Chapter 4

Something inside of me screamed. I was about to step out from the balcony when I spotted Alison looking over me. She must have seen the whole thing.

“I’m warning you. Stay away from my Fiance.” She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists.

Amusement sparked within me. A sly smile escaped my lips when I nodded sarcastically. “Your fiance? Well, that's funny. Your so-called fiancé just denied everything.”

Her expression shifted, her eyes widened for a moment— filled with panic, then vanished.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you but it has been settled. Don’t get your hopes up.”

She glared at me, her heels tapping the floor loudly as she stormed off.

“Interesting.” I whispered.

Alison is still full of herself. She hasn't changed a bit… though I must say, I’m surprised they couldn’t recognize me. It pissed me off for a moment but relief washed over me, this only means I can go on with my plans.

But how could they forget? After what they did to me?

“Interesting indeed.”

Nena smiled at me. She must have heard everything. Amusement evident on her face.

“If you’re going to catch Rowan’s attention, you’ll need to move faster. The Monroe family is desperate to secure that engagement… even if Rowan’s clearly not interested.”

I didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry, there must be a misunderstanding.” I came back to my senses… looking at Nena made me feel guilty.

How could I use his grandson for revenge when all they ever did was goodness?

“I don’t think so. I’ve seen how my grandson looks at you… and how you want him.” My lips parted, stunned. She chuckled and put her hands on my shoulder. “He’ll be a great help for you… for what you're planning to do.”

I gasp at her words. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She just smiled and tapped my shoulder.

“You were much more radiant than the last time I saw you… though you were just a girl then.” She whispered as she hugged me tightly.

I didn’t know what to say… Why do I feel like she knows who I really am? I felt my legs weaken, and I was sweating profusely.

She walked away like nothing happened while I’m stuck where I was standing—unable to process everything she just said.

**

Days passed and I still couldn’t stop thinking of what Nena had told me. I was scared that my identity had been exposed.

I haven’t seen her for weeks and I was terrified that I would one day wake up and all the news about my identity would be exposed without even my revenge beginning.

I busied myself with work and even momentarily gave up on Rowan despite our frequent encounter at the elevator.

It seems like he lives in the same building as mine… that explains how he got home that night.

“You’ve given up on me huh.”

I caught him watching me intently as I entered the elevator. His tux in his arms while his dress shirt rolled up to his sleeve that distracted me momentarily.

“Now you’re suddenly interested in my proposal after you walked away that night?”

I could smell his scent closely as the door closed, locking us both inside and making me suffocated like I always do when we're near.

“Give me a reason why you want to marry me, when you clearly hated me.”

I refused to stare at his dark brown eyes but I couldn't resist especially when he closed the distance between us, making me breathless.

“I don’t hate you.” That’s the truth. “I was scared that night, you did save me from Caleb but I thought you were going to take me somewhere secluded and harm me.”

I looked down, played with my feet as I recall that moment. Though I felt secure and safe with him… I was still scared, trust didn't come easy anymore.

The thought of all my close encounters to death made me shiver. I was scared my whole life. I couldn’t even sleep peacefully at night. Nightmares filled my dreams and despite the security I still feel unsafe.

His face hardened. His fist clenched as he looked away. Is he mad at me? Before I could say anything, I reached my floor and I just gave him a smile before stepping out.

But a force stopped me.. “Have dinner with me.” I was stunned.

His hands gripping my arms— it made me gasp. “Huh?” he smiled… for the first time, and I panicked. “Sure.” I said before I could stop myself. Control was slipping— and I hated that I liked it.

He nodded with a sly smile. “I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

**

Something had changed in him— and maybe, just maybe, in me too… but I couldn’t complain, this is what I’ve been waiting for.

“You must want us to be seen together.”

I couldn't help but comment as he opened the door for me in a fancy restaurant. He shrugged his shoulders, his hands slowly reaching my back, guiding me to our seat.

People watched our every move like hawks, but instead of being anxious— I thrived on the attention.

“Is that wrong?” He whispered from behind as he helped me sit down.

I couldn't help but bite my lower lips as his lips slightly touched my earlobe. I gulped but showed it like it's nothing.

He rounded to his seat, and tilted his head—reading me. His eyes are deep and mysterious but I know what he's doing.

“What do you want?” I put my hands to the table and rest my chin on it. “ You're a businessman. You won't do anything without getting something in return.”

He smirked and mirrored my gestures. “Now we're talking.” I raised my brows. “Be my girlfriend.”

I could feel my inside screaming in victory but outside I looked at him with confusion. “Why? You hated my guts.”

“I gave your proposal a thought, and it wouldn't be so bad. It would keep the Monroe family away and for whatever reason why you want to be with… we can both gain from this.”

I stood up, shaking my head and with a disappointed expression. His brows creased and stood up too, looking confused.

I look around, slip my ring out my finger and deliberately drop it to the floor that made Rowan kneel down and pick it up, without thinking he handed it to me, still kneeling down.

We caught the attention of people around us. I smirked at Rowan, his jaw clenched, but a smirk tugged at his lips.

“Oh! Are you proposing?” My words were loud and clear that stunned everyone around… including Alison who I noticed among the crowd.