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493words
Laura, sitting across from me, told me to decline. I cited a meeting and hung up.
“Men chase women for the process of conquest. Make it too easy, and they’ll soon lose interest.”
I got it. “Playing hard to get, right? I can do that!”
Mark asked me out for two more times before I agreed, but I chose the venue—a high-end, members-only restaurant near a villa. So far Mark had bought my story completely.
Laura picked my outfit for me: a tailored dress with a suit, elegant and sophisticated, paired with pearl earrings from Luxe Jewelry.
Mark’s eyes lit up with awe when he saw me.
He noticed my earrings. “Miss Harper, you’re a fan of Luxe Jewelry?”
“They’re fine. Their designs are niche, less likely to clash. I like unique things—people or objects.”
I hinted, and Mark, sharp enough, caught it.
Dinner was a hit. I let him lead, dropping subtle prompts that delighted him.
I tossed out occasional questions, and his answers earned my well-timed praise, feeding his ego.
By the end, we had grown closer, and I friended him on Instagram.
My profile was curated by Laura, the oldest post was six months ago when I “returned” to the States.
I marveled at Laura’s meticulousness. How could someone so sharp let Mark cheat?
I shook my head. Mark noticed. “Something wrong? Food not to your taste?”
“No, just thinking life’s funny. First time I’ve clicked with someone like this. Shame...”
I trailed off, a flicker of regret on my face.
Mark knew what I meant.
I smiled. "Go grab a drink with me?"
He eagerly agreed.
He took me to a bar. Tipsy, we talked deeply. As Mark, emboldened by liquor, slid closer and grabbed my hand, I smiled.
Men are so predictable.
I didn’t pull away. He offered to read my palm, and I humored him.
Thanks to Laura’s spa treatments, my hands passed for delicate. Otherwise, I would have been exposed by now.
But then, a slap stung my face.
“You slut! Stealing my man! Mark, you lied!”
I was stunned, then recognized her—Emily Parker.
This wasn’t the plan. We weren’t supposed to meet yet.
But I wasn’t just gonna let her slap me like that.
I rose and slapped her back.
Emily exploded. “You hit me?!”
“Hit you? Should I check the calendar first? Do you know who I am?”
She lunged again, but Mark held her back. “Are you insane?”
“You, Mark! Cozying up with another woman behind my back, after all your promises!”
Mark panicked. I sneered, “You? Mr. Davis is my business partner, and his wife is a close friends of mine. You’re mistaken.”
“I don’t blame you, after all you knew nothing. But a girl like you, with him? Tsk.”
I scoffed, grabbed my bag, and left. Mark chased after me. “Anna, let me explain!”
Emily shrieked, “Mark, stop!”
