Chapter 5
1226 Words
I heaved a sigh as I was spun in more than fifteen dresses, a middle-aged stylist taking notes on her pad.
“Not good enough.” She muttered, displeased. I spied Nathaniel strolling across the aisle; he had changed into grey pants and a tank top. For some reason, the image of his biceps flexing as he made a call was etched onto my mind.
He stopped briefly, a blank expression on his face. “Could you hasten up? We need to leave in an hour.”
The stylist stood up. “Ah, yes, yes. I will work faster, Mr. Nathan. Her body is just a little difficult to work with.”
He stares at her tersely, scrutinizing every inch of my body. “She looks perfect to me. Maybe a skill issue, perhaps a change of stylist would fix it.” he threatened.
She chuckled nervously, “There’s no body type I can’t work with; I will find a perfect one for her curvy silhouette.”
I bit back a smile at his defense for me; it was weird seeing him defending me when, most times, he doesn’t hesitate to bully me.
She found a mermaid dress and a pair of silver kitten heels. My hair and makeup progressed immediately. She felt pissed and dusted my face aggressively. “Seems like you worked overtime outside the office to have him defend you like that.”
I smiled. “I also visited a witch coven and added a little potion to his coffee to make him fall in love harder. You are pushing your luck now,” I warned her, pissed already.
She tried to break the tension with a smile that appeared like a grimace. “I mean, I was simply joking. It is almost unbelievable, you two…” She held her tongue and stopped talking once she saw my glare.
“Risking your job over callous gossip.”
“I’ll be paid thrice as much to give out what I saw to tabloid news. Different versions.” She smirked.
She could be used in a good way. “I will pay you four times that amount. Make sure you tell the news how lovey-dovey we were.”
She appeared more satisfied and continued with her work.
Once I was done, Nathan appeared impatient. He was in an Armani suit, the jacket absent, and his sleeves rolled to his elbow to reveal his muscled forearm, which I avoided staring shamelessly at. He was dashing with his hair sleeked and facial hair groomed.
The stylist was openly salivating for him.
“We need to leave…” He paused his words and let his eyes graze every inch of me.
“Is it just as you wanted?” I said softly, looking at myself, not sure if I looked put together enough. I look like a wealthy billionaire's daughter, but I definitely don’t feel like it.
“Perfect.”
The stylist smiled. “I knew the dress was an eye-catcher.”
“She is not the dress; she embodies it.”
I cracked a smile, feeling nervous, and walked to him. My blonde hair was wrapped in waves that cascaded down my back.
“You don’t need to be that deep in character.”
“I’m being honest, Ms. Vale. Any man would want you. I’m not an exception.”
My heart raced subtly, and I averted my face to hide the fact I looked like a red tomato.
“You look quite decent as well.”
“That sounds like a pathetic attempt at a compliment.” He dismissed me and walked ahead, leading me to an elevator. I found it odd; he had demanded I prepare for the family dinner in his condo.
It felt weird coming here, but at the same time I was a bit relaxed. Once the elevator door opens, I’m met by two guards that start walking behind us; one of them whispers something in Nathan’s ear, and he nods.
We headed to the basement parking lot, and I least expected to be blinded by almost fifty camera flashes. I gasped from shock and tried to turn back, but my hand was clasped by Nathaniel, and he led me through the crowd of paparazzi.
“What the hell.” I cursed; I spied a little smile on his lips. He called them. I should have known there was an ulterior motive for him asking me to come to his apartment.
“Be sure to keep your act on point, Aria.” I was furious, but this was what I signed up for. It wasn’t going to be easy.
“How did your relationship with your personal assistant become something deeper?”
“What is her name?”
“Is it true Ms. Vale might just be dating you for your money?”
“What is it like dating a woman from a lower social class?”
“Your love surpasses all restrictions, but will your family be so accepting?”
The door to the car was slammed, and more pictures were taken before we zoomed off. Nathaniel was pleased.
“You risked the press finding out about your home to get the media a little spicy.”
“I have other homes.”
“This was the actual reason you wanted me to come to your apartment.”
“Do you feel used?”
I shook my head, lying to myself and him. “No, I’m getting paid for this. You can use me however you want.”
His blue eyes went darker as he leaned into me. “However I want?” He whispers, a finger tracing along my jawline; he clears out the hair along the way gently. “However I wish?”
My heart raced subtly as my eyes fell on him. I closed my eyes tightly to clear my head; this was dangerous. Jessica had warned me.
“Look at me, Aria.” His deep voice sends waves down my spine. I swallowed and opened my eyes.
“There are no cameras here.”
“You said I can use you whenever, however. You are getting paid; you don’t set the rules.” he said calmly and claimed my lips.
A soft sigh fell from both our lips, lighting a fire deep within my veins. I closed my eyes and let him do whatever; a part of me liked it a bit too much. I found a little composure and pushed him away. I gave us a little space, my heart racing and my lips warm with the memory of our lips entangled.
A subtle shame coursed through me as I was being used. Caleb also used me too, but all I got was a loan and nothing in my bank account. Just for a few months.
The car stopped in front of what appeared to be a mansion with a sparse yard spanning acres, fluorescent lamps guiding the way in the dark moonless night. I felt my heart stop momentarily at the sight of such wealth. I was indeed poor.
I stuck my head out of the window and stared shamelessly, my jaw almost dropping. I was more anxious about whatever waited for me inside.
The nice dress, makeup, and hair only made me feel like an impostor.
“We are here,” the driver announced.
- Writer
