Beyond The Lie

chapter 40: Love in the Moonlight

Adeline.

Asher chimed in, "So, love birds, enjoy!" before strolling off with Ryker. I smiled, amused by Asher's relentless energy.

Eryx leaned in, his voice low. "He knows."

I raised an eyebrow. "Who knows what?"

"Ryker knows about our relationship," Eryx clarified.

My eyes widened. "Oh! Since when?" Was our acting that bad?

Eryx chuckled. "A few days back. I told him. Sunday."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "You told him? Thank goodness! I was worried he'd found out somehow."

Eryx grinned. "Hey, we're not that bad! Look at us now - who'd think there's nothing going on between us?"

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "We're not doing anything."

Eryx's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "Oh, aren't we?"

I quickly looked away, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Eryx, you have serious issues. Get help!"

Eryx chuckled. "So, now that the shoot's almost over, what's next?"

I composed myself. "Well, it's not over yet. We have one more gown to shoot - the ethereal one. That's happening tonight."

Eryx nodded, his eyes still sparkling with amusement.

"Is the shoot happening here too?" Eryx asked, his eyes scanning the area.

I nodded. "Yeah."

He raised an eyebrow. "So, who's the lucky model this time?"

I shot him a suspicious look. "Why do you care?"

Eryx flashed a charming smile. "Come on, darling! Spill the beans."

I rolled my eyes at the cheesy nickname, but my cheeks betrayed me by flushing bright red.

"Unfortunately, it's me," I admitted. "They asked me to model the ethereal gown myself."

Eryx's face lit up with amusement. "Oh! Guess who's going to stick around and watch the shoot?"

I glared at him. "No way!"

Eryx grinned mischievously. "Yes way!"

I tried to shoo him away. "Eryx, please go home with Asher and Ryker."

He refused to budge. "I won't leave my girlfriend's photoshoot. Can you imagine me missing it?"

I threw my hands up in exasperation. "You're being ridiculous!"

Eryx chuckled. "You're just worried I'll distract you, and you won't be able to smile perfectly."

I shot him a sarcastic look. "No, I'm worried I'll vomit if you're here."

Eryx dramatically clutched his heart. "Ouch, harsh words!"

I couldn't help but smile. "Seriously, Eryx, go home."

He shook his head. "Sorry, lady. My girlfriend is doing a photoshoot tonight, and I'm not missing it."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're being weird, even for you. Care to explain?"

Eryx shrugged. "You liked it."

I threw my hands up again. "That's not an answer!"

Eryx grinned. "That's all I've got for now!"

As the day unfolded, Eryx and I chatted about everything and nothing. You know, the usual random stuff that's not exactly earth-shattering. I grabbed lunch with my crew and invited Eryx to join us, but he politely declined, opting to grab a bite elsewhere instead.