The Allure Of the Unknown

The Pretend Relationship

"Are you ready?" Simon's ask me through my worried thoughts.

I looked up, my eyes meeting his. We stood just outside the big doors of the gala hall, and the quiet buzz of voices and music seeped out into the hallway. This moment marked our first public appearance as a "couple." My heart raced, and I felt the stress building up inside me.

"I... I guess so," I said trying to sound sure of myself.

Simon took my hand, his fingers felt warm and comforting. "Just follow my lead. If anyone asks too much, I'll take care of it."

I nodded feeling more at ease with him next to me. "Okay, but... what if they see through our act?"

He flashed a small almost teasing grin. "Then we'll just have to sell it, won't we?"

Before I could answer, he pulled the door open, and the sounds grew louder as we walked in holding hands. I sensed many eyes on us as we entered. The fancy ballroom was packed with people in their best clothes, all watching us with interest—and criticism.

Simon moved closer speaking to reassure me. "Don't forget, Luna. You're with me. You fit in here."

I inhaled deeply trying to absorb his words. I wasn't just an outsider here. Tonight, I had to pretend to be Simon Joe 's "fiancée." I needed to stay focused and act my role.

We moved through the crowd greeting people with handshakes and polite smiles. The whole experience felt unreal, as if I had entered someone else's world. Whenever I felt anxious, I would look at Simon, and he would nod reassuring me I wasn't facing this alone.

At one point, I caught him looking at me, his eyes softer than usual. For a second, his typical guarded look vanished, and he seemed almost... open. It was as if he was noticing me for the first time noticing me.

I felt my cheeks grow warm and pink. "Is everything alright?" I asked, my voice quiet.

He blinked, like he was coming out of a daydream. "Yes. Better than alright," he answered, his voice gentler than I'd ever heard it.

A look in his eyes caused my heart to skip a beat catching me off guard. I'd said yes to this deal thinking it was just business, but now I found myself experiencing emotions I hadn't expected. Yet before I could think more about these feelings, Simon's face shifted back to the distant unaffected look I knew well.

This left me confused and uncertain what to think. Did he experience the same odd attraction I did? Or was this him acting the part of a committed fiancé?

As I tried to clear my head, a tall guy with charm walked up to us flashing a winning grin. I didn't know him, but something about him made me feel on edge.

"Simon," he said reaching out his hand. "It's been a while."

Simon's face went cold, his voice losing its warmth. "Fred."

Fred looked at me, his eyes staying on me a bit too long. "And who's this?" he asked , his eyes showing interest.

"This is Luna," Simon said, his tone giving a warning.

Fredpaid no attention taking a step towards me. "Luna, it's nice to meet you. I can't figure out how Simon found someone like you, but he's sure lucky."

I put on a polite smile looking at Simon, who watched Fredwith clear annoyance. "Thanks," I said hoping Fredwould get the message and leave.

But he didn't. Instead, he moved closer speaking . "I hope you understand what you're getting into," he murmured sounding secretive. "Simon... well, let's say he tends to use people."

I felt my body tense up, his words chilling me to the core. "What do you mean?"

Fred's smile stayed in place, but his eyes showed a glimpse of something sinister. "Just watch out, Luna. Things aren't always what they appear to be."

I looked at Simon, who continued to stare at Fred, his teeth clenched tight. Fredsaluted him before turning his attention back to me. "Don't forget what I told you,” He said before leaving making me feel more bewildered and uneasy than ever.

When Fred left, a whirlwind of feelings started to build up inside me. His words stuck in my head darkening everything. Did Simon just see me as a chess piece to improve his reputation? Could this be a part of some big plan?

I couldn't push it aside anymore. I had to know the truth.

I took Simon to a quiet spot away from the noisy ballroom. "Simon," I started, my voice a bit shaky, "am I just... just a piece in your game?"

He looked at me with a face I couldn't read. "Luna, what's this about?"

"Fred," I said, my throat feeling tight. "He told me you have a habit of... using people. Is that what I am to you? Just someone you're using?"

His face showed anger for a moment, but he hid it. "Fred doesn’t know what he's talking about."

"But he seemed so certain," I pushed, the words coming out before I could stop them. "Simon, I need to know. Is this—us—just a game to you?"

For a moment, he stayed silent, his eyes locked on mine with a look that made my chest hurt. At last, he spoke in a quiet cautious tone. "Luna, I never wanted things to get messy."

"So why not tell me what's going on?" I asked feeling a rush of annoyance. "I said yes to this because I thought I knew what I was getting into, but now... I'm not sure."

His eyes grew darker, and I noticed a hint of something fragile almost... shattered for the first time. "You wouldn't get it," he said, as if talking to himself.

"Give it a shot," I pushed back standing my ground.

He glanced away and tightened his jaw. "I don't like to discuss my past."

Frustration surged through me. "So why did you pull me into this? Why ask me to take part in this... this fake life if you won't open up to me?"

His eyes locked with mine, his face showing regret mixed with something I couldn't identify. "Luna, I didn't involve you to cause you pain."

"Then why?" I asked feeling my determination start to smash. Simon moved closer to me reaching out his hand as if to touch my face, but he hesitated. "Because," he whispered, his voice cracking, "I needed someone I could rely on. Someone who wouldn't view me as just... as just an object."

I stood there surprised by the honesty in his words. It seemed like he was showing me a side of himself that he kept hidden from others for the first time.

But in an instant, his guard went back up. He stood tall, his face becoming stern again. "We're done talking," he stated, his tone returning to its usual coldness.

"But, Simon" "See you Monday Luna," he said with a firm tone looking away as if he'd already pushed me out of his mind. I watched him leave, his posture rigid, his steps measured and steady. But the things he didn't say, the secrets he hinted at, seemed to linger in the air. He was keeping something from me, something that went beyond our agreement, beyond the image we were supposed to show the world.

And as I stood by myself in the dim corner, one question kept popping up in my head: Who was Simon Joe ?

I had a hunch that finding out would change everything.