CHAPTER 30: Engagement Party

CLAIRE’s P.O.V.

The moment that I saw Darren standing a few meters away from me, I instantly felt secured. Maybe he did feel the same way as me... Just maybe.

“C-Claire...” That voice struggled to pronounced my name.

I turned my gaze upon him, surprise seeing him for the first time after we fought in this place. I tried to uttered some words, but I couldn’t. I can’t believe that Darren will find me right after what happened to us.

He ran towards me before giving me a tight hug. My heartbeats undergo palpitation as soon as his body touched mine. I wanted to say something to him, but I can’t find the right words.

“I-I’m sorry...” I heard him whispered.

He set me free from his embrace before looking at me straight in the eyes. I’m still stunned, looking at him unbelievably as if I’m still dreaming.

“I’m sorry, Claire... I didn’t mean to... I wanted to... I just... I can’t say it.”

I can’t understand his words, though I got a feeling that maybe that is the phrase I been waiting to hear from him. When I didn’t say anything, he looked at me with his worried eyes.

“Forgive me... Please. Talk to me, Claire.”

When I still didn’t, he wrapped his arms protectively around me once more before pulling my body closer to his.

“I’m saving it for something special, that’s why I couldn’t say it. Forgive me, wife. But I still couldn’t answer that phrase right now.”

At that moment, I cannot suppressed my sobs anymore. I let myself cry on his shoulder and I felt his embrace got tighter. He brushed his fingers to my hair and I couldn’t deny the happiness that I’m feeling right now in this moment.

“Shhh... Please don’t cry. It hurts me too seeing you at that state.”

“Darren...”

“Yeah?” He didn’t bother to let me go.

“I’m sorry. I’ve done something bad the other day,” I confessed.

I thought about what happened to me and Gabriel. I labeled it as cheating, even though I’m not sure what Darren and I have for now. All I know is that I need to tell him the truth, cause that kiss was nothing but a sinful one. I don’t want to hide anything from him.

“I don’t care about that. All that matters to me right now is you. This moment that I finally got a chance to see you again. I missed you so much, wife.” He planted a kiss on my forehead.

Because of his words, I felt secured. Maybe he’s not that shallow minded after all. Maybe he doesn’t care about what others might think about us. It is now my cue to hugged him back as tight as I can.

After we composed ourselves, we walk towards his car hand on hand. He told me about his Dad’s plans, the wedding in Paris and everything including the engagement party next week. I agreed to help him, since I want this deal to be over already. Cause I want to be his lover, not just a fake and rented wife.

“We are here...” He announced as he stopped his car in front of their restaurant.

When I saw the shadows of different person inside, I instantly got nervous. What if we wouldn’t be able to pull this off this time in front of his father? What will happen to us next?

“Your Dad... What if... He’s serious about this?” I asked, trembling.

I’m not sure if I’m just imagining things or what, but I saw a glimpse of hurt in his eyes right after I asked him that question. I felt guilty for apparently no reason.

“Are you okay?” I asked again, worried this time.

When he didn’t answer my question, I lifted one of my hands and gently ruffled his hair. That movement came naturally from me without hesitating or thinking anything else.

“I’m fine, wife.” He caught my hand and planted a kiss at the back of it. “Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to cancel this marriage. For now, let’s just play along.”

I smiled, mentally thanking him for fulfilling the rules of our agreement. I want this set up to end, and start another one. When that moment comes, I promise not to hurt him ever again.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

I just nodded. He hopped down from his car and opened the door in the other side for me. I took his hand and we walked towards the entrance of one of the most finest restaurants in our country.

“Dad, we are here,” Darren told to his father as soon as we came to their sight.

“So, this is the wife of your son, Mr. Herrera. How lovely,” one of the fashion designer complimented me.

“Thanks,” I whispered, blushing.

“Of course she is, my son wouldn’t be head over heels in love with this woman if she’s not.”

They all chuckled. We ordered our meals from the menu and we started to eat as soon as our food arrived at our table.

“The designers arrived earlier than expected, so I decided to invited them too in our lunch, son. I hope you don’t mind,” Mr. Herrera stated.

“That’s fine Dad. So, since you already reserved this place, are we going to do the appointment here or are we still going to switch place?” Darren curiously asked, rubbing my shoulder using his other hand.

“We can start the appointment anywhere. Though, if your wife wasn’t comfortable in here, then you can tell me already so that I can reserve another place for us.”

“I’m fine, Mr. Herrera.”

I answer his question, not bothering for Darren’s response. The designers smiled widely at me, and I did the same.

“Your daughter in law is very kind, Mr. Herrera. She’s not like the other customers who wanted a grand place in every appointment.”

“Yeah. My son is very lucky to find a woman like her. And by the way, Claire, just call me Dad.”

From the corners of my eyes, I saw Darren’s lip slowly forming a genuine smile. That statement of his Dad somehow made him feel really happy.

After we finished our lunch, the designers get our sizes and make us try some of their creation. Darren looked ravishing at every suit that he tried to wear.

“Staring is rude, wife,” he stated before winking at me.

I look away, rolling my eyes. Now it’s my turn to try out some of their fabulous dresses. I got inside of the comfort room, removing my clothes as I put on the new ones.

Every time that I stepped outside of the room, I saw Darren looking at me in awe. He never said anything, though the designers often told me how gorgeous and beautiful I am.

“Please try this one, Mrs. Herrera. Our team made and took it from one of our best collection this year. I bet you’ll look hot on this one! If you like it, you can wear it to your engagement party for free.”

I stare at the fashionable gown. I can’t believe that she offered it to me for free. It was as shiny revealing embroidered dress. I can see that it will perfectly fit on me, but I felt shy taking it from her hands.

“Take it, Mrs. Herrera. It would be an honor for us if you wear this one.”

I smile at them before nodding. Again, I changed into this amazing gown. I looked up at the large mirror by the wall, shocked at my own reflection. I don’t know that I could look this fine because of this dress.

I stepped outside of the comfort room, looking down while my cheeks are still blushing.

“Whoa! I can’t look anymore! You are so gorgeous, Ma’am Claire!” the girl who handed me this gown exclaimed.

Some of the designers giggled to themselves as they whispered something to each other. Mr. Herrera just look at me in disbelief while clapping his hand. Finally, my gaze landed on Darren.

His mouth hanged open, still staring at me. He took one step closer... And another. Until finally, he was able to reach me. His hand touched mine. I look away, feeling his intense stare.

“W-what do y-you think?” I asked.

“I couldn’t think anymore. I’m just... Enjoying the lovely view.”

I was about to say something when his Dad interrupted our conversation.

“I think it would be best if you wear that one to your engagement party next week, Claire.”

Darren chuckled to himself before turning around to face his amused father. I nodded to Mr. Herrera and he smiled at me.

“So, that’s all for today. We still have a lots of appointments to make and I don’t want my son and his lovely wife to get tired. Go home, son. Please take a rest and of course, take your wife with you.”

Darren nodded before looking at my direction again. The designers decided to packed their things up before helping me in removing the gown. Mr. Herrera leave earlier than planned because he said that he has some important meetings to attend. That day ended with a blast.

A week passed. I’m now inside of Darren’s room, sitting in front of the huge mirror with a bunch of make up artists doing something on my face. I’m wearing the same exact gown that I tried on last week. Dad already knew about this, though I’m not sure if he approves on my decisions.

“Finally, we are done here, Mrs. Herrera.”

“Thanks,” I answered.

“No worries. We didn’t even sweat to do your face. You have a very natural look.”

I blushed, and they chuckled. The bathroom door opened, and it reveals my ravishing husband wearing a white suit.

“We’ll let you talk.” The designers suddenly disappeared from our sight.

“Hey, wife. Don’t stare.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.”

I focus on my reflection at the mirror, putting on my earrings. I gasped for air as I felt Darren’s hand snaked on my waist and his cold breath on my nape. As if he was sniffling my scent.

“You smell great...” He trailed some kisses from my nape down to my bare shoulder.

“Darren...” I nearly moaned.

“Yes, wife?” he asked with his seducing voice, not bothering to stop what he’s currently doing.

“Mr. and Mrs. Herrera! Sir Darrel said that he’s already at the venue!” one of their maids shouted from outside of the room.

I was saved by the bell. Darren laughed before pulling me closer for a quick kiss. After that scenario, we decided to climbed down the stairs so that we can go the party now. Hand by hand, we hopped inside of his limousine and waited for about thirty minutes before we can finally reached the place. His car was already here. Elijah drove it for him earlier.

“Let’s come in. Elijah’s already inside.”

I nodded to him before taking his hand. We walked towards the main entrance, where some people are giving us intense stares and smiles.

“Hey, hey, hey! Mr. and Mrs. Herrera finally arrived!” Elijah’s loud voice bombarded us.

“Thanks for driving my car, Elij.”

“You are always welcome, bro. Here, take this. It’s your key.”

Darren nodded at him before catching his car keys. Elijah signaled him that he’ll just find some seats for us.

“Crazy guy,” Darren whispered.

“He’s always been like that.”

That response of mine made Darren laughed. Until I saw his brows slightly furrowed. I look at his eyes’ direction and there, I saw the woman who loathed me the most. My old best friend, Kate.

Her blonde hair was fixed on an elegant bun. She’s wearing this red and seductive outfit that made her stand-out from the crowd. As our eyes met, she smirked, rolled her eyes and continued walking fashionably.