Deception and Desire

NE

ng getting ready at Cassie's house, not my cramped apartment. There's no way I'm letting Richar

k of my stilettos echoes against the pavement in deliberate beats. I clutch my coat tighter

ering glimpses of an elegant crowd inside. Glittering gowns and tailored suits mingle in laughter, champagne glasse

ile, handing over my coat even as my heart pounds in my chest. The warmth inside wra

ing with expensive perfume. My dress shimmers faintly under the soft light, hugging my body in all the right ways. As I move further inside, I f

centre of the room, tall and confident, his laugh easy and warm. Beside him is a blonde woman who looks like sh

heels the only sound I focus on. "Hi, Richie," I say, my voice

iden as if he's seeing me for the first time. "Jane," he bre

smile tugging at my lips as

smiles at me. "And who is this?" sh

d me. "Vivian, meet Jane-my date. Jane, this is my

a wave of her hand. "Don't listen to

say, matching her bright

ys, her gaze sweeping over

lied, surprising myself with

ing something that makes him chuckle softly. Then,

ding me. We sit, and conversation flows effortlessly. We talk about the decorations, the crowd, and even how his

uts through the hum

" the voice says, smoo

tone. I don't need to turn

's

ple, it had

oks as sharp as ever in a tailored suit, his charm polished to perfection. But I k

warmly, standing to

, and for a moment, his confident smile falters. He stares, unblinking, his expr

says, still smiling. "Jane

s, his tone heavy with disbelief, as

each other?"

my teeth. My voice is louder than

s narrowing slightly,

ning every ounce of composure, I extend my hand and smile. "Nice to meet

es my hand, his grip firm. "Nice to meet you, Jane," he say

on, I grab a glass and take a long sip. The bubbles fizz against my tongue but do little to

s voice gentle and kind. But I can barely hear him. All I can feel is Dave's

asks with concern etched on his

say quickly, though the words feel ho

restroom, my hands trembling as I push open the door. I grip

g bastard show up here, draggi

matter what happens, I can't let my real i