Crimson Desire

Chapter 9 - Graduation

"Wow, you’re invited to his graduation?" Krystal gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.

I simply grinned, choosing to stay silent. I didn’t want them to know how I really felt. Luke and I had been going out for quite a while now, and the entire university was well aware of it.

It was quite a sight, really—the infamous Casanova, known for never settling down, suddenly sticking to just one girl. Though, if I were being honest, I had selfishly suggested that he stop seeing other girls while we were in this so-called fake relationship.

"Maybe you’re just jealous seeing me with other women?" he teased, splashing water at me from the pool.

I rolled my eyes. "You’re assuming things."

"Okay, Miss Attorney. I’ll be faithful to you," he said with an exaggerated wink.

I scoffed. "I don’t care who you see or what you do. You can even sleep with them if you want. It’s not like we—"

"Oh? So you want us to do it?" he cut in, a mischievous grin spreading across his lips.

My face burned. "O-Of course not! You’re disgusting!"

He chuckled. "That’s not what most girls say. Actually, they claim the opposite—once they get a taste of me, they always come back for more."

I rolled my eyes, but there was no stopping the heat creeping up my neck.

"I just… I don’t want your grandfather getting the wrong idea and finding out the truth—"

"Well, that would be my problem, not yours. So don’t stress over it," he said, shrugging.

“You know what?” I huffed. "Do whatever you want, Lucas Trail."

His eyes gleamed with amusement. "Mmm, you know… I never really liked my name before, but hearing it from you? I wouldn’t mind you saying it more often—preferably in a different setting."

"Shut it, Luke!" I yelped, quickly splashing him with water before bolting out of the pool.

Or maybe… I just wanted to hide the redness on my face.

“Earth to Amari!" Krystal snapped her fingers in front of me.

I blinked, snapping back to reality. My fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of my coffee cup as I processed her words.

I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. “It’s not a big deal.”

Krystal leaned forward, narrowing her eyes. “Not a big deal? Girl, it’s Luke Trail we’re talking about. The same Luke who never takes anything seriously, and yet here he is, personally inviting you to his graduation? Sounds pretty serious to me.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re overthinking it.”

“Am I?” she challenged, crossing her arms. “Because from what I remember, your ‘fake relationship’ was supposed to be over. And yet, here you are still being invited to his family events.”

I sighed, stirring my coffee even though I had no intention of drinking it. “His grandfather will be there. Maybe he just wants to keep up the act a little longer.”

Krystal tapped her fingers against the table, watching me closely. “Okay, let’s say that’s true. What about you?”

I frowned. “What do you mean, what about me?”

She smirked. “You’re still agreeing to all of this. You could’ve said no, but you didn’t. Why?”

I hesitated. "Because it’s just graduation. It’s not like it means anything."

Krystal tilted her head, clearly unconvinced. "Mmm. If you say so. But tell me this—when you think about Luke, do you ever catch yourself smiling?"

I immediately looked away.

She gasped. “b***h! You do!”

I groaned, shoving her playfully. “Shut up.”

Krystal laughed, clearly enjoying my misery. "Oh, Amari. You’re in so much trouble. I won't be surprised to see him at our graduation as well."

I let out a frustrated sigh, but deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she might be right.

Krystal wiggled her eyebrows, sipping her iced coffee as she grinned at me. “So? Are you gonna admit it now?”

I groaned, slumping back in my chair. “There’s nothing to admit.”

“Uh-huh.” She nodded dramatically. “Says the girl who just turned red at the mention of his name.”

“I did not turn red,” I huffed.

She leaned in, inspecting my face with exaggerated curiosity.

“Mmm, nope. You’re totally blushing. And you’re fidgeting. Oh my god, you like him.”

I nearly choked on my coffee. “Absolutely not.”

Krystal let out an amused sigh, shaking her head. “Amari, you are so dense. You’ve spent months pretending to date a guy who literally has women falling at his feet, and yet, he only pays attention to you. You think that means nothing?”

I looked away, biting my lip, trying to suppress my smile. “We just had a deal.”

She gave me an unimpressed look. “Yeah? And what’s stopping him from ending it now? Or you, for that matter? Why are you still in his life?”

I opened my mouth, ready to argue, but the words wouldn’t come.

Krystal smirked. “See? You don’t even have an answer.”

I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples. “Even if I did… like him, which I don’t, what difference would it make? This whole thing started as a lie.”

She tilted her head. “And? Maybe the lie turned into something real. That is what I read in the books.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “That’s not how things work in real life, Krystal. He’s Luke Trail. He doesn’t do real.”

Krystal’s gaze softened. “And yet, you’re the longest ‘fake’ relationship he’s ever had.”

That made my stomach twist.

I hated how her words made sense. And I hated how it made me feel tickled inside.

I didn’t realize I was already trying to dress nicely and trying to make myself look presentable.

“You have an appointment, Amari?”

I turned to see my sister on the screen of our video call.

“Yup. I am going to…attend a… a friend’s graduation!”

She remained silent for a while, she then smirked and raised her brows. “Ah? I hope I can see that friend at your own graduation when I go back there.”

I think all my make-up’s gone away from my face.

“You are now flirting with someone, Amari!” It isn’t a question. It’s a whole damn confirmation.

“A-Ate…what are you talking about?” I nervously chuckled as I pick a cute white minidress.

“Introduce that guy to me, Amari.”

I tried to ignore her even though my heart hammered. I heard her let out a loud laugh, obviously, mocking my reaction, before she said goodbye.

The ceremony hadn’t even started, yet I already regretted coming. It’s very hot, and it makes my dress cling uncomfortably to my skin. A lot of people are around the area too, so it's very difficult for me to see Luke.

I exhaled sharply, gripping the program booklet in my lap.

Okay, just watch the ceremony and leave, Amari. That’s it.

“Amari?”

I stiffened at the deep, commanding voice.

Slowly, I turned to find an older man standing a few feet away, his sharp gaze fixed on me. His suit was impeccable, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat. Despite his age, he really looked dashing. I’m pretty sure a lot of girls cried in his younger years.

I immediately stood, forcing a polite smile. “Good afternoon, Mr. Grant.”

He gave me a slow nod, his expression unreadable. “Just call me Elias, Amari. And yeah, you came.”

I swallowed. “Of course. It’s an important day for Luke.”

His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he gestured toward the front row. “Sit with me.”

I blinked. “Oh, um—”

“I insist.” His tone left no room for argument.

I hesitated, glancing at the reserved seating marked for family members. Yes, they have reserved seats. That’s how mighty they are!

And this felt too personal, too close—like stepping over a boundary I wasn’t sure I belonged at. Well, I know I don’t belong, because again, this is just a fake set up to make his grandfather believe, but denying Elias Grant wasn’t exactly an option either.

Nodding, I murmured, “Thank you.”

I followed him to the front, conscious of the curious stares from those around us. Elias Trail wasn’t just any guest—he was the Elias Grant!

For a while, neither of us spoke. Then, his deep voice broke the silence. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I tensed slightly, keeping my posture composed. “Good things, I hope.”

A faint, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Luke is unruly. Reckless, stubborn, far too charming for his own good. Name it! But I’ve never seen him take a woman seriously.” He glanced at me. “Until you.”

I swallowed, suddenly unsure of what to say. I suddenly felt guilty. I wonder what his reaction would be if he knew that his grandson and I only had a fake relationship.

“He’s different to you.” His voice was calm but firm. “That’s why I wanted to see for myself.”

I forced a chuckle. “I don’t think I’ve changed him in any way.”

Elias hummed, unconvinced. “Perhaps not. But you matter to him. I can see it.”

I looked away, my fingers tightening around the program booklet. Do I?

Before I could respond, the ceremony finally began.

I sat there, struggling to focus, aware of Elias beside me, aware of the silent expectations that came with being there.

And when Luke’s name was called, I turned to the stage—only to find him already looking at me.

His cap slightly askew, a smirk playing on his lips. And I now realized what Krystal had been telling me.

My heart thumped so fast. So fast that now I’m staring at his face…

I think maybe, just maybe, he had been hoping I would be.