Chapter 4
506words
In my previous life, Blake had already bounced by now. Why was he still hanging around?
When I got home from work and opened the door, I froze.
Flowers. Balloons. Candlelight. Gourmet food. Soft jazz.
What. The. Hell?
"Emma, today marks one year since we met."
I stared at Blake in his tailored suit, completely confused.
Seeing my blank expression, Blake waved his hand in front of my face.
"Earth to Emma. Where'd you go?"
I cleared my throat: "Thinking about you, obviously. About how much effort my baby put into this surprise. I'm so touched I could cry."
I faked being overwhelmed, nestling into Blake's arms and planting a kiss on his chin.
Blake held me tight, nuzzling the top of my head: "For you, anything."
I pinched my palm hard, forcing tears to my eyes. I looked up with a trembling lip: "Will you ever leave me? After all, I'm just a nobody from a no-name college with a dead-end job. Am I good enough for you?"
"Never in a million years!"
Seeing Blake's earnest expression, I laughed internally. Those were literally your words, asshole.
Now you're playing the devoted boyfriend for what? It's sickening.
"Really? You won't look down on me? Will you marry me someday? Is that in our future?"
At my questions, Blake froze for a split second.
Gotcha, you lying snake.
"Of course we will."
I didn't expect Blake to agree. Despite finding me repulsive, he was still committed to this charade. What wasted Hollywood potential.
I lowered my head, feigning joy, and buried my face in Blake's chest.
Blake gently pushed me back and retrieved a small velvet box from the table.
Seeing the box, my eyes lit up with dollar signs. Finally! After playing girlfriend for a year, whatever's in that box better be worth it.
"This is for you."
I eagerly accepted it, opened it, and saw... a plain red string bracelet.
What the hell? Is this a joke? A string? From a Wall Street billionaire? The Hayes heir gives me a piece of STRING? Are you for real?
If I hadn't mastered my poker face around Blake, I would've slapped him into next week.
"What's this?" I asked innocently, examining the red string like it might transform into a diamond.
Hmm... literally just a red string. No gold charm, no diamond, not even a semi-precious stone.
"It's a protection charm I got from a temple today. Wear it, and it'll keep you safe."
Go to hell with your entire ancestry! Internally, I cursed his whole family tree, but outwardly, I beamed with gratitude.
"Really? I absolutely love it. You're too good to me."
With that, I threw my arms around Blake's neck and planted a theatrical kiss on his lips.
Blake seized the opportunity to bite my lip, sucking on it like it was his favorite dessert.
Another sleepless night. As I drifted off, one thought remained: this cheapskate better still give me that check.
