Chapter 41 A Simulated Relationship (1/2)

”Let's fake a relationship,” he said lowly.

She furrowed her eyebrows. ”And what are we going to do then?”

”Like, we can go on dates and stuff–like pretend we're together,” he explained.

Essie frowned, not really knowing what Zac was implying. ”So, you mean we pretend to actually be a couple? Like one of those reality shows?”

”That's right!” Zac gave her a thumbs up. ”I know that you haven't been in love before, so I'll make sure to make this experience unforgettable.”

'Why are you being so kind-hearted? What are you thinking?' These thoughts raced through Essie's mind as she stared at him reproachfully. ”If you really want to play couple, then you could ring Mandy up. I'm sure she'll love that.” She scoffed.

His smile faltered and he tightened his grip around her waist. ”Do you really want me to find another woman?”

Her lips curled. ”Well, that's your business, isn't it?”

”Really?” Raising his eyebrows up in the air, he stared at her like an artist looking into the person's soul. ”Then why were you so angry when I was with Mindy?” he asked.

”I'm not. I was just defending Mandy's honor.” Essie lowered her head unconsciously as a blush coated her cheeks. She didn't know why she was so flustered by his question. Her hands fidgeted. He didn't allow her to brush it off. Zac grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. ”Are you sure?”

”Yes!” she answered decisively, without giving herself time to think. However, there was a mysterious ache in her heart that she just couldn't express. Instead, she decided to bury it, hoping that she wouldn't be able to feel it in the future.

A hint of disappointment flashed across his face. Frowning, his eyes darkened similar to a deep abyss. ”Since you're being so generous,” he snapped coldly. ”I won't let you down.” Without giving her a chance to reply, he let her go and strode straight to the doorway.

Essie's jaw dropped. Was he really going to do it? Thinking of him holding another woman in his arms, the mysterious feeling she had buried started to spread like wildfire. She ran up to him. ”Hey!” she called. ”I didn't say I wouldn't play pretend. There are just rules that we need to abide by.”

He finally stopped. ”What rules?”

”You shouldn't kiss me, hug me, or even try to sleep on my bed. Are we clear?” She placed her hands on her hips and glared up at him.

”Okay.” His eyes glinted. Although he wasn't allowed to kiss her, she didn't say anything about touching her. As for sleeping on her bed, that's fine as well, since she didn't say anything about sleeping on his bed.

The next morning, Essie went to the hotel. She didn't know what tricks her parents were abo

Drugged one night by her ex-boyfriend, a mysterious man took advantage of her in an ecstatic night filled with sex.