Fake Love

Irene couldn't remember how many times she used the black card to buy expensive things. One thing she did remember was that as long as she didn't pay with her money, she wouldn't get any burden.

She didn't even care when her hands were starting to hurt from carrying too many paper bags. 

"Miss Russell, is there anything else you want to buy?" Amber expected Irene to say no, but the answer that came out of her mouth made her sigh.

"I think I want to buy some shoes." Before Amber could let out a tired sigh, Irene suddenly laughed. "I'm kidding. My feet are getting sore from walking since noon, so I don't want to go shopping anymore."

Besides, dinner time was approaching, so she had to tidy up her appearance before meeting Sebastian.

"When will Sebastian come?" Irene put her shopping bags on the floor and sat down in the chair at the front of the store.

"In about half an hour, but Mr. Delacroix might be late if he's busy," Amber told her.

Irene sighed. "Looks like I'll be eating alone then."

She could understand Sebastian's busy schedule, but she didn't want to spend her time waiting for him. If Sebastian was late, then it was better for her to eat alone and ask Sebastian to reschedule their dinner.

"Don't worry, Miss Russell. I don't think Mr. Delacroix will keep you waiting."

Irene looked at Amber skeptically. A busy man like him would most likely prioritize his work before dinner with his contract wife. Besides, she wasn't sure Sebastian considered her important either.

They had only shared a bed one night and that wasn't enough to make their relationship any closer. 

"Where are we having dinner?" asked Irene as she got up from her chair. 

Amber followed her lead and said, "Mr. Delacroix has reserved a table at the Star Restaurant on the fourth floor for 7 pm. But if you are bored, we can go earlier."

Irene looked at the ceiling above her head as she considered Amber's offer. She raised her hand slightly, feeling the weight of the shopping bag she was holding.

"Let's wait for him at the restaurant instead," Irene said.

Irene had entered every store in the mall, so she had nowhere else to go. She carried her shopping bag with a big smile on her face, happy that she could buy so many things in one day.

At that moment, Irene realized that the life of a gold digger wasn't so bad. She even began to think about making Sebastian fall in love with her so that she could make the most of his wealth.

"Why are you laughing, Miss?" asked Amber, confused. 

Irene replied, "Just thinking about my bright future.

• • •

"Am I late?"

Irene straightened as soon as she saw Sebastian standing in front of her. Her eyes glanced at the watch. She noticed that the clock was pointing to seven.

He had arrived on time, just as Amber had predicted.

"No. I came early because I was bored." Irene noticed the dark-haired man's appearance from head to toe. Although he had just returned from work, the shirt and suit he was wearing still looked so neat.

The scent of exotic perfumes wafted from Sebastian's body, making Irene suspect that he might have showered and dressed up beforehand to make a good impression on Irene.

But why? He didn't have to go to that much trouble just to have dinner with a gold digger.

"You look stunning today. That dress looks so pretty on you." Before he sat down, Sebastian gave Irene a bouquet of red roses. The scent of red roses could be smelled as she brought her face closer to the bouquet.

"Are we on a date today?" Irene placed the bouquet on her lap, touching each rose petal that felt so delicate.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "I thought you already knew." He lowered his voice so the others could not hear their conversation. "If we are going to pretend to be married, then we have to do it fully so that our relationship will not look awkward later."

That reason was enough for her. At least she knew Sebastian was only pretending to be in love with her.

Although Irene thought it would be nice if Sebastian had feelings for her, she also realized that their relationship would be more complicated if they became a real couple.

Love was a shit after all.

"Have you found a wedding dress yet?" Sebastian asked without looking at Irene because he was reading the menu book.

Irene: "Not yet. I think you should come along when I try on the wedding dress. When do you have free time?"

Besides, she wouldn't look so pathetic if she came with her future husband.

Sebastian lifted his head to see her. "Are you sure? I let you shop alone because I was afraid you would feel uncomfortable spending money in front of me."

Irene laughed out loud. "The money is more important than embarrassment. Besides, won't you get a notification on your phone every time I use your card to pay for something?"

Still, Irene never hesitated to spend Sebastian's money, even deliberately showing that she was a spendthrift so that he would not be surprised by her behavior after marriage.

"Come on, do you want your bride to look pathetic for fitting a wedding dress without her groom?"

Even Catelyn came to the boutique with Daniel. 

She shook her head as soon as she spoke their names in her mind. Irene tried to convince herself she didn't bring Sebastian because she was jealous of their relationship.

Or was she?

"I'm free tomorrow afternoon," Sebastian said. "Do you want me to pick you up?"

Irene chuckled as if Sebastian had said something strange. "You don't have to put in that much effort for me. After all, we're only pretending to be lovers."

Sebastian's mouth curved slightly. "I'm sorry. I must be carried away by our act."

Maybe Irene was hallucinating, but she was sure she saw a hint of disappointment in Sebastian's eyes. Like she said, maybe he was too carried away by their act.

"Oh, I almost forgot, Catelyn thinks I'm marrying an old man, so I want you to hide your face when we're outside."

Sebastian looked at her in confusion. "Why?"

"I want to surprise her on our wedding day."