CHAPTER 16

I woke up when I felt that there was no one beside me. I immediately scanned the room to see where Bryle was, but it seemed he was no longer in the room. I sighed and slowly got up, and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

I stared at the mirror as I recalled everything that happened last night— it wasn't a dream. Bryle and I had made it a habit to have intimate moments, even though we shouldn't. It felt like our time together would be incomplete without such scenes between us.

I sighed again and looked at the items in front of me; they were all for men. I was in Bryle's bathroom, so even his scent lingered in every corner. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath; everything would be okay...

Auen messaged me, informing me that I have a meeting scheduled this afternoon, and sent the restaurant's details where it would take place, so I needed to prepare as early as possible.

After I finished getting ready, I left Bryle's house. I said goodbye to Brianna when I saw her lounging in the garden, talking to the flowers.

I took a deep breath before entering the hotel where the dinner meeting with several investors from Lee Corp was. I immediately noticed the various luxurious outfits of the people there, wearing their almost sparkling expensive dresses and suits.

"Ms. Lee," the receptionist greeted me and escorted me to a reserved table where the other meeting attendees were already seated.

"Buon pomeriggio, signora Lee," (Good afternoon, Ms. Lee,) Mr. Monterey greeted me as I sat down. "Come stai?" (How are you?)

"Sto bene come sempre." (I'm fine as always.) Of course, I'm fine, I'm beautiful, so I'm always fine. Right?

"È bello sentirlo," (It's good to hear that,) he replied and smiled at me. I glanced at my wristwatch, there were still ten minutes before the meeting started.

"Ho sentito che ci sarà un incontro al Marazon Hotel," (I heard there will be a meeting at the Marazon Hotel,) I turned to the one who spoke, Mr. Alonzo. "Signorina Lee, verrà, vero?" (Miss Lee, you're coming, right?) He asked, enticing me with his words.

"Naturalmente, Signor Alonzo. Non mi perderò un grande evento, soprattutto se viene invitato l'intero clan Lee." (Of course, Mr. Alonzo. I won't miss a big event, especially if the entire Lee clan is invited.) I said proudly, making them laugh.

"Giusto, chi non parteciperebbe a quell'occasione? Questa è l'opportunità di raccogliere nuovi investitori." (Right, who wouldn't attend that occasion? This is the opportunity to raise new investors.) Ms. West said.

Ms. Barcelon, Mr. Riego, and Ms. Sanchez arrived, joining us, and the meeting commenced. We discussed the new business venture they wanted to focus on. I quietly observed and listened to the conversation, only speaking up when I disagreed or had something to add to their points.

"So, Ms. Lee," everyone's attention turned to me as Mr. Riego called my name with a hint of a peculiar smile on his face. "I heard that your grandfather wants you to get married soon. He wants you to take over one of the biggest resorts of Lee Corp here in Italy. Is that just a rumor or is it true?"

I didn't answer immediately. It was just a question, but it was true that my family wanted to wed me off to one of their business partners. Though, I'm unsure if it was still Bryle's family they'd chosen or if they had a new family they wanted as a lifetime business partner. I sighed at the thoughts running through my mind.

"Maybe that's what Chairman Lee wants, but I haven't really thought about that yet," I explained, forcing a smile. "But who knows, right? We never know, I might be married tomorrow." They laughed at my response. I winced slightly, wondering what was so amusing.

"Sorry, I'm late." I felt a jolt of electricity upon hearing the familiar voice behind me. I turned around and nearly fell out of my seat when I saw who it was. Bryle? What was he doing here? Was he part of the meeting?

"Mr. Caje! Good to see you here." Ms. Barcelon greeted. "Join us, we thought you wouldn't come," I just stared at Bryle, walking towards our table and taking the empty seat next to me.

"I thought so too, but it looks like I have to accompany my fiancée." I immediately bit my lip when he said that, he leaned in and kissed my forehead.

"Good to see you here.." He whispered to me. I swallowed hard, Bryle's voice echoing in my ear, sending my senses into overdrive. What was happening to me? Why was he affecting me like this again?

"Mmm. Now I understand why you said you might be getting married tomorrow." Mr. Alonzo commented. They laughed again, but still left me speechless.

I tried to calm down and made myself focus on the meeting. The conversation became serious again, and we continued with the project we were planning.

After the meeting, I breathed a sigh of relief, my head slightly ached from the huge amount of money we were committing to the project. I glanced at Bryle, who suddenly poured red wine into my glass. I looked at him as he picked up the glass and handed it to me.

"Here," he said with a seductive gaze. I took the glass automatically and drank it straight down. I felt my cheeks flush as he continued to stare at me.

Relax Felicity... Just calm down...

I pouted as I set the empty wineglass down, catching Bryle's subtle smile. He seemed amused that I'd downed the drink he gave me.

"So, changing the topic.. How did you and Ms. Lee meet, Mr. Caje?" We turned to Mr. Riego, who was staring at Bryle. "It's surprising that you two are already in a relationship.. We didn't hear any news about you being engaged, didn't you have an engagement party?" He probed further. I winced discreetly.

Why are people so inquisitive? Why do they need to know about Bryle and me? Is it a big deal that we're engaged? I sighed at the questions swirling in my mind.

"We didn't have a party as we wanted a low-key celebration." Bryle replied, turning to me, "Right, wife?" I almost choked at being called that so casually. Didn't he feel embarrassed? I, on the other hand, wanted to slip under the table due to the awkwardness.

I jumped slightly when I felt Bryle's hand on mine, I was incredibly nervous, feeling like I was melting under his intense gaze.

"Why are you blushing?" He whispered in my ear, making my eyes widen. What was he talking about? Me? Blushing? I wanted to crawl under the table as he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it. I glanced around, catching our companions' amused expressions. What was Bryle doing? Was he trying to impress the investors? I felt a twinge of irritation, unsure if his actions were genuine or just a show to pique the investors' interest in our love life.

"N-no, it's just a blush on.." I whispered awkwardly, shooting him with sharp eyes. I struggled to focus as the conversation around us resumed. A few minutes later, we started to bid each other goodbye. Except for Bryle, who remained by my side.

"You left early this morning, and you didn't even tell me you'd be here at the Lee Corp meeting. What are you doing here? You weren't required to come, were you?" I asked him, frowning.

"I found out from Aeun that you had a meeting here for Lee Corp. Coincidentally, I was here too, finishing up a meeting with Vale and our client. So I thought I'd look for you." He said it casually, like it was no big deal. "Your investors wouldn't turn away from you just because you have a fiancé, would they?"

"Why would they back away from me because of you?" I shot back, raising an eyebrow, not amused by his teasing.

"Maybe they'd prefer you to be single. I saw the way one of the investors was looking at you earlier. I'm sure he wants you." Bryle said, taking a sip of his wine. I frowned at his comment.

"So that's why you were acting like that, because you noticed someone at the meeting had an interest in me?" I asked incredulously. He didn't answer, but his expression said it all. I exhaled in irritation, "Wow, nice move. You really put on a show, made them believe we're the real deal." My sarcasm didn't faze him, and he smirked. I watched as he got up to leave,

"Let's go," Bryle said, his tone sounding as if he was getting irritated.

"What do you mean by 'let's go'? I can go home by myself." I snapped, still annoyed about his earlier antics. He seemed oblivious to how awkward he made me feel, like I needed the attention.

"I know, we're going somewhere, that's why I'm taking you with me." He said, walking towards his car.

"Wait! Where are we going?" I asked, frustrated. He ignored me and continued walking. I sighed, eyes closed in exasperation. Argh! When would I get used to his mood swings? Sweet one minute, moody the next... he's so unbelievable!

And because Mr. Caje wasn't in the mood, we didn't speak until we arrived at a…

Cemetery? Wait...

What are we doing here? Is he going to bury me alive?​