I take a deep breath and brace myself to face Alan today.After spending the whole day with Laird, planning things out with Matthew and Golden’s assistant, it’s finally time for my acting skills to be tested.
“You remember, right?This necklace only works one way, so you won’t hear us, but we’ll be listening and watching from the cam,” Laird reminds me again.
“Is it on now?”My fingers stroke the circle onyx stone framed with fake crystals.
“Yes.I’ll press the record button once you walk through the door,” he answers.
“Okay.”I nod, even though my heart’s pounding.
“You remember the safe word?”he asks.
“Whitehill Academy.”I confirm it, and they both nod.
“Good.Sounds familiar enough to Alan so he won’t get suspicious.Just say it if you need backup,” Matthew adds with a smirk.
“Break a leg,” Laird whispers, looking straight into my eyes.He kisses me softly before pulling his hand away from my cheek.
“Break a leg,” Matthew echoes, leaning in like he’s gonna kiss me too.Of course, Laird pushes his face away with his palm.
I can’t help but laugh, before licking my lips.My hand pushes the car door open, and I step out.I glance back at Laird, who waits in the white rental sedan across the street.
God, I feel like a spy right now.
Even with my nerves tightening and my heart racing, I keep walking toward the café about a mile from home.It has that dim, cozy vibe from the string lights curling across the ceiling.The afternoon sun hides behind thick gray clouds, making the glow inside look colder, like a secret.
As soon as I walk in, I spot Alan sitting in a secluded corner at the back.He’s upright, his eyes bright, posture straight.That wide smile on his face is all for me.The wooden partitions between tables can’t even hide his excitement.
If I didn’t know better, I’d fall for it—for the charm, the attention, the way he makes me feel like I’m the most precious girl in the world.It’s almost intoxicating.
I sit in front of him with a small awkward smile.He offers me a drink, but I just order the same as his.I need to get straight to the point.
“This ring.”I slide the box to him.
“Oh no, Fenella.I don’t wanna take it.I told you, keep it until the time comes for you to come to me.”Alan leans back, shaking his head, raising both hands in front of him.
“Yes, that’s the point, isn’t it?I’m here now.I’m coming to you.”
I hold his gaze, trying to show I’m serious.He stays still for a moment, processing my words.Then he blinks, and his smile slowly spreads.“Does this mean what I think it means?”
“Yes, Alan.Let’s get married.”My heart hammers in my chest.
Shit.I’m nervous.My voice sounds off, my face stiff, and I can’t control my expression.If I force a smile now, it’ll only make things worse.But I need him to believe me.I need him to trust me enough to pull me into his circle, to bring me close to Amy and her husband.
In my panic, I blurt the one line I think will seal it.
“I love you.”The words taste hollow as they leave my mouth.
He opens his lips like he wants to say something.His eyes dart side to side, then he blinks again and lets out a small laugh.He seems pleased.Maybe it’s working.Maybe my acting’s actually convincing.
“How did this happen?”His laugh grows louder.Oh, shit.He sees through it.
My back stiffens in my seat.My eyes flick from his smirking mouth to the white sedan across the street.I start thinking about saying the safe word.My breathing picks up while I wait for him to stop laughing.
“Alan, I mean…” I stutter as he raises his hand.
“No, Fenella.Don’t.I don’t wanna hear your lies.This is ridiculous.”Alan exhales sharply, shaking his head.“How can you reject me yesterday and now suddenly accept my proposal?And say those three words like they mean something?”He takes a quick sip of his tea.
I clench my knees under the table.God, I shouldn’t have done it.My acting’s not good enough to fool him.I’m a lousy actress who can’t even convince a single man.
