Time passed but Annalise’ mind was elsewhere. She grew dismayed over the time course. Trying to conceal it behind her facade but failed.“Are you coming to prom? So many guys have asked you but you have refused them all.” She asked in a hollow tone, losing the charm of her resonance.“Why would I accept when they are not the one I was looking for?” Victoria sighed, stuck between her friend and love.Sighing, Annalise told her what was on her mind for a while. A step for her friend’s glee.“You should break your friendship with me, Victoria. Our hatred would never let you guys become one.”Gasping, Victoria shook her head in denial, “Don’t be ridiculous. I have faith in fate, if it was mine, he would become mine under all circumstances.”“And if he is not. He won’t be yours even after being yours.” Their current situation.What was yours remains yours, what was not, could never be yours. “Hey, don’t say this.” Chuckling nervously, Victoria looked down, not praying this would ever happ
SIX MONTHS LATER“Elise, can you get me the printouts?” Annalise’s senior, Jessica, asked sweetly. She was a lovely person, being her mentor. Annalise who gave time to herself, becoming more beautiful than she already was, flashed a bright smile, “Sure.” A good college with a good placement- she gained by selling her Mother’s diamond ring.“Thanks,” Jessica grinned and went back to her work.“No problem.”Annalise started her new life, away from those eyes which called her nothing but a stalker. Those people who used to love her company once and then began to smear her name.“Ah, Elise, one more thing.” She needed a fresh start and her college life provided her with a chance. She started her six month internship in a reputable company.“Yes?”“You might get a new mentor soon. I don’t know who yet.” She told her sadly which made her frown.“But, I feel comfortable working with you.” She reasoned but Jessica smiled apologetically.“Me too but can’t do anything about it.”“Okay…”Sh
Annalise couldn’t believe that of all people, her mentor became Vincent. Seeing him dried her throat, inebriating her mind to ponder about it.“You?” She whispered under her breath, taking a step back unintentionally when he came closer.“I told you.” Jessica whispered, thinking she was attracted but it was not the case.Maintaining his stern features, Vincent came closer. Standing before her. Annalise cleared her throat, regaining her posture and offered her hand politely but it only made him scowl. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” His frown deepened, glancing at her hand and then back to her face. Making her heart clasp by the humiliated reject handshake.“I am afraid I cannot say the same.” Furious, He refused to shake hands with her, rolling his eyes off, “Come on, Vincent. Don’t be arrogant. Even you told me you are a gentleman.” Jessica chuckled nervously, unable to comprehend what happened to him in a moment.“I lied.” He mumbled, not removing his eyes from Annalise’s. Augmen
"You have to become my girlfriend." Annalise simply blinked when Vincent declared his demand direly. The seriousness in his eyes indicated he was not pranking her. She definitely considered she misheard because the mere idea of it deeply immobilized her. Her? His girlfriend? Talk about earth colliding with the sky. The chances of it were always zero to them. Annalise didn’t like it. “What?” She asked again for her confirmation. Exhaling, he told her seriously, coming closer as she instinctively moved back. “Yes. If you want forgiveness and start our bond again then you must do it. You have to pretend to be my girlfriend. We have to act as a couple.” He explained further about his intentions which made her heave a sigh in relief. Leaning against the armrest of the couch, she rested her hand on her chest. “Pretend, right? You want me to act as your girlfriend, not actually become one, right?” She asked, seemingly finding lull after knowing the details. “Exactly." Arch
The next morning, Annalise was getting ready to leave for work. Placing whatever happened yesterday behind, clearing her mind and ability to think. But now allowing her mind to grasp, she received a call from Vincent. Forming her lips in a thin line by his call, she attended it. “Annalise. I am outside your home.” His chirpy tone came. “Why?” Furrowing her brows, she looked out of her window where Vincent waved her at, making her heart race in vexation. “To drop you off.” He whispered. “You truly don’t have to.” She sighed, not liking how he acted. Not wanting it all to be a pretense. “But, I am here already.” Chuckling, he leaned against his car, folding his arms while waiting for her. “There is no Jessica to see that.” She frowned, reminding him that but sighing at her discontent he asked, “Can I come in?” She thought about it for a second and got ready immediately, grabbing her bag. She didn’t want her parents to get a wrong idea either. “I will be down in five min
It was the time for their first fake date on the weekend. It was in the cafe where Jessica usually came so they could show her what a good boyfriend Vincent is. Vincent was waiting for Annalise with a frown, tapping his foot continuously as she was late. Dragging him out from his thoughts, Jessica called, “Hey, Vincent, what are you doing here?” Delighted to see him, she shook hands with him. “Hey, Victoria. I am waiting for Annalise for our date. You are here too?” He smiled sweetly, deciding to talk with her until Annalise came. “Yes, I visit here every Saturday. Didn’t expect to find you here.” She hummed, unaware he was there for her. “Me too. But it is a pleasure to see you here. Let’s see when Annalise will come.” Humming, they both sat down, talking for a while. “So, have you found your ‘the one’ yet?” Vincent deliberately asked this question but the kindness on his features concealed his taunt. “Not yet…” Trailing off nervously, she looked down. “I think I found mine
The sound of their laugh gained attention. Their talks were noticed by everyone, how they smiled and held each other’s hand. Everyone glanced at the young couple, praising the young love, the power of their love as their energy radiated everywhere. With his smile growing wider, Vincent’s eyes couldn’t look at Jessica or any girl anymore. “I think not only Jessica but everyone is drawn towards our so-called love.” Annalise smirked, contemplating the whole area. “You are right, I guess we are a rising star.” He chuckled, glancing around as well before stopping his gaze in one hers. “Too bad it was fake.” She snickered, wiping his smile. Vincent didn’t like how it sounded. “So what? Romance is fake, okay. But, not my smile or our laughs.” He shrugged, becoming serious abruptly which widened her smirk. “Chill, I am only reminding. I can tell the difference between fake and real.” She sighed, waving her hand impishly to tease him. “I don’t think so.” He muttered, rolling his ey
After living one of the most mesmerizing moments of his life with Annalise, Vincent returned home. Twirling the keys around his fingers, smiling uncontrollably. “Where were you?” But, ruining his rhythm of glee, His Father’s enraged tone came, coming down. Vincent decided to not ruin his mood by talking to him and smirked, waving his hand at him. “Ah, you came out of your wife’s room? Good to see your face once in a while. I thought you forgot you have a son.” He chuckled dryly and continued to walk. “I asked, where were you?” His strict voice came, coming closer. “I was on a date.” Sighing, he told him, not bothering to look at him and walked past. “With who?” He didn’t bother to reply. “Vincent, I am asking you something- Vincent!” Vincent ignored and continued to leave for his room, not wanting to hear his further degradation towards Annalise which would only hurt him. He went to his room, freshened up. It was the condition his Father put. If he wanted to gain that i