The fake and the real 

Aren poured me another glass of wine while I started to tell him the story of my first love. Normally, I would find it uncomfortable and embarrassing, but there was something in Aren‘s gaze that soothed me and made me trust him. Was I making a mistake in telling him? I had never cared about rich people, and I had never researched Callan and his family, but what if Aren knew him? I observed 

Aren as I mentioned my ex–boyfriend‘s name, but I couldn‘t read anything from his expression. Perhaps he had never heard of him, or it simply didn‘t matter to him. After all, it was merely something that had happened in his contract fiancée‘s past, one of the examples of a fairytale gone bad. 

“I didn‘t care about who he was, although I heard rumors that he was from some wealthy family. I didn‘t like him at first. He was seriously handsome, but he was also this arrogant type who thought that everyone else was beneath him just because he had money. I stood up against him once and called him a douchebag. The next day, he asked me out on a date. I thought that he had made a bet with someone.” I laughed. 

Aren kept his eyes on me while I told my story. I was surprised that he actually listened. It was weird to discuss your previous relationship with someone you are currently dating... Then again, it wasn‘t a real date, and our contracted relationship was far from a romantic one… 

“Was I an idiot to think that Callan could be my one and only?” I asked with a bitter smile. “I have never met anyone from his family. I have never cared about his money, and I would love him just the same if he was penniless. I knew that he liked to spend money and use the money to make other people fight for his attention. I sometimes wonder if our relationship was a game for him... Maybe he waited for a moment when I would finally break and ask him for money, proving that I was no different from those whom he called beggars.” 

I finished another glass of wine, and Aren refilled mine and his, then ordered another bottle. 

He drank his wine and his eyes darkened before he squeezed out, “Was he... your first?” 

“First... in everything,” I responded, tasting the sourness of my own words. 

“Do you still love him?” Aren’s eyes roamed restlessly, trying to read my face. 

said confidently, “but he is just a thorn that is stuck in my heart. I just don‘t know how to take it out... yet.” I

I could see anger in his eyes, but it wasn‘t aimed at me. Was he angry for me? There was also pain in those eyes of his, the one I couldn‘t comprehend. As he leaned closer, his hand reached out

“There is an eyelash on your cheek.” I felt as if my cheeks started to burn when he cupped my face in both hands, positioning me. I thought that he was going to brush off the lash

scent, his closeness, all of it turned me on in an instant. I didn‘t know how it was possible, but every single thing about Aren Lan was making me

my cheek down my neck. The brush of his fingers, running smoothly through my skin, sent another wave of shudders through my body. “Your skin is so smooth...” he said softly as if in oblivion. I laughed nervously and grabbed his hand on my neck, stopping his fingers from exploring my

“I can‘t help it. I have the most beautiful partner around here. I merely want to appreciate her more.” He made me blush again... and speechless. How come he could get away with all those cheap flirt lines, leaving me without a way to talk back? Was it because I hadn‘t been on a date since

if you let me.” His seductive tone left

heart that needs healing, and I don‘t think you are a good

unless you try.” He smirked.

experimental therapies,”

patiently until you change

with desire, and I sighed in relief only after we left. Nonetheless, that night changed something between us. I felt more comfortable around Aren. I didn‘t feel the need to push his hand away when he held mine, gently brushing my palm side. Was I being tamed? Was it strange that I didn‘t

*** 

heads–up to the management, and I sent messages to Monique and Marco. All I needed to do was to bring the

caleand the

from yesterday‘s date flashed in my mind i flushed, recalling the way Aren looked at me and all the tension between us. Was i naive to think that it might have been something more than a desire? I missed being appreciated as a woman, and what Aren did

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255