Christina sat at the edge of her seat, her fingers nervously peeling at her nails. She wouldn't have minded playing the part of a girlfriend for a night, had he asked her kindly with a valid reason. But the threat? It was unsettling! She couldn't help but shudder as his thumb still lingered over her neck, ready to slice it open if she dared to utter even a single word.
Think of the devil, Reylan walked to the dining hall, dressed in his casual clothes. He looked good, very handsome but all she could do was glare at him. With a smile, he pulled the head chair, a seat away from her, and sat on it.
The maids began serving them, but Christina couldn't stop staring at him, questioning what the hell was happening! The table was soon filled with an array of dishes, some she had only heard of and others she had always wanted to taste. But all she could think about was finding answers.
Darren walked in with a tray of two glasses, made of shimmering gold that caught Christina's attention. Did people drink from gold glasses? She thought as Darren handed one to Reylan and then to her, which she accepted with a smile.
Considering the weight, it must be worth a couple of months' rent. Christina mused, taking a sip of the special drink. Too bad, the glass was too long to fit into her pocket. If not, she would have gulped down the drink and taken it home as a souvenir.
"Are the lights working in the garden, Darren? Tina wanted to take a look at the swing," Reylan asked, setting down his glass. He glanced at Christina, his raised eyebrow signaling her to play along.
Taking the cue, Christina nodded and placed down her glass. "Oh, yes! I loved swings since I was little. I was excited hearing he had one here." She chimed in, flashing a convincingly bright smile at Darren. and he gave her a slight nod, an amused smile praising her act.
"I will go check them once. It hasn't been used in ages," Darren said, squinting suspiciously at his young master before reluctantly leaving the room. Why would he wish to walk in that forbidden garden? He thought on his way, Christina's excitement adding more tension.
Christina forced a smile at Reylan as they ate in silence. It felt like he had eyes on him all the time and wanted to discuss something important away from prying ears. All she could do was play along. And there was also the food, which was excellent, so she decided to put her worries aside and enjoy it.
"Is it to your liking?" Reylan asked after a while of silence as the maids watched them keenly, at their butler's orders.
"It's great!" Christina replied, chewing her food and licking her lips. Reylan shook his head at her manners, clearly amused. She was nothing like her when it came to etiquette.
---
[Enchanted Garden]
As Darren bowed and left them alone in the garden, Christina quickly pulled her hand from Reylan's arm and crossed her arms, her frustration evident in her furrowed brows. "What is this?" she demanded, stepping out of her role.
Reylan surveyed the lush surroundings of the mystical garden with a nonchalant smile. "A beautiful garden," he remarked, his voice smooth like velvet, "but not as beautiful as you, I must say."
Christina clenched her teeth, resisting the urge to yank his hair. Taking a deep breath, she retorted, "I'm referring to this situation, sir—not the garden! You can't just bring me here and force me to act as your girlfriend."
"This is practically kidnapping!" She accused, as the infuriating man merely smiled nonchalantly, not taking her seriously.
"Well, Ms. Joss," Reylan began, walking towards the swing. It was old but well-maintained. He turned to her and continued, "Let's not forget you were the one who called this 'kidnapper' and forced him to pretend to be your boyfriend first. Isn't it only fair to return the favor?"
"But do you think I'll be allowed to breathe after this news escapes the confines of this villa? Your admirers will come to haunt me, boss!" Christina vented, her tone worried. The last thing she wanted was to be bullied on the streets by a bunch of fools for seducing their prince.
"Don't worry about that. This news is only going to reach one person." Reylan replied, his gaze fixed on the butler with binoculars on the terrace. This loyal servant of his grandfather was really on a mission to find flaws in their act, now that he couldn't use his super abilities inside this mystical garden.
He gestured for Christina to sit on the swing, but when she didn't budge, he sighed and stated, "Just continue playing your part, someone is watching us with their binoculars."
Christina's back straightened, and she reluctantly walked to the swing and sat on it. A deal was a deal for her. Since he had acted well earlier in front of Derek, she needed to do the same. "And who would that be?" She questioned, as he started to push the swing.
"My grandfather. He had set certain conditions to take over his wealth and one such is to settle down. I just need to show him I am finally taking relationships seriously." Reylan explained, sharing just enough for her to comprehend at the moment.
Christina nodded, finally understanding a few bits and pieces of his situation. "So, that's why you offered me the contract?"
Reylan confirmed with a hum, pushing the swing forward. He had more at stake than just his grandfather's wealth, and it was his seat in the supernatural council. Only a very deep connection with a human would help him secure it before anyone else in his dysfunctional family.
It would also help him to find her if he hadn't yet. Reylan thought, his gaze fixed on Christina's back as the swing returned to him.
"But why me?" Christina asked the question again, hoping to get a serious answer this time.
Reylan paused, his hands clutching the metal ropes tightly. Telling the truth seemed fit considering her stubborn, interrogative nature, and with a sigh, he confessed, "You resemble someone dear to him." And also to me. He kept that thought to himself.
Christina nodded, and she didn't question him further noticing the change in his tone. But she was finally able to solve the puzzle of this offer. So, he was trying to acquire his family business using her, since this resemblance might tug a few strings of his grandfather's heart.
As the silence prevailed, Reylan came out of his thoughts and decided to play a little with her, "So, I hope you consider it again. With your relationship preferences, it won't be a problem for both of us."
Christina's face crinkled, and it felt like the lie was doing more damage than rescuing her.
"Now, laugh a little. That old spy needs to see it." Reylan added, looking at a distance.
Christina nodded and laughed, fully immersing herself in the act. She had to admit, the scene was incredibly romantic. The night sky overhead, the dim glow of lamp lights, and the beautifully decorated swing with vines, all contributed to the perfect ambiance for a date night. Even though it was all pretend, she decided to enjoy it, unsure of when she would get another chance like this.
As they both engaged in light-hearted banter, their smiles and interactions mimicking those of a couple deeply in love, they failed to notice the raven perched on a nearby tree, attentively listening to their conversation.
Once their real discussion concluded, the raven took flight, heading towards its master's residence—an old mansion far away from the city. It entered through a window on the first floor, leading directly into its master's study.
"What bad news have you brought this time, Hena?" The man greeted, setting down his wine glass to look at the raven on the floor.
In response, the raven began to transform. Its feathers morphed into a flowing black dress, its beak reshaped into a delicate, upturned nose, and its eyes morphed into a human's with black orbs. Within moments, the raven was gone, replaced by a beautiful woman with long, jet-black hair.
"It's good news, Master!" She said, rising the from floor with a wry smile.