Chapter Five

" Is it Michelle?"

I swerved immediately, wondering how on earth he knew her name. Though I was popular, however, my best friend wasn't, she invariably finds a way to evade anything that would make her viral, although one time she did go viral but with my name attached to the story as her best friend.

" Yeah, her."

" She is with some guy, call her and let her know you are with me."

I hesitated for a while, but I still grabbed my phone from my purse and dialed her number.

" Hey! I will step out for a little while with someone. Don't freak out, it's Cole Manchester. For real. Alright, have fun." I hung up the call and shoved my phone back into my purse, then I wore my scarf and sunglasses back on.

" Why are you covering your face, who exactly are you hiding from?" He asked attempting to take my hand into his. I jerked his hand and folded my hands.

" None of your business," I mumbled and started walking ahead of him. I could feel the gaping scrutiny of people at me as I strode to the exit.

Let them continue gaping and wondering who it is in disguise.

Whilst we got to the exit, Cole placed his right hand on my shoulder. His grip on me made it difficult for me to push him away.

As expected, everyone in the mall turned their gazes at us, some had quickly taken out their phones from their pockets, while the fast ones are already recording. His security men walked in front of us and some were behind to quell the crowd from hovering all over us. Well, Cole to be precise.

We got to his car and portrayed some gentleman, he opened the door and I got into his car while he followed. I took a deep sigh and sank into the car seat.

I despised how I had to hide from everyone. I wasn't myself, I couldn't go out without trying to cover up who I am from the world, just so I wouldn't hear their negative thoughts about me.

I was always thick-skinned about the hostile things people say about me, however, my marriage crisis, hearing them talk about it reminds me of how each passing time takes so much away from me. Perhaps it was depravity for me to find love or a man who truly cared about me without being reminded of my age.

I slowly turned at gaped at Cole, who was busy scrolling through his phone. A mere glance at him made my rationale on why I accepted to follow him in the first place. I was not just known for being a wealthy businessman's daughter, I was also known for my strict and arduous nature. Unfortunately, the only trait I seem to have gotten from my father. I realized that being too proud of myself made people despise me each day, however, the unconditional love I got from the few people around me was what kept me sane.

" where are you taking me?" I inquired of him.

For once he took his eyes off his phone screen and turned to me.

" Somewhere exciting."

" Why?" The entire shenanigans that had been going on, don't seem to sit well with me. I wanted to know why he needed help from me of all people and why he seemed desperate about it.

" Please can you stop your interrogation just a second, okay?" He flawed at me and continued on his phone.

It seemed to be a long drive as I dozed off in his car, waking up immediately I noticed the car stopped moving. I squinted my eyes to try and make out where we are but I couldn't.

The door opened uncovering one of Cole's security men, I recall his face vividly because he was the one I almost picked a fight with at the mall. His eyes showed contrition but I didn't care less at that moment. Honestly, I was more apprehensive about where I am which seemed to be nothing I'd seen before. My grip on my phone tightened should in case I noticed anything fishy, at least I would be able to reach someone right on the clock.

I stepped out of the car, and my attention met with the luxurious mansion. The sound of music playing inside the mansion could be heard from where I stood. Party lights were beaming through the windows of the mansion and that's when I realized that it was almost sunset.

" how long was the drive... And where am I? " I murmured under my breath as I stood gazing at the picture in front of me.

" My Funhouse, sweetie," Cole whispered in my ears causing me to flinch. But I try to cover up my anxiety.

" Let's go, shall we?"

The place doesn't seem quite crowded given the sound of music and the lighting. It was merely a few guys hanging out with some girls and drinking booze. A few numbers of strippers were dancing on a pole as we made our way into the building, while Cole dragged me by my arm.

We went upstairs, getting to a hall with different rooms on each side, Cole opened one of the doors of the room by the left corner exposing a nicely furnished compartment or more like a cabaret. It has such a large space in it, a TV room, a bedroom, a sports room and a minibar in it. Everything looked elegant, and the fragrance in front of the flowers on the coffee table made the environment more soothing.

I turned to Cole but met him taking off his shirt, he even looked hotter with his shirt off. I gulped down the spittle in my mouth and quickly turned away from the burning hotness exuding from his sexy body. I heard him chuckle faintly but I ignored him.