6

Irene’s POV:

Walking out of the busy and vast hallway of campus, I saw Mona with her chicks talking  about something. Moving her hands unnecessarily, she giggled. Dressed in a crop top, and shorts, flaunting her curves. Always the centre of attention. Every boy lusted over her. All girls secretly wished to be like her. The delicate material of her top was already telling how expensive it could be but the pearl necklace and earrings were making it more mesmerising. I didn’t realise I was staring at her standing in the middle of the hallway, when the mirror in front of me caught my attention. Sweatpants and the sweatshirt I was wearing were very old. May be three years. Shopping became a luxury since my mother died. Many things were different now. My face was pale, bones were prominent. My hair tied in a bun. 

I always hated these moments. Comparing myself to her. It was stupid for several reasons. But I cannot control it. I always felt poorer when she was around. 

“Heyy Irene,” high pitched tone, waking me up from my thoughts. Arms folded against her chest, her black hair was styled nicely. Front portion of her hair was slicked back secured by a pearl clip. Black eyes amused by the sight of mine. Her lips curled up. 

“I was just wondering,” she paused, suddenly she was so interested in her manicured hands. Straightening her hands to have a proper look of her nails she continued, 

“Did you have breakfast,” she started laughing. Sandy and Ginny, who always copied Mona, were also dressed like her, but they looked horrible. Standing behind her, they joined Mona laugh. 

“No, but can I eat your brain?” I responded in a mean tone, almost matching her attitude, raising an eyebrow. Her face felt a bit confused. Her smile was almost fading, when she said,

“Whaht?” she scoffed, more like she tried to scoff. Covering my forehead with the palm of my hand, I acted like finally remembering something. 

“Oh my God, It’s hollow. There is nothing like a brain in your head,” I directed my fingers to her head. I saw Sandy and Ginny, looking at each other. Hiding their smirk. I turned my back to her, not feeling necessary to have a look of her twisted features. 

I heard her voice calling me b*tch. I was satisfied, she was pissed herself in an attempt to make me feel bad. With that victorious feeling I walked out of the campus.

Strange tingling started to appear in my stomach. Nervous and sick feeling. “Okay, this is what it is,” I inhaled and then exhaled. Trying to calm myself. It was not far. So I decided to walk. There was no need to waste money. It was almost twenty five minutes walk. I succeeded in keeping myself calm for the most of the time. But as I was advancing to my destination, it was becoming more and more unbearable. I stopped when it was in front. Tall building standing in front me. Shiny cars parked outside.  I saw a girl walking out of the large shiny glass door. Lean body, wearing everything expensive. Shiny. Her walk was already complementing her style. She was coming from the place I don’t belong. Or more like I can’t belong. It was not just about doing the job. But I wanted to feel right. All I felt was that it just made sense. I want money. Or I will die. Thousands of thoughts were crowded in my mind. I shrugged my shoulder before I started walking towards the building. 

I was surprised to see Raven as I entered. He greeted me with his professional smile. There was no one at the reception. The large hallway was empty. But as I observed a bit more, there were some people. But not many. I was following him to the elevator. My wandering eyes were noticed by him. Pressing the buttons on the elevator, he tried to answer my unasked questions, 

“We called the day off early, as we don’t want anyone to see you.” A cold chill passed through my whole body. There were several concerns or more like scenarios that built up in my head. Alone in this building. I tried to hide the emotions that were showing up on my face. As the elevator stopped. We both stepped out. The big glass walled hall was deserted.  The horror of my thoughts forced my body stuck to the spot and the most stupid words were blurted out of my mouth. 

“Can we do it tomorrow,” the stupid smile resting on lips was not planned. 

“Is anything wrong?” he turned with questioning eyes.

“Yeah, I just feel sick,  actually.” Well I did feel sick for several reasons. 

“Okay, but at least we should discuss the contract. Terms and conditions, you know. You can take your time for signing it.” There it was. I had no option left, except to nod and follow him to his office. I straightened my posture getting myself ready for- I don’t know- fight?

Kian’s POV:

 Awkward silence prevailed, as she sat in front of me. Her eyes were somewhat worn out. But she was forcing them to stay active, looking all around my office. Like she was finding something. Raven excused himself for a moment. She was not still. Shaking her legs. Twisting her neck after every second. It was annoying. She was not calm, as she was when we met at her house. Impatience was always something I hated the most. It makes you do stupid things. Not that I was always calm, but I had never regretted the decisions I made when I was angry. Raven wanted to do this meeting at my house. Which I felt totally unnecessary. So I decided to call the day off early, so that we can do it here. 

Raven reappeared with a khaki file cover. He placed it in front of it. She started to open it. Her hands were not manicured, but fingers were slender. Delicate. She started to read the contract. Raven and I have already discussed the terms. And I was satisfied. Her eyes suddenly bulged out while reading. She lifted her head and stopped her gaze at Raven. Tucking a few stray strands behind her hair, I saw the veins of her neck popping out, prominently. Green lines were decorating her olive complexion. I was silent from the moment she arrived. Dressed  in a beige coloured shirt paired with brown jeans, our outfits were matching. What I hated. Beige sweatshirt with brown sweatpants. Hazel green eyes shifted to me, and I realised at that moment I was staring at her. Her eyes turned back to Raven’s face. 

“T-ten million?” her voice stuttered. 

“Yes, this is the amount you would get at the end of the contract.” Raven explained. Turning to her, he turned some pages and putting a finger on the paper he continued,

“In this entire time, your expenses will be covered by us. Your bills, and your loans. And  your study expenses, even your grocery. With a monthly ten thousand dollar allowance in addition.” Her mouth was wide open. It made me smirk. And I picked a handful of nuts from the glass bowl resting in front me. It was amusing, this shocked look of her. 

She turned her face to me, “What do you find so funny?” she tilted her head, raised her shoulder a bit. 

“Hmm? Nothing,” I acted innocently. 

She rolled her eyes. 

“I also want to discuss something,” her head was facing Raven again.

“Sure.”

“My own schedule. It’s not very flexible. Like-,” she paused.

“The amount of money we are offering you, makes it your concern to adjust your schedule,” my voice was stern. Putting a cashew in my mouth, my gaze returned the same energy she was giving me. 

“Oh no, Miss Spencer, it’s not like a nine to five job. We can adjust the timings,” Raven completely ignored my words. I rolled my eyes at him. 

“Can I- like- can you brief me about what exactly I have to do?” she moved her hands, while asking for an explanation.

“Yes, “ he started to drag the chair that was beside her, facing it in front of her. He sat on it. 

“So, the thing is- you and Kian will be shown as couples,” his hands moving to my direction. And another eye contact happened. Which lasted for like two second when Raven continued again,

“You guys will deliberately go out. And your videos or pictures will be captured. Sometime by our own cameraman and will be posted anonymously. To make it viral. Sometimes, the paparazzi will capture you. That will be better too and will look natural.” she nodded as Raven explained.

“In the start your identity will not be disclosed. But after some time, we will deliberately reveal your identity. And Kian will announce his marriage.” His words were a bit reluctant at the end of the sentence. 

“You will be provided with security, as It will be dangerous to walk freely after being revealed.” She listened to everything calmly. 

“And yes, you will have to live in Kian’s house after being announced,” he said casually before he stood up from the chair. 

“What!!?'' We both shouted simultaneously. Catching a weird look from Raven. 

“You didn’t say this earlier,” I almost didn’t recognize my own voice. 

“It’s- obvious, you will have to live in the same house,” he explained. Yes it was obvious, but how the hell, I forgot this. I didn’t want her in my house. It was already weird enough to see her. 

I looked at her, she was staring at the ground. When she spoke again, her voice was unexpectedly energetic, “ It’s- umm- tell me if I am wrong, so we are going to PRETEND that we are together?” she paused, Raven nodded as it was something she was waiting for. And then she continued, “ And we will pretend like we are hiding it? And then we will tell everybody they we are- ma-married?” she wanted to confirm. I didn’t know I was listening to her until I noticed her eyes on me. I nodded unconsciously. Raven spoke out, “ Yes, and you will be divorced after some time. The time isn’t mentioned there in the contract. But I assure you, it wouldn’t be more than two years. We will figure it out, later.”

I was sure it would end in a year. Because, once my next album was out. My music will be the only thing they will be talking about. 

“Do you have any more question?” Raven asked. She shook her head. She was silent. The door knocked, “I ordered some coffee,” Raven announced before walking to the door. While he was dealing with the delivery boy, I found myself twirling a pen in my fingers. As I caught a glimpse of her, she was biting her nails. Maybe she was nervous. Raven came with three coffee cups. Placing it in front of us. We both didn’t move. But then I heard her crooked voice.

“I think I should go, I just need some time to think.” 

Oh my God, women, she wasted all this time to just-. I released an exhausted sigh, which she noticed, of course. 

“Alright,” Raven voiced out, with a disappointed look on his face. I saw her standing up. Raven joined her. Hanging the black leather bag on her shoulder, she turned to Raven.

“Bye,”

“Bye,” he almost whispered. She started walking towards the door. 

I looked at Raven. We had a long conversation before this meeting. In which he argued with me to just stay silent not to say anything mean. Which I did. Okay, except that one time. I was doing good. And she just. I lifted my hand ready to hit the table. When she turned to us. 

“Actually,” her eyes were roaming at both of us. My hand froze in the air.