CHAPTER 005

STELLA

My heart leaped to my throat when I saw the huge crowd of media waiting at the restaurant. Were they waiting for us? That made no sense…

“Did you announce that we were making a public appearance?” I asked in worry as I played with my fingers, and I could see his grip on the wheel tightened.

“I simply told my pal at the restaurant to book a reservation for me and my girl. He must have somehow tipped off the reporters about it. That fucking idiot. This is too many reporters for a public appearance.” He said as he cursed under his breath and I took a deep breath to stop myself from being so nervous.

It was all fake, it was just a show. I kept repeating that mantra in my head as I turned to look at him.

“We can handle this, right?” I asked softly, and he turned to look at me with concern written all over his face, but when he saw my relaxed expression, he finally relaxed too.

“Of course. It's show time.” He replied as he got out of the car and camera flashes immediately enveloped him, causing me to gulp in nervousness.

What if I made a mistake? What if I slipped and embarrassed him? I couldn't deny that I wasn't scared but I had to cover it up immediately when he pulled open the car door for me to step outside.

I took a deep breath and took his outstretched hand before stepping out of the car. The media immediately approached us as we walked towards the restaurant and I found myself leaning into him nervously.

He noticed and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer so that he could shield me from the crazy reporters. At this point, I was wondering why a rich billionaire like him didn't have bodyguards to help out at times like this.

All he did was spend on ladies. How pathetic.

“Mr James, is the scandal between you and Miss Freya true?”

“Mr James, Miss Freya admitted to being your fuck mate. What do you have to say about this?”

“Mr James, is this your new girlfriend?”

“The public is curious about who's lying and telling the truth. Mr James, what's your take?”

The questions kept flowing in as we walked past the reporters and I fought the urge to say something stupid to them. Just then, James stopped and shielded me from the reporters before turning to them.

“The scandal is all a lie. We all know how crazy AI is these days. They can make anything look real. Freya and I have nothing with each other. Why will I cheat on my girlfriend? I might not look like it, but I'm faithful to my girlfriend.” He explained and I fought the urge to scoff at his righteous words.

Faithful, my foot.

“Mr James, there has been no appearance of your so-called girlfriend until this scandal. How can we be sure this is not a plan to cover up the scandal?” The reporter asked again and I narrowed my eyes at him, wondering how he had seen through our facade.

James' hand tightened on mine and I let out a sigh of despair. Why did I even agree to this mad deal? 

“Everyone can keep their speculations to themselves, but my girlfriend and I love each other. Oh, and I will be proposing soon. Wish me luck!” He said with a wink and I turned to look at him in surprise at how he had effortlessly made the reporters believe him.

Cameras continued clicking even as we entered the restaurant and I finally let out a sigh of relief when we were away from their loud noises. I was beginning to regret agreeing to this deal.

“You good?” He asked as he drew out the chair for me to sit and I let out a sigh of despair before sitting down.

“Is it too late to back out of this? I already have a headache and it's just the first day. If this is what I have to deal with just to be your pretend girlfriend, then I'm quitting this instant.” I replied as I gently rubbed my temples with my fingers but I suddenly jolted when he pulled my chair closer to his and started to rub them for me instead.

“We already started this, we can't stop here now. It's your job to help me out of every trouble I get into right? I'll pay you double— no, triple of your salary. Just don't give up on us yet.” He said softly as his hands continued to massage my temples and I let out a sigh before closing my eyes.

Whatever he did with his fingers felt so good. I couldn't help but imagine how good it would feel if he stroked me down there—

“Is it hot? Why's your face so red?” He asked in concern, and my eyes widened when I realized the lewd things I was thinking about as I pulled away from him.

Why was I thinking of letting him do things to me? 

“Yeah, I suddenly feel very uncomfortable and I don't want to have dinner anymore. Would it be okay if we leave? I don't like it here. Everyone is literally staring at us like we're movie stars.” I replied, telling him half the truth and leaving out the fact that just staring at him had my insides clenching with need.

“Alright then. I'm sorry I made you this uncomfortable.” He said as he stood up and took my hand and I was about to tell him it was fine when I noticed that the reporters were rushing their way in.

“James, we have to leave right now,” I said in urgency as I grabbed my purse, but before I could move two steps, they already barged into the restaurant and were heading towards us like prey after their predator.