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8. How do we progress?
Huling Na-update:
2024-10-29 19:42:56RYAN'S POV
I adjusted my necktie as I stared back at my reflection in the full length mirror in my room. Thoughts of the media's speculations about me and Anita Richardson occupied my mind. It was easy for me to keep the reporters off my home because of my connections but how about her? She was only a famous model and was bound to face the heat of my decision some days back. If nothing was done, I don't think she would be able to hold up anymore. I paused on my attempt at buttoning my suit jacket, as a thought flashed through my mind. I wondered where she was staying at the moment but I quickly brushed off the thought as I knew her management would sort out the issue for her. But for how long? I sighed and buttoned up. Maybe I should just hold a press conference and tell the media everything. A strange chill ran down my spine at the thought and I stepped away from the mirror and walked to my bedside drawer to get my phone. "Doing that would be even more disastrous, Ryan." I said out loud to myself. The moment I picked my phone up, a notification popped up on the screen and I stared at it. It was a text from Jose. *Sir, Ms. Richardson would like to meet with you today.* My eyes widened and anticipation built in my heart instantly. Has she made a decision already? *Alright. Arrange a meeting immediately.* I texted back. As soon as I sent the message, I took one last glance at my appearance in the mirror before hurriedly walking out of the room. ___ I hurried into the display hall at the top floor of the private museum and glanced around for any sight of her. Jose had informed me she was here waiting for me. Anita had picked this location herself, he told me. 'Seeing how she choose to meet in public, does this mean she's considering my offer?' I wondered within me. I halted on my steps the moment I sighted her. She was staring at one of the exquisite art paintings displayed on the wall of the museum. Her back was turned in my direction so she hadn't seen me yet. Anita was dressed in a dark-green, handmade knitted female sweatshirt, a tight black leather pants and a handmade knitted clutch purse and black leather boots. Her long and wavy brunette hair, fell down her back, adding more feminity to her feminine bodily charms. Her sweatshirt and clutch purse was obviously one of the latest collections from the famous AMC brand. She had modeled for them in one of her recent commercials. It was a unique brand and their products worth all the hype they usually get. She suddenly turned in my direction and on seeing me, she waved a hand with a smile curving at a side of her lips. Well... What's with the change of attitude? Regardless, I smiled back and walked up to her. "Hello, Anita." "Ryan," she smiled. "Thank you for coming." She added and I nodded. Her lemon green eyes glanced around the vicinity briefly before it returned to meet mine. Leaning slightly towards me, she said in a low tune. "I am ready to fake it with you, Ryan." I stared at her with raised brows in slight surprise and she smiled and leaned back up, pursing her lips afterwards. "So, how do we progress?" I stared at her and smiled. I imagined this happening many times, but why am I surprised? "Let's sit somewhere private and discuss." I finally said and she nodded in agreement.Kaugnay na kabanata
Fake It With Me, Anita 9. You never told me you....
RYAN'S POV And so, I had my driver take us back to my company in my car. On the way, news report of Anita and myself had already circulated on the internet again. However, it was a different speculation and caption this time. *NEWS FLASH: LATEST CELEBRITY COUPLE ON A DATE AT A PRIVATE MUSEUM.* *The married couple, top model 'Anita Richardson' and 'Ryan Rivers' CEO of the famous Opulence Entertainment, were seen and captured looking all 'loved up' on a date at RR LARIA MUSEUM in city center.* Anita chuckled as I served her a cup of coffee latte which she received with appreciation. "Have you seen this?" She indicated towards her phone's screen at the trending news of us. I loosened the firmness of my tie and sat down on the couch opposite her. "Isn't this what you wanted when you had us meet in public?" I said lightheartedly. She stared at me from beneath her long lashes and smiled. "Still, whoever shot this photos didn't do proper justice to me. Your angle lo
Fake It With Me, Anita 10. Meeting his kids
ANITA’S POV My lips trembled at his words and my knees shook slightly beneath me, not minding the fact that I had two kids I was just meeting for the first time, called me 'Mama' with their little arms firmly wrapped around my legs in their embrace. They were quite identical and super adorable, with striking resemblance to their father, the boy most especially. Ryan's words just now kept reverberating in my head and my whole world seemed to have tumbled apart. The fact that I was a divorcée was a secret to all who knew me since I became Anita Richardson, even my agency wasn't aware of this; aside from Kristen, of course. This part of me, this dark past of mine was one that wasn't supposed to be ever heard of. But this man here... I felt the tears from my bewilderment and horror slowly cloud my vision. H-how did he find out about my past? How much of it does he already know? My eyes searched his piercing blue ones that were trained against mine. How great wou
Fake It With Me, Anita 11. Have you gone crazy?
RYAN'S POV I had just finished showing Anita around the villa and our last stop was at the in-house gym. "Oh, wow! This is gonna be my favorite place in your Villa. Wait, you even have a treadmill? Damn! This is perfect!" She exclaimed excitedly the moment we had walked in. She had talked about random things without confronting me about the fact that I have children and hadn't thought to mention it to her. I could sense her fear and could understand why she seemed to be avoiding questioning me even though she must have a ton of questions. She perhaps don't want to talk about her past. I silently observed her, as she moved from one gym equipment to another. I had noticed how emotional she got when Zach and Zara had embraced her, several minutes ago. But I had no plans to say anything regarding that. "Why aren't you asking any questions? I know you might have some." I said as I walked up to her. Anita paused on her attempts at lifting a dumbbell and stared at me
Fake It With Me, Anita 12. Forbidden room
ANITA'S POVRyan's Ex-wife? I stared at the approaching lady closely, and then sighed mentally at the sight of her familiar face. Tall, slender figure, long platinum dyed hair and a few stripes of pink. Damn! She changes her hair way too often. The last time I saw her was at Olive's bridal shower, and her hair had been dyed purple. In the entertainment industry, everyone knew we never saw eye to eye. And it was rumoured several times that we're rivals and always competed against each other. Kaia. She's the star model of Opulence Entertainment. And I am Starlight Entertainment's star model as well. What's Kaia Hunter's relationship with Ryan Rivers? Well, everyone knew they had a great relationship together and were seen at almost all gatherings. At one time, it was rumored that the star model and the CEO were in a relationship but the news had immediately died down as it came. Why? Because a new rumor had showed up. Kaia Hunter was Ryan's cousin. Watc
Fake It With Me, Anita 13. Come home
RYAN'S POV I was seething with rage internally as I tried to see Kaia off. "Ryan you have to reconsider your decision." She reached out a hand and stopped me by the arm the moment we arrived at the in-house lobby at the ground floor. Through the large top to bottom glass windows, it was easy to stare outside and clearly see the activities going on in the large, well structured yard. I inhaled sharply and she sighed softly before she continued. "You know, you can't avoid it forever. Not when the Rivers' bloodline runs through your veins." "I thought I already made my decision clear enough, Kaia. You should know me by now. I'm not welcomed there, so why should I bother?" I said through gritted teeth and clenched fists. If not because it's Kaia, my only dearest cousin and only real family to me now, as far as I'm concerned _ my kids aside of course_ I would have long thrown her out of my house. "Of course, I know all of that. But you have to endure this much for the sa
Fake It With Me, Anita 14: Fuzzy feelings?
ANITA'S POV A dreamless, yet peaceful sleep. I couldn't remember the last time I experienced such bliss. For the first time in many years, I slept soundly without having any nightmare. Well, how strange... I peeled my eyes open with a squint which eventually widened at the sight of the exquisite chandelier that stared back at me from the ornate ceiling of the unfamiliar room I was apparently in. However, before the first pangs of panic set in, I immediately recalled my situation. It's officially my first day as a substitute wife and mother for the renowned Ryan Rivers of Opulence Entertainment. How exciting! My mind screamed with sarcasm. Well, considering how I slept so soundly for the first time in years, this whole deal might not be a bad idea afterall. I closed my eyes in relaxation and content as my lips curved slightly in a faint smile. I wouldn't blame myself for feeling so free already, anything that could make me enjoy peaceful hours of sleep again w
Fake It With Me, Anita 15. Attraction?
RYAN'S POV An amused smile played at a corner of my lips briefly as I helped Anita wear her seatbelt. The faintest hint of a blush on her delicate looking cheeks was a somewhat funny sight to see. Earlier in the day, she had misunderstood me when I'd said she'd be playing the role of a substitute wife at night, thinking it was about the bedroom matters _a great temptation but it was never happening as gorgeous as she may be_ And then, she had been embarrassed when I had clarified what I meant a few minutes later. Since then, she had avoided making eye contact with me all day. Suddenly, a mental image of her and my kids cuddled up and peacefully asleep in her room flashed in my mind. It was an unusual sight I had seen when I returned home late at night and went to check on them in their rooms but couldn't find them, only to find them in Anita's room after hesitantly checking. Of course, I had been stunned and baffled by the sight but I didn't wake them up. Instead,
Fake It With Me, Anita 16. Attraction? 2
RYAN'S POV All these weren't quite obvious from a distance, except one was staring right at her from a close range. And I was in a hell-lot-a close range. I should stop staring but I wasn't even able to control my own goddamned eyes as they betrayed my reasoning and kept trailing down and down the slope of her neck and finally settling at her slightly exposed cleavage. She was wearing a decent yet lovely white floral dress, the kind that of dress that screamed fit for going to see the in-laws. Not quite exposed, and yet my gaze lingered for seconds more than necessary on her chest area as unusual thoughts occupied my mind. It was only a matter of seconds before my body betrayed me, sending a rush of adrenaline down a certain part of my lower region. My mouth dried as my eyes remained fix on her chest before slowing returning to her slightly pouted lips. If only she knew the goddamned thoughts going through my head right now, I'm certain she'd fly out the car before I ev
Pinakabagong kabanata
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
