Beyond The Lie

Chapter 14: Another lie?

Adeline

Ugh, thirty minutes already! Stuck in this car, going who-knows-where. Where's Aunt Susan's house? I'm trying so hard to understand Eryx, but it's like pulling teeth.

When his aunt asks about his job, what am I supposed to say? 'Too personal?' Seriously? I rolled my eyes, gazing out the window.

I'm making an effort for him, but where's his consideration? He shut me down without a peep! A simple 'Hey, Adeline, I'm a...' wouldn't kill him.

Gosh, this man is dramatic! When we arrive, I'll blurt out, 'I'm not your girlfriend, and you basically kidnapped me!' (Or maybe I won't...)

Muttering to myself in his 'stupid car', I thought: Stupid guy! Mannerless guy! Jobless guy!

And finally Mr. Mute spoke up, "We're here!" I turned to him, then gazed out at the breathtaking mansion. Whoa, the Valtor family's wealth was no joke. This house rivaled Eryx's in size and grandeur.

As I stepped out of the car, Eryx appeared at my door, his chiseled features illuminated by the fading light. I shot him a sly remark, "That doesn't make you a gentleman, just an actor!"

He stood tall, his broad chest accentuated by the open buttons of his black shirt. His tailored suit and combed-back hair screamed 'fictional alpha male.' I couldn't help but notice.

For a moment, I zoned out, imagining Eryx as my leading man:

Us strolling hand-in-hand through lavish ballrooms.
Whispers of 'mine' in his deep, husky voice.
Sizzling gazes across candlelit dinners.

Snapping back to reality, I met his piercing eyes.

"You mad?" he asked, his deep voice stirring something within me.

I took a beat, collecting myself. "Oh, please! I'm just disappointed in my jobless boyfriend!" I said with a smirk, strutting ahead.

Eryx paused, likely admiring my backside, before falling into step beside me.

We stood before the door, awaiting Susan's arrival. Steps echoed from within, and I glanced at Eryx. He sighed, placing his hand on my back, sending shivers down my spine.

The door swung open, revealing Susan's warm smile. "Welcome, Ms. Popular Pretty!" she exclaimed, eyes shining with affection.

I beamed, basking in her compliment. 'Popular. Pretty.' I repeated, thrilled.

Susan enveloped me in a warm hug. Breaking apart, we exchanged bright smiles.

"Stunning Queen, you look gorgeous, dear!" she praised.

Eryx received a hug as well before we stepped inside. I sank into the plush couch, smiling at Susan.

She settled opposite me, and I snuck a glance at Eryx, wishing he'd join me.

"Where's Liam?" Eryx asked.

"Here!" A familiar voice called from upstairs. Liam, the dinner encounter, descended.

Tall, just like Eryx. Must be a family trait.

"Adeline, nice to see you again," Liam said, greeting me.

"Nice to see you too, Liam!" I replied, grateful Eryx had mentioned his name earlier.

Liam addressed Eryx, "I'm heading out. Be back in an hour. Got a meeting. Enjoy!" He tapped Eryx's shoulder before departing.

Now we were alone with Susan.

"Congrats, Sweetheart!" Susan squealed, her eyes shining like diamonds. "Spill the tea – how was the signing?"

I grinned, feeling like a rockstar. "Absolutely amazing!"

Eryx snuggled up beside me on the couch, his arm brushing mine, sending shivers. I tried to focus.

Susan's excitement was contagious. "I've seen you everywhere – magazines, online news! What's it like being a superstar?"

"Interesting," I said, playing coy.

Just then, the sky outside transformed into a dramatic canvas – dark clouds, thunder, and a deluge of rain. I sighed, entranced.

"Rainy days are my jam," I confessed. "Give me a cozy couch, a good book, and a storm outside – bliss!"

Susan giggled. "Girl, you're speaking my language! Fashion, rain, and indulgence – my perfect combo."

Our chat flowed like a bubbly brunch – family, fashion faves, and laughter.

*****
Dinner beckoned, and we gathered around the table, the rain drumming against the windows like a symphony. Thunder boomed, and lightning flashed, casting flickering shadows.

Susan's eyes sparkled. "So, Adeline, tell us about your first meeting with Eryx. Where did you two lovebirds meet?"

I glanced at Eryx, forcing a smile. My mind raced, conjuring scenes from rom-coms and novels.

"Ah, it was..." I paused, buying time.

Liam, David, and Susan leaned in, anticipation written on their faces.

"Well..." I began, weaving a tale inspired by my favorite fiction.
Here's a revised version:

"I met Eryx on a night I'll never forget," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was walking home from a party, exhausted and lost in thought. The darkness seemed to swallow me whole."

Susan leaned in, captivated.

"As I turned a corner, footsteps echoed behind me," I continued. "A stranger emerged from the shadows, his intentions clear."

Eryx's arm brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine.

"I tried to run, but he was too close," I said, my heart racing. "That's when Eryx appeared – a towering figure, his broad shoulders and chiseled physique radiating power."

Susan's eyes sparkled.

"He stepped between us, shielding me from harm," I continued. "His piercing gaze locked onto the stranger, and I felt a surge of safety."

Eryx's leg shifted beside me, his thigh inches from mine.

"The stranger fled, and Eryx turned to me," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "His sharp eyes scanned my face, ensuring I was unharmed."

I felt Eryx's intense stare settle on me.

"In that moment, time froze," I concluded. "I felt an unbreakable connection, like our hearts synchronized in the darkness."

Susan sighed, enchanted. "That's so beautiful! You two are meant to be."

Eryx's gaze lingered on me, his expression softening.
I smiled and looked at him.
Our eyes met.

And I almost believed the lie myself.