THE PERFECT DECEPTION

Chapter 7

Anupama

I froze. 

I stood there as flashing lights hit my face in rapid motion. The journalist screamed my name for my attention as I stood there. ''Ms. Joshi, are you and Mr. King a couple?'' they screamed with other regularly asked questions. I was pushed into the corner as the contract was held tight in my hands. I look at each one, unable to say a word to them. I felt a burning sensation in my throat as I tried to explain myself and debunk any rumors to be spread. My mind was not operating as my lips seared with passion from his lips. 

How could he kiss me? He knew that this would corner me into his plan. He knew that the force of the media would force me to be his 'FAKE GIRLFRIEND' it was all his plan. I was trapped in a kingdom that I didn't ask for. I wanted to scream and ruin the image he portrayed of us. I even thought about joining hands with this man once but never really wanted to. I felt trapped again in some cage. I gently touched my lips and wanted to curse out my body for letting his touch get to me. 

I slowly graze my lips, realizing I was staring for too long, and blinked letting my blood run through my body like steroids to my brain. I looked around as everyone remained shocked at me; guest, Shruti, Anuj, Devika, Kinjal. Naomi, Kai, Aarya, media, and guests watched me in shock. My face filled with rage as I clutch the papers in my hand tightly. My eyes turned red slowly trying to fight the sheer realization of destruction at my feet. He couldn't just use me to get away with it or ruin the peaceful day now held away. 

I was speechless.

My eyes darted around in distress, signaling for help to those dear to my heart. I was ticked away with each photo and headline set for tomorrow's news. Upon seeing the news, the impending barrage of questions, especially from Baa and Bapuji, filled me with dread. A shiver ran through me as fear crept in; my name and face would soon be linked to his royal highness of arrogance.

"Please remain seated," Kinjal urged, attempting to quell the chatter and direct the staff to work around my paralyzed form. The murmurs ceased as Kai stepped forward, attempting to usher the media out of the restaurant. "Please escort yourselves out," he demanded, striving to protect the guests' tranquility.

"But one question," each reporter pleaded before the door slammed shut, echoing the turmoil in my heart. Devika and Naomi rushed to my side, gripping my arm, trying to capture my gaze. Their voices bounced from corner to corner, wordlessly. I felt their worry permeate through me as my eyes met theirs. Hands caressed my face, and Anuj's sorrowful eyes sought mine. I closed my eyes, seeking composure, only to be met by his grey eyes in a moment as profound as the kiss of a lifetime.

My eyes snapped open, the crumpled contract now before my face. My skin tensed, my brows furrowed, and a warm flush of blood tinged my cheeks, mirroring the pounding of hearts around me. He wants a fucking deal he will get one!

I exited without pausing to listen as Naomi and Devika shouted after me, hoping they would manage the situation. The last thing I needed was a two-star review branding us the most scandalous or disorganized establishment. My heels scraped the concrete pavement, goosebumps rising on my skin, tickling me as the rain drenched me.

Now I was soaked, angry, sad, and hungry all in one day. Frantically, I waved for a cab on the street. My red dress clung to me, water streaming down my legs, hardly the ideal look for the person I was about to meet. The tyrant, the most delusional and crazed man on the planet, would likely rip my dress right off.

The cab stopped abruptly, and I hurried into the warmth of the car, only to be met with the driver's grumble, "Ma'am, respect the vehicle." "I would if I could control the weather," I retorted, his eyes rolling as if at my arrogance. If I had a time machine, I'd leave him and that Neanderthal to be tried for witchcraft. I remained silent, enduring the dreadful elevator music.