CHAPTER 65

Lisa's POV

I breathe with relief as I make my way to the bathroom since I was able to get away from the man's penetrating gaze, which seemed to be looking for an explanation.

I'm not in the mood to use the bathroom. That was only a cover for me to go away and gather my thoughts.

It is so unexpected that I feel so anxious. I assumed I had everything under control, and I'm slowly getting over my fear of introducing myself as Damien's wife in public.

When we had supper with Alejandro, I was likewise apprehensive, but that feeling vanished the minute we started talking. However, this man's query was making me more afraid that I might say something foolish and blow the cover.

Although I have no idea who he is, he seems to be close with Damien.

In an effort to calm myself down, I knead and facepalm myself.

If I could have, I would have preferred to spend the evening in our room with a book rather than out here where it seems like everyone is watching me.

It is really insane.

I was forced to do this by that self-centered b*tch that I considered a friend. She carried out this. I am very certain that she did, which is why I am in this miserable predicament.

The sheer quantity of people at this "event" is making me feel ill. Even if Damien claims it's a small gathering, this isn't. If it is insignificant to him due to his billionaire status, it is not insignificant to me due to my insignificance.

What on earth is this? Is this the lifestyle of the wealthy? Being the center of attention is absurd and should not be anything to be proud of, in my opinion.

I simply want to get out of here.

While my body briefly trembles, I'm trying to gather myself before venturing out once again.

I'll have to make these sacrifices. I got hired for this position. I must complete this. To make this a reality and make this excursion worthwhile, I will have to put up a lot of work.

We wouldn't be here to demonstrate anything to anybody if Juliet hadn't done it there.

I ought to be getting ready for my vacation to Italy. Apart from seeing Verona and Tuscany, I haven't begun packed my bags or created a list of the other things I want to do in Italy.

Perhaps I won't need to do that because Alejandro will be available to drive me everywhere I want to go. He may as well provide me a few recommendations.

Before I return, I'm certain that I will be well used to my job as a billionaire's wife. I will at least be able to comment on travel to important cities in nations like Italy and airlines.

I have a sudden jolt of confidence and enthusiasm.

I get up and unlock the little door to go. Before I exit the bathroom via the main entrance, a woman enters and almost bumps into me, but I quickly step back.

I recognize her when she apologizes and looks up.

"Lisa?" She yells my name, and I take a moment to try to remember who she is and how I know her.

She had a disappointed expression on her face. "Don't you dare tell me you don't recognize me?"

She sighs and stands in front of me with her arms crossed. I nod since it sounds like a question.

She introduces herself as "Anna, your... Damien's Assistant," and I feel stupid for not knowing who she is. I suppose her attire and cosmetics prevented anybody from determining it right away.

I say, "I'm so sorry," and she nods with a kind grin.

She isn't stepping away from the door, as I had anticipated, so I can go.

"Would you kindly pardon me? I'm sure my hubby is already waiting for me.

She scoffs in return, losing her good-girl demeanor.

She looks me over from head to toe and then says, "Damien and I are supposed to come to this party together." Why did he accompany you?

"Is this a boss-assistant party?" I question her firmly.

I'm not going to be scared. Her motivation for working with Damien is already known to me. If only I hadn't known, I may have found her word choice surprising, but I don't.

This was anticipated. the envious.

"Oh, really?" you ask.

I gesture "wait" with my finger. Have you just addressed Damien by name? Is he not your superior?

When you were his assistant and until you forced him into your bed to marry you, I suppose you also called him by that name.

You mentioned your name being Anna, correct? I inquire, seeming perturbed by the nonsense she is spitting out of her lips.

"Anna was a friend of mine in high school, and she was quite nice—not a nasty like you. If you'll pardon me.

"You're so rude!" She looks menacingly towards me while growling.

The door opens, and Damien enters before I can say anything. I let out a long sigh.

What the heck is going on in this place? He looks from me to Anna, who is now grinning, while demanding while keeping his hands in his pockets.

I tell him, and he gives her a stern look, "Your Assistant here was telling me how unethical it is to bring your wife to the party instead of her."

"How dare you address my wife in such a manner?" He stands up for me, and I start to grin.

Anna's grin fades and she makes a little bow. "Sir, I'm sorry.

Damien makes a turn toward me and approaches to take my hands. You've been gone too long, I think. I was concerned.

The proximity is brought on by Anna's presence. I'm certain of it. When no one is present, Jayden doesn't act in this way.

I mutter to myself, "Time to switch to my acting mode too," and put my two hands on his chest. I'm all right.

His heart is thumping, and I can feel it. My heart starts to beat quickly in the same manner as it is hammering madly.

Sebastian from earlier, I'm sorry. He tells me, "He used to be one of my friends," and I raise an eyebrow, unsure of whether he is acting this way because Anna is here or because he is really pleading with me. He must have realized that I felt awkward about that man.

"It's okay,"

I can hear Anna complaining as he adds in a quiet voice, "I love you."

I grin at his charming appearance. "I adore you as well."

He slams his lips on mine before I can register what I just said, and I instantly stop moving. My eyes are wide open and my heart stops pounding.

I'm startled out of my daydream by Anna's gasp, and I become aware of what is going on. I quickly shut my eyes.

As his lips touch mine and my heart starts to beat more quickly than ever before, I keep telling myself that this isn't real.

It's just a show. Just to prove to Anna that we are committed partners.

We've hardly ever kissed before as performing partners. The first kiss at the lake home isn't regarded as a kiss since no one was there.

However, I cherish that kiss. It is really important to me.

When he pulls me closer to him, his nose roughy brushes mine as he intensifies the kiss, causing my stomach to churn and my knees to go weak.

A chill runs down my spine as his fingertips caress my face and his breath fans my whole body.

I give him a bigger mouth to explore, and he does so by sticking his tongue farther inside.

When the bathroom door slams shut, I know Anna has already left because she cannot stand to see me kissing the guy who was supposed to be her husband.

Now that I'm gone, they could really work out.

I didn't try to break up the kiss with Damien; instead, I let him keep kissing me while I pondered whether or not he was aware that she had left.

He pauses abruptly, but his lips is still in mine. His eyes flutter open as I open mine.

He looks around to make sure we are the only two before gently removing his hand from mine and grinning one of his nicest grins, which I take to be an apology for kissing me.

I have to push myself to smile back at him even though my heart is sinking down inside of me.

I said, "Let's go home!" He motions for me to take the exit while grabbing my hand.