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

Chapter 09

They were finally home and Layla had rushed to her room just to get the makeup off her face. She heaved a sigh of relief when she realized she was back to her real face.

She applied some cream given to her by the make-up artist, to help massage the face to prevent wrinkles as a result of too much make-up.

" You really did a great job " Mira said beaming with smiles as she walked into the room with a tray on he hands.

" You cooked me food? " Layla asked in suprise.

" Yeah, you did a great job " She said and Layla's lips crept into a smile.

" Aww, thanks.. I'm damn hungry " She said and rushed to her as she dished out the food in a plate and handed it over to her.

She swiftly took it from her and dig in immediately while Mira chuckled at how fast she was devouring the food.

" You know you could have asked Shane to get you some road-side food or order something at any restaurant " She said and Layla and scoffed as she raised her head up to Mirah.

" Nah, I don't think he's going to want that, I didn't wanna annoy him again since I've been doing that lately, who knows if he might hate road-side food 'cause they're not from fancy places, and he might reject ordering food from a restaurant, I think he prefers his chefs cooking " Layla explained at once and Mirah's brow raised slightly.

" Hmm, and how do you know all these? " She teased and that earned another scoff from Layla's lips.

" Well, after much reasoning and studying, I found out he likes fancy things, everything about him is fancy and luxurious " She replied.

" And you're okay with that? "

" Huh? "

" I mean, you're going to accept anything he offers even if it's expensive 'cause you don't wanna annoy him? " Mirah asked again and she suddenly went mute.

" I don't know " She muttered and looked away while Mirah chuckled.

" I sense a foul play against the contract " She said with a sly smile while Layla raised her brow in confusion.

" It's nothing, enjoy your meal " She replied as she walked out of the room while Layla stood still in confusion.

A part of the contract says *Falling in love isn't allowed*, tho Layla felt it wasn't necessary it was added there as she wasn't interested in Shane one way or the other.

***

* At A fancy Bridal shop *

Shane's attention was on Layla whose eyes kept roaming around like she was searching for a thing. It seems Jennifer also noticed this as she was also staring at her.

" Is everything okay? " Jennifer finally decided to break the yoke, it was then Layla noticed she had been acting strange.

She faked a smile and nodded shortly.

" Yeah, I'm fine.. I'm just wondering why we're the only people here " She said with a raised brow.

" Oh, Sire booked this place only for us " Jennifer replied and Layla turned to Shane who was only staring at her without saying a word.

" Oh.. okay then " She said nervously and looked away from Shane's gaze.

" So, why am I not trying any of these dresses on? " She asked pointing at the ready-made bridal dress on the racks.

The bridal gown are really pretty that she couldn't help but think they might be really expensive, but she didn't want to complain again before Shane flares up.

" We're not getting ready-made dress for you " Jennifer finally said and she turned to her.

" Why? " She asked.

" I want us to get customized dress for the wedding " Shane chipped in.

" You could just buy any of this, I mean, they look fancy and expensive since that's what you've always wanted, buying luxurious things when they're really not essential " She blurted out the last part without thinking and Shane raised his brow.

" Excuse me?.. "

" Anyways I think I'm right, I don't see why you'ld go extra miles buying all these fancy and expensive things, I don't want them!, This marriage is fake anyways, I don't know why you're making a fuss about it! " She snapped. Jennifer had walked away without them noticing, she was getting tired of them arguing every single time.

" I think you don't seem to understand my plights... "

" I do!, You're just one rich dude who thinks everything is about luxury, who thinks money can solve every problem!!, no they can't!, they're millions of people out there who needs this money you spend anyhow!, try to be economical for once!, Your fiancee might like all these but I don't!!, I want any of these ready-made dress or nothing else, or you could just find someone else for the contract " She spat while Shane stared at her for a while and then starts to walk away from her without saying a word and that seemed to anger Layla.

" Did you just look down on me!?, Wait, you think my opinion doesn't count 'cause you're the rich one! " She shouted in annoyance after him.

" I'm done! " She said and with that walked out of the bridal shop and that made Shane stop dead on his tracks.

He sighed deeply before moving on and walked over to Jennifer who was busy discussing with the attendant.

" Sire, what'd you think about this? " Jennifer asked showing a digital sample made on an avatar.

It was customized and was worn on Layla's image and it seemed to fit perfectly. It does bring out her shapes and curves.

" It fits her perfectly " He said and Jennifer hummed in response.

" I'ld take that " He finally said and the attendant smiled.

" 1million dollars " The attendant priced and Shane nodded in approval.

" I'll take it " He said and Jennifer smiled hugely.

Layla is really lucky if only she could see clearly that this guy here is only trying to satisfy her, I mean every lady wants a perfect and expensive wedding tho it's fake but still,, he's a millionaire, he can't have a low key wedding when different celebrities would be there.

Shane did the transfer and sent the money to the shop's account.

They promised to deliver the dress some days from now and the duo left after collecting the receipt.

Jennifer and Shane were seated in the car when she decided to start a conversation.

" Sir,, is everything okay? " She asked, from the front seat while Shane was seated alone at the back seat.

" Girls.. " He suddenly said and then paused sharply while Jennifer turned her head with a slight brow on her face, anxiously waiting for what he was about to say.

" What do they want? " He asked taking her by suprise.

That was a weird question, why was he asking her?.

He finally raised his head up to her, meeting her confused look.

" Layla,, what do you think she wants? " He asked again and Jennifer got the hint.

" Oh, Um.. I think she's different... "

" She's from a low-class family, and people like that aren't used to fancy things, and they think rich people are not economical, they think they're wasteful.. and some of them develop this hatred for rich people, I think she's not used to expensive things, she doesn't like them.. I think that's just it " She explained and he nodded thoughtfully.

" Thanks " He mumbled and she nodded with a smile, tho she's shocked and wondering why he's trying to understand her. It's probably his first time encountering a low-class lady like her.

***

Shane walked into the mansion with his numerous guards behind him. He met with Claus who stood up and rushed to him immediately with a confused look on and he stopped abruptly.

" What's wrong? " Shane asked as he studied Claus's expression.

" Layla... she wants to terminate the contract " Claus rushed and he sighed deeply. He gestured to him to wait there while he made his way up the stairs.

He got to the girls room and could hear arguments erupting in the room.

***

" Layla, what's wrong with you? " Mirah questioned but Layla ignored her and kept packing her stuffs.

" Don't tell me you're really bent on terminating the contract!? " She questioned again but got no answer.

" Hey! " She yelled and grabbed her by her arm and that made her stop.

Layla turned to her with a tiring look.

" What?? "

" What's wrong with you?, why're you stressing yourself over something that isn't worth all this?."

" The truth is I'm tired of all this, I'm trying my best to keep with all this huge responsibility he's putting on me, but he keeps stressing me, he doesn't listen to my opinion, anything I say doesn't count, why?. 'Cause he's the rich one and I'm the poor one?. " She questioned angrily and Mira sighed.

" You should calm down... " She was cut off when the door suddenly pushed open and Shane walked in.

T B C