Chapter 3: Dress Me Up in Lies

"Good luck! I know you can do it. Just don't leave Rafael's side," Trina reminded me.

The moment I woke up this morning, I was already nervous because today is the first day I'll pretend to be Rafael's girlfriend. So many things were running through my mind and I was afraid we'd get exposed, but I had to calm myself down.

"Did you already tell Rafael that you have to go home before twelve o'clock?" she asked me.

I quickly nodded. I didn't plan on staying long at that party anyway because I knew I didn't belong there. I'm sure Rafael would understand if I told him I had to go home since no one would be watching over Grandma at home.

I hadn't even had the chance to breathe properly yet when Rafael's car arrived, so I hurried out.

"You take care of grandma, okay? If they ask where I am, just say I have a gig. Bye!" I rattled off instructions to Trina.

I walked toward Rafael's car but was a bit surprised when he had to get out just to meet me.

Even from a distance, I realized just how different he really was. He looks so expensive!

He was wearing a black tuxedo that fit perfectly on his flawless body. His hair was dark and a little messy, but somehow still stylish. And his face? Like those models I always saw on huge billboards. His eyebrows were thick and arched just right, framing his almond-shaped eyes that looked like they could hypnotize you if you stared at them too long.

My gosh, Gianna Rae! You really took the time to admire every part of his body, huh? Well, he's indeed handsome, but what annoyed me was how his lips always had that smug smirk. I couldn't tell if he was teasing or just trying to be cute.

"I know I'm handsome, Miss Cuevas, but don't make it too obvious," he said and chuckled.

I narrowed my eyes at him upon hearing that.

"You know what? You're full of yourself," I said sarcastically.

He laughed again and looked me over from head to toe.

"You look more beautiful in that outfit. Are you ready?" he asked with a grin.

"If I said I wasn't ready, would we not go anymore?" I asked back.

"Of course not. Whether you like it or not, you're coming with me," he said with a shrug.

I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"That's what I said, right? So let's go!" I said and stepped into his car first.

"You know what? You don't have to be nervous. I'm just going to introduce you to my family as my girlfriend and that's it. They're busy with the guests so I'm sure they won't be asking too many questions about us," he explained once he got in the car.

I sighed again and nodded. I really hoped that would be the case. I hoped they wouldn't get too curious about me and start asking a bunch of questions.

"Okay," I replied, though I was still nervous.

The entire ride was quiet as I tried to hold on to what he said to calm myself. Every now and then, I noticed him glancing at me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes.

"We're almost there," he said.

I thought I had calmed myself earlier, but the moment I heard we were close to the venue, my heart started pounding fast again. I didn't even know what I was more nervous about—was it the party, the people I'd be meeting, or the fact that Rafael and I had to act sweet so people would believe we loved each other?

After a few minutes, we stopped in front of a huge mansion with a fountain in the middle of the driveway. There was even a valet who immediately opened the door for me.

"Good evening, Ma'am!" he greeted me with a smile.

"T-Thank you," I stuttered and stepped out of the car.

My chest tightened as I stared at the crowd inside. Everyone was in formal wear and it was obvious that they were all rich. I didn't belong in this kind of world.

Rafael must've noticed I was nervous because I felt his gentle touch on my hand as we entered. I didn't understand it, but it did help calm me a little.

"Relax. They'll love you," he whispered.

I wanted to roll my eyes at what he said. Easy for him to say because he grew up surrounded by rich people.  While me? I'm just playing dress-up in a world I don't belong to.

We entered the grand hall filled with chandeliers and classic paintings. A live string quartet played off to the side while the guests chatted like they didn't have a single problem in life. So this kind of scene really existed—not just on TV.

We hadn't gone far when a woman approached us. She looked like she was in her mid-fifties and her gaze dropped slowly from my head down to my feet.

Tall. Regal. Fierce.

She was in all white, wearing a silk pantsuit that you just knew couldn't be bought in a regular mall. Her hair was pulled back into a flawless bun, and her red lipstick was so precise. She looked like a painting made by a professional artist.

She looked away from me and turned to Rafael, though I could feel her sharp gaze was meant for me.

"There you are, Rafael. I've been looking for you. Where did you go?" she asked.

"Mom."

That answered my question. Oh my gosh! I didn't even know how to greet her!

"And what is this nonsense again, Rafael?" she asked, turning her gaze back to me.

I felt even more nervous. I don't think she'll like me! Well, it doesn't really matter whether she likes me or not. It might even be better if she doesn't so Rafael will end this charade.

"Don't you dare ruin your grandpa's party, Rafael! You brought another one of your girls again?" Her voice was clearly annoyed.

I looked down and avoided her sharp stare that felt like it could cut through me.

"Ma! She's not just one of my girls, okay? She's my girlfriend!" Rafael defended.

"Girlfriend? Since when did you start getting serious about relationships? And where exactly did you meet this girl?"

I knew it. I'd seen this kind of scene on TV, and the moment I accepted Rafael's offer, I accepted that I'd hear these kinds of words from the people close to him.

I felt Rafael grip my hand tightly before speaking again.

"That's not important, Ma. Isn't this what you wanted? For me to get serious with someone? So why are you still asking?"

I looked up at Rafael again because he didn't have to argue with his mom. I couldn't help but glance at her, and I saw a flicker of surprise in her expression at Rafael's words.

"How dare you talk to me like that, Rafael?!"

Rafael let out a deep breath.

"You said it yourself, Ma. Let's not ruin grandpa's party. So please, excuse us."

He pulled me away from his mom, and I had no choice but to follow.

"Looks like your mom's upset. Maybe you shouldn't have answered back," I told him.

"Don't mind her. She was just surprised, that's why she reacted that way... let's go and I'll introduce you to my grandpa," he replied.

I frowned but just let it go. There were so many guests, and at every table we passed, Rafael had to stop because some people were calling him. Some were curious about who I was, and others didn't seem to care at all.

It was only now that I realized, based on what I'd heard from people who knew Rafael, that he was a playboy and loved parties. He never took any girl seriously, so I was pretty surprised to learn I was the first girl he ever introduced to his family.

"Jasmine, where's grandpa?" Rafael asked a woman who was busy chatting with some guests.

"Don Severino is already at the long table with Sir Leandro. They've been waiting for you, Sir Rafael," she answered, then turned to look at me.

She smiled, and I smiled back even though my nerves were growing stronger. Do they have a long table? That means a lot of people are there!

"Just smile and greet my grandpa with a happy birthday. Don't let it show that you're nervous," Rafael said with a soft laugh.

"Duh? How can I not be nervous? Your mom already scared me stiff," I replied.

With how rich they were, I was sure the De Luca family was huge. I heard Rafael chuckle quietly.

"Just be yourself, okay? Just think that you're my girlfriend and no one has the right to mistreat you here—not even my family," he said.

I just pouted. If I didn't really need the money, I wouldn't even be here. But I had no choice. It would probably take me more than five years to earn the three hundred thousand dollars he paid.

As we approached the long table, my anxiety heightened. From afar, I could already see the people seated there, especially when they all turned to look at Rafael and me. I had a hard time swallowing. Their outfits screamed expensive—designer suits and gowns. The long table was covered in white linen, gold silverware, and crystal wine glasses. Fit for royalty!

I thought the table would be full, but there were only five people there, and we made seven with our arrival. I noticed Rafael's mom was already there too.

"Grandpa," Rafael said as he approached the old man at the end of the table.

"Happy birthday!" Rafael greeted cheerfully.

Don Severino smiled. "Ah, Rafael. I thought you'd forgotten my birthday and wouldn't come."

"Of course not. I wouldn't miss your birthday," Rafael replied, then pulled me closer.

My heart pounded as I faced Don Severino. He looked like a governor or a president straight out of the TV.

"And this is Gianna. My girlfriend."

"Happy birthday, Don Severino," I greeted with a smile.

He looked at me closely. His gaze was observant, but not cold like Rafael's mom's. There was a hint of wonder in his eyes before he smiled.

"Hmm. This is the first time you've introduced a girl to our family. So, I think you're getting serious now, huh?" said Don Severino.

"Thank you, and nice meeting you, Gianna. Please, have a seat," he added, gesturing to the chair.

I smiled politely. Don Severino seemed kind, but the nervousness didn't leave me—especially with Rafael's mom's piercing gaze still fixed on me.

Rafael pulled out a chair for me, and across from us was a quiet man, tall and tan, with a presence that commanded respect.

"Enjoy the food, Gianna... Luciana used to be like you too, but look at her now, she fits right in," Don Severino chuckled.

I looked at the woman he was referring to.

"That's Luciana. She's Leandro's fiancée," Rafael told me.

Ah, I get it now. So the quiet man in front of me is Rafael's older brother, and the beautiful woman beside him is his fiancée. Luciana gave me a polite smile and a small shrug, while Leandro didn't even glance at me. Rude!

Rafael served food on my plate, and I nervously held the silverware like it was worth more than an expensive phone!

I thought everything was fine and I could finally breathe, but I hadn't even tasted the food when Rafael's mom spoke.

"I'm still waiting for Rafael to explain where exactly he met this girl."

I immediately looked up at her and bit my lip hard. Please don't make this a big deal.

Rafael turned to his mom with a calm expression, but his jaw was tight.

"Mom, can we please do this another time?"

Right! Maybe she could ask me some other time? Maybe they could talk about me when I'm not right in front of them?

"No. We're here now. And if you're serious about her, then she should be able to answer simple questions, right?" she said, still looking directly at me.

"Mom is right, Rafael. This is the first time you've introduced a woman to us. So, I think we deserve to know more about her, right?" Leandro added.

Oh no. Is this interrogation time already?!

I swallowed hard. All eyes were on me. I wanted to disappear like a bubble, but I knew that was impossible. I was sitting here, and I had to hold my ground.

I took a deep breath and straightened up before speaking.

"R-Rafael and I met through a mutual... situation," I said, trying to calm myself.

"I returned something that belonged to him. He was mugged and lost his phone on the street," I added to explain.

"Ah," she said, clearly unimpressed. "So it's a fate story now?"

"Mom," Rafael said firmly.

Don Severino cleared his throat. He must've sensed the tension.

"Celestine, we are celebrating tonight. If you have concerns, bring them up after dinner."

Ma'am Celestine fell silent. She took a sip of her wine like nothing happened, but I saw the slight raise of her eyebrow before she looked away.

I let out a quiet sigh.

Rafael leaned closer and whispered, "You did great."

I shook my head slightly. My throat was dry from nerves. He let out a small laugh and gently squeezed my hand under the table.

Everyone was quiet now, but I still felt uneasy because of the way Leandro kept looking at me—like he was silently judging my entire existence. What the hell is wrong with him?!