LIORA

"What the heck?" Zoey exclaims in surprise. "You're now Dexter's girlfriend?"

"Fake girlfriend, Zoey, not the real one," I correct her.

We are seated on the couch, indulging in our movie night with chocolate ice cream. I recount the day's events to her, and by the look on her face, it seems like I just dropped a bomb on her.

"I'm gone for just a day, and you dive headfirst into this mess?" Zoey asks, wide-eyed, as she scoops a mouthful of ice cream.

"Come on, it's not that bad. I'm handling it fine," I defend.

"Liora, that's not handling it well. It's barging straight into the lion's den," Zoey says, gesturing emphatically with her hands.

"That's exaggerating. It's not as dire as you're making it out to be," I mutter.

Zoey rolls her eyes. "Tell yourself that after you start catching feelings for him." I nudge her and shoot her a look. "I mean, you already shared a kiss, so it's possible," she adds pointedly.

"Accidental kiss, Zoey," I correct her, taking a spoonful of ice cream.

Zoey scoffs, "A kiss is a kiss, accidental or not," her tone unimpressed.

I frown. "What's gotten into you? You're acting like a... well, you know."

Zoey sighs. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to. I'm just worried about you. I don't want you to do something you'll regret or get hurt. And I'm mad at you for not telling me about the situation. We could have taken care of the expenses. I could have borrowed-"

I cut her off. "That's precisely why I didn't tell you. I didn't want you to ask your father for money, and I wanted to handle this on my own."

"Fine, but remember, you can ask me for help with anything. I'd do anything for you, you know?" she says with a serious expression.

My heart warms at her words. I hug her and reply, "Yes, I know."

"I also have something to confess," Zoey announces. I pull back, taking another scoop of ice cream. "What is it?" I ask.

"Last time we went to the bar, I met someone, and we kissed-"

"What?!" I exclaim. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? It was days ago," I point out.

"I know," she drags out. I narrow my eyes at her. "Spill it," I demand.

"He turned out to be a playboy," she sighs. "The kiss was amazing like there was a connection. But after the kiss, he was surrounded by other girls. To him, I was just another girl at the bar. I know it's a bar, and everyone's there to have fun, but I hated that feeling," she explains.

"Aww, Zoey," I hug her. Pulling back, I look into her eyes and say, "He doesn't deserve you, Zoey. You deserve a guy who sees you as the only girl in his life. You deserve more."

She gives me a soft smile and nods, "I know. I saw him again yesterday, trying to flirt with me. I showed my disdain towards him. I hope we never meet again."

"Even if you do, I'll be there, ready to introduce him to my fists," I say, and we both laugh.

I wake up to the persistent ringtone of my phone, glancing at the screen to find it's seven in the morning. Groaning, I mumble to myself that I don't usually grace the land of the living until it's eight. Who on earth is calling me at this ungodly hour?

Still half-asleep, I squint at the unknown number flashing on my phone. If this is some telemarketer, they're about to get an earful. I reluctantly answer the call, putting it on speaker as I lazily inquire, "Hello?"

"You just woke up?" The voice on the other end startles me, and I immediately snap to attention. It's Dexter. How on earth did he get my number? I didn't remember handing it out last night. And why, in the name of all that's sane, is he calling me at the crack of dawn?

"How did you even get my number?" I question, my confusion tinged with a hint of irritation.

"You're my employee. I have all your information," he replies with infuriating nonchalance.

"Must be nice being the boss," I retort, dripping with sarcasm.

Ignoring my remark, he goes on, "Come out; I'm waiting outside. I'll drive you to the office today."

"No need, my friend here can drop me on her way-" He interrupts me and says, "We need to be seen together before we reveal it to everyone."

With an audible sigh, I relent, "Fine. But I just woke up, so it'll take a bit for me to get ready. You'll have to wait."

I can practically hear his frustration through the phone. "I'll wait, but be fast," he orders before abruptly ending the call. A mischievous smirk plays on my lips as an idea hits my mind.

You have to pay for waking me up so early Mr. Martinez.

I stand in front of the mirror, satisfied with my choice of attire for the day. Crisp, white button-down blouse paired with a knee-length black pencil skirt, on top of that, I wore a peach-coloured blazer. As I search for accessories, my fingers find the ring I've been contemplating. After a moment's hesitation, I decide against wearing it today.

"Not today," I mumble to myself, leaving the ring behind.

Checking the clock, it strikes eight. I smile slightly, realizing I've made Dexter wait for a solid hour. That'll teach him. As I make my way out of my room, the enticing aroma of coffee wafts through the air. Zoey, with two mugs in hand, emerges from the kitchen.

"I missed your coffee yesterday," I admit, taking a mug from her. The rich aroma fills my senses as I savour the first sip. 

Pure bliss.

Zoey eyes me, wide-eyed, "You're up early and dressed already? Why didn't you tell me? Who's dropping you off?"

Grinning, I respond, "You don't have to drop me every day. I can take a cab."

"Cabs are costly," she retorts, and I can't help but laugh. "Coming from the daughter of a top businessman," I tease, earning a pointed look from her.

Finishing my coffee, I decide it's time to make my escape before Zoey spots Dexter waiting outside. She wouldn't let him off the hook easily. As I reach for the door, slipping on my heels, Zoey catches up.

"Why are you in such a hurry? And you are acting weird. Are you hiding something?" she questions, narrowing her eyes.

Feigning nonchalance, I laugh, "You're overthinking it. I've got a meeting; I need to hurry."

"Wait, you are dressed up a little. You are leaving early. Is Dexter, your boss here to pick you up?" She asks. I tense. 

How did she guess that?

"Come on, why would he be here? He has a lot of work to do," I lie to her. I guess she can sense my lie cause she opens the door and walks outside and there we find a Porshe in front of our house.

Zoey shoots me a disapproving look, and before she can interrogate Dexter, I intervene.

"Zoey, leave him alone today. We can talk to him later when he drops me back," I plead, attempting to delay the inevitable.

"He drops you too?" she exclaims, her eyes widening in surprise.

Fuck!

Zoey is overprotective of me. She always worries about me. She knows how my mother treats me and one day she decided that she would take care of me and I love her for that.

Caught off guard, I stumble, "Well, it's not a big deal. Come on, we're going to be late." I hug her quickly, offering a hasty farewell, and stride towards the waiting car.

Dexter gets down from the car and walks towards my side and opens the car door. My heart skips a beat.

I get into the car. I look at him, he looks visibly annoyed. "You are late." He grits through his teeth.

I flash him a sweet smile. "Oh, you're such a romantic," I reply, savouring the annoyance in his expression as he slams the car door and joins me inside.

Glancing outside, I wave at Zoey, but I don't get a wave back. "Why is she glaring at me?" Dexter asks beside me.

Sighing, I reply, "Don't worry about her." He starts the engine, and we drive off to the office.

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flwenzi ♡