Beyond The Lie

Chapter 23: "Love you too"?

Adeline.

"Adeline?" I snapped back to attention, looking at Susan and then at Eryx. Who called me? I thought, feeling a slight jolt.

"Wonderful! I've been speaking like a radio, and you weren't listening!" Susan said with a smile.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry. I just lost track. All the work, you know!" I lied, trying to play it cool. Eryx's presence was the real reason I zoned out, but I wasn't about to admit that. Ugh, why does he have this effect on me?

"What were we saying?" I asked again, deciding to ignore Eryx's presence beside Susan. Maybe if I pretend he's not here, I'll be able to focus.

"I said, how's your work going, and I came to see you and ask for a favor, in brief," Susan replied with a smile.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Oh, I see. The work is going pretty well. From this Monday, we have collection planning and styling, and then from next Monday, there's a photoshoot and campaign preparations." I shared my updates, happy to share them with her.

As I spoke, I couldn't help but think about Eryx's intense gaze on me. Is he watching me? Why does it feel like he's seeing right through me?

"So, things are going so fast, right? You might be feeling stressed," Susan said, concern evident in her voice.

I nodded, acknowledging the stress. "That's true. But it's my dream, so yeah..." My voice trailed off as I caught Eryx's eye for a split second. I quickly looked away, feeling a flutter in my chest.

"When is the launch?" Susan asked.

"Um, End of June, maybe," I replied, and she nodded.

I could feel Eryx's gaze on me again, but I refused to look at him. Why does he have to be so distracting?

"Yes, what favor were you talking about?" I asked, recalling our conversation.

"Oh yes, I need a beautiful outfit for our family event," Susan said with a big smile.

I nodded, feeling a spark of creativity ignite within me. "Oh, that's great! I'm happy to make one for you. We need to discuss the material and design. When will you be free?" I asked, more excited.

"You're the busy one here with a tight schedule. I should be the one asking that, dear. If you're free now, we can discuss it now itself." Susan said.

"Sure. I think today's the right day as well. Don't know when I'll get next free time. So, when's the event?" I asked, and she looked at Eryx.

What's going on? Why is she looking at him like that? I thought, feeling a pang of curiosity.

"Didn't you tell her?" Susan asked.

I turned to Eryx, feeling a surge of frustration. Tell me what? Gosh, more secrets. I'm starting to feel like I'm in over my head.

Eryx shook his head, his expression unreadable. "Dad-" he began, but Susan cut him off.

"Oh goodness! I think that was a surprise for you, and I spoiled it!" She smiled cutely.

I felt a lump form in my throat.

Susan continued, "Whatever, listen, sweetie, there's this big family event coming up where all our family will unite. It's just a yearly thing – everyone gathering and having fun. It's actually a great day; many people will be there. All relatives. So... you should come too. You're also one of us now, right?" She asked, looking at me and then at Eryx.

My mind reeled. One of them? What does that even mean? Am I really a part of their family now? I thought, feeling a sense of uncertainty.

I forced a smile, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Wow. Sounds incredible." I glanced at Eryx briefly, his piercing eyes making me feel uneasy, before meeting Susan's expectant gaze.

"You will come, right?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with hope.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I don't know... when is this event? I've got a big workload on my shoulders. But I didn't want to disappoint Susan, so I hedged. "I hope I will!"

Susan's smile faltered for a moment, and I felt a pang of guilt. "I really don't want to miss this opportunity to meet everyone," I added, trying to sound more convincing. "I haven't met everyone, right? So I really want to see everyone. But when is this event?"

Susan's face brightened, and she turned to Eryx. "I forgot the date. Eryx will tell you about it, right, Eryx?"

Eryx nodded, his eyes locking onto mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I quickly looked away.

The conversation continued, with Susan discussing her dress design ideas with me. I tried to focus on the conversation, but I could feel Eryx's gaze on me, making me feel like I was under a microscope. I ignored him, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, but it was getting harder by the minute.

A good almost 1 hour passed as we finalized the details of the outfit Susan wanted. Finally, they were getting ready to leave. Thank God.

Susan hugged me warmly. "Come and visit us often. I'm alone in that mansion with just some TV shows. I'm bored. So do visit. You now know the route..."

I forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt. "I will!" I said, trying to sound convincing, but deep down, I knew it was an empty promise.

As Susan walked towards the door, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I turned to Eryx, my mind racing with thoughts. Whatever is happening in my mind stays there; outside, we're 'sweet couples'. We have to put on a show, right? Hug. Kiss. Something like that. That's what couples do.

I felt a surge of anxiety as I tried to navigate this pretend relationship. Gosh, this is so awkward.

Before Eryx could make a move, I opened my arms and we shared a warm hug. His head was above mine, and he lowered it to my ear, his whisper sending shivers down my spine. "Don't think I didn't notice you ignoring me."

As he spoke, his breath caressed my ear, and his hand wrapped around my waist, holding me close. It didn't feel like a lie, though. It felt... real. Too real.

I tried to shake off the feeling, but it lingered. Susan turned to face us, and I forced a smile, trying to hide the emotions swirling inside me. "Yeah, love you too," I said, the words tumbling out of my mouth without thinking.

I cringed inwardly. What am I saying? I don't even mean it. But Susan was looking at us, a warm smile on her face, and I couldn't take it back now.

I could sense Susan's smile, but I was too caught up in Eryx's piercing gaze to look at her. He smirked, knowing the effect he had on me. I hated it. Gosh, either he knew his touch had affected me, or he liked the words I'd just spoken. I was convinced it was one of those reasons behind that infuriating smirk.

I stood frozen, my eyes locked on his, his towering figure making me feel small. I felt his hand holding mine, and then he raised it to his lips, his kiss sending shivers down my spine. I gulped, my heart racing. God help me.

"Will text you!" he said, before turning to leave with Susan. As they walked out, his eyes met mine once more. We held the gaze for a second, neither of us looking away. It was just our eyes, locked in a silent understanding. Then the door closed, separating us and breaking the electric tension between us.

I stood there, staring at the spot where he'd last looked at me. My office felt silent, the only sound the pounding of my heart.
I'm doomed.