A Game Of Pretend
751 Words
Chapter Nine: A Game of Pretend
(Anna's POV)
I knew the second I walked through the door something was wrong. The atmosphere changed—like walking into a place you weren't meant to witness. And then, I caught sight of them.
Levi.
And another woman.
They were in the living room, standing side by side. Too close. And before I even realized what was happening, I saw it—her mouth on his, their lips together in a kiss.
I stood in the doorway, staring at them.
But I didn't get mad.
Not even a little.
Instead, I felt. nothing.
It was nearly laughable. Here I was, sneaking about, trying to find out something about him, and here he was playing his own games already. Did he think I would be heartbroken? That I would cry?
I just turned around and walked away.
Levi's Reaction
I stomped up to my room, moving at a deliberate pace. I wasn't leaving, and I didn't slam the door or make a production out of it. If Levi wanted me to care, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
A few minutes later, as I knew I would, I heard pounding footsteps racing after me.
"Anna, wait—"
I was already inside my room when Levi reached me. He stood at the doorway, looking nervous. His dark eyes searched my face, trying to read my reaction.
I tilted my head slightly, watching him in amusement. He’s scared. He thinks I’m going to make a scene.
“Anna,” he said again, stepping inside. “Listen, I—”
I cut him off with a sigh, shaking my head as if I were irritated. I should at least pretend to be, don't you think? If I was too cool, he would suspect something.
"I don't want to talk about it, Levi," I grumbled, turning away as if I were furious.
He raked his hand through his hair. "It's not what you think."
Oh, sure, it wasn't. It never was.
"She's just a friend. A friend from childhood," he added quickly. "Her name is Vanessa. We were friends when we were young."
I crossed my arms. "And that's why you were kissing her?"
He hesitated for a fraction of a second. Just a fraction of a second. Then, he quickly covered it up with laughter. "It wasn't exactly a kiss, Anna. She was just. emotional."
I almost laughed. Emotional? That was the best he could do?
"She's going to be here for a while," Levi said. "I hope you don't mind."
I turned to him, attempting to unclench my face. "No problem."
His eyebrows furrowed, as if he hadn't expected me to agree so easily. Did you want me to be jealous, Levi? Sorry to disappoint.
I smiled a little, begrudgingly, and sat down on the bed. "I trust you."
I could see the shock in his eyes, although there was confusion. He did not know what to do with me.
Good.
That was what I had needed.
Vanessa's Arrival
Later in the night, I got to finally meet Vanessa proper.
She was beautiful, tall and confident, one of those girls who knew how to take up a room. She glided around as if she were familiar with being in a place like this, like she had already claimed this house.
When she recognized me, she smiled insincerely.
"Anna, I guess?" she said, offering a handshake.
I took her hand cautiously. "Yes."
Levi was standing beside her, watching. I wasn't certain if he was anticipating some kind of showdown between the two of us.
"Levi's talked a lot about you," Vanessa continued. "I'm so glad I'm staying here."
I nodded. "That's nice."
Her eyes glinted with amusement, as if she had expected I would react differently. Maybe she had thought that I would be possessive, maybe even insecure.
But I wasn't.
Levi needed me to act like his ideal fiancée, is that what it was? Then I would act well.
Maybe even better than he had expected.
A Game of Pretend
Levi went out of his way to be friendly to me that evening. He asked me if I needed something, if I was okay, if I wanted to talk.
I gave him brief responses. Not cold, not warm—just enough to make him curious.
Because now I had a mission.
Vanessa was not just a friend. I could tell. She was there for a reason.
And I was going to find out what it was.
- Writer
