IN LOVE WITH THE DEVIL

Chapter5

Brian

Silence.

I prefer it that way. It reveals more than conversation ever could.

I adjusted the cuff of my black suit before glancing at my watch.

Three minutes left.

Then came a gentle knock on my study door before it slowly opened.

"Young Master, the Harrison family has arrived, and everyone is waiting for you in the dining hall."

"I'll be there."

The butler bowed respectfully before leaving.

I closed the file I had been reviewing and remained seated for a few more seconds.

Oddly enough, I felt a hint of anticipation because this meeting was just like any other business meeting.

I hated attending family dinners. They were nothing more than meaningless conversations and rehearsed smiles.

But this one was different.

It was the Harrison family.

Harrison Fiona.

The award-winning actress.

The nation's pride.

Well, I don't believe in love, nor do I trust appearances.

How amusing.

People have mastered the art of pretending to be someone else while hiding their true colours.

I already knew everything the public knew about her.

But like they say...

Never believe everything social media tells you.

As I walked towards the dining hall, the maids bowed deeply in respect while the guards straightened their posture.

Well...

I'm used to it.

As I got closer to the dining hall, I heard laughter.

I paused for a brief moment.

They got along so fast?

Interesting.

Then I stepped inside.

The room immediately fell silent.

Every eye turned towards me.

My gaze swept across the room before stopping on her.

Fiona Harrison.

For the briefest moment, our eyes met.

Then I looked away abruptly.

I walked to my seat with slow, measured steps before taking the chair beside Grandpa.

"Grandpa."

I acknowledged him.

He nodded.

The butler poured me a glass of wine.

I looked around the room.

Mr Harrison appeared relatively calm, although his posture remained stiff.

Mrs Harrison forced a smile and gently patted her daughter's hand.

But Fiona...

She kept avoiding my gaze.

I brought the wine closer to my lips before asking,

"So... you're Harrison Fiona."

She stiffened before forcing a smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Tyler."

"You really are good at acting, Miss Fiona."

The atmosphere around the table immediately grew tense.

She looked at me, slightly flustered.

"Of course Miss Harrison is really good. That's why she won Best Actress of the Year. Remember that scene in The Reborn Secretary? Goodness, she hit the villain right on his butt."

Ryan teased.

Liam burst into laughter.

"You watched that movie, Uncle Ryan?"

"Of course I did. You kept talking about it, so I had to watch it."

For the first time, I saw Fiona c***k a smile.

Ryan's joke eased the tension.

I scoffed, glaring at him.

He simply returned a cheeky smile.

"So, Fiona, why did you choose acting as your career?"

Grandpa asked.

I looked at her, watching every expression on her face.

"I've loved acting since I was a child—or rather, since I was in my mother's womb. I entered the industry when I was just ten years old. I believe doing my best can put a smile on people's faces, so I'd say I simply love making people happy."

As I watched her speak...

I noticed it sounded rehearsed.

"Which do you find easier...

Playing someone else...

Or being yourself?"

For the first time, her expression wavered.

She seemed momentarily at a loss for words.

"Oh...

I love being myself."

She replied.

"That's enough."

Grandpa interrupted.

I sneered.

"I think you both should spend some time together and get to know each other. I've already arranged a date for both of you."

I rolled my eyes.

Another waste of time.

"That's fine with me."

"Fiancée...

You'll be free tomorrow, right?"

I asked, noticing how the word fiancée affected her.

"Sure.

I don't have any appointments tomorrow."

She replied calmly.

"Fiancée, would you like a tour of the house?"

"My pleasure."

She replied as we stepped out of the dining hall.

"What are you doing?"

She asked the moment we stepped onto the balcony.

"And what do you think I'm doing?"

I asked in return.

A while ago she couldn't even look me in the eyes.

Now...

I wondered where all that courage had suddenly come from.

"You don't look very happy, my little bride-to-be."

I said, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Why me?

I mean...

There are other suitable women out there."

She asked quietly.

Fiona

I watched him let out a soft laugh before looking at me as though I were nothing more than a piece of trash.

"Well, you should be asking your father that."

"Let's just say I offered him a deal, and he accepted."

"Who would reject the opportunity to collaborate with the Tyler family?"

He replied mockingly.

I clenched my fists.

"You think people can be bought?"

I asked through gritted teeth.

"Oops...

Everything has a price.

Including people."

He replied, slipping his hands into his pockets as he watched the guards patrol the compound.

"My father may have agreed...

But I'm not for sale."

I retorted.

"Oh really?

You don't have a choice, Fiancée."

"That explains why you're here."

"You're simply your father's tool for climbing the ladder to success."

He replied with an evil grin.

I swallowed hard.

Because what he said was painfully close to the truth.

I fought back the tears threatening to spill.

"I will never be your possession."

I said, barely above a whisper.

Brian stepped closer.

"So...

What do you think you are?

A wife?

A partner?"

He smiled coldly.

"Don't think too highly of yourself."

"You're simply part of a contract."

"And don't ever mistake my grandfather's kindness...

Or my family...

For mine."

"And stop playing the victim.

I hate people who do that."

He whispered the last part before turning to leave.

I staggered backwards.

Quickly wiping away the tears running down my cheeks.

"It's too early to start crying."

I whispered to myself.

Just then...

My phone vibrated.

"It's just the beginning of the show. So you'd better wipe away those tears. I hate weaklings. Now show Brian Tyler who the boss is."

I gasped, covering my mouth to stop myself from screaming as I looked around.

Then another message appeared.

"Relax... I'm only watching the show."

I froze.