All Chapters of Love Under False Pretense: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Ren looked around the apartment which felt emptier after her friend and his Grinch of a husband stepped out. She shrugged her shoulders at the neat state Andrea left her bedroom in. A few of the actress’ clothes were left in the closet, her foundation and face cream sat on top of the small vanity table, and the photos of everyone from her welcoming party.“Eh, might as well leave it the way it is.” Although Sebastian made a stand about Andrea never staying the night outside their home, she knew that wouldn’t last long.Ren sighed, “Jesus Christ, Andy. What did you get yourself into?” For a woman in her 20s working in the entertainment industry, getting pregnant was one of the worst things to happen to her. And Ren was familiar with how Andrea loved working.But she also knew all too well Andrea’s greatest weakness.The manager looked at Andrea’s schedule from next week until the end of the year. And although she left Josh’s movie, she still had a lot of engagements and public appeara

“All the sacrifices I’ve made, just to see you waste them away,” Laura doubled down on her guilt-tripping, watching Andrea squirm in her seat. She let out a few more heavy sighs after each sip of her wine. Becca smirked beside her as she enjoyed the unfolding scene.Andrea cowered on instinct. While she live with her mother, her speeches about sacrifice and repayment were always followed by a few slaps or hits from a belt. She firmly hugged her lower abdomen.“Don’t act like a victim here, Andy,” her mother continued. The tremor in Laura’s voice let her know that she was getting irritated. “When it’s me, your mother, who’s about to suffer because you got lazy.” She pretentiously dabbed a tissue in her eye to wipe a tear.“I don’t know what to tell you, Mom,” Andrea replied in a hushed tone. “I can’t predict what will happen in the coming months.” Depending on Sebastian’s response, it would either be a blissful retirement, or a forceful and humiliating leave from the industry.“And I j

Droves of maids went back and forth in the dining room as they served their employer’s dinner. The personal chef entered himself to bring the main course. “Herdwick lamb loin with Ramson leaves and flowers,” he announced while setting the plates.“Thank you, Manny. Everything is lovely as always,” Edgar Quinn said, taking in the smell and presentation of the dish with great pleasure. “Am I right, Lilith?” He looked at his daughter who was more interested in whatever was on her phone screen rather than the effort that their chef has put in for her visit to the Quinn estate.“Yeah, yeah,” she nonchalantly replied. Manny could only leave disappointed together with the rest of the staff while they leave the room as the Quinns dig in on their dinner.The faint sounds of silver utensils slicing through meat only lasted a few moments when Edgar said, “Why don’t you stay here with me? This is your house and I could only imagine what you eat while living in that condominium.”“Dad, it’s what I

“So what do you think?” Lilith held up two sheets each showing opposing designs. “In my opinion, these are the best of the bunch. But I have a hard time choosing between the two.” Andrea still couldn’t believe Sebastian would ditch her like that. She thought they had an agreement and that she was going to have her fitting next week. Why was it so easy for him to place Lilith first? “Earth to Andrea,” Lilith’s ethereal voice brought her back to reality. “If you’re not feeling well, just tell me. Trust me, I of all people would understand.” The mistress of the house wanted to agree for the visitor to take her leave. If only her husband hadn’t sent that message. “Hey, Lilith told me she’s coming over to the house to visit you. Hope you make her feel welcome.” Why, of course. It’s not like her arrival wasn’t straining their relationship, right? “Oh no, I, I’m fine. Just a-a little taken aback by those dresses,” Andrea stuttered, plastering a fake smile on her tensed face. “Aw, thank y

Andrea let out a shaky breath as she stood before the door of the psychiatrist Doctor Abel recommended. ‘Dr. Michelle Carlson’ was spelled in golden letters onto the wooden board. She looked around once more to make sure no one was there aside from her guard. The halls were empty. So she knocked softly, three times, before a woman’s steady voice answered, “Come in.” “Ah, Miss Andrea, welcome,” the older woman greeted Andrea as she shyly entered the office. Dr. Carlson, from her desk, motioned for her to sit on a plush chair. The actress obliged. “So, I’ve followed the protocols from the NDA and made sure that no one would be here during your visits. And that we would be using the excuse of physical therapy for your shoulder,” the psychiatrist informed Andrea as she got up from her office chair and moved towards her. Dr. Carlson took a seat on the chair in front of her. Andrea chuckled awkwardly, “Oh, thank you so much.” When she told Ren to make sure this was kept secret, she wasn’