Chapter 4: His Words Were a Blade

De Luca's guests became preoccupied, and I was extremely grateful because Rafael's family had forgotten about me.

"I'll leave you here for a while. I'll speak with someone and enjoy the party, please," Rafael said as he excused himself.

I didn’t want to agree to be left alone at the high cocktail table, but I nodded at him.

I was alone in the middle of the elegant crowd, clearly not belonging. I couldn’t help but stare at the women in luxurious dresses and jewelry. I was sure their outfits were expensive even on an ordinary day, while I was able to wear something like this today.

I sighed when I felt hungry. I didn’t get to eat earlier at the table where I was seated with Rafael’s family. I felt like his mom was counting every bite I took.

I looked around and saw a buffet on the side, so I immediately went there to grab a few pastries and asked for some iced tea. Honestly, I really wanted to go home! No matter how amazed I was by what I saw here, I still couldn’t endure staying longer especially since I knew I truly didn’t belong.

I was heading back to the table where I was earlier, planning to move to a different one because I saw Leandro there. He was looking at me as if he were waiting for me to return, holding a glass of liquor.

Sharp suit. Sleeves rolled up just enough. I nervously walked toward him because I didn’t want him to think I was avoiding him. He took a sip of his drink while resting one hand in his pocket. I was anxious because the way he looked at me was so piercing, as if he could see right through my clothes, my skin, down to the lie I was carrying.

My nervousness intensified as I got closer. Don’t tell me he’s still curious about me and Rafael? He may be handsome, but he sure looks nosy!

“You seem comfortable in your new role, huh? You look like a natural,” he said in his low voice.

He was standing just inches beside me, one hand resting casually on the edge of the table.

I frowned. What was he talking about? I didn’t respond because I didn’t get what he meant, so I heard him chuckle a bit before speaking again.

"How long have you been doing this?" he asked.

This time, I looked up at him. I grew even more nervous at the idea that he might know the truth that I was only pretending.

"W-What do you mean? What are you talking about?" I asked with a frown.

Rafael told me he didn’t tell anyone about us, so it was stuck in my mind that no matter what happened, I must not be exposed!

Leandro took another sip of his drink, keeping his eyes on me.

"Rafael doesn’t usually bring anyone to events like this. Much less someone who clearly has no idea what fork to use at dinner."

What?! He noticed that too? My gosh! So embarrassing! Earlier at their long table, I didn’t know which utensils to use because there were so many.

I held on to the table. I didn’t know if that was an insult or a warning.

"I know people like you, and even if my brother dresses you in designer things, you still can’t hide your true self from me," he said bluntly.

I couldn’t speak right away. He looked at me from head to toe, then took another sip. His gaze wasn’t disrespectful, but his words? Sharper than knives. If he weren’t Rafael’s brother, I probably would’ve argued with him already.

“You’re lucky,” he said quietly, eyes cold. “Not everyone gets this kind of... opportunity.”

I didn’t understand what he meant, but I was starting to get annoyed. Where was Rafael anyway? He said he’d come back right away. I’d rather go home than keep listening to this guy’s snide remarks.

"You know what? My brother's smart, but I don’t get how he became so dumb when it comes to someone like you," he continued.

I looked up at him and this time, I couldn’t help but give him a sharp glare. Arrogant jerk!

“Some people date for love,” he went on, swirling the drink in his glass. “Others date to survive. To escape. To get somewhere they could never reach on their own. Just like you," he added with a laugh.

I bit the inside of my cheek. I’d been holding back from responding to him. I’d been wanting to scream what I was feeling inside, but I didn’t because I didn’t want to show that I really didn’t belong in their rich world.

I’d been trying to stay calm, but now I couldn’t take it anymore.

I looked him straight in the eye, and he looked back at me the same way, and his eyes were full of judgment.

"Hey! Are you implying that I’m some kind of gold digger?!" I asked angrily.

He laughed again, and I couldn’t help but get even more annoyed because of it.

"I may not be as rich as you or only just now attending a party like this, but I work hard. I earn what I have, even if it’s just a little! And I don’t need to use people just to reach a place like this," I said rapidly.

I paused and looked at him more fiercely.

"So don’t act like you know me," I told him firmly.

He nodded and smirked, as if amused that I was answering back.

“Interesting,” he said. “Let’s see how long that story holds up.”

I was about to say something when Rafael suddenly arrived.

"Leandro, what are you doing here?" Rafael asked, then placed a hand on my waist.

I was slightly surprised by what he did, but I remembered we were pretending, so I just leaned into him.

"What's going on?" he asked again, glancing back and forth between us.

I wanted to tell him that his brother was practically insulting me and we should stop pretending already, but I knew that whatever I said wouldn’t change anything.

"Nothing, Rafael. I just wanted to meet your girlfriend. You must be really serious about her," Leandro lied.

I wanted to roll my eyes. No doubt they’re brothers because they're both liars.

"O-Oh, yeah. Of course! But sorry. We have to go." Rafael said.

"Why? The party’s not over yet. Why don’t you join us so our friends can get to know Gianna better?" Leandro said.

I sighed because it looked like he wasn’t going to stop.

"Thanks, but my girlfriend’s not feeling well. Besides, there will be other chances for me to introduce Gigi to our friends," Rafael explained with a shrug.

I could finally breathe. Thank goodness Rafael had a good sense of timing, and I was so happy because at last we could go home! I didn’t have to pretend all night that I belonged in their world.

"Woah! I need some fresh air!" I said once we got out of the venue.

He laughed before letting go of my waist.

"Why? Did he ask you something?" he asked.

We were now walking to the parking lot, and I saw the many security guards scattered around.

I rolled my eyes as I remembered Leandro. He acted like he was so above everyone else!

"He didn’t really ask anything, but he did insult me. Hello? If I didn’t really need your money, I wouldn’t have accepted this, but I need it for my grandma—"

I suddenly stopped talking when I realized I mentioned grandma to him.

"What happened to your grandma?" he asked.

I bit my lip and closed my eyes tightly. I knew it! Once I mentioned something about my life, he’d start asking questions.

"I know it’s personal, but can you tell me a little? Besides, I introduced you to my family," he added.

"Wow! So I owe you for that now?" I said to him.

I sighed. Fine. There’s no harm in telling him the reason I accepted his offer.

"She's sick and she needs urgent eye surgery. I needed your money because I can’t stand seeing her suffer," I confessed.

"Sorry to hear that. How is she now? I can help you find a good doctor—"

I cut him off.

"Uh-oh! No! The money you paid me is enough. Besides, I don’t want our contract extended. It’s so hard pretending to be your girlfriend!" I told him.

He laughed quietly. He didn’t say anything as we reached his car.

"Thanks," I said as he opened the door for me.

When he got in, I thought he’d start the car immediately, but he just looked at me.

"You’re amazing, you know that?" he suddenly said.

I frowned but chuckled a little.

"Of course, I am," I said smugly and jokingly.

I thought he would laugh, but he just nodded.

"You just reminded me what real strength looks like,” he said. “You talk like it’s all fine and funny, but I can tell... that wasn’t easy."

I paused and looked out the window. I didn’t want to get too serious, because I didn’t want him to see my vulnerability.

I took a deep breath and looked back at him.

"Come on. These days, you can’t just cry all the time. People notice more if you know how to smile even when life is falling apart," I told him.

He fell silent and sighed.

"You’re right. That’s why I don’t understand my family when I do things that make me happy," he said.

I adjusted my seat.

"Like what?" I asked curiously.

Because what kind of parents would stop their child from being happy?

"I mean my brother Leandro. He’s got everything figured out. Top student back then, future CEO, almost the man of the family, and he makes everything look easy, like he never makes mistakes. I’m the opposite, because I always mess things up and never meet my family’s expectations," he explained.

"Oh. The golden brother," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Everyone in my world is trying to be perfect, while I? I just want to enjoy life. I love partying and being with all the girls I want," he continued, then chuckled.

"Sounds rough, but don’t think what you’re doing is wrong. Life’s short, so enjoy it, because if I were in your shoes, I might do the same," I said.

If I had a choice to just enjoy life, I would, but I can’t. I have to work hard for myself and grandma.

He smiled and nodded before finally starting the engine.

"Thank you, Gigi. For the first time, someone took my side, and I didn’t expect it to be you," he said.

I smiled and shook my head.

"Hey! Don’t get attached to me, okay?" I teased.

"I’m sure after one month of this contract, our paths won’t cross again," I added.

He laughed and started to drive.

"We’ll see, Gigi... Want to grab something to eat?" he asked with a smile.

I immediately nodded because I’d been starving. Leandro was so annoying that I didn’t even get to taste the food earlier.

And until now, I still couldn’t get him off my mind. I just hope we never meet again because I might really lose control next time.