A touch of pretend, a glimpse of truth

Chapter 12

"Adrian, look over there, they're so beautiful," I said with a big smile on my face, hardly able to control myself. I guess the only thing keeping me from completely losing my mind was the fact that Adrian was by my side.

It didn’t take long for me to forget the people staring—to forget my shy nature—because Adrian’s presence had a way of pulling me out of my shell.

"Come on, let’s go. They should have some beautiful outfits over there," Adrian said, pointing toward the couple’s fashion section. It was a place where couples could get matching outfits—beautiful dresses and well-tailored suits designed for those in love.

The problem? It was for real couples. I had always thought I’d never step foot in there, especially since I never planned on having a boyfriend. But maybe… just maybe, that belief was about to be proven wrong.

“Wait, but that’s only for couples. Plus, you need a couple’s ticket to get in,” I said, still clinging to Adrian’s hand as I looked at his face, trying to read his expression.

“You think too much, Camila. No one has to know it’s a fake relationship. Now, when we get there, call me babe, okay?” he said, leading us toward the entrance.

Hearing Adrian ask me to call him babe made my heart nearly leap out of my chest. It beat faster than normal, and as we walked closer to the couple’s fashion section, it almost felt like we were a real couple.

I wondered how we would get in. Even if we pretended, they’d surely ask for a ticket. And on good days, it takes several hours—sometimes a full day—to process one.

“Good afternoon, sir. How are you and this very lovely lady doing?” the receptionist at the entrance greeted warmly.

“Good morning. My name is Adrian Clastu, and this is my girlfriend, Camila,” Adrian said with a straight face.

“Oh! Mr. Clastu… how are you doing?” the man asked, visibly startled. His tone shifted from welcoming to respectful, almost nervous.

“As a matter of fact, I do,” Adrian said, pulling something from his pocket—and tipping the man.

“Please fill in your details here, sir. Have a nice day,” the receptionist said, handing us the form.

As we walked in, I was still stunned. “Wow… is that really how it works around here?” I asked, wide-eyed.

“Well, of course not. My family owns 40% of this mall’s shares, and the current CEO is a good friend of mine. So… the rules are a little different for me. If a normal couple tried that, they’d probably be arrested,” Adrian said with a smug smirk, clearly enjoying the power his name held.

As we moved toward the female district, a question burned in my mind—why did he lie about us being a couple when we could’ve just walked without having to lie? But I knew better than to ask and risk spoiling the moment.

“Good morning, Mr. Clastu, and Mrs. Camila. It’s good to see you. My name is Precilia,” a stunningly beautiful woman greeted us. She was fair-skinned with perfect curves, dressed in a tight, light-red gown that highlighted every feature like a model.

I was momentarily stunned by her beauty, admiring how confidently she carried herself.

“Good. I’d like a beautiful dress for my lovely girlfriend,” Adrian said, walking past her without so much as a glance, his cold presence surprising both me and Precilia.

He held my hand softly as we moved toward a display. Anytime Adrian called me his love, my heart skipped a beat. I didn’t want him to stop—no matter how many times I heard it.

“Well, I see your eyes have caught one of our specials. Feel free to check them out, Camila,” Precilia said, gently nudging me toward the dresses and away from Adrian. But I held his hand until I couldn’t anymore.

Letting go of him felt strange—sad even. But the beauty of the dresses quickly distracted me. I took one and went into the changing room Precilia pointed to.

Changing wasn’t easy. The dresses were tighter than I was used to, especially around my butt and chest. Still, I pushed through.

What surprised me most was that Adrian didn’t comment on the dresses. He just kept looking at me—mouth slightly open—before saying, “You look good.”

I felt a bit embarrassed, but it didn’t stop me from loving the dresses. I wanted to choose one, but the idea that this was all just for Mr. Clastu’s image made me feel unsure—sad even.

“So, ma’am, which one’s it gonna be?” Precilia asked with a bright smile.

“I usually say this to a lot of couples, but to be honest, you really look amazing, Camila. Your shape and beauty is on another level. Truly, you’re a lucky man, Mr. Adrian,” she added.

Adrian just stared at me, his expression unreadable, then suddenly turned cold again.

“So, babe, pick so we can go,” he said, his voice firm.

“I’m so sorry, but I think it’s best if you choose. I just can’t seem to decide. They’re all so amazing,” I said, embarrassed at my own indecision.

“Just pick as much as you need, babe. It’d be a waste if I drove all the way here just to buy you one dress. Please—we’re gonna take them all and anything else she finds interesting,” Adrian said, his tone soft but commanding.

I stood there in silence, looking at him. For a moment, I thought—Is he actually in love with me?

“Adrian… thank you,” I said with a gentle smile, the words slipping from my lips before I could stop them.

“I’ll get them all prepared. Please excuse me,” Precilia said, leaving us alone.

I walked toward Adrian. He looked at me the same way he always did when I tried on new dresses—expression unreadable, eyes deep.

I reached for his hand gently and whispered, “Adrian…”