Web of lies

CHAPTER 10

ROB’S POV

The arrival hall was busy with people and noise.

Families reuniting, Luggages rolling, people yelling names with post cards, but all of that seemed to fade into the background the moment I saw her.

“Rob!” She squealed while giving a big wave.

Her grin so wide I could see it from where I stood.

I was her light, as she was mine. Now all I feel is betrayal. I betrayed her trust—her love, her loyalty.

I shook off the thought. I needed to focus on what was happening right now.

To enjoy the moment of sincerity at least.

Her Beautiful Lush curls bouncing as she ran towards me.

She wrapped hands around my neck so tightly, burying her face in my chest. “Urghh! I’ve missed you so much. I could have sworn I kissed your pictures a thousand times before now.”

Her siren eyes glistened with emotion. And I couldn’t help but notice she smelled like an expensive cocktail of flowers.

“You smell fantastic, my princess” i pecked her forehead.

“Careful, Prince Charming. Any more than and I just might forget how to breathe.” She chuckled before placing a kiss on my lips.

“You’ve always been a dramatic one.” I smiled faintly.

“It’s called affection, you icy cold being.” She smacked my chest lightly.

“And this icy cold being just happens to match your quirky, bubbly side.” I paused to look at her reaction.

A hot blush crept on her face. I nodded my head in amusement.

She always knew to lift up the air around. Even passers by kept turning heads.

“C’mon let’s go.”

Eugene, my driver, had also tagged along. He assisted in carrying her bags while he trailed silently behind us.

“So, Roby. Did you miss me? Wait let me guess. You missed me so much you always cried yourself to sleep.” She chuckled.

I remained silent. Not because I had not missed her, but the guilt that pressed my lips shut.

Her gaze softened. “You didn’t think I’d be back, did you?”

“It’s not that, Belle, but your contract still has over a year. I’m only surprised you’re here this soon.”

She shrugged. “I gave it up.” Her voice lowers to a whisper. “I just couldn’t stand not being with you for another year.”

Her words hit me like a hammer. Clouds of thought gathered around my head.

How do I tell her the man she yearned for is getting married to another woman.

She immediately drifted into another topic. Yapping continually, completely unaware of how silent I had become.

“I’ve got to tell you something, belle” I paused in my tracks.

“Let’s leave it till we get home. I’m famished.” She said tiredly as she got into the car.

The ride home had been quiet. Isabelle had used up all her energy to yap earlier she fell asleep in the car.

She looked so peaceful in her sleep. I’d hate to steal that peace away from her.

We got home, took a hot shower and even made out. That should count as making up for lost times.

Now we were curled up on the bed as we stayed still enjoying each other’s silence.

The silence stretched until Isabelle spoke up. “So what was it you wanted to tell?”

She seemed so vulnerable right now, I wished I hadn’t brought it up.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” I lied. I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

“If it’s about me coming, Rob, you knew I’d come home eventually.”

Definitely, not just before the damn wedding.

“What’s been up with my icy Prince Charming?” She turned to face me. Her eyes stared with curiosity.

Well asides trying to hide the fact I’m getting married to a stranger and our wedding’s in a few days, my life’s been going not so great.

I couldn’t tell her that of course.

I forced myself to swallow. “Fine. Busy as usual.” I kept a straight reply.

I looked at her. She didn’t deserve this.

She quickly grabbed my hand, interlacing her fingers and mine. “Is going to our mini vacation still on your list?”

My brows furrowed. The way she diminishes certain conversation never really made sense to me.

She was just too carefree and it made me find her more and more attractive.

Crap. That wouldn’t be possible if I’m supposed to be walking down the aisle soon.

“Oh that—That’ll be very soon my love.” I lied.

If there were another option belle i swear I wouldn’t be lying to your face right now.

A giggle followed. “I really can’t wait.”

She Stayed curled up beside me and began scrolling through her phone when a her voice suddenly cut through the calm.

“Hey! Have you heard about this billionaire wedding everyone’s be talking about?”

I was startled. I couldn’t let it show.

“What wedding?” I asked calmly.

“Uhm—I don’t really know though. I saw something about it in France too.”

Lie your way around it.

“Ah! That” I have a dry laugh, trying to sound convincing.

Thankfully she didn’t stop what she was doing to look at me. I was visibly panicking.

“What do you mean that?”

“It’s probably a new marketing scheme. You know they start up trends that pique your curiosity.”

“Corporate stunt.” I added.

She looked up to me and narrowed her eyes slightly “so you do know about it?”

“Oh, no, but that should likely be it. I guess.“ I could sense she was still staring at me but I shrugged it off, like I didn’t care. Hoping I sounded as convincing.

I pulled her closer into my body. “Don’t you imagine that’d be us someday?

She smiled. I pressed a small kiss on her forehead.

“I want you to always be by my side, no matter happens. I can’t afford to lose you.”

I was scrambling on the the inside. Itching to say the truth.

One more misstep and the whole thing would blow.

Which all boils down to me, lying over and over again.

“Promise me you’ll never leave me.” She said slowly.

“I…promise.”

Another lie. Another lie that was going to be broken in a few days.

I’d have to let know eventually rather than finding out herself.

But for now, let me enjoy the moment.