.

“Ma, I have made some money, and I plan on taking you to Mayo Clinic for a very good treatment. We have always wanted this.” As I speak, I notice Ma’s countenance suddenly change, her eyes widen in shock and amazement. “Oh, I’m so happy, Estella! How did you get the money?” she asks, her voice filled with curiosity.

I take a deep breath, not knowing if I am prepared to tell her the truth yet. Then I square my shoulders and begin to spill. “It’s this guy, Edward. He offered me a huge amount of money to act as his fiancée. I didn’t mean to keep it from you, Ma. I just didn’t want to bother you.”

Ma’s expression softens. “Bother me? I’m happy for you, Estella. You’re growing into a big woman.” I smile. “So, Ma, what do you think about all this? This whole thing with Edward. Is it a good idea?”

She holds my hand. “It’s a difficult situation, Estella. On the one hand, this money could help us in so many ways. But on the other hand, I don't want to see you hurt.”

“I understand, Ma, and I promise to be very careful," I assure her. "Good.” Ma gives me a warm smile and I rest my head on her shoulder. “Thank you, Ma." I savor the beauty of this moment. “So once the engagement party is over, I'll make sure you get a proper treatment," I speak in a low tone.

I take Casey along with me to the shopping mall two days before the engagement party. I need to get some accessories to complement the lavender gown. If I need Edward's family to think we are a thing, then I have to look good. They wouldn't want their son settling for anyone less than his standard.

It is the Galleria Hall in Houston. I had no idea it was this exquisite until we arrived there. “Wow," Casey mutters, as she scrutinizes the place. The roof is even made of glass. We kept walking while our eyes did the running around.

Then I bump into someone. “Oh my goodness! Kira!" I scream in surprise. Kira is an old friend of mine. “Casey meet Kira. Kira meets my best friend, Casey." I say, bubbling in excitement. They both shake hands. Kira did not change a bit, she is still chatty and likely to talk your ear off.

“Do you come here often?" She asks. “Nah, we just came here to get some accessories and some other things," I reply. “Oh, I do all my shopping here. Come girls, let me show you around." She comes in between us and locks her arms in ours.

She shows us around and even forces me to buy the things I do not want to buy because, according to her, they'll look good on me. By the time we are done with the shopping, I am so exhausted. Shopping is never this exhausting, except you shop with Kira.

“Bye." She waves at us as we get into the cab, and we wave back at her, giggling slightly. Once I get into the car, I let out a heavy sigh of relief, as I massage my forehead a bit. “I'm so tired and Kira is so great." Casey says and adds, “Great at talking." I place my hand on the armrest, as I enjoy the ride home.

10:00 am. I stared blank-faced at the ceiling, a glimmer of light filtering into the room from the hallway. Then, my phone vibrates, indicating that I just received a message on my WhatsApp

10:01: Hey, how’s it going?

10:01 ME: good

I have no idea who the person is. I check the displayed picture and my heart skips a bit. Edward. I never expected him to text me on w******p.

10:03 ME: Edward?

10:04 ME: Never thought you'd text.

I devour my nails nervously, as I anticipate his response. Three minutes pass and then five. No response. Finally, a ping comes through.

10:09 EDWARD: Ummm

10:11 ME: What's up

10:14 EdWARD: chillin'

10:15 ME: and not making plans?

10:15 EDWARD: no, why?

10:16 ME: you said you’ll make the

Plans yourself.

10:17 EDWARD: Did I?

10:17 EDWARD: look, I appreciate your efforts to help, but I’ve had people set everything up already. The hall, everything. There are no plans to make.

I just do not know what to say in return. I cannot believe Edward is this bored to even think of texting me or trying to explain things to me. I breathe in heavily, still staring intensely at my screen.

10:20 EDWARD: you haven't slept, have you?

10:20 ME: no I haven't.

10:21 EDWARD: you love the gown right?

10:21 ME: Yes.

10:21 EDWARD: I discovered I do not know anything about you. So tutor me, ma’am, please.

10:22 ME: oh now you realize?

That? Well, I love

Green.

10:24 EDWARD: mm, you love

Green and here I am, in love with you.

Huh? I pause for a moment. It is too late at night and I do not know if this guy is drunk or high on something. I think my anger wasn't worth it after all. There is no real reason to be upset when I know he has men at his beck and call to put the party in order. Besides, he said he would pick me up, so there was nothing to worry about. Both of us just have to play our parts well.

I am no longer seeing the need to have a conversation with him before the engagement party. As I ponder on the best reply to give him, I drift off to sleep.