Lola blushed at Max's compliment, it was a natural reaction, especially when the Fashion Designer has been praising her with sweet words. So the moment she caught herself blushing, she quickly stopped the action. She didn't want to give Max any ideas.
Although, she knows she has to act for everyone else to believe they are actually in love with each other, and they are marrying because of love, not money. She was going to be excellent with her acting skills, but she would also keep herself grounded not to sway or open up a chance for Max to think she likes the idea of being with him.
This is nothing like that. This marriage is a business deal. And a business should only be treated as one in a professional manner.
"Max, stop." She giggled, using her hands to cover her mouth, "You are making me blush." She said to him, this was the acting. It was to make everyone in this styling room believe that these almost-married couples actually loved each other.
It is to give them a swoon-worthy moment.
But for Max. It was different. He was not acting. He was actually telling the truth. There's no way he could lie about something this profound even if he hated to admit it to himself. But seeing Lola in that gorgeously elegant white floor-length wedding dress, adorned with crystal beads and pearls, he couldn't hold in the compliment to himself.
To him, Lola looked like a goddess who shouldn't be roaming among these callous humans. Including him.
"It's the truth, baby. You look super gorgeous. Wish we were getting married right away so I can whisk you away to our honeymoon already." Max said to her, approaching in slow strides in his expensive suit outfit that fitted him so perfectly. It was a black suit outfit that had a flowery design at the hem of the suit, mimicking the design on Lola's wedding dress. It was an outfit made out of patience and meticulousness.
"Stop, Max." Lola giggled, acting shy. This was her first public act for people to actually believe the top billionaire bachelor is finally in love and getting married.
They were yet to sit down and make up a story for the world to believe in. But Lola already thought it would be best to tell people that they've been dating secretly.
"You're beautiful, Lola. This dress was made for you. I knew Francis wouldn't fail me." Max said, smiling at her before shifting his gaze to Francis, the fashion designer.
"I never fail at this. It's my life." Francis replied confidently with a sass. Then he added, "The moment she stepped in and I laid my eyes on her, this was the dress that came to mind immediately. I was thinking we'll have to make a few adjustments but guess what? Your bride-to-be has the perfect shape." The fashion designer said with so much excitement.
"Yes, she's perfect." Max nodded, "So are we both set for Saturday?" He asked the fashion designer.
"Absolutely. You and your fiancé don't need any adjustments. Everything is ready for your wedding day. But why the rush though? Did you just pop the question?" The fashion designer answered, then asked.
It's normal to be curious. Max expected the question. Francis has been his designer for many years, so it would definitely be normal for him to ask about why the richest bachelor is getting married in a rush. But thankfully, he already has a sweet lie planned ahead.
So this question was easy for him to answer confidently without stuttering or stumbling on his words.
"Love is unpredictable. We've been dating in secret for a while now. And when I popped the question last week, we decided the quicker the better. We wanted to completely be together so badly." Max answered, causing Lola to be in awe.
He was definitely a pro at telling lies. Being a business tycoon, lying has to be one of his biggest abilities. And it made her wonder if he had also told her some lies about their contract marriage.
And if he did, she hoped it wouldn't be too grand that it would negatively affect her. She is still yet to come to terms with the fact of marrying him forever. She believes when the time is right, she could find a way to leave the marriage. Whether it's running away or filing for divorce, she would have to do one of the two as she really can't imagine being stuck with the arrogant billionaire forever.
Forever was long. Too long. That's just too much.
But those are plans for later. Right now, what's more important is getting married to him, and making sure her brother heals and becomes healthy again. Whatever will come after all of this will be determined then. Not now.
"That's cute. Wishing you both the best." The fashion designer, Francis, said. "Let's excuse the couple." He ushered his workers out of the styling room, leaving only Lola and Max alone.
And instantly, tension rose to the air.
"You're a sweet liar," Lola said in a low tone to Max, which caused him to chuckle as he moved closer to her, now standing on the podium with her. Her back was facing the tall mirror, and he could see the outline of her well-shaped behind in the mirror.
Would he be able to resist the temptation that was his wife-to-be? Would he be able to ignore her sexiness when it effortlessly displays without demand or request of it?
"We are both going to have to be lying for a while. There'll be a few interviews that we must give to satisfy the curiosity of the public." Max said to her, but he was not looking at her face, he was looking at the reflection of her behind in the mirror.
"Sure. It's expected." Lola replied, maintaining an aloof voice even though Max being near her was throwing off her balance.
"I meant every word I said about you being beautiful in this dress, I hope you know that?" Max asked.
"I hope you know your compliments mean nothing to me?" Lola replied with a question.
"It should mean a whole lot to you because I am going to become your husband, and you are getting compliments from a billionaire. That should matter." Max answered arrogantly, pushing her back a little to create more gap between their bodies. Then he grabbed her chin and lifted her face up, staring deeply into her eyes that caused something weird to gallop in his heart.
He could feel their bond. And he felt this urge to kiss her again, to taste that fruity and sweet lips of hers. But he held himself back because he must start enacting his authority.
The authority he has over her.
He is her husband-to-be. She should start learning a few lessons on how to talk to him.
"You must respect me, Lola. Don't talk to me in that manner." He said to her in a stern tone.
Lola forced her chin out of his hold and said, "Respect is reciprocal, Max. Earn it. And I'll gladly give it to you. Just because you are marrying me doesn't make you my owner. This is a business deal, be professional at the least. Aren't you the business tycoon here?" She asked him, annoyance filling up her inside.
"Lola, I'm practically your owner for life. Whether you like it or not, you are mine forever." He said and gave in to the urge to kiss her. He instantly grabbed her and pulled her tightly flushed to him, kissing her passionately.
And what was weird was that Lola was kissing him back with the same passion. And it was turning Max on so badly.
After a moment of moans and sloppiness against each other's mouths, they pulled apart, gasping for air with flushed faces.
Max then said, still gazing at her, "Lola Reynolds, you forever belong to me."