Chapter 28: Chapter Twenty-Seven ✓

Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Emberly's POV:

"Cherry, are you sure you can afford this place?" I whispered in her ear while checking the place out.

"Relax babe, you know John right? He is paying for all this." She replied, waving at a few people like a total diva.

John was Cherry's cousin and boy was he gorgeous or what? I use to have a major crush on him during my high school days but then he moved away to live with his father. He was popular amongst everyone and a total heartthrob. He was your typical good-looking basketball player who was loved by many.

Since I was Cherry's best friend, he knew I existed. But I did have to admit he was all beauty, when it came to brains he was dumber than I imagined. Even though he was two years older than me, I offered to be his tutor for chemistry. Big mistake! I had thought it would be the two of us alone and like a hormonal teenager I thought we might've had something in common and that we would've clicked in some way but I was so wrong. Let's just say after a week I was begging my chemistry teacher to find him another tutor and my crush was long gone.

Cherry sure knew how to throw birthday parties. However this time she hadn't felt like throwing a party. Since, according to her, she was 'mature' now, she held her birthday party at a fancy restaurant. She invited her cousins and her friends from college and work. She told us to dress classy. John booked half of the place and he did a fine job choosing the restaurant. It was fabulous. Everything around here was classy, I loved the whole ambiance and it also had a homely touch to it.

Luckily, I had a half-day at work and shockingly I didn't see Arran at all the whole day. I found out he hadn't been in today and Lauren said it was due to a personal reason so I didn't pry much. I could tell Lauren was excited to spread the gossip but I pushed her away grumpily. I had felt like calling him and asking him but I brushed the thought off. I didn't want to appear as a nosy assistant and what if he questioned me? If he wanted to tell me he would've notified me. I never thought I would admit it but I had missed him so I did end up emailing him, asking if I was required to do other work but he replied in a single line that said no and that I could have the rest of the day off. It was strange but it did give me time to get ready and help Cherry get ready.

Coming back to the gathering, everyone was looking their best. However, Cherry stole the night with her long, black dress. It was a low, neckline dress with a slit at one side. She tied her hair in a high, clean ponytail and she only wore the small diamond studs I gifted her with. I, on other hand, wore a royal blue dress. It had a beautiful diamond brooch on the waist and a surplice neckline. The pleaded skirt stopped at my knees and I wore silver high heels that matched the brooch and my earrings. Cherry, the expert she was, styled my hair in waves.

Cherry introduced me to her friends and even though I went to the same university as her, I didn't know them at all, the reason being that Cherry was majoring in art and design whereas I was majoring in applied chemistry. Her cousins were also present which was a surprise because she didn't get along with her cousins. It was kind of awkward for me since I was not a social butterfly but I tried my best to be polite.

Hearing them talk about college life made me realise how much I was missing out. The studies, the exams and even partying, it seemed so much more fun than making coffee for my boss. Even though Cherry was my best friend I couldn't help but feel left out. I couldn't sit still hearing them as they gushed about some professor that I had no clue about.  There was a time when we use to do everything together and now she was laughing with people who I didn't even know. Despite that I smiled, I didn't want to ruin her night. But I couldn't bring myself to be interested in what they were saying. I felt a lot older than they were. Maybe, that's what happened when you worked for a CEO of a leading company.

I thought about wasting some time in the toilets rather than listening to them talk about the university faculty. Maybe that way I wouldn't be looking so bored every time someone said 'oh do you remember the time...' I didn't want Cherry to feel guilty and bless her she was really happy tonight. On my way I bumped into someone. Great! Just what I needed. I hoped he wasn't carrying anything. Acting purely on my instincts, I opened my mouth to apologise but stopped midway. My eyes widened when I saw the person who I had collided with. Seriously Jesus...?

"Arran, what are you doing here?" I questioned him suspiciously.

He looked as surprised as I was. He was in his black business suit with a black shirt and a matching tie. Oh my, I think I died a little. Why did he have to appear everywhere I was? What I had really meant to say was where were you today? Before he could reply, a girl with jet-black hair appeared and snuggled closer to Arran. She was in a long, red gown and did I even need to mention she was beautiful. It seemed like the only girls he knew were models. I gave him a confused look and he also looked taken off guard.

"I'm here with Lucy." He said slowly, watching me carefully.

Oh, this was Lucy. How could I forget her? She was the one who he went to after kissing me, leaving me bewildered and then in morning he had told me to send her something. Of course he would. Wait... what? Why was he here with her? Then what about that girl who I had met in the mall? Weren't they supposed to get married soon? Why was he here with one of his flings? I opened my mouth to ask him but John's voice stopped me.

"Hey Emberly what are you doing here? Everyone is waiting for you." He smiled gently at me.

My eyes darted towards Arran and found him scowling at John. I literally felt a light bulb lighting on top of my head.

"Yeah, just give me a minute. In fact honey, meet my boss." I said in an overly sweet voice.

John scrunched his eyebrows together in confusion. I pleaded through my eyes, hoping he would get the hint and play along.

"Honey?" He questioned me doubtfully.

"Yes, boyfriend." I forced a smile.

"What?" I heard Arran say loudly.

One problem at a time please.

"What...?" I didn't mean to snap at him.

"Boyfriend?" He raised his brow and questioned me.

It's not like you would care. You have a beautiful girlfriend and yet  you were roaming around with your fling. Oh god, don't tell me they were cheating behind her back. But Arran didn't look like someone who would cheat. I tried to think logically that maybe they were here for business related work but seriously who throws themselves at their business partner?

"Arran meet John, he mastered in computing and John meet Arran." I introduced them both.

Okay, I lied. John was a college dropout and he worked in a garage but I wasn't telling him that. Arran stiffened and frowned. Nevertheless, he shook hands with a very amused John who kept glancing my way knowingly.

"Wait... the Arran? Like Arran Raymond? Wow man, it's nice to meet you." John obviously was baffled.

"Nice to meet you too. Emberly meet Lucy. She is an entrepreneur." He smirked and said mockingly.

I glared at Lucy, not even caring about my manners. She smiled and I forced one back. That moment I felt like ripping them apart. I could almost see Arran puffing his chest in pride.

"Oh finally going after a brainy one eh?" I said sarcastically as I watched him glare. "Do you know John here can play piano and guitar? Isn't that incredible?" I said, caressing John's cheek lovingly who was gawking at Arran.

Again, I lied. The only thing John knew how to play was a radio. I told you he was not the brainy one. Arran looked beyond pissed now and I hated to admit but it was very amusing. He had his fist curled in to a point where you could see his knuckles turn white.

"Really...? Well, Lucy here can play three more instruments, including violin and sitar."

Si-what? Sure she knows. She also knows how to play with others lives. I might sound rude but I had no respects for people who messed with other people's lives. I felt like knocking some sense into Arran's head.

"John here is fluent in French. Aren't you John?" I cooed but glared at him at the same time, warning him to keep his mouth shut.

"Well...." John hesitated but he appeared a little scared. What could I say? I did get scary when I was angry.

"Lucy here is bilingual. She is fluent in German and Spanish." He turned his attention to Lucy who flushed and smiled beamingly at him.

I turned red in fury.

"Uhmm Arran... Seriously it's nothing." She said shyly.

Liar.

"That is great, well John here is excellent in Italian cuisine." I smirked and taunted him.

John on my side was getting nervous now. We both knew he was as rubbish as I was. At least I could cook a pre- cooked meal without setting the house on fire.

"Lucy can hire ten chefs who can cook Italian, Japanese, Chinese and everything. You name it and they'll make it." He wrapped his arm around her slender waist and brought her close.

He had to rub it in didn't he? Of course she could afford to hire them. She must've been as spoiled and arrogant as he was. I was fuming at this point. I could see both John and Lucy looking very pissed at our verbal war.

"John has an army background." I said angrily, taking one step closer.

"Lucy's mother is cardiologist." He did the same, taking a step closer.

"John has traveled around the world." I glared at him with a deathly look.

I had to prove to him that John was better than Lucy no matter what.

"So has Lucy, she even went..." He stepped closer.

I guess he was taken aback when he realised that no more than three inches were separating us. We had no idea we were this close and my breath hitched at our proximity. His head was bent down towards me and his brows were creased like he was thinking about something really hard.

An annoying part of me was telling me to take a step back but I felt like my feet were stuck. I could feel the heat radiating off his body. I couldn't move or think straight as his green orbs were alluring me. A soft cough brought me back to my senses. I took a step back and glared at the waiter who interrupted us. He smirked and winked at me.

I took a deep breath, controlling my breathing. I hoped no one had seen that. What would John think? Shit what would Lucy think? Not that I cared but still she came with him. I looked over his shoulders and found no one.

"Where the hell is Lucy?" I laughed and looked at him smugly. Looks like his ever so talented Lucy had disappeared into thin air.

"Where the hell is John?" He taunted back with a smile.

I turned around and looked for John. That sellout. I pressed my lips together.

"I can't believe they ditched us." I said unbelievably.

He rolled his eyes. However, his eyes turned softer. We didn't say anything to each other. I could feel his eyes on me but I concentrated on counting the buttons on his shirt.

"Your boyfriend must be waiting for you. He is a lucky guy. I'm happy for you Emberly." He said slowly, brushing his thumb on my cheek tenderly and gritting out the last bit.

Just that small gesture made my heart thump painfully loud against my chest. I smiled at his forced words. He did mean it though which melted my heart instantly.

"He is not my boyfriend. In fact, I don't have a boyfriend." I admitted honestly.

This whole fake boyfriend thing was a headache. I seriously didn't know how girls did it. My fake boyfriend practically gave Johnny Depp a run for his money. I didn't see the point. Just because I was jealous didn't mean I had to prove something to him.

He tilted his head, surprised. I felt his shoulders lowering as his whole body calmed. He had a faint smile on his lips.

"Same here." He muttered.

Yeah, that's because you have a fiancée now. I thought bitterly but nevertheless smiled.

"I didn't know you were into guys." I teased him.

I waited for him to get offended but he laughed. He actually laughed. He gazed at me with an unreadable expression. I tucked a loose strand behind my ear, nervously.

"Lucy is just a friend. I'm helping her sort some documents out." He cleared out.

Well it's a good thing they weren't cheating. I was kind of relieved to find out he wasn't two timing but still I wasn't sure why I was not feeling glad.

"She seemed pretty close. Are you sure...?" Those words slipped out before I could stop them.

Damn.

He smirked but didn't say anything. It seemed like he was having an inner debate. His eyes roamed over my body for a second before coming back to my face. I grew nervous. Maybe it was my dress, I bet he thought I looked ridiculous but even I had to admit I looked good today. I slowly ran my hands over my dress, smoothing any wrinkles. Maybe sensing my discomfort, he shook his head a little and chuckled deeply.

"You are incredibly beautiful Emberly. Any guy would be lucky to have you." He said slowly after a while causing me to miss a beat.

He thinks I'm beautiful.

He thinks any guy would be lucky to have me.

That was the nicest thing he ever said to me. So far, I had only heard him calling me heavy and unbelievable. I smiled wholeheartedly.

I leaned over and kissed his cheek slowly causing him to stiffen. I don't know why I kissed him but knowing how hard it was for him to complement me, saying thank you would have been too small of a gesture. He smiled again. Damn, that girl is really lucky to have him. I thought sadly.

"I have to go back now." I said, not meaning one bit.

I wanted to stay with him, talk to him. Was it weird if I said I actually enjoyed spending time with him? When we weren't fighting we made a pretty good pair. Pair... Damn, damn, damn. Emberly, don't cross that line. Don't be that girl. Mom taught you better than to go after a committed guy, no matter how ridiculously handsome he was.

"Yeah and I must find Lucy." He said looking around.

"Bye Arran. Have fun." I whispered, feeling my heart constrict.

I turned around and smiled sadly. Who ever she was, I wished her all the best. He might come across as arrogant and rude but I knew that deep down he cared for people who meant a lot to him.

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Edited by Mia (76ROSE) < thank you so much hun x seriously you are the best :D x

Wow, so 'AHS' finally managed to hit 1 millions reads :D The.Best.Feeling.Ever :D thank you everyone :D it wont be possible without your support. I don't know what else to say expect than I hope I never let you guys down and thank you for every vote, comment and follow :D

Okay here's the thing. Someone said that the guy who is playing Arran (Arran Sly) :P looks way too young to be 24 years old. So what I mean is, do you guys prefer someone else playing Arran or are you don't mind or care? :P If yes, then mention on a comment below and the actor/model that has majority comments will be the new Arran *weeps* :P (should have black hair and green eyes and should be somewhere between 21-27 of age)

Here's the next chapter, hope you guys enjoyed it :D all of those who said they hate cliché, this one is for you. Don't worry, I'll explain who this mystery girl is very soon ^.^

Hope you guys enjoy it, please leave a comment, vote and follow x

Love, Ameerh x