Chapter 06

" Huh? " Layla asked in disbelief.

" Am sorry, I shouldn't have said that " He apologized and Layla smiled lightly, she wasn't expecting that, tho she had planned to leave but she never expected he would call her back.

" It's fine sire, I guess I overreacted too " She replied slowly, fondly with her fingers.

" You should just call me Shane, so you would get used to it before the day " Shane said trying his best to be nice and she nodded.

" A part of the contract says you aren't allowed to inform anyone else, but... " He paused glancing at Mirah who bent her head immediately.

" Ah, it's fine, she's my best friend, she wouldn't tell anyone " Layla defended and Mirah nodded in support.

" Alright then, you girls should please wait, my Pa would be here soon, you have to sign some papers " He said and Layla muttered an * oh *

" I'll excuse you two then " He said and with that walked away while Layla watched as he ascended the stairs.

Mirah grabbed Layla immediately to herself while Layla raised her brow.

" Was that really Shane Kent? " She asked with widened eyes and Layla nodded.

" Wow, he's really handsome " She said and Layla nodded again in agreement.

" But why was he acting nice, I thought he's cold with the way he always has this cold look on during interviews,, he even called us back and apologized " Mirah said unbelievably and Layla nodded.

" You sure this is the third time you're meeting him? " Mirah asked suspiciously.

" What're you thinking about? " Layla asked, freeing herself from Mirah's grip.

" I'm just saying, it looks like he didn't want to lose you or something, I mean he could give the contract to someone else and they would gladly accept that huge offer " Mirah said and Layla scoffed.

" He's only acting like that cause he thinks I wouldn't reveal his secret to no one, which I wouldn't, cause it's none of my business.. I just wanna help him, make money to take care of dad and our fees and that's all, we're never meeting again " She explained and Mirah nodded.

" I hope his Pa arrives soon, I'm kinda hungry " Mirah said and Layla chuckled before her eyes did the feasting around the living room.

It's so cozy and everything in it looks expensive, even the luxurious furnitures.

Layla kept pondering about what Mirah had just discussed with her.

She's right, why does he care?.

He's probably stressed out 'cause of the emotional trauma his fiancee had caused him and doesn't want any form of argument.

She isn't sure if that's accurate, but she believes it is. Not like they knew each other or something.

***

" Sir, I'm here " Claus announced as he walked into Shane's large suite which looked like a mansion on its own.

" Give those documents to her to sign and ensure you explain the rules to her " Shane said, coming out of the inner room and Claus nodded.

" Inform the chef to prepare a meal for them, they must be hungry " He added and Claus nodded and with that silence followed.

Shane, wondering why Claus hadn't gone turned to him with his brows slightly raised and when Claus noticed he had gained his attention, he cleared his throat before proceeding to speak.

" Sire, don't you think you're being a bit lenient with Miss Layla " He said more like a question and Shane turned to face him completely.

He raised his brow and Claus itched his hair nervously before proceeding anyways.

" I mean, you don't have this usual cold look on whenever you're talking to her, you act nice to her and it's strange 'cause that's not you " Claus said and Shane kept on staring at him for a while before looking away and walking away to one of the couches which he landed his butt on.

" Go on " He gave him a go ahead.

" I mean, it looks like you've known her for a while now, and it seems weird " He completed and Shane nodded thoughtfully for a while before stopping and retaining his normal expressionless look back on.

" Yeah, it should be " Was all he said as he stared into space.

His fist suddenly clenched and his expression changed.

" Brielle " He mumbled with gritted teeth before turning to Claus who was confused.

" All I need is a way to get out of this mess, and I need her.. I have to play along to her desires, and after then we can go our separate ways,, did I clear your doubts now? " He asked, bringing back his gaze to Claus who nodded immediately.

" I'll leave then " He said with a short bow and with that exited the lounge while Shane released a deep sigh thinking about what life has left for him, now that his fiancee suddenly left without a word, not even a word without from her parents or relatives.

How could they do that to him?, That could totally ruin his reputation!.

All that matters right now is that the wedding must happen, he doesn't care about what comes next, he could still live with that.

***

" Thanks so much for this " The two friends thanked Claus after a very delightful meal and he smiled in return.

" It's fine, I'm only acting on orders " He replied and they nodded.

" So? " Layla asked with her brows slightly raised, referring to the contract.

" Yeah, sure " Claus said almost immediately as he handed over a document to her while she went through it alongside with Mirah.

" And that's all?, I wouldn't have any cause to be here again? " Layla asked as she read the part where the two wouldn't be in contact with each other anymore and Claus nodded.

" Yeah, but before then, you have to do anything we say " He added.

" I hope nothing else will be included after signing this contract? " Layla asked.

" You should trust us " Claus said assuringly and Layla nodded.

" So we're staying here till then? " Mirah asked and Claus nodded.

" You shouldn't worry about your stuffs, Boss sent some maids to get them already " Claus added.

" And yeah, you two have a conference in two days now, you have to get ready and you should learn how to act like Brielle, and there will be... "

" Please hold on a sec " Layla cut him off and he raised his brow.

" Why do I have to go through all this? " She asked, she isn't used to all this, they're completely new and odd to her.

" You have to, 'cause you're to act as Brielle, Boss's fiancee, you don't want people finding out you look strange, so there will be a woman here tomorrow, she's gon' teach you everything you need to know, dress you up and learn some few things about Brielle so all this would be as perfect as planned, and yes, prepare you ahead of the conference " Claus explained and Layla sighed.

They never told her all this, now she has to go through all this stress when all she has in mind was to act as the so-called bride for a day and then after getting her pay, leave, not all these!.

She sighed for the umpteenth time before glancing at Mirah who had a worried look on, wondering if her friend could do all these .

" But, why's there a need for a conference meeting? " Mirah suddenly asked.

" Shane and Brielle hadn't been to any conference or interview after they had announced their wedding, people have to be aware how they got to know each other " He explained and Mirah nodded.

" I should show you two to your rooms later, it's being arranged by the maids "He added and they nodded.

He bowed a little before making his way out of the room.

" Can you do all these? " Mirah asked worriedly, turning to Layla after Claus had walked out of sight.

" I guess " She replied with a mutter.

***

Layla descended the stairs steathily trying not to make a sound so as to not interrupt the duo who seemed engrossed in their conversation.

" She's here " The strange lady announced on seeing her and Shane twisted his head to the direction the lady's gaze was focused on and his eyes met with Layla who approached them without saying a word.

" Morning " She muttered as she stood by the couch the duo were seated.

" You should have your seat " Shane said without looking at her and she sat anyways.

" Am Jennifer Aniston, I'ld be helping you in preparing for the wedding and help you get ready for the conference tomorrow " She said, offering an handshake.

" Layla Brown " She replied, welcoming the handshake before Jennifer shook her head.

" First mistake " She said and Layla raised her brow slightly.

" It's Brielle Caddel, your name... do not forget that " She said more like an order and Layla nodded in approval, trying to stick to that in her head.

" Now let's move to the proposal " She said and Layla raised her brow, then turned slightly to Shane who had no expression on.

" Sorry? " She asked for more clarification.

" You have to put a proposal ring on, so let's do it now, he has to put a ring on your finger right now, that's the first step " She said and her she twisted her brows slightly confused about what she had just heard.

T B C

Chapter 07

" Is that really necessary? " Shane suddenly asked, referring to Jennifer.

" Ofcourse, you're going to do it anyways on the wedding day, so you have to learn now " She said and he looked away, staring into space.

" He just have to insert the ring into your finger and that's all, no word at all, no kneeling " Jennifer added and Layla breathe out silently.

" Don't we have other important things to do? " Shane asked instead.

" This is the first important step " Jennifer insisted and he sighed silently.

" Claus, the box " He called and it was then Layla noticed Claus was with them all through, she didn't notice.

Claus moved forward and gave the box to him revealing a shiny diamond ring which caused Layla to gasp loudly and they all turned to her and she hurriedly covered her mouth with her palm.

" Is there a problem? " Claus asked.

She noticed they were all staring at her and she cleared her throat.

" I'm sorry, but can you get another random ring?, That's too extravagant, and moreover it's just a show, you don't have to buy such an expensive diamond ring " She complained more like a request.

" So, you don't want that? "Claus asked and Layla nodded.

" Why? " Shane asked, turning his complete face to her.

" Huh? "

" Why don't you want this?, Isn't that what girls want?, luxurious things? " He asked, his expression suddenly changing and she shook her head.

" I don't want it " She replied.

" Just get me normal rings normal people gets for proposal " She added and Shane raised his brow.

" So this?... this is abnormal? " He asked.

" Well technically it is, I mean, this costs a fortune, it's just a proposal.. who am I kidding?, All these is just a show, you don't have to make it look real! " She said with a scoff.

" Well, it's supposed to look real " He said, raising his voice.

" But, it's not, I'm not Brielle!, I'm Layla, I don't know if this is what your fiancee likes, but I don't, I'm different, I don't want all these " She said sternly.

" You.. "

" It's fine, I think we should skip the proposal part then " Jennifer butts in and Shane let out a sigh before looking away from Layla.

" What's next? " He asked.

" We should get her ready for tomorrow " Jennifer answered.

" Can't you handle that? " He asked with his brows slightly raised.

" No, I have to ensure they all suit your preference, before then.. here, I got the suggested venues already, you can choose your preference " Jennifer said, handing over her tab to him which he collected and his eyes roamed down on the tab.

" So,, " Jennifer began, turning to Layla who looked calm a bit.

" I have to teach you some answers to reply to any questions you get asked tomorrow " She said and Layla nodded.

" The wedding has been shifted to a week from now, tell her that and give her what reasons she is to answer tomorrow when asked " Shane said without looking up from the tab and Layla creased her brow.

" And why's that? " She asked and he raised his brow.

" Sorry?.. "

" That wasn't a part of the agreement! " She snapped and they were suprised at her outburst.

" You only told me I have to remain here for some few days, you didn't tell me about this!! " She added.

" And I don't think that should be a problem, I mean you have everything you need here, and isn't this a benefit for you, you get to live in a big mansion like this without.. "

" Do I look like I care about that? " She snapped, cutting him off.

Shane sighed silently before proceeding,, " It's just a week, and nothing else " He said as soft as he could and Layla huffed before turning to Jennifer.

" Are we doing it now? " She asked.

" Um yeah, let's get started " Jennifer said with a short smile as she finally looked away from Shane who looked frustrated.

" So.. " She began as they ascended the stairs, leading them to the other part of the mansion.

***

It's been four hours now and Layla looked stressed out and tired as she yawned at several intervals.

Jennifer had been teaching her things she should take note and do tomorrow at the conference meeting.

She had to learn some simple things about Brielle too, since she was also a popular business woman, people might find her weird if she acted differently.

" And we're done " the four words Layla was dying to hear finally came out of Jennifer's mouth and she heaved a sigh of relief.

" So.. I can leave now? " She asked but Jennifer shook her head.

" No, we have to check on Sire in the other living room " She said and Layla groaned inwardly.

" Why? "

" You have to check if everything he had picked for you suit your taste " She responded.

" Pick? "

" Yeah, he had requested for some other fancy venues the wedding could take place and I gave him lots of 'em to choose, so I have to ensure if you're okay with them " She explained and Layla nodded.

But then, why would he change the wedding venue?.

Oh, her colleagues at work could identify her, but she's supposed to get a new look just like Brielle, they might not really notice.

But anyways, she should check them out, and she's damn sure she's going to reject anyone he had chosen as long as it's any fancy venue. She doesn't want that.

" Alright then " She finally responded and Jennifer led the way while she followed behind.

The sound of foots descending the stairs got the duo's attention, they had been busy for so long and Claus seemed stressed out while Shane has this unreadable look on as usual.

" We're done " Jennifer announced as they finally got to them and he hummed in response before turning his gaze back to the laptop in front of him.

" So, you chose a venue already? " Jennifer asked and he nodded, still not taking his eyes off the laptop sitting in front of him.

" Can I see it? " She asked more like an order but Shane handed it over to her anyways.

She glanced through his choice and hummed in approval, seems she liked it. He really has a good taste for things.

" Alright, I think I love this " She said.

" What'd you think? " She asked, turning to Layla who had been standing without saying a word.

Layla glanced through the content and nodded.

" It's nice " She replied and Jennifer smiled lightly, glad she liked it.

" How much does its rentage cost? " Shane asked without looking up.

" A million dollars " Jennifer replied, her eyes focused on the screen while Layla's eyes widened in shock.

The heck!, Just for a venue!, Just for a day!, How can she just blurt that out?, Doesn't it feel too heavy for her!, That's a lot of money!.

That alone could take care of her dad's treatment and her college tuition fees. And here they are, wasting it just for a f**king venue.

" Alright then, I'll send the money to you soon " Shane said, snapping her out of her thoughts and she shook her head immediately.

" No! " She blurted out and Shane f looked up to her this time around and their eyes were all on her.

" Huh? " Shane asked, unsure of what she had just said.

" You can't!, I don't like the venue " She said.

" I thought you liked it just now? " Jennifer asked, raising her brows slightly.

" I did but anymore. I mean that's a lot of money!, 1 million dollars just for a venue, I don't want it " She said.

" Then what do you want?, I'm trying my best to satisfy you but you're never okay with any of it, what exactly do you want then? " Shane said, getting annoyed.

" I'm sorry if it looks like I'm troubling you, but I just don't want all these fancy things, I dislike them " She said and Shane sighed trying to calm himself down and he finally stood.

Layla shifted back a little as he moved closer to her. He stared at her for a while before finally walking out.

Layla unconsciously breathe out some air she had been holding in.

She turned to Claus who had an unbelievable look on and it's the same with Jennifer.

They seem to be wondering why she acts so different, every other girl would jump at Shane at any slight opportunity they get.

And any girl would die to have this great opportunity Layla has right now, but she doesn't seem interested in all these.

She,, she's different.

T B C

Chapter 08

" You said all that!? " Mirah asked in suprise and Layla nodded as she left her previous location and walked over to the bed and sat beside Mirah.

They had both decided to share a room and declined Claus's offer after he offered two rooms for each of them.

" Yeah, I mean he's doing too much, it's just a fake wedding anyways " She mumbled and Mirah turned to her.

" But don't you think you're being rude?, when he's just trying his best to meet your demands " Mirah asked and Layla shook her head.

" That's exactly where the problem lies, he doesn't seem to understand me, I don't want all the fancy things he's trying to offer, I don't like them, Now I see why I can never date a rich guy " She muttered as she laid properly on the bed and dragged the duvet to cover her body properly and she closed her eyes.

" Are you ready for tomorrow's conference meeting? " Mirah asked as she also laid behind her and she hummed in response.

" So, what did Allen say at the meeting? " Layla asked as she turned her face to Mirah's view.

She had gone to the restaurant in the morning, Allen had requested for the worker's attention for an announcement.

" Seems Shane had informed him that the restaurant's service is no longer needed, so he urged us to return back to work by next week " She said and Layla nodded before closing her eyes while Mirah did the same.

Mirah swiftly opened her eyes.

" Don't you think you should talk to Shane about the wedding's venue, since you rejected the one he had chosen... Talk to him about using the restaurant instead, I mean it wouldn't be a problem since no one would recognize you " She suggested and Layla opened her eyes before slightly raising her brows.

" Do you think he would listen? " She asked.

" Ofcourse he should, that way you could apologize " She replied and Layla nodded.

" I should do that tomorrow, after the conference meeting " She said and Mirah nodded before they both fell to sleep.

* Next Morning *

The two were finally ready for the conference meeting. Both of them were putting on blazers instead of suits and Layla looked uncomfortable, she looked like a Business woman and she's not used with everything she's putting on.

Even the excess makeup which dolled her up to look like Brielle and truthfully, the makeup artist did a lot of work as she looked exactly like Brielle.

" Are you done staring into space? " Shane suddenly cut off with a snap and she raised her head.

" Huh? " She asked but he ignored her and walked away while the guards trooped behind him.

Layla bit her lips before walking after him with some guards behind her too.

She was nearly overwhelmed at the sight of the car in front of her, is she going to ride with him in this car?. It was a Rolls Royce in which if her calculations are right, it should cost up to 15million dollars or below that, she doesn't really know much about cars but still, this is a luxurious car for rich people.

" Ma'am " She heard the guards distant voice and she was revived out of her thoughts and she smiled lightly before rushing into the car.

She sat down and turned slightly to Shane whose expression was unreadable, he's really good in hiding his emotions.

** After The Conference *

They were finally done with the conference meeting and Layla really did a great job in answering the questions perfectly that even Shane was wowed at her act. She played the role perfectly.

Layla was seated in the car awaiting Shane's arrival, he was cut up in an interview with some reporters while Layla had been safely resorted to the car by her assigned guards.

She was planning on apologizing and also talking him into booking the restaurant again for the wedding venue.

She was still in thoughts when Shane was guided in by his guards and he looked stressed out and tired while Layla shifted nervously on her seat.

An heavy silence erupted between them before Layla finally gathered courage to talk.

" Sire.. " She calls gently and he turned to her abruptly, she gulped down nothing into her throat cause of his intense stare on her, it looked like he was staring deeply at her or she was probably just hallucinating.

" Um.. I.. " She paused, drawing in a sharp breath.

" I'm sorry for everything, for, annoying you,, if I did and for rejecting your kind gestures, it's just that I don't really want them, I dislike fancy things, they're not my thing, and in one way or the other if I made you feel bad for trying to care while I rejected them, I'm sorry " She stated and he nodded for a while before looking away.

" It's fine " He replied, still maintaining the no-expression look plastered on his face.

" Um.. sire.. " She called again and he inhaled softly before turning to her again and she quickly plaster this pleading look on.

" Call me Shane instead "He said.

" Oh " She said sharply before nodding.

" What's it again? " He asked calmly.

" Um.. can you please change the venue back to the restaurant?, I really don't want any other fancy place, I think the restaurant is fancy and expensive enough to suit your taste, and I can also manage " She pleaded and he inhaled softly and looked away.

" Alright " He said after hesitating for a while and her eyes widened. She was suprised, she didn't expect him to give in just like that.

" Thanks Sire.. I mean Shane " She corrected and that earned a chuckle from him before his face returned back to his expressionless look but she was quick to catch a glimpse of his smile and she couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked with a smile on. If only he could smile frequently, she didn't know she had been staring all along until he looked at her and she looked away abruptly taking her upper lip in and her face flushed in embarrassment while Shane kept on staring at her.

" Um.. your fiancee, Brielle.. " Layla tried to kick-start a conversation but zipped her mouth immediately she saw Shane's expression change.

" I'm sorry " She muttered.

" Go on " Shane replied and she raised her brows slightly, he turned to her with an approval look.

" Um, it's nothing, I was just wondering if she's aware of all this " She said more like a question.

" No " He replied casually and her brows rose in suprise.

" She's not? " She asked again and he nodded.

" Are you scared? " He suddenly asked and she turned to him. He had this anticipating look on and she nodded slowly, biting her bottom lips.

" What if she finds out and decided to sue me? " She asked and he huffed before looking away, focusing his gaze outside as he stared at the buildings.

" She wouldn't " He replied and she nodded with a short smile trying her best to believe that.

What if she does?. Would she be in trouble?. Brielle seems like a cool and gentle lady, she had always watched her interviews, she doesn't seem like someone wicked.

There might be a reason why she had left without saying a word. Has he tried calling her or finding out where she is or why she had suddenly left?.

She tried to ask but then decided against it, she might annoy him again.

But why's he so hard to read?, He looks like he's hurting on the inside but isn't showing any trait related to that. Man's emotions are hard to read and it's the same with Shane, his blank and expressionless face could confuse one.

It's none of her business anyways, all she's awaiting is the wedding day, do her part and then leave. She's getting tired of all these already, they're not her thing.

Even the excess makeup on her face right now is irritating her, she could have said it did make her pretty but no, all it did was make her look exactly like Brielle. The makeup was perfectly done as the press didn't notice.

Shane also did a great job in hiding his emotions as he did very good in acknowledging her as Brielle. When he was asked about how they met, the look on his face when he explained, it hid so much pain as he tried his very best to fake smiles at several intervals. She felt it, the smiles were fake, I mean who would be happy his fiancee left him without a word when it's just some days to their wedding?.

She glanced at him one more time before closing her eyes, expectant of when they were going to get to their destination. She couldn't wait to get the cover makeup off her face.

T B C