Chapter 5 Pretend Lovers, Real Reactions

Anna felt a heavy grip on her hand. Joan pushed her against the wall, using both hands to hold hers firmly, stopping her from moving. Her heart raced, her eyes wide open in fear.

"I thought I told you the day we signed that contract-I don't want you anywhere near my room," Joan said, his voice cold and menacing. "We're not even married yet, and you're already causing a nuisance."

Anna trembled, her voice shaky, sweat beading her forehead. "I'm sorry, sir. It's just... I've been waiting for the past thirty minutes, and you didn't show up, so I decided to come look for you. I'm really sorry."

"Miss Anna, you need to learn how to follow simple instructions. Stay away from my room." He let go of her and went inside to grab his phone from the couch.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Joan. I won't come near your room again for the two months I'll be staying here," Anna promised quietly, turning and hurrying downstairs.

A few minutes later, they sat across from each other in the living room.

"Miss Anna, the reason I called you here today is for us to discuss the wedding arrangements. I'll go first, and when I'm done, if you have anything to say, you can continue." His face remained unreadable, always serious.

"It's going to be a simple wedding. Only family and close friends. And the press, of course. It won't take more than four hours. Afterward, I'll send my staff to pick up your things from your house. You'll be moving in immediately. Do you have anything to say?"

"No, sir. But... I have one favor to ask."

"Go ahead."

"Sir, after the wedding... can I go back to being a programmer? My director offered me my job back."

"No, Anna," Joan said sharply, his voice raised. "For these two months, you don't have to do anything. Just stay here. If you need anything, tell me. When we have couples' dinners or events, we'll go together. But I don't want you working."

"Mr. Joan," Anna's tone grew firmer as she charged up. "I know this is a contract marriage, and your reputation is at stake - so is mine. I'm doing this for my father and myself. In two months, this'll be over, and then what? When people find out everything was fake, who'll take me back into their company? Yes, you'll pay me, but I don't want to depend on that money. Please, Mr. Joan, I beg you."

Joan let out a long breath. "Fine. You can go ahead and do your job while pretending to be my wife. Don't worry, I'll handle the press. Tomorrow, my driver will take you to the wedding gown shop. I'll meet you there."

He stood to leave, but Anna called after him. "Thank you, Mr. Joan. I really appreciate it. And... I'm sorry if I shouted earlier."

"It's alright. You can leave now."

Anna mumbled under her breath, mimicking him. "'You can leave.' Huh. I even begged him. What an arrogant man."

"You said something?" Joan asked, eyeing her.

"Nothing - I said thank you." She forced a smile as they both left.

---

The Next Morning

An alarm blared. Anna woke up, rushed to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. After eating, she showered and got dressed.

"Anna, where are you rushing to?" her dad asked.

"Oh, sorry, Dad. I meant to tell you last night, but you were already asleep. I'm going to the wedding gown shop with Mr. Joan-" she paused, catching herself, "I mean, Joan."

Her father smiled. "Don't worry, my dear. I know you're not used to calling him by his name. You'll get there."

"Yes, Dad." She sighed, slapping her lips together three times on her way to the dining room, her face twisted in mock frustration. You'll expose yourself one day, she muttered to herself.

"Dad, I'm leaving!" She slipped on her shoes and left the house.

---

At the Wedding Gown Shop

"Welcome, Mrs. Chanwell," the wedding attendant greeted warmly. "Your husband is already inside waiting for you. I'll take you to him."

"Okay, thank you."

They entered the room. "Mr. Joan, your wife is here."

"Hey, Joan." Anna walked up to him, touched his cheek, and smiled playfully. Joan stiffened, clearly surprised.

The attendants exchanged knowing smiles.

Joan cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable. "Oh, Anna... you're here."

"Yes, dear." Anna turned to the attendant. "Please, is my wedding gown ready?"

"Yes, ma'am. We're bringing it now."

"Okay."

"Please, both of you can sit down."

Anna crossed her legs elegantly and turned to Joan. "Sorry, baby, for keeping you waiting. I was stuck in traffic."

Joan adjusted his tie awkwardly. "It's nothing. I just arrived."

The attendants left them alone.

Anna immediately turned away, fanning herself. This is so awkward.

"Hey, hey," Joan said quietly, leaning in. "What's with you? What's all this sudden acting about?"

"I'm just keeping up appearances," Anna shrugged. "If I leave you, you'll sit there like a statue. Since we don't want people to know this is fake, I had to improvise."

"Well... your idea's okay, but what's with the 'baby' and the touching?"

Before Anna could reply, the attendant returned. "Your wedding gown is here."

Anna stood and turned to Joan again. "Baby, I have to go try it on. Don't miss me too much." She gave his hand a light squeeze and walked into the dressing room.

Joan huffed. "Me? Baby? Huh. She must be joking," he muttered, shaking his head.

---

A Moment Later

The room dimmed as a soft light shone on the runway. The curtains parted, revealing Anna in a dazzling, pure white virgin wedding gown. She smiled brightly, her whole face lighting up.

Joan turned to look - and his breath caught. His eyes lingered on her, unable to tear away. He stared so deeply it felt like he was already in love.

"Mr. Joan? Mr. Joan? Mr. Joan?" the attendant called.

He was lost.

"Mr. Joan!"

"Y-Yes," he stammered, covering his mouth with his hand before quickly lowering it.

"How do you like the gown, sir? Do you approve?"

"Yes... it's... perfect." He hesitated. "She's... beautiful."

Anna's eyes widened in surprise, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

"You... you'll meet me in the car," Joan muttered and rushed out of the room.

Anna and the attendant exchanged smiles before she returned to the dressing room.

---

Outside

What's wrong with you, Joan? he scolded himself. Why did you say that? Couldn't you hold it together? I know she's beautiful, but you didn't have to say it out loud.

A knock on his car window jolted him from his thoughts. It was Anna.

He rolled down the glass. "There's a nice coffee shop nearby. Would you like to go with me?"

"Nope. Get in the car - let's go."

"I came with my driver, remember?"

"I haven't forgotten. I'm driving today. They'll come back with your car. Get in."

"If you insist." She shrugged and climbed in.

The car was silent, a little awkward, until Anna broke it.

"Thank you for the compliment today. I appreciate it."

"Don't overthink it. I didn't mean it. I was just acting, like you said earlier."

Anna turned toward the window, smiling softly. You could've just admitted it, she murmured.

They didn't speak again until they reached her house.

"We're here." Joan leaned slightly toward her, his gaze holding hers.

Anna's heart pounded. What's he doing? We're faking this. He better stop because I'm not ready for this. She gulped.

Joan came closer, his face inches from hers. Their eyes locked. She was about to close her eyes when - click - her seatbelt unbuckled.

"You can leave, Miss Anna." Joan leaned back.

Anna's face flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you." She opened the door, about to slam it shut when Joan called out.

"Tomorrow's the big day. See you then." He drove off.

Anna stood there for a moment, clutching her chest. Why, Anna? See how you embarrassed yourself in front of that arrogant man. But I can't lie - he looked so cute back there. She smiled foolishly, walking toward her door.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Joan.

> You thought I was about to do something back there, didn't you? Get it into your head - we're faking this marriage. No feelings attached. Anyway... can't wait to see you in that beautiful dress tomorrow.

Anna rolled her eyes. Who does he think he is? Oh right, the almighty Joan Chanwell. Why's he so arrogant... and kinda charming at the same time? She sighed. Awwwn, 'can't wait to see me in that dress,' huh? I'm touched.

Cut it, Anna. Don't fall for small compliments. Don't forget, he's scary and can switch moods at any moment.

With that, she opened the door and went inside.