Chapter 8: Fraud

I glanced at Leo, waiting for his reply. And as I stared at him, I couldn’t help but look down at his lips and recalled his sweet kiss.

My heart pounded at the thought.

So, I took a deep breath as I averted my eyes from him and focused on the food on my plate.

Then I heard him clear his throat.

“Our family is like the world’s tallest mountain. Not everyone can reach the top," he replied figuratively.

I arched my brow as I wondered the meaning of his statement. And as I contemplated I slowly realized that my suspicions before were both right and wrong.

From the luxury brand of his suit to his grand villa. He could afford all of those not because of his hard-earned money but because he was really rich, contrary to what Angela told me.

“So, how wealthy are you?” I queried as I got interested if he would dare to tell me.

“If you can count the stars, you’ll know the answer to your question.” He declared before he took the glass of water and drank it.

I couldn’t manage to reply as I was stunned by his answer. I didn't expect him to be straightforward about it. And if he compared their wealth to the stars, it only means that it was boundless.

‘He’s not too arrogant, is he?’ I smirked at myself as I continued eating.

Subsequently, Sarah spoke while she was sitting in the seat next to me, “That’s why it's hard to be part of our family, Angela. Since there are several frauds and opportunists nowadays, we made our family profile confidential.”

I suddenly choked when I heard the word ‘frauds’.

‘Is she referring to me?’ I anxiously asked myself as I felt guilty about being a fraud.

Leo immediately handed me a glass of water.

While Sarah gently caressed my back and inquired in a concerned tone, “Are you okay?”

I drank all the water in the glass. Then, I cleared my throat before I replied, “Yes, Auntie.”

“Angela, I just told you earlier to call me Mom from now on,” Sarah insisted.

“Alright, M-mom,” I agreed as I smiled timidly even though I really didn’t want to call her that way.

“Good. Finish your meal. Our visitors are waiting for you.” She stated.

My forehead creased as I asked, “ Waiting for me?”

I wondered why they would wait for me as they already introduced me earlier. Then, I glanced at Leo with a questioning look.

“Yes, because I’m going to personally introduce you to them.” Sarah clarified.

“Is it necessary?” I questioned as I got nervous.

Sarah chuckled, “Of course! You’re now a part of our family. Don’t worry, it’s only a simple meet and greet.”

After I finished eating, I excused myself to go to the restroom. I wasn’t prepared for this event. Hence, I couldn’t help but be worried.

Sarah showed me the way to the restroom before I stood up from my seat. Afterward, I made my way through the opulent halls of the luxurious villa.

Following the guidance of a discreetly placed sign, I was impressed to discover a lavishly decorated corridor that led to the restroom. The walls were embellished with exquisite artwork and framed mirrors.

“Wow,” I uttered as I admired the spectacular appearance of the restroom. I forgot for a while the tension I was feeling earlier.

Afterward, I took a moment to stare at my reflection in the mirror. I asked myself if I could still continue pretending.

This welcome party only brought guilt to my heart. I thought that the more I got attached to their family, the more guilty I would feel because of my pretension.

Subsequently, I thought of calling Angela to tell her what I just discovered and to ask her if she could return as soon as possible as I could no longer do this.

However, my call wouldn’t connect. I only received an intercept message from the operator saying that the number I dialed was out of reach.

Nevertheless, I kept on trying. I still attempted to call her five more times. Only to give up in the end.

And since my call wouldn’t connect, I decided to message her instead.

'Anj, how are you? I hope everything is fine with you. And I hope you come back sooner because I can’t do this anymore. I'm afraid they might find out that I'm just pretending. And do you know what I just learned? Leonardo’s family is not just an ordinary family. They are crazy rich people, the opposite of what you told me. So please, return soon.'

I let out a heavy sigh after my message was sent. I was hoping that she would receive it and come back before it was too late.

I let out another sigh before I made my way toward the exit of the restroom.

As I walked back to the garden, I realized that Angela wasn't aware of the social status of Leo's family because as Sarah mentioned they made their family profile confidential. 

Still lost in my thoughts, I rounded a corner, inadvertently colliding with a tall figure. I raised my head to see the face of the man.

“I’m sorry,” the man apologized as he extended his hand to steady me. Then he added, “I should have watched where I was going.”

I was momentarily taken aback by the unanticipated encounter. Nevertheless, I quickly composed myself.

I smiled modestly as I replied, “You don't need to apologize. I was the one who wasn’t looking. I’m so sorry.”

A warm smile graced his lips as he uttered while extending his right hand, “No worries. By the way, I’m Jake.”

I couldn’t deny that the man was stunning, wearing a tailored suit that exuded sophistication, especially when he smiled at me.

“I’m A-Angela,” I responded as I accepted his hand.

Haist. I almost blurted out my real name.

“Yeah, I witnessed when you were introduced by the host earlier.” He explained, still holding my hand. Then he continued as he stared intently at me, “Anyway, nice name. It suits your angelic face.” 

Feeling uneasy by his gaze, I immediately withdrew my hand. And as I was about to reply we were interrupted by the sound of a door opening nearby.

We turned our heads and saw that it was Leo. I didn’t know but his presence made me feel relieved.

“Darling, what took you so long?” He asked lovingly which made me raise my brow.

‘Since when did he become sweet? And why was he calling me darling?’ I whispered at the back of my mind.