𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄{Ran H.}

The Invitation

Chapter: three

THE INVITATION

The rain started to patter against the window as Layla and Ran wrapped up their dinner, the sound creating a soothing backdrop to their conversation. They had moved past the initial awkwardness of their fake relationship and had settled into a playful rhythm.

“So, when are we meeting again?” Ran asked, glancing out at the rain-soaked street.

“A few weeks later. I have to go to LA for a project tomorrow,” Layla replied, her tone casual but her mind already racing with the busy schedule ahead.

Ran looked genuinely surprised. “I can give you keys to my place in Beverly Hills then.”

“No, thanks. I have my own place,” she shot back, her voice firm.

“Sure, you do,” he said, an amused glint in his eye.

Feeling a surge of irritation, Layla stood up, grabbed her handbag, and shot him a pointed look. “I should go then,”

“Is it something I said?” he called after her, the teasing lilt in his voice only heightening her frustration as she walked out into the rain.

As she stepped out into the night, the rain poured down, drenching her in seconds. She hurried to her car, mentally preparing for the whirlwind of photoshoots and events that awaited her in LA.

✧⁠*⁠。

Days flew by in a blur of lights, cameras, and high-profile events. Layla found herself caught up in the glamour of the industry, but beneath it all, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

The excitement of the shoots kept her busy, but thoughts of Ran occasionally crept into her mind, and she pushed them away as best as she could.

One night, after a long day of shooting, Layla collapsed into bed, utterly exhausted. The faint sound of the city outside lulled her into a deep sleep.

Suddenly, she was jolted awake by a persistent ringing at her doorbell. Confused and groggy, she glanced at the clock. It was well past midnight. Panic set in as she reached for the bat she kept by her bed, gripping it tightly as she made her way to the door.

With a hesitant breath, she opened it, her heart racing. To her shock, standing there in the dim light was Ran, a smug grin on his face.

“How did you get here!?” Layla exclaimed, disbelief flooding her voice.

“Why? Can’t I show up at my girlfriend’s house?” he replied smoothly, the playfulness never leaving his tone.

“Fake girlfriend. Whatever. Why are you here?” She was still trying to wrap her mind around his unexpected arrival.

“Business in LA, you know,” he said, brushing a raindrop from his hair, the casual way he spoke making it seem all too easy.

“And how the hell did you find out where I lived?” she demanded, a hint of anger creeping into her voice.

“Oh, darling, I know everything.” He leaned closer, the teasing lilt returning. “Won’t you invite me in?”