She Devil

Chapter 8

Amara and I sat across from the couple in the resort's cozy lounge, their laughter echoing softly in the sunlit room. They were Mark and Isabelle, the clients we had been working closely with, aside from Mr. Montemayor. They had just concluded their deal, and their satisfaction was evident in the way they smiled at us.

"Thank you, Amara, Gray," Mark said, raising his glass. "You two have been a remarkable team throughout this entire process."

Amara gave her signature poised smile, while I nodded in acknowledgment. "It's been a pleasure working with you," Amara replied smoothly, her tone professional as always.

Isabelle leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know, we've been meaning to ask for one more thing."

I exchanged a quick glance with Amara, and her lips twitched, the barest hint of amusement. "What is it?" I asked, curious.

"Well," Isabelle began, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. "Mark and I are throwing a marriage party celebration for one of our colleagues tomorrow, and we would love it if you both could come."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. A wedding party celebration? That was unexpected.

"You're inviting us?" Amara asked, sounding equally caught off guard.

"Of course!" Mark chimed in. "It's a small ceremony here at the resort, mostly family and close friends, but you two have been such a big part of this milestone for us. The bride and the groom insisted too. Invite your friends and family. The more the merrier, right? "

I smiled and deep inside I'm panicking. I glance at Amara, who was already composing an answer in her head.

"That's kind of you," Amara said smoothly. "But we wouldn't want to intrude on something so personal."

"Nonsense," Isabelle insisted. "We want you there. Besides, you're practically like friends to us now. And everyone who met both of you, during this trip can't stop talking about how great you are together."

I choked a little on my drink at that last statement. Great together? I sneaked a look at Amara, whose jaw tightened ever so slightly.

"That's flattering," I said, trying to keep the conversation light.

Mark nodded enthusiastically. "It's true. People keep asking us if you're partners not just in business but... well, you know."

Amara's lips pressed into a thin line, but her voice remained even. "That's not the case, but we're glad to have made a good impression."

"Then it's settled," Isabelle declared, ignoring Amara's subtle deflection. "We'll see you both tomorrow at the party."

Amara opened her mouth to protest, but I cut in quickly. "We'd be honored to attend," I said, my tone polite but final.

Amara shot me a sharp look, but I avoided her gaze. I didn't know why I agreed so easily, but something about their sincerity or maybe the idea of seeing Amara in a wedding party that wasn't all business made me curious and excited.

As we stood up to leave, Mark added, "Oh, and come together, of course. You two are a package deal now, after all."

The walk back to the villa was quiet, but I could feel the tension radiating off Amara.

"You didn't have to agree," she said finally, breaking the silence.

"They would've insisted anyway," I replied, shrugging. "Besides, it's just one evening."

She stopped abruptly, turning to face me. "It's not just one evening, Gray. You heard them people think we're... something we're not."

"And what's so bad about that?" I asked, crossing my arms. "It's not like we're denying it outright. Let them think what they want. It's good for business, isn't it?"