Chapter 7: Stranger Danger

Lulu's POV.

“I want us to get back together.”

The words landed on my skin like boiling water.

Were my ears working fine, or did I just hear the most absurd statement ever?

I stared at Jasver, hoping to find even the smallest nickel or amusement but his face remained void of any expression.

He actually meant business.

I couldn't help bursting into laughter. I laughed until my stomach started aching because there was no way that he was serious.

“Ivelle. I mean every word. I know you don't expect this from me, especially since you've seen me openly agree to be with Liora. But I promise you, I can make things–”

“Be quiet!” I snapped at him before he could finish.

I crossed my arms, disgust splitting my features as I stared at his frame.

“I don't know the thought behind this silly little plan but it's not working okay? It can work on everyone but definitely not on me.”

His brows crossed as he shook his head from side to side, “this isn't a plan. Listen, I don't care about the money or Liora anymore. These past few days…” he drawled, his expression softening, “have been so rough on me. I realized who I truly love. I realized that I made a mistake and honestly, I know you miss me too. You're just angry right now but please, look past that.”

But I couldn't dare do that.

I'd read this book long enough to know that Jasver never loved Ivelle. Ivelle was a hopeless romantic who always found a way to keep herself in Jasver's life.

I'd read about the way Jasver mistreated her and how he'd even embarrassed her repeatedly. Forgiving him on Ivelle's behalf was so impossible right now.

Especially not when my survival here depended on how much I made him suffer.

“Yes, I cheated on you. But are you really going to ignore all that we've been through because of one mistake? Ivelle, we've been together since childhood. We're inseparable,” Jasver added, as if trying to strengthen his notion.

A smug smile appeared on my lips and then I lifted my hands, jamming them together.

“Oncur Jasver, Oncur! That's such an emotional performance, coming from someone who's mostly logical. I commend it,”

His face turned pale, fury flashed through his eyes but he tried his best to keep it off his expression.

“If you thought you had me there, news flash. Try this bullshit with someone who cares because I don't. Later sucker!” I wiggled my fingers at him as I walked out on him.

Who did he think he was trying to manipulate? Tsk.

If Ivelle was here, maybe she'd have been touched and would have been given another chance. But I wasn't her.

I'd just gotten to the road, wondering where to go. I was bored and at that moment, I remembered the card Enzo had given me.

A part of me wanted to meet the Armani family but the other part reminded me that the system was blinking red because of that meeting.

I ended up choosing the former, bringing out my phone and dialing Enzo's number. It only rang twice before he picked up.

“Hey sis,” his deep tone reverberated through the phone.

I lifted a brow, “How'd you know it's me?”

“Caller's ID is a snitch sis. Tell me, are you done with your work now?”

“Uh yeah, I'd like to meet my family now,” I breathed into the phone.

“Great. Text me your address and I'll send a car to you.”

And with that, the call ended. I stood where I was for what felt like thirty minutes before the car finally arrived. The drive to the Armani estate made anxiety wash over me.

These were the characters I hadn't seen while reading the book and the plot was taking direction on its own.

So as much as curiosity stirred within me, dread also stirred because I had no idea if this was safe.

We soon arrived at the Armani mansion and the main mansion was no different from a palace. The place was huge and beautiful. The workers around seemed to be giving me too much respect, or perhaps I was the one who wasn't used to being bowed to.

I found my brother at the entrance of the hall where my family were.

“Good to finally have you here.”

I returned the smile, “wow, this place is huge.”

Enzo stared at me with surprise etched on his features, “We're the Armani's, sister. We don't play about buildings.”

That was right.

Enzo led me into the hall and on my first step into the area, the atmosphere felt different. It felt like there was tension that I couldn't name.

My family members were all seated on different places on the couch but as I walked in, they all rose to their feet, all dressed elegantly.

It seemed to me like they were seated according to how old they were.

On the left were men who looked old enough to be my father, or uncle. On the right were women who looked middle aged, they could easily take the tag of an aunty or elder sister.

“Ivelle. Meet the Armanis,” Enzo announced and the introduction began.

We spent about thirty minutes to an hour on this, everyone had something to say to me and I felt so accepted.

I legit felt like I belonged in this wealthy ass family.

Soon, the introduction was over, and then Enzo turned to me.

“We've been waiting for you to come because our father, George Armani, left his inheritance in your name. Currently, the companies need a CEO, and we need you to come take your position,” Enzo announced.

I blinked back.

The Armani conglomerate was in MY name? Was this some sort of prank? How could I handle a fucking conglomerate?

“I–I’m the CEO?” I asked again to be sure I heard right.

“Yes. We can uh, discuss this while we walk out,” Enzo stated, leading me out of the hall.

I followed him and he told me everything I needed to know. Apparently, he didn't want to share the rest of the details in front of the family members and I found that strange.

He'd literally just told me the companies were in my name in front of them.

When my meeting at the Armani estate was over, I first went shopping for the hottest dress ever.

For the first time, I wanted to have fun the way Lulu would.

Knowing that I was now twice as powerful and I'd not have to worry about money ever again made me feel so giddy!

After what felt like minutes, I arrived at the club. The area was flickering with lights from a disco ball while people were scattered everywhere, drinking and dancing their sorrows away.

As I surfed through the crowd, I grabbed a glass from a waiter, downing its contents in three big gulps. The liquor burned from my throat to my chest, and oh, how I loved it!

My stomach tightened in hot knots as I swayed my hips this way and that, shimmying to the song.

But as I danced, I couldn't help but feel the eyes of a stranger on me.