My darling Allyssa

Meet the family

*ALLYSSA*

Despite the series of unfortunate events that occurred last night, well today given it was around 12:30 AM. I got up and got dressed and showed up to our fake date and acted perfectly normal. Yet, within this intricate tapestry of pretence, there were those I didn't need to deceive – my friends and my therapist, Akira.

As the date neared its end, William's voice sliced through the air, his voice calm and collected as he looked at his phone. "Are you okay?"

A smile curved my lips, a veil of assurance concealing my inner turmoil. "Of course, I am. What are you talking about?"

His head lifted from his phone, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. The intensity in his gaze made me squirm in my seat. "Lies don't befit you, So, I'll ask once more, my love, are you alright?"

I narrowed my eyes at him and said, "You made it clear on the first date that this was an agreement and nothing more so you should mind your business."

His response was swift, a declaration that carried the weight of certainty. "You are my business," the statement was plain, but its implications were intricate.

A scowl, escaped me as I allowed my eyes to roll. What's the worst he could do?

"Don't do that again," he stated firmly as he placed the food in his mouth and looked at me with a piercing gaze as if he was about to devour me.

"Do what?" I asked innocently, trying to appear as if I had no idea what he was talking about.

"Roll your eyes at me, darling," the endearment dripped like honey, a promise and a warning entwined. "I won't have it," his voice held a conviction that dared me to defy it.

"Or what, William? What are you going to do about it?" I asked, feeling emboldened. It must have been the wine, but we were both very sober right now.

"Roll your eyes one more time and see what happens," the dare hung between us, the unspoken tension drawing taut lines.

I decided I didn't want to find out and turned my attention back to my food. We ate silently, and when we were done, we stepped out of the restaurant. We got into the car, but instead of dropping me home, we went in the exact opposite direction.

"This isn't the way to my house" I look at him in the seat next to me with confusion, I'm whispering even though the partition is rolled up and Albert can't hear us.

"I'm aware, " he replies.

"I'm not going to sleep with you, Mr Henderson, so I suggest you tell Albert to drive me home," I said, fidgeting with the door handle, which was unfortunately locked.

"Why are you so quick to assume the worst in me, darling ?" He finally turned to me and raised his eyebrow in amusement.

"Because you're a man and I am a woman," I replied, and his expression changed from amusement to the usual detached one.

"I would never touch a woman without her consent Miss Harper. We are going to a family friend's house for dinner,  she would like to meet you," he said, his voice now a little more subdued.

We spend the rest of the car ride in silence and soon enough, we reach a large modern mansion with three security checkpoints. It's surrounded by giant fruit trees and all types of exotic plants, making it look like a paradise.

"Remember the storyline and stick to it, she can tell if you're lying and isn't really a fan of it," Willam says as he helps me out of the car. I couldn't help but chuckle at his warning.

I was sure I could handle whoever I was going to meet, no matter how intimidating she may be. He places his hand on my waist and guides me into the house and I'm immediately captivated by the beautiful mixture of nature and high technology. The giant windows and open sky view were breathtaking, and the plants added a touch of serenity to the atmosphere.