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16. Attraction? 2
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Fake It With Me, Anita 17. Foreign feelings
ANITA'S POV Was it possible for a properly air conditioned limo to feel so hot? Because why does it feel like I'm in urgent need of air? Like I might pass out anytime soon because I was loosing my breath? I mean, fixing on a seatbelt shouldn't take more than a couple of seconds and at max, a minute or two. So why did it take forever for Ryan_freaking_Rivers to help me fix mine on? Not like I had asked for his help or anything, he probably had just done what any gentleman would've. A couple minutes stretching into a seemingly endless eternity, one that was so hot I'd temporally forgotten how to breath. The position, the aura around us, and his gaze had been so intense that even little Zach had to clear his innocent curiousity. Still feeling embarrassed that I had read a different meaning in his words some hours ago, and then flustered by how his gaze seemed to scrutinize me, coupled with the children's innocent cheering, I didn't know what to say or how else to react _it
Fake It With Me, Anita 18. R. Castle
ANITA'S POV Zach and Zara held my hands firmly as we walked into the huge castle-like manor. I had observed the faintest hint of surprise flashed in the butler's eyes when he saw us. Probably, he must have wondered how the young Mr. Rivers was coming back to the family home after a long while, and also with a new wife. I wouldn't blame him if you asked me. Ryan hadn't specifically told me why he needed to be married for a few months only. But I know it must be really important to him. I mean, the man even went on his knees for a total stranger. I took a quick glance around and took in the interior details of the structure quickly. The decor was mostly in bohemian style, and quite captivating to the eyes. I allowed myself wondered on how far the walk from the hallway to the living area was as we all walked in silence. Ryan's expression was still unreadable but his tension hadn't seemed to ease one bit. As though the middle aged clean-shaven Butler heard my thought
Fake It With Me, Anita 19. Family tradition
ANITA'S POV Right! She knows Ryan and I are faking it. But from the look of things, she was the only one aware of this fact in the Rivers' family. I had yet to properly formulate the right words in response to her not-so-brief outbursts of unexpected sentences, when we were interrupted. "Aunt K!" Zach and Zara had excitedly hugged her, seemingly tired of waiting for their turn for an embrace. "Oh, my sweet, little sugerpies." Kaia gushed. And as she squatted down to gather them in her arms, I was once again grateful for the twins' interruption. I couldn't tell if Kaia was being sincere with me or not, but one thing I'd observed; she had a better relationship with Ryan more than he did with the rest of his family who were still staring at us. I was proven right when Ryan didn't bat an eyelid but looked rather relaxed when she took the kids along to greet the rest of his family, leaving just him and I. Well, awkward... Or maybe not... I followed Ryan's footsteps,
Fake It With Me, Anita 20. A father and son
RYAN'S POV Going through the hectic process of greeting one elder to the other in my extended family, wasn't exactly what I'd love to be doing right now. Especially not when more than half of the so-called elders weren't really worth my time or even their titles. My gaze narrowed towards the man that earned the title of a 'father' to me by my birth, and my heart clenched with anger. I hadn't expected Grandma Verna to be enthusiastic at the sight of me, the old lady was never enthusiastic about anything, especially since the death of my precious grandpa_Reuben Rivers. But I was much grateful for step-grandma Carly's warm welcome. Right now, I had just finished greeting my dad's younger siblings, Uncle Williams and Aunt Jasmine, they were the two that had spoken up earlier when we'd arrived. And then, I had proceeded to greet Kaia's father, Hunter Rivers. He's step-grandma Carly's only child. His aloof response wasn't a surprise to me, the poor man had never really been ac
Fake It With Me, Anita 21. Her family
ANITA'S POV Seeing Ryan's burning gaze locked against his father's flaming ones, I knew I couldn't stand there and do nothing. Especially when everyone was watching, his kids included, and I had been the cause of the tension even though I hadn't been the one who instigated it. His father's questions were natural of any genuinely caring parent. But Jayson Rivers didn't seem to be a caring parent. At least, not to Ryan Rivers. I reached out a hand and gently but briefly touched Ryan's hand. After a few painful seconds, he turned his gaze to me and I gave him a subtle smile, hoping he'd read the meaning in my eyes. 'It's okay, let me speak.' Turning to Jayson Rivers now, I gave him a light smile. "You're right, father," His gaze returned to me and a brow raised even though slightly, in surprise. I continued. "I'm sorry I hadn't come visiting before the news of my relationship with your son, Ryan, broke the internet." I paused, knowing what I would say next might surprise ever
Fake It With Me, Anita 22. A hard lesson
ANITA'S POV I had painstakingly gotten Kristen to arrange for all these at a dying minute's notice and I'm so glad she was able to. Not like Ryan had asked me to, I just felt it was necessary to bring gifts along. I mean, it just didn't make sense to go see the in-laws _although fake_ empty-handed, especially when it's a first time visitation. My gaze met his and I saw the surprise in his eyes. He obviously hadn't expected it. And then, he smiled softly at me. His gentle gaze and the way he seemed to be looking at me with an unusual tenderness in his eyes, got me entranced and captivated in his world, the one he had just created for us with those eyes. I was so lost in this world of ours until I felt a sudden wetness on my chest area. I snapped back to the present immediately and my gaze leveled on none other than Benedicta; Ryan's Aunt, Jasmine's daughter. The silly girl had on a secret smirk at the sight of the ruin she'd caused. She looked so unrepentant tha
Fake It With Me, Anita 23. Becoming a monster?
ANITA'S POV I wasn't really one to go physical on anyone at all, most especially because I've experienced it first hand the damages physical abuse could cause. I hadn't really meant to slap Benedicta even though she deserved it, but the girl had pushed me too much I just knew I had to do something to shut up her loosed tongue. After we left the others at the dinning hall, on our little journey to the restroom, she hadn't bothered hiding her malicious intents anymore. I mean, I was just meeting the girl for the first yet she already harbored so much hatred for me that one would think I stole her boyfriend or husband. "You're just a miserable orphan with a little title to her name." She had said as we walked down the hallway and my eyes saw red. "Or do you really think that cold-hearted cousin of mine loves you? Oh, please, don't be so dumb..." She had continued as I walked into the restroom, following me in. "Ryan has only loved one woman all his life, and her last name
Fake It With Me, Anita 24. I want to make you feel better
RYAN'S POV Few minutes after Anita and my cousin, Benedicta, had left for the restroom, I had excused myself from the rest of the family, leaving Zach and Zara in Kaia's trusted care. Although I don't bet, but if i did, I would bet my favorite car that Benedicta had intentionally spilled her red wine on Anita's dress. The girl has always been a problem so I needed to go after them to make sure all went well, besides Anita needs me... Uhm, my jacket. However, I hadn't expected to hear Benedicta's loosed tongue spew so many fowl words at Anita when I got there and stood outside the door waiting. I was beside myself with rage as I listened to her talk. I hadn't really cared about her loosed tongue even when she had directed it at me several times in the past, but I knew from Kaia's endless tales how much of a nutcase the girl is. But now, all hell seemed to have let loosed as I listened to her cruel words. I'd seen her leaned in and whispered something in Anita's ear w
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Fake It With Me, Anita 28. A little war
RYAN'S POV Returning home earlier than scheduled after a hectic day at work with the aim to rest only to be welcomed by the news of your precious child in a dangerous situation, wasn't exactly what any parent would look forward to on a weekend. My eyes took in the scene of the kitchen immediately. From the look of things, Anita must have been playing chef with my children this time. It wasn't the first time I had seen her in the kitchen, however, it was the first time she'd be doing kitchen business with the children. But unfortunately, an accident must have occured. At the sight of Zara's face looking red from pain and tears, and her little palms slightly red _although it was being dipped in a bowl of ice_ my eyes twitched and my jaw clenched. Perhaps, Anita Richardson was taking her role too seriously and obviously needed a reminder that she was only a substitute. And 'that', for only a short time more... "It..it was an accident." She started to say, just as a flicker
Fake It With Me, Anita 27. Zara's hurt
ANITA'S POV It's been a few weeks since our visit to R Castle. During these weeks, I had kept on with my life as usual, but I was now balancing my schedules between modeling shoots, runways and being a mom and a wife to Ryan and his kids. I even attended school events of Zach's and Zara's that needed my attention with Ryan sometimes. And even played barbie princess, knight in shining armor, prince and whatever roles the kids wanted to take on during the weekend. And truthfully, I hadn't ever felt as happy and strangely fulfilled as I've been since I came into Ryan's family and met his children. These cuties were already healing a part of me they didn't hurt or even have an idea how it hurted or why it did. I knew now that I would be heartbroken when the time came for me to leave them and move on with my life. And strangely, a greater part of me dreaded that day. Aside from the night when I had returned from R Castle, I haven't experienced my usual nightmares again e
Fake It With Me, Anita 26. The miracle of his kiss
ANITA'S POV Ryan placed an arm around my waist as he led me back to the dinning room. The moment we arrived, all eyes turned on us. "Well, that took forever," Ryan's Uncle, Williams said, as he scooped soup from his bowl. "Perhaps they couldn't resist getting a quickie." Someone chirped and a few others coughed. "Ivan!" Jolie scolded again, "Don't you see there are kids here?" She added, finally paying some attention to the environment this time as she sent a warning glare at her brother. "What's a quickie?" Zara's innocent curiousity sent Aunt Maude and a few others coughing unnecessarily. Kaia leaned down and gently rubbed Zara's cheek. "Pay no attention to the adults, my sweetiepie. Here's your favorite cupcake just for you." I watched as Zara's eyes glistened with glee as Kaia handed her a piece of cherry flavored cupcake. Ryan's butleress, Renee Adams, had mentioned to me yesterday that Zara loves cherries and it was her favorite flavor as well. "And Benedic
Fake It With Me, Anita 25. Out of agreement
ANITA'S POV If anyone asked me what the longest day of my life was, someone might expect me to mention this day. But no, it's not today. Today's dramas were nothing compared to what I had been through in the past. And although, I've long moved forward, the shackles of my past however continue to weigh me down in form of trauma and those goddamned nightmares. If only I had thoroughly ignored that silly Benedicta, I wouldn't have been so riled up that I had to go through yet another unwelcomed episode of my traumatic life. And now, out of nowhere, Ryan and I are kissing! And of all places, it had to be in the guest restroom of his family's freaking manor! To top the list, what we're currently doing was clearly out of our agreement. And it's not like we both don't know. So what the fuck are we doing? Because this wasn't an act. It couldn't be called that. One moment, he was consoling me, speaking words of encouragement to me I hadn't ever received from any man before,
Fake It With Me, Anita 24. I want to make you feel better
RYAN'S POV Few minutes after Anita and my cousin, Benedicta, had left for the restroom, I had excused myself from the rest of the family, leaving Zach and Zara in Kaia's trusted care. Although I don't bet, but if i did, I would bet my favorite car that Benedicta had intentionally spilled her red wine on Anita's dress. The girl has always been a problem so I needed to go after them to make sure all went well, besides Anita needs me... Uhm, my jacket. However, I hadn't expected to hear Benedicta's loosed tongue spew so many fowl words at Anita when I got there and stood outside the door waiting. I was beside myself with rage as I listened to her talk. I hadn't really cared about her loosed tongue even when she had directed it at me several times in the past, but I knew from Kaia's endless tales how much of a nutcase the girl is. But now, all hell seemed to have let loosed as I listened to her cruel words. I'd seen her leaned in and whispered something in Anita's ear w
Fake It With Me, Anita 23. Becoming a monster?
ANITA'S POV I wasn't really one to go physical on anyone at all, most especially because I've experienced it first hand the damages physical abuse could cause. I hadn't really meant to slap Benedicta even though she deserved it, but the girl had pushed me too much I just knew I had to do something to shut up her loosed tongue. After we left the others at the dinning hall, on our little journey to the restroom, she hadn't bothered hiding her malicious intents anymore. I mean, I was just meeting the girl for the first yet she already harbored so much hatred for me that one would think I stole her boyfriend or husband. "You're just a miserable orphan with a little title to her name." She had said as we walked down the hallway and my eyes saw red. "Or do you really think that cold-hearted cousin of mine loves you? Oh, please, don't be so dumb..." She had continued as I walked into the restroom, following me in. "Ryan has only loved one woman all his life, and her last name
Fake It With Me, Anita 22. A hard lesson
ANITA'S POV I had painstakingly gotten Kristen to arrange for all these at a dying minute's notice and I'm so glad she was able to. Not like Ryan had asked me to, I just felt it was necessary to bring gifts along. I mean, it just didn't make sense to go see the in-laws _although fake_ empty-handed, especially when it's a first time visitation. My gaze met his and I saw the surprise in his eyes. He obviously hadn't expected it. And then, he smiled softly at me. His gentle gaze and the way he seemed to be looking at me with an unusual tenderness in his eyes, got me entranced and captivated in his world, the one he had just created for us with those eyes. I was so lost in this world of ours until I felt a sudden wetness on my chest area. I snapped back to the present immediately and my gaze leveled on none other than Benedicta; Ryan's Aunt, Jasmine's daughter. The silly girl had on a secret smirk at the sight of the ruin she'd caused. She looked so unrepentant tha
Fake It With Me, Anita 21. Her family
ANITA'S POV Seeing Ryan's burning gaze locked against his father's flaming ones, I knew I couldn't stand there and do nothing. Especially when everyone was watching, his kids included, and I had been the cause of the tension even though I hadn't been the one who instigated it. His father's questions were natural of any genuinely caring parent. But Jayson Rivers didn't seem to be a caring parent. At least, not to Ryan Rivers. I reached out a hand and gently but briefly touched Ryan's hand. After a few painful seconds, he turned his gaze to me and I gave him a subtle smile, hoping he'd read the meaning in my eyes. 'It's okay, let me speak.' Turning to Jayson Rivers now, I gave him a light smile. "You're right, father," His gaze returned to me and a brow raised even though slightly, in surprise. I continued. "I'm sorry I hadn't come visiting before the news of my relationship with your son, Ryan, broke the internet." I paused, knowing what I would say next might surprise ever
Fake It With Me, Anita 20. A father and son
RYAN'S POV Going through the hectic process of greeting one elder to the other in my extended family, wasn't exactly what I'd love to be doing right now. Especially not when more than half of the so-called elders weren't really worth my time or even their titles. My gaze narrowed towards the man that earned the title of a 'father' to me by my birth, and my heart clenched with anger. I hadn't expected Grandma Verna to be enthusiastic at the sight of me, the old lady was never enthusiastic about anything, especially since the death of my precious grandpa_Reuben Rivers. But I was much grateful for step-grandma Carly's warm welcome. Right now, I had just finished greeting my dad's younger siblings, Uncle Williams and Aunt Jasmine, they were the two that had spoken up earlier when we'd arrived. And then, I had proceeded to greet Kaia's father, Hunter Rivers. He's step-grandma Carly's only child. His aloof response wasn't a surprise to me, the poor man had never really been ac
