Chapter 1 How We Met

• "Pretend? To be in a relationship, with you?"
• I nodded slowly and avoided looking at him. He chuckled, and his perfect white teeth showed up. He touched the bridge of his nose, and his expression became dark. There was some pain in my heart as I watched his mocking reaction.
• This man in front of me has a fiancée. And I'm here asking him to pretend to be his girlfriend so her fiance will show up.
• "So what is this? You'll use me as a cover up for your scandal?"
• "Oh! Says the mighty, respectable CEO, who has some important meetings enclosed in his office for hours."
• His auburn eyebrows met in one line, and then he laughed without humor after. "What?"
• "Oh! You can't fool me. Meetings that last that long?" My voice trembled with extreme irritation.
• I can feel my face heating up again. I want to cry at the thought that he believes in the scandal that is spreading. His eyes narrowed, seemingly unable to understand what I was saying. I rolled my eyes at him.
• "We're sailing too far from our topic. I don't care who you fvck and how long you do your woman here—"
• "Where did you learn those words, Ava? And what the fvck are you talking about?" His voice thundered. His hawk-like eyes are ready to destroy me. I rolled my eyes again.
• "It's okay. Don't be so defensive; I'm open-minded. I'm used to—"
• "Look at me." He whispered. I didn’t follow him and focused on my nails.
• "Look at me, please."
• He touched my chin with his fingers and made me meet his eyes. The tenderness and sweetness of his voice shook the wall I had tried to build between the two of us. His deep set of eyes are soft and drunk. He grabbed the tip of my elbow and drew me closer to him, as if the thin space between us was still missing. I was like a flame dancing with the flow of the wind, letting him take me on his own swing.
• "Katrina is my dad's employee. She arrived just as I ended my meeting with the attorney to drop off the documents I need."
• His eyes were wide as he stared at me. I looked at his lips, and he gently grabbed my attention again to look him in the eye.
• "It's your employee's fault." My voice was hoarse, and I couldn’t recognize it.
• "Should I fire here?"
• "No!"
• That's ridiculous! You don't fire people just because of that.
• "Uh-huh?" His eyes were playful, so I avoided looking at him again.
• "Now tell me, where did you learn those words, huh? Your accent is music to my ears, but it's not working with that dirty mouth of yours."
• I gulped again when I felt his warm breath on my face. Now his eyes are on my lips.
• "That's not what I came here for. If you'll not gonna accept my offer then I'm leaving."
• Gradually, I began to feel annoyed with myself because I was like a slave enslaved by his caresses.
• "What's this all about, huh? The last time we talked, you asked me to pretend that we didn't know each other. And now this? What's with this pretending thing?"
• He groaned and rested his forehead on my shoulder. It was as if something was missing in my stomach at the tenderness of his voice.
• His palm is on my hands, and his other hand is on the side of my chair. "We've never broken up."
• My heartbeat went berserk, like an animal that has long been confined and loves to get away.
• "You won't bring the past to me again, Levi."
• His eyes narrowed as he nodded. His hands slide down the side of my chair from mine. Now he seems to be confining me here in my chair. He sighed heavily. It seems like he's having a hard time concealing his emotions.
• "I've waited for years... If that's the only thing you can offer, then I'll gladly accept what I deserve."
• His words pained me, making me weak. How can I unlove him? I can't blame him entirely; I'm hurting because I allow it. With him, I'm so weak. Years of strength and plans disappear with his touch, words, and caress. He's good at pretending and playing.
• "Great!" I said it enthusiastically, even as my tears were forming clouds in my eyes.
• He raised his gaze at me as if confused. I'm wearing a fake smile on my lips.
• "My company will soon give a statement about this, since you already know that our photos have been spread everywhere."
• When I said it, his eyes went cold and silent.
• "From now on, if you're asked by the press and media, say that I am your girlfriend. We'll both benefit from this, Levi, and you know that. Just cooperate!"
• I almost said it was for his fiancée, but I resisted. He raised his brows and pursed his lips. He did not speak for a few seconds as I waited for his answer.
• "Okay."
• I narrowed my eyes at him. His eyes were very lazy.
• Wow. So he agreed? That's easy.
• "Okay, then, I'm good to go." I stood up, and he backed away from what I had done. He held my wrist and looked up at me with his handsome eyes.
• "Where are you going?"
• "I'm going home."
• He cocked his head to the other side and glared at me.
• "Since you are my girlfriend——" He stood up and turned the table around again. I am confused by what he did.
• He pulled my wrist hard and hugged me into his arms. A familiar breath that I missed for many years surrounded me all of a sudden. Before I could leave this embrace, he lowered his head and looked at me with his affectionate eyes, which showed forbearance, anger, reluctance and love.
• "——I have to exercise my boyfriend's rights."
• "Wha——"
• Before I finished speaking, he kissed me.
• -Time goes back to the past-
• "Oh, you look happy again. Is it good to be watered for a long time?"
• It was my routine to admire the garden around the Solidad family's house. The rain made the plants bloom beautifully. I glanced at the peaceful sea, recently rough from strong winds and rain. My suspicion that the rain would stop in the afternoon was correct. It's a pity that class was canceled.
• If there was one thing I liked about this house, it was its peaceful location near the sea, away from the busy civilization. I looked up at the clear blue sky, as if nothing bad had happened.
• Slowly, I spread my arms, trying to seize the moment. It was so relaxing that I momentarily forgot my troubles. I whispered silent prayers for my mom and dad, hoping they would hear me. Sometimes, I can't help but miss them. I still have fresh memories of our happy times together.
• But what truly tightens my chest is the fact that it won't happen again. I'm alone now. It's only been a few years, but it feels like a lifetime. My mind swirled with questions about my future. It's hard not to feel jealous of others with complete families. If I feel guilt, I want to rid myself of it, but I fear losing the memories of my parents. I wipe my tears and smile, trying to comfort myself.
• "I'm just sad, mom, dad."
• Even though I've surrendered many times, saying, "I can't do it anymore," at the end of the day, there are countless reasons to continue and stay.
• "Cy!"
• I turned and saw a familiar figure running towards me. It was Oli, my classmate from last year. His house was next to the Solidad's, though still a bit far due to their vast land.
• He ran so hard that sand flew up, some getting in his eyes. He bent over in pain before reaching me. I giggled and approached him.
• "Are you okay? Why are you in a hurry?" I giggled as he frowned and rolled his eyes. He shook his head and looked at me.
• "I want to see you."
• "H-huh? We just met yesterday," I replied, surprised.
• He narrowed his eyes as if investigating me. I stared back, astonished. His reaction changed suddenly; his smile was now sky-high.
• "I came to ask you again. Later, mom and dad will take us to town for a party with my aunt. Are you coming?"
• Last week, he invited me to a festival in another town in exchange for helping with a school project. I'm not fond of festivities, but I had promised Oli.
• "I'll ask Ma'am Mira first," I answered slowly, and he nodded.
• He noticed the unfamiliar car parked at the gate. "Looks like the couple has a guest, huh? Are you busy again?"
• "Of course not."
• I had the opportunity to go out because the man's visit earlier seemed important. After breakfast, Sir Constantine and his guest were locked in the home office.
• Oli tucked my hair behind my ear, making me sigh. "I'll wait for you later." He spoke softly.
• I averted my eyes and smiled. I said goodbye and returned to the house, thinking they might need something. I had been momentarily carried away by the sea's presence.
• I found the family and their guest in the living room. The couple sat together, and Celest and the man were on the same seat. My world stopped when his eyes met mine. A lump formed in my throat, blocking everything, but his eyes wouldn't leave me. I had no choice but to act unaffected. I thought about going to my room, but Ma'am Mira asked me to stay.
• "Cyreese, can you bring Levi something to drink?"
• Levi. His name is Levi.
• "Don't bother, aunt."
• His accent was intimidating. His tone demanded obedience. Ma'am Mira ignored him and sent me to the kitchen. I could still feel his eyes on me as I walked away, trying to clear my mind.
• When I returned, I decided to tell them my plans for the afternoon so I could get ready.
• "Ma'am Mira, I just want to tell you that I will be going out of town later. Oli invited me to join his family at the festival. If only I could."
• My hesitant tone was almost visible, not because I was nervous about being denied permission but because I felt Sir Levi's intense stare.
• "Is that so? Then come with Levi because that's where he's going too."