Chapter 7: PRETENDED TO BE SOULMATE

Sassy and Jack rolled up to the school in silence, their vibe is almost as tense as a stretched-out rubber band. The air was so thick with awkwardness, you could almost cut it with a butter knife. Each of them was determined to play the strong and silent type, but damn, it was getting pretty hard. They sat there, not saying a word, like two cold fish in an aquarium until they finally reached their destination. Jack couldn't help but hope that Sassy would give him a rundown of the rules or something. He wasn't just happy with being told what to do; he wanted all the juicy deets, the expectations, and even the pain that would come with missing the mark.

As the car pulled up to the school surrounding, Jack leaped out and quickly opened the door for her. His movements were strong and determined, conveying a sense of urgency and purpose. "Thanks!" I barked, my voice carrying a forceful tone.

"You're welcome," Jack replied smoothly, flashing me a charming smile. "Anything for a damsel in distress."

I rolled my eyes. "Please, spare me. I'm not some helpless princess in need of saving."

Jack chuckled. "Of course not. I'm just being professional."

I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Is that what you call it? Because you seem pretty damn romantic to me right now."

Jack's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh? And what makes you say that?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe it's the way you opened the door for me like I'm some kind of queen. Or how you're practically sweeping me off my feet with your urgent and purposeful movements."

Jack laughed. "Well, if that's what you want to call it, then I guess I'm being romantic."

I couldn't help but smile at his playful banter. Despite my frustration with the situation, Jack's charm and wit were starting to make me feel a little bit better.

He moved forward to go to the school gate, but I stopped him with a forceful tone. "Wait!" I commanded. He turned and looked at me, and I continued, "Firstly, don't call me miss, my name is Sassy, and again, no one has to know you are my guard, okay?" She hoped he would buy her explanation, as it wasn't the main reason she had called him. She could only imagine what he must be thinking of her right now - a weirdo. he asked with a cool tone, "Noted sassy, but if I am not your guard, what am I?

As he took a step back, he gave her a skeptical look. "My boyfriend? Sassy said "You didn't mention that before, Sassy," he said, still sounding unconvinced Jack said in a forceful tone

“My girlfriend "Jack then says, “what do you mean?" he asked, surprised by her reply. He spoke with a polite tone as he continued, "My boyfriend? What do you mean by that? Jack asks sassy responds “I don't want people to be asking me why you're always following me around." I would kindly request that you keep my having a bodyguard a secret from my father's enemies.

"Well, I didn't think it was relevant to our agreement at first," Sassy replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She knew she couldn't afford to lose him now. "But please, Jack, can you do this for me? I promise I'll make it up to you."

Jack hesitated for a moment, his eyes scanning her face carefully. "Fine," he finally relented. "I'll pretend to be your boyfriend, but you owe me one."

Sassy breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that he had agreed. "Thank you, Jack. I knew I could count on you."

As they walked towards the gate, Sassy tried to act as normal as possible, but her heart was pounding with nervousness. She couldn't shake off the feeling that people were staring at them, wondering why she was with a muscular, handsome guy like Jack.

When they finally reached the gate, Sassy leaned towards Jack and whispered, "Remember, no one can know you're my guard."

Jack nodded, grinning in amusement. "Don't worry, Sassy. Your secret is safe with me."

With that, he leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, causing Sassy's face to turn bright red. She watched him as he walked away, feeling both embarrassed and exhilarated at the same time.

Maybe pretending to have a bodyguard wouldn't be so bad after all.

"I don't want them to find out about this," I whispered urgently to jack

"But if we tell him to quit now, won't that solve everything?" she replied, her voice determined yet polite.

"Are you trying to test me?" I asked, my tone forceful yet respectful.

he asked her, his tone both forceful and courteous. "No, I'm not testing you," she replied sternly but respectfully. "Before he forgets, we need to remind him that it's fake information."

I was surprised at her assertiveness, but I knew deep down she was right. "But what's in it for him if he does quit?" I asked firmly, my eyes meeting hers with a hint of flirtation.

Before she could respond, the school bell rang out, cutting off our conversation. We knew we had to revisit this discussion later, but for now, our discretion was of the utmost importance.

"We're running late," Jack's forceful tone tried to shift the conversation. He couldn't believe the situation I had gotten myself into. Embarrassment washed over me as I realized my foolishness. I worried that Jack saw me as a proud child who believed they could handle everything alone. As I headed towards the gate, Jack's voice interrupted, "Let me help you, my girlfriend. It's time to start practicing the act now." As he opened the door for me, my embarrassment deepened. I knew I needed to be more cautious in the future and avoid silly errors. I responded with "Thank you, my boyfriend," playing along, secretly dreaming that it was genuine rather than a pretense.

They walked confidently into the school, impressed by its modern and luxurious design. The grounds were embellished with vibrant flowers and lush gardens, and the students had already gathered inside for the first day of class. They were busy with introductions and reviewing the schedule.