Chapter 13 Molly

I didn't feel the feeling of reaching the bottom rock, in fact I felt euphoric. From the moment he stepped into my door I claimed him mine. Even just tonight, I can tell he's mine. If he's this good in pretending then I thank him, cause he's filling this gap inside my heart. We were just so quiet, only very quiet breathing and heartbeat could be heard. I don't know how many minutes we stayed in that position. His hands wrapping into my waist and my arms encircled in his neck.

His face was buried in my shoulder and he could almost lift me just to reach him. He opened the door of his white range rover and held the ends of my dress and kept it tangled as I entered. Nobody dared to speak nor start a conversation.

All I know was it was so peaceful seating beside him having this addicting silence between us. He gently puts his hand on my thigh every time he stops the car. My heart also beats slowly with each touch.

"They're so many." Only now do I feel different.

When I saw the gathering media at the entrance, my chest throbbed fast. This will be the first time we'll show up in public as "couple". I'm so nervous knowing the consequences of this all. Going public means having this great big argument with my brother and triggering the issue between us - her mother and my family. I can't seem to think straight anymore.

My own heart betrays me.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I looked at him and smiled, he brought my hands to his lips before going out to his car. A series of lights do not go out immediately. I'm used to it but he's not like this with me. When he opened my side of the door there I just heard the noise, the commotion of the people as well as the successive clicks of the camera they were holding.

A hand immediately snaked on my waist as we started to look at the camera. He pressed me more to his body as I protruded a smile everywhere, I no longer knew what I should look at because all I could see was glare.

You people, this is the scope you're dying for!

"That's enough." He whispered.

My head shook at the kiss Levi bestowed on the side of my head before we entered the entrance. The nervousness still lingered in my chest even though we were lost in the amount of media outside. There is still something inside but it's just a number so as not to be such a riot inside.

I scanned the whole venue looking for someone that I might knew. The first person that comes to my mind is Olivia or Tita Matilda.

I also thought of Nadine remembering what she said in the event this afternoon. But I lost it in my mind because of the greeting that happened to Levi one after another. I smiled at the side whenever he's bumping into someone. I felt so proud looking at him. What people know is I'm this guy's girlfriend. That's what they know.

"Ava, this is my brother."

My eyes went a little wide. This is the first time I'm meeting his brother. Levi has this talent of surprising me when it comes to meeting his family members. I accepted his hand raw smile I gave, this is his family member. I don't know when will I ever move on from this. They have the same posture as Levi but when you look at it this one looks naughty.

You can see it from the width of his grin and the opening of the two buttons on his polo shirt. A small tattoo can also be seen on his neck.

"Hi there, beautiful lady. " He smirked.

Levi's grip on my waist tightened and his brother's gaze went there. "Fvck you bro, you're obsessed!"

He laughed and jokingly punched his brother's arm. I gasped how he just bad mouth his brother. If I did that to Lourd I might stick my tongue out. Now I realize it, my brother came to my mind again. These are his brothers, can they treat him like this? Or is he always out of place that's why he chose to live in Mar De Vena. A waiter passed by with a tray of wine and Levi picked it up.

"Can we have some juice here please?"

The man responded quickly and turned his gaze back to me. Juice is fine, I'm the only one who makes juice here. Some are holding cocktails or wine. I look like a grade school trying to fit in.

My alcohol tolerance is low so it's for the better, besides I don't like the taste of it. The DJ is playing upbeat music while people are everywhere, in the LED wide screen playing the clip of the runaway this afternoon. I interrupted my gaze there as the night deepened. People are just everywhere in this open pool area. Some are in the railings above, everyone is happy and has his-her world.

"Cyreese!" I heard the familiar shriek of scream from somewhere and I looked that I was right.

"You're here already!"

That was for me but his gaze was already aroused by Levi. I winced and turned to Levi who was just staring at me.

"Olivia, this is Levi and Levi, this is Olivia."

They both shake each others hands Levi's expression remained the same and returned the lost hand to my waist. Olivia's mouth turned O as if refraining from reacting to what she saw.

She crouched and reached for my ears.

"Pretend? You can't fool me Cyreese.."

My eyes widened as if stunned by what was said. What does she mean? Do we look like we're pretending? People don't buy it?

"Never mind. We'll talk about this some other time. I'll focus on finding my flavor for tonight."

I winced at what he said, he winked at me and kissed me. She just smiled at Levi and left straight away. Her mouth, I don't think I can get used to it.

"'she your friend?" he whispered. I nodded not looking at him wandering around somewhere.

"I guess you learned from her."

I was bored with what he said and just stared at him. He won't let it pass rally.

"You don't roll your eyes on me lady." He whispered again.

I gasped my breath feeling the heat of his breath into my ears down to my neck. He laughed afterwards. How many minutes we are standing there and catching up with people, mostly only Levi is really the one talking. I was just quiet beside him.

I remember back in NYC when Lucy made me come to one of her night outs like it was, this was just not my kind of night out, I prefer silence. The night is getting deeper and the breeze is getting colder, I can't feel it that much because of Levi's skin on mine. A media approached us suddenly while Levi is talking with someone. They ask for a picture of us and proceeds to ask some questions.

"How long have you've been together considering it was just weeks after your publicity?"

I sighed at the question but I didn't notice it. I don't know how will I answer or what will I say because this was just all an act.

"We've been together for years now."

I turned to Levi for his answer. He just lowered his gaze to me as if there was nothing wrong with what he said. Oh, yeah, that's how he pretends to be. I only smiled to the media congratulating us.

"How was your relationship with your family Mr. Vidalio? Are you and your parents okay after the issue of your family affair?"

I looked at him to see what he was going to answer, I didn't know what they were referring to but I still seemed cold to that question. His jaw moved in a certain movement and looked at me before answering.

"We're fine."

The answer was quick and he said it casually. I pursed my lips falling into deep silence. It looks like a trigger but didn't explode. A bitter feeling crept through my system.

After that, I was silent. Levi always asked me if I was okay. Of course I am, what more will I be? The night deepened and I felt tired. Fashion week is also a week and it was always this hectic. Sleep, food - everything, must adjust. I looked around because I couldn't see Tita Matilda, she did come right?

"What's wrong? You're tired? Do you wanna go?" I slowly shook my head.

"It's still early, let's stay for a while."

He seemed to look at me with a smirk and caressed my shoulder. His warmth immediately enveloped my system. I could feel the occasional look he had on me as I distracted myself by looking around just to forget the bitterness I felt before.

"Levi? I knew it was you!"

A woman wearing a sexy spaghetti strap mini dress approached us. Big curls and curves are flaunting. The wine on her hands is almost empty. I stared at him, he didn't seem to notice my presence next to the man he called. Levi's attention was diverted and I chose to pretend I didn't see anything.

"Are you back yet? How's the site?"

Levi cleared his throat and his hands snaked on my waist, I faced him and pretended to be surprised. The woman's lips twitched when she looked down at his hands on my waist. I want to rejoice in the bitterness of his appearance.

"I've just arrived. This is my girlfriend by the way."

I don't know what's gotten into me but I've manage to suppress a genuine smile to her.

"Hi, I'm Molly. Pleasure to meet you."