by Mara Lynne
“No, you are just perfect.”
I smirk. I swear I feel my heart lurch to my throat when he uttered the word perfect. He wasn’t serious when he said that, was he? Or is he just trying to persuade me with flattery?
“You played the part so well. I will be pleased to work with you again.” Finally, he’s making some sense now.
“Did Paul tell you what we talked about before I even agreed to that?”
“Yes, it was all my conditions.”
“You have the answer right there, Mr. Stone,” I say confidently.
“I can modify the contract. Hell, I could even write you a new one.”
He’s too adamant, isn’t he? I thought. He’s not anymore the cold and snobbish Hunter Stone I met before. He’s not intimidating and all-powerful anymore. Now I realize, I possess the power over him this time. What made him so desperate by the way? To think there could be hundreds of girls who are more than willing to take my place. I am not even a very good actress to begin with.
“I could raise your pay,” he goes on.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t need your money,” I answer immediately.
“I didn’t mean to offend you by saying that. I just meant I am willing to make some financial compromise just to get you back.”
“Mr. Stone, I don’t get it.” I shake my head. “You have all the resources to find a better substitute. You know I can’t be the refined lady you are asking me to be. I almost blew my cover back there.”
“You do not know what you are talking about,” he says. “They were mesmerized by you. The media adores you. You are different from the girls I dated, and my office is always in disorder every time they call me to ask about you. I have to end this. You have to come with me tomorrow.”
Tomorrow?
“Ms. Mohr, my aunt is throwing a party tomorrow. My entire family and the media will be there. After you showed up with me that night, my entire family had gone crazy to meet you. Just this one time. I have to do this for my dad.”
“What happened to your dad?”
His face turned unexplainably sad.
“I didn’t know he’s sick. Now he wants to me to come tomorrow with you.”
All of a sudden, I feel Hunter’s pain. He reminds me of myself. I could do anything for my family, and so is he. I bet he is just doing this to do his dad a favor. Who knows, maybe his man is on the verge of saying goodbye forever? With the way he’s pleading to me, it seems that there is no other way to make him happier than to see his son happy with a woman.
“After tomorrow, what happens next? What happens to Angel Grant?” I ask.
“He won’t suspect. Eventually, I’ll tell him that we didn’t work, and you chose to leave the state.”
“When are you going to tell him?”
“When he’s all better.”
His raven eyes are so serene and gentle, and they are pushing me to accept his request.
“So do I get a yes now?”
I still don’t know.
I am afraid I’d be worse tomorrow than the first time I was with him. I don’t know anything about the rich’s party. I don’t even know anyone from his circle. What if this time my disguise fails me? It wouldn’t just be my end but Hunter’s and his dad’s too.
“Ms. Mohr?”
“Okay, but this is the last time, Mr. Stone.”
“I promise.”
Chapter 28: A Day with Hunter
Paul picked me up at the bus stop at nine in the morning. I have to lie to my parents about why I am dressed like one of the girls in Mom’s summer fashion gazette. I told them I was invited to a party by a friend, which is the truth anyway.
“You dress nicely,” Paul says, glancing at me through the front view mirror. “But you don’t look like Angel Grant.”
Rubbing my palms against the skirt of my carnation floral dress, I sit straight and take a glance of myself in the window to my left. Paul is right. I do not look like the Angel Grant I am supposed to be today. I don’t have to pretend to be her again, I like to believe. I will come to that party as who I am, with no makeup and frivolous dress, but of course without forgetting the actress in me. Still, how different of a cloak will it be, I wonder.
Stone says I do not have to be so friendly or approachable. He says he’d do all the talking, and all I have to do is agree with whatever he says. Not much change from before, eh? Well, I don’t expect the people to let me pass easily. I know there will always be curious people following me.
“Stone said today will be the last,” I tell Paul. “And when he said that, I believe him.”
Paul just shrugs his shoulders as though he is not interested in what I have just said.
“Where’s Mr. Stone by the way?” I ask. Last night he told me he was going to be the one to pick me up.
Paul turns the stirring wheel to the left.
“He had to go to the venue early today. His family has already arrived,” Paul replied. “Don’t fret. They already like you.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Mr. Stone’s father has always wanted his son to finally get serious with a woman. After he’s known about you, he was so ecstatic that he wanted Mr. Stone to get married right away.”
Ridiculous! Hunter Stone cannot marry me. I mean, he can marry Angel Grant in the person of another, but not me. He did not even mention this whole thing to me last night.
Paul must have seen how pale I turned. He stopped the car only to ask if I have motion sickness. When I have finally recovered, Paul continues driving.
“He’s not going to marry me, is he?” my voice slightly quivers.
“I don’t see you as the future Mrs. Stone,” he directly replies. “I am already on the quest for finding a replacement, Ms. Mohr. After today, Angel Grant will forever be erased from the face of the planet. She’ll be as good as dead.”
I nod. Paul’s words are the only thing that could calm my nerves right now.
I want to ask about what kind of a woman will take on my role, but my intuition is telling me to let go of my curiosity for it might send the wrong signals to Paul. He might think I am still interested in this twisted story.
“Will Mr. Stone really marry after you find a replacement?”
Paul nods. “He has to. He’s left with no choice.”
So Stone’s going to marry for the sake of pleasing his father. He’s dead set on doing his old man this favor. How unfortunate and tragic could that be? Marrying someone you barely know for the good of the family. I can never understand the inner workings of rich minds. How can others say they are the most fortunate people on earth when some of them cannot even get to choose who to love?
But I will never understand the sacrifice Hunter will partake in the future. When I marry, I’ll marry for love.
Paul parks the car in front of Musgrove’s. It’s a famous resort on the outskirts of the city. They boast off their lounges, swimming pools, and man-made lakes. It’s a very popular place for important events, but today might be the only time I’d ever get inside. In order for people to get in, they must become exclusive customers or get invited by the elites.
“It’s show time, Ms. Mohr.” I can see Paul beaming.
Cars are parked outside, and guests are slowly entering the lobby, ushered by staffs in red and white uniforms. The guests were in their casual clothes, but I can’t help looking at the women still glimmering with sophistication and so much class. They exude this aura that demands attention. I can’t help comparing my simple carnation dress to theirs. Half of my mind is telling me to run to Paul and make some alterations, but Stone’s sudden appearance stops me. My anxiety over how I appear and how people will perceive me as Hunter’s girlfriend is quickly relieved by Hunter Stone’s disarming touch at the small of my back and a brief gentle kiss on my cheek.
“You’re late,” he mumbles on top of my ear. I swear, the skin around my ear shudders at the feel of his breath.
“It’s just five minutes,” I say as I try t
o keep my legs steady. His palm is still on my back. It’s refreshing to see Hunter Stone not so corporate this time. He’s wearing this mint green V-neck cotton shirt that hugged his hard muscles. “Where’s Paul?” I ask as a diversion. I feel crazy for keeping my eyes on him. I am not supposed to look at him like how those girls near the aquarium are eying him, but I can’t explain why I’m doing otherwise. Yes, I know that Hunter Stone is excruciatingly good-looking, but I can’t help the force that is compelling me to study him… his features, his mannerisms, and even the way he acts around me. It’s strange, but I feel there is some mystery to him that is just waiting to be uncovered.
“I asked him to take care of my guests.”
“Everyone in here is your guest,” I say.
Hunter leads me out the back of the lobby where a limestone pathway awaits all the guests. From afar, I could see the blue man-made lake whose banks are slowly being filled with guests, busy taking pictures and eating.
“And don’t just kiss me like that,” I add, sounding so irritated.
“What’s wrong with that? I am paying you, remember?”
“As far as I remember, I’m doing you a favor, Mr. Stone.”
His eyes sparkle with amusement as though displaying indirect submission.
Hunter quickly grabs my arm, too fast to stop me from defying. His arms are wrapped around me, and his face is buried at the curve of my neck. I literally feel my heart lurch from my chest to my throat as I can’t find the words to tell him off.
“I’m a pretty controlling boyfriend, Ms. Mohr. Let me remind you that I set the plot of this story, not you.” His voice is threatening. “And if you do something I don’t like, I might do something you won’t like. I assure you, everyone will enjoy that show.”
“Fine,” I respond as I push myself away from him.
“Smile. Do as you’re told.” He then turns his back on me.
Who exactly is he to threaten me like that and to order me like I’m his personal assistant? No wonder he’s never had serious relationships before. Who would have the patience to stick around him? Who would have seriously fallen for an impossible man like Hunter Stone? He can’t even stand a chance against my Damien. I know Damien was impossible too in the beginning, but he’s not like this. This man is dead-cold like he’s not capable of feeling any warmth or affection.
I go to an empty table and check for my phone. Damien’s countless messages and calls struck me, and I quickly feel the urge to call him. I wonder how he’s doing now. His father’s condition has improved according to the TV report this morning.
“Angel?”
“Damien, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to return your calls.”
“Where are you?” Is it me or does he sound a little bothered?
“Are you okay? Is your father well?”
“Dad’s fine. He left the hospital a while ago.” I gather my legs together and stand up. “Where are you?”
I breathe in a considerable amount of air for I’d be needing it.
“I went out with a friend.”
“Ray?”
“No, I’m with Savannah.” I feel my throat shaking, but I’m trying my best not to be caught.
“Savannah who?”
“Savannah Perkins. She’s with us since first year. Do you remember her?”
“Why are you with that Perkins girl?” Damien must be so curious why I would be with her. She’s the total opposite of me, and Damien knows I don’t go with girls like her. Savannah is an impulsive spender, and she’s quite a bitch, but it was her who came to my mind first.
“She asked me to go shopping with her for a graduation dress.”
“I’ll help you find a dress. Now, I’ll pick you up. Wait for me.”
“Damien—”
“I’m serious, Angel.” His voice does sound so serious. “And I don’t want to just meet you because I want to pick a dress for you. I’ve told my family about you, and they’re eager to meet you.”
What?
Instantly, I feel my entire body freezing. Just the thought of meeting his parents tonight is a scary thing. I know they’d recognize me. Then again, maybe not. Angel Grant looks different. She is an elegant, sophisticated, and gorgeous woman.
“Angel?”
“Yes, Damien?”
“Give me your location. My family’s waiting for you.”
But I just can’t leave Hunter Stone. I promised him.
“Er… meet me at Max’s an hour from now.”
“An hour?”
“Savannah...”
“Okay, I get it. I’ll see you in an hour.”
“Alright.”
“Angel?” He pauses, and I hear through the phone a gush of air that came out from his mouth. “Was I harsh on you?”
“Harsh on what?”
“The way I interrogated you. I thought it was over-the-top.”
A smile is plastered on my lips. I love this Damien who’s so sensitive about the little things.
“Just so you know, Mr. Etheridge, I love everything you do even if it’s the typical Damien moves.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“You know, the things you do that make me so crazy over you.”
“I’m glad things didn’t change.”
“How can you say that?” I could feel butterflies dancing in my stomach.
“I was worried as hell why you weren’t answering my calls. I thought you changed your mind about me.”
He did not.
“I love you, Damien,” I say. “Is that enough?”
“I think so.” But I think I could hear doubt.
Okay, when I see him later, I’ll shower him with so many kisses and hugs, he will be the one begging me to stop.
“Ms. Mohr.” I am quickly slammed back to reality when Hunter appears with his face all wrought with tension. I put back my phone inside my bag and walk toward him, hiding the smile that Damien brought to me.
“Come now.” His hand goes straight to my arm, clasping me like a mother who does not want to let go of her child.
“Where?”
“Where else? They’re killing me already with queries. Are you ready?”
Despite the storm in my chest, I have to force myself to be ready. I gulp in air, and let go of it a few seconds after my nerves have settled down.
I don’t care if the Stones will like me. They won’t see me again after today.
And yet, I have to tell Hunter Stone that I’d be leaving right after I meet his family. I’m sure he won’t feel bad. I’ve done my job.
Walking through the pathway in Hunter’s arms, I could feel people’s eyes on me. I thought I am confident enough to contain the mental strain. But as we approach the group of people happily talking to each other at the far end of the garden, I could feel my heart racing, and it only got faster when they stop their conversation as they notice me and Hunter approaching.
In my head, all I want is to be done with this and meet Damien at Max’s.
There are five people in the table, three middle-aged adults and two teenagers, a boy and a girl around my age.
Hunter exhales as we stop just a few inches from them. The teens’ eyes are on me.
“Sir?” Hunter begins.
The man whose back is to us stands up with the help of a woman beside him, and together they face us.
“I believe you’ve already met Ms. Grant,” Hunter continues.
His words enter my ears like an explosion. As the couple smile at me, all I could do is force my mouth to produce a smile.
Oh, God! I can’t be mistaken. Are my eyes deceiving me?
The storm in my chest instantly evaporates. I feel like nothing is inside me but pure shock and disbelief.
“So we meet again, Ms. Grant.” The first lady offers her hand.
“You are too formal, my dear. Ms. Grant here will soon be part of our family,” says the Mayor with a smile on his face. “Am I right, son?” He taps Hunter’s shoulder.
Son? Hunter
Stone is the mayor’s son? How can that be? His name’s different. How can he be the mayor’s son? How can he be Damien’s brother?
Oh, Lord... What is happening to my world? Why is this happening to me?
“Laurel, where’s your cousin?” The first lady asks, seemingly annoyed as she looks around. I know she doesn’t like me from the start, and the dislike grows worse at the thought of his son marrying me.
“Damien was here just a while ago,” answers the blonde girl.
“He left to make a phone call,” the dark-haired boy says.
“Who would he call at this hour?” his mother impatiently mumbles.
No.
Damien must not see me.
Damien must not know.
“What’s wrong?” Hunter nears his face to mine, worry drawn all over his face.
As much as I want to tell him I need to leave, my voice is trapped inside. The idea that Damien might catch me being with someone else, more so his brother, is murdering me already. I wish the clouds would engulf me and put me somewhere else far from these people, away from Hunter Stone or Damien. I need some time alone. I need to figure out how this thing happened. How did Hunter become Damien’s brother? How did I get involved in this web of lies? What would Damien feel when he finds out? How could I wreck this beautiful thing we have just started?
I could only cry at the thought of him leaving me for breaking his trust.
“Oh, he’s here!” exclaims Laurel, the blonde cousin.
My world slows down as Damien approaches. His eyes go straight at me as he easily recognizes me. The excitement on his face wilts and is replaced by confusion and growing horror.
I feel tears forming at the edge of my eyes, and if Damien doesn’t stop that suspecting look on his face, I think I’d burst into tears in remorse.
I am left with no choice.
He halts just a few steps from his mother, his glare not leaving me.
“Good you’re here, Damien,” his dad says. “Meet Angel Grant. She is Hunter’s fiancée.”
“Fiancée?” His tone of disbelief and hurt echoes in my ears.
Fiancée? There’s nothing more hurtful than to hear my Damien sound so pained. And yet his still in full control of himself.
