Pretend You're Mine

Izabella's life was serene and pleasant with just her father. She had a background she could not discuss with anyone, not even Shanda, her best friend, besides their house's fence. Her scientist parents were chosen in the government's plan to launch a spacecraft to ascertain the frequency the tracking gadget picked up in the air. The government believed that unusual creatures were at large. And since her mother did not accompany them back on that journey, her father felt she had perished in space.

After two years of missing her mother, her father married his twice-divorced secretary with two children, Camilla and Jerry. Izabella developed a bond with Jerry, the oldest son of her aunt Esmeralda who was seven years her senior. Camilla was also her competition in everything, and her stepmother constantly supported her biological daughter.

Izabella looked for her father in the area because the stadium was chaotic after the graduation ceremony.

Izabella...!

She swiftly spun around when she heard a man's baritone reverberate through the big stadium. But nobody was glancing her way.

Ah, I heard that voice again...

She regrettably realized that she had heard the voice once more. She had previously listened to that voice, which generally occurred at night when everything was calm, particularly in bed. She thought that was one of her strange moments. She figured that since her parents had brought her along on their final galactic mission, she was accustomed to the mysterious things that no one knew for fear that people would conclude she was mentally ill.

She suddenly heard that voice beckoning her again. Upon seeing them, she grinned.

"Iza, please accept my congratulations on receiving the Magna Cum Laude Award."

"Thank you, Shanda, and congratulations on becoming Cum Laude. I also congratulate your friend, who appears to be tongue-tied."

"Hey, Robert!" yelled Shanda. "You'll melt my pal with your eyes, so speak up and quit drooling."

Izabella noticed how he elbowed her friend's arm and said, "Congratulations, Robert. You're wonderful... You've earned the greatest honor."

"I just inherited a little from you," Robert chuckled. "You might have become summa cum laude had you come in earlier."

"Oh, you've still got that humble impact," she said.

"Anyway, my friend," Shanda chimed in. "Robert would like to invite you to their event."

"Oh, that's doubtful because our family is also hosting a party," she replied

"Yeah. I thought about telling you because you'll have the same thing going on."

"But once I have an excellent job, I'll treat you well because you always treat Shanda and me well.

Again, the man laughed.

"Perhaps another time, "she offered.

"Okay. Catch you later," Robert nodded at her.

Shanda gave her a quick wink before turning to go with Robert.

Izabella shook her head Because she was aware that her best friend liked him, which was a one-sided feeling. She felt sorry for her friend.

In addition to being the only child of a wealthy family, Robert was also gorgeous, six feet tall, graceful, and had an incredible physique build. The hardness of his fists made it appear as though he was usually in the gym.

She appreciated his odd eyes, which were yellow-orange and resembled tiger eyes. Even with his shoulder-length wavy hair, his black eyebrows were dense.

He liked her, but she could not feel the same way about him. She once visited her family's sizable ranch but refrained from going out with them when he attempted to kiss her. Although there were multiple occasions when he insisted on bringing Shanda along, she was unable to object.

Izabella turned around when she heard someone calling her name.

The sweet smile on Izabella's lips evaporated when she saw her father waving to her with her stepmother and stepsister. As usual, Jerry couldn't show up because he must be busy with his birth father's business where he lives and only visited his mother and sister mainly on a special occasion.

"I'm so glad you made it, my dear daughter," Dr. Jansen told his college-educated daughter. "You did an excellent study," he added while holding his daughter.

"But then, I'm sorry... I did not receive the top honor, dad. Though I don't have any complaints since my buddy Robert received it," she said, looking up at her father with remorse.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm happy with what you have, Iza. While you missed it, you are still the leader in my book. Please remember I'm honored to be your father."

"I'm happy to hear that, Dad. I'm so grateful," she laughed and gave him another hug.

"That's my child." With laughter, Dr. Jansen ejaculated.

The smile Izabella had on her face before giving her father a bear hug disappeared as she turned to face the companion beside him. She immediately observed Camilla's nondescript appearance, which was her stepsister. She was able to see the rage in her eyes. She knew her stepsister had been hurt by what her father had said.

Age-wise, she and Camilla were two months apart. Ever since their parents' marriage, they had never been close.

"Hello, Aunt Esme," she murmured, hugging her stepmother the same way she had her father. "Thank you for making an effort to attend my graduation."

Her stepmother just nodded. She was over a decade younger than her father, approaching his sixties at forty-eight.

In addition to spending time with their biological father, she and her brother Jerry also had a mysterious stepbrother from their mother's first marriage that she had never met and about whom no one wanted to talk. She was away when his elusive brother visited, Jerry told her.

"Esme, what did I tell you?" her father said, looking at the woman beside him. "My daughter will receive the distinction, and I was right."

Her stepmother appeared disinterested in what his father had stated as she only nodded.

"If possible, I want to accompany you, so please let me know later which school you plan to enroll in."

"She should have selected a short and introductory course, like culinary, to serve her future spouse better if all she ends up becoming is a simple wife."

Izabella creased her forehead. It was not the first time her stepmother mentioned that idea. Remembering what her stepmother had told her about finding a wealthy spouse to aid her father in recouping the money he had spent on her.

"Quit saying that. I have never accepted your suggestion, with your ridiculous idea that Iza ought to wed Judas right away, whoever he may be. I'm not selling my daughter's life for money, Esme. You might be right. But please don't make me sad, especially now."

She said gently, "Dad, Aunt Esme is right. Most people who finished college merely became simple housewives. In front of her stepmother, she learned to always stand by her in front of her father to avoid conflict. She didn't want to be attacked when she was by herself because verbal abuse was often the result of attacks like this. She learned how to deal with her stepmother diplomatically.

"Your daughter is intelligent enough to get my argument," she continued.

"Argh. Mom, Iza is only sucking on you, "Camilla interjected. "She constantly pretended to be on your side, but you still believe what she says."

Izabella merely regarded the daughter of her stepmother. That was how Camilla always acted in that situation. She wanted to destroy her, so she managed to gain her father's approval despite having a strained relationship with her father's second wife.

Mrs. Jansen warned in a tone that caused Camilla to pout, "Don't get in the way. Keep quiet if you don't want Uncle Theo to reprimand you both. Be kind to your sister and be appreciative of her. She deserves it."

Izabella curtailed her smile as soon as it started to form. She was aware that her stepmother was engaging in a similar activity she was practicing, being an ass-kisser in front of her father as a technique. She hoped that her father was intelligent enough to understand what was happening behind his back in addition to being a scientist at his lab or in his furniture business. Until they were able to enter the vehicle, Camilla was subtly muttering. She took the driver's seat while Izabella occupied the back seat beside her father in the middle, with his wife on the right side. Izabella scanned the view from the window while she considered her plan. After clipping any job listings that caught her attention from the classified ads, she had already decided, so she was preoccupied with arranging what she would do the following day.

Would she land an excellent job? A thought that occasionally appeared to dance in her head. She knew she could easily support herself if she went back into modeling, which had been a part of her life for three months straight the summer before but had failed spectacularly. That summer's incident stood out since she almost didn't finish her first semester. Nevertheless, she was able to enroll with the help of medical certifications, and even though she applied more than two months late, her academic record supported her acceptance. It would have been a failure to graduate with the class.

Nevertheless, she was able to enroll with the help of medical certifications, and even though she applied more than two months late, her academic record supported her acceptance. It would have been a failure to graduate with the class.

As soon as the car came to a stop beneath a large tree, she stopped putting things off. The hotel's parking lot was crowded, with several vehicles occupying the nearest spots.

The hotel room where the celebration was taking place was far too crowded. She excused herself while her stepmother was preoccupied with giving their order to the waiter and writing it down.

She was headed to the women's restroom when two hands suddenly covered her eyes as she walked toward the bathroom.

"Shanda?"

She could hear the hint of disappointment in that voice.

"How quickly can you recognize that it's my hands, Iza?"

"Are you nuts? "She asked. " You're the only person who has ever played the covering my eyes game," she jokingly remarked, and there was a round of laughter.

"Yes, yeah," she remarked as she tapped her forehead. " What's the status? Do you still intend to hunt for a job tomorrow? "

"Yes, as we talked about it yesterday."

"Oh no," she shook her head. "Tomorrow is going to be a solo flight for you. After arriving here, my family decided to spend the night at the resort. But do you think your father will approve? "

"I don't want to think that part, but I believe he will constantly be busy with the furniture business or alone in his laboratory, so I'll take my chance. I've had this summertime idea to create something for myself since I started making money from that brief gap in our modeling. My stepmother is eyeing me for her ambition to be with a very wealthy man for a husband. "

"Yep. When we completed our group project at your home, I saw how she raised an eyebrow at our friend Robert. I can't blame her razor eyes. Robert was rather noticeable with his eyes on you."

Izabella chuckled, and Shanda joined in the giggles.

"Not bad, though. Robert is a good catch if only she knows...." Shanda commented.

And she joined her friend's laughter.

"But she could not stop her daughter from making out with him. What a girl. Your adversary for everything will be not only your stepmother but also your stepsister, I wager.

"Argh. I can avoid their scrutiny if I can find work. I carefully considered all my options when I decided to find a summer job. I'll merely save aside the money my father gives me each month as an allowance."

"Me, too. Additionally, going to work gives us an excuse to meet our perfect man."

"I hope it's not a perfect, possessive headache. Hey, what's that look?"

Shanda laughed,

"Girl, wait. I have a quick question concerning something we haven't discussed recently. Do you still recall the events of our previous summer? Shanda gave her a careful look.

"Regarding what?" Her brow furrowed.

"Hmm, our midsummer misadventure. You still don't recall that affluent man you became involved with, do you?"

"Ah, the person you claimed I was wed to...?

Shanda nodded, "Yeah."

"But you said he passed away?

"His aide told us that. However, I kept thinking that perhaps if we went back, you would recall everything."

"I disagree, Shanda. I don't even believe anything took place. And I think it's funny that I became a widow so young," she giggled.

"But what of his assets? That will save you from-"

"No. I think of that escapade as something never existed. Don't bring up your absurd tale since it would kill my father."

Shanda erupted in giggles.

"Hey, don't you need to get going? I have to use the restroom."

"OK. Just let you know what my plans are for tomorrow."

"Cool. Thank you."

She nodded while watching her closest buddy leave. Because they were in the same course, they were classmates in nearly every topic. They became best friends when they moved to that lot her dad bought next to the Humphreys' residence.

Izabella sighed heavily as she thought back to what Shanda had said. She decided not to tell her buddy about the nightmares or other unusual dreams that frequently prompted her to wake up around midnight since she did not want to recall anything about what had happened in Greece. She glimpsed a man's face in a dream but couldn't identify him. When that happened, she was held hostage for most of the day. The sound of his calling her alarmed her and drew her to him.

Izabella sighed and went to head for the bathroom, but instead, she bumped into a lean, toned body. A hand swiftly moved across her shoulders.

"Stay still," the baritone voice said.

She took a quick look and apologized.

She noticed he was much taller than her and was dressed in dark shades with a black turtleneck sweater.

He took off his shades and looked at her. She stared at his water-pool blue eyes for a few minutes in a daze. The man responded in the same way.

She apologized after clearing her throat.

She nodded hurriedly and dashed into the restroom. She would have seen the man she ran into looking after her if she had merely turned back.

THE DAY AFTER, Izabella took a breath and stopped at a shadowy building. She quickly glanced at her wristwatch. By eleven in the morning, she started feeling slightly hungry. She skipped breakfast since she was pushed for time. Thankfully, she had coffee and bread with marmalade before leaving the house.

She reasoned that the earlier she started turning up at the places where people were expecting her, the more likely she would be chosen for a job. Her confidence soon waned when she arrived and saw she was eighth in the lineup. Her chances of finding employment were relatively small.

Her gaze veered to the tall structure across from her as she purposefully licked her parched lips. She turned her attention to the long row of gorgeous women, many of whom had long legs. As a magnificent woman came out of that big, busy building, and as she was about to cross the pedestrian lane, she observed another woman coming from the side of the building and joining each other.

She sought out the location in search of a restroom. She assumed that after a long stroll in the sun, she now looked messy. And after the lipstick had disappeared from her lips, she licked them so vigorously that they dried up. She must have had a shiny face due to the heat. The summer has the power to destroy a woman's impressive resume. She had nowhere to correct her lipstick, cosmetics, or profile.

When Izabella noticed the two women crossing the street, she immediately straightened up. She was beginning to have a plan for how to learn what was in that queue.

She inhaled deeply and said, "Hello," to the two women walking directly by where she was standing." Please tell me what the women across the street are doing?"

Before responding to her questions, the two women exchanged glances.

She grinned at them, hoping they would tell her something about the busiest building.

"It's a job interview. The woman who emerged from the high-rise building responded, "I didn't get it. I even wonder what precisely they are looking for. I'm a great candidate for an assistant position, but I wasn't fortunate enough."

Her buddy responded, "Hey, I could see why you weren't selected. You're short. With heels, you appeared to be 5 feet 7 but not so without them.

The woman gave her buddy a look. Do you have to make me look bad?"

"No, I was giving you my honest assessment. Did you not notice that most photos are of tall, stunning women?"

She frowned at her friend before turning to face Izabella. "Go there and give it a shot if you're seeking work. I believe you fulfilled the requirements. The organization provides rewarding work and substantial pay. Who knows? You could be lucky today, " she added.

"Yes. Get started by trying, "said the female she spoke to initially. "Better move quickly. Almost lunchtime. I've heard the interview will last only till lunchtime."

"What corporation is that?"

"It is a global advertising agency. I don't want to move for marketing assistant employment because they require models, a PA, and help with marketing for their new location in Hongkong. I wasn't taken because of this."

"Oh, that's OK. I sincerely appreciate that. "She addressed the two females. She smiled goodbye before turning toward the highway.

While waiting for the Gold light on the side street, a fast-moving automobile suddenly halted before her. A man wearing dark sunglasses peered out the automobile window as it slid down, his eyes fixed on her.

To make sure the man was staring at her, she turned to glance both left and right behind her. He was, but she had no time fooling around.

She occupied the middle seat, where a folder was placed on the table. Before opening the folder, her hand moved after a brief moment of stillness. She took a big breath and pondered. I guess another resume with their company letterhead on it. Given that she was on a hunger strike, she found it tedious. However, she needed to fill out two pages of the paper as she inspected it.

She took a glance at everything, including the ceiling. The fact that she assumed she hadn't noticed a security camera in the conference room when, in fact, the entire organization had one installed was quite strange. She wondered if it was concealed somewhere.

As soon as she entered, she noticed a coffee maker in the back room. The smell was rather alluring. Her stomach lurched, and she felt it. She was famished!

She let out a sigh and gazed at the paper's top page. She was running out of patience trying to complete the form, which asked for most minimal personal information and, if applicable, a brief history of encounters. She chose private, and she had no professional experience. She would want to start again rather than revisit her past experiences, which she would rather not discuss.

She pondered; I don't know why most employers want me to bring my résumé and then fill out another form from them. I think it's a waste of time!

Even as a college graduate, applying for a job can be exhausting. I suppose I'll be an errand girl or someone's assistant if I try to use the hospitals, someone who could aid me in my field of study. However, the line was undoubtedly longer, given the number of graduates from the same degree in our class. But I prefer short work like a typist to use my time and earn money, she thought. I can avoid my two-step relatives' presence in the house this way.

Izabella completed the two-page form and then looked around. One particular query remained for her to consider. She was feeling it and attempting to see herself accepting it. She would try to persuade Shandy, her best friend, to take it as a new stage of life separate from her father. Her brain begged for the word she yearned for-total independence-which was what she saw there.

Would I be open to moving? That was a query that might require some thought. According to what she deduced from the questions, the idea of spending an extended period abroad in another nation had never occurred to her. She thought scheduling an interview was pointless if the hiring manager wanted a willing candidate to relocate. But that offer kept coming up in the back of her head.

She let out a long sigh. My hunger worsens the longer I stay here, and the smell of the coffee beside me makes me want a cup. She gently stroked her tummy as she pondered. Should I reschedule? I doubt I'll be able to wait another five or ten minutes here. Although I've never fainted before, this might be the first time. What a humiliating circumstance if that happened to me.

Izabella heard the door open as she was finishing her thought. A stunning woman with tight red leggings and a long white shirt caught her attention. She thought she might be in her mid-thirties.

She began, "Um, miss. Perhaps tomorrow would be a perfect opportunity to continue. I'm hoping someone will come and pick me up. Additionally, lunchtime in a short time now."

"Oh, no. It only takes a little of your time. Someone is prepared to interview you in a moment. The person in charge has already left for lunch, "said the woman with a smile." Come, stick with me."

Izabella gave the woman a friendly smile before rising from her chair and following closely behind. She followed her down the lengthy, quiet corridor until she came to the door, knocked, turned the knob, let her in, and then the woman walked away.

Oh, it is indeed freezing in here, she thought. The door was shut with care. She stood, looking carefully around the large area-The guests' lounge has two rectangular sofas on a golden metal base with white leather upholstery. A gorgeous tree-trunk center table with gold trim and a counter glass stood in the center of the room.

Exotic woods like ebony and elm were used to construct the executive table. A glass cover was on top of the desk, and a chair in the ebony leatherette was placed next to the table. The finishing was outstanding. Additionally, there was a gold emblem nameplate on top. Or was it genuine gold?

Izabella had a keen eye for wood furniture because her father's company made and exported wood furniture.

She looked at the CEO/President's nameplate, Aleksander Georgiou.

She frowned and wondered whether it was a Greek name. She also had no explanation for the beating in her chest. She suddenly shivered, and as her feet retreated, she hesitantly turned to face the entrance.

It is impossible. Now I'm in New York. Hearing that baritone voice confirmed her growing suspicion. It seemed to come from a room. She swallowed. Her mind was suddenly panicking since she had previously heard that voice.

"Won't you sit down?"

Izabella's eyes widened in amazement when the source of the voice approached her. She had no movement, like a candle on a stand. In those seconds, only her throat moved. She appeared to be unable to handle it as she inhaled deeply. She was also annoyed since she had been staring at the male passenger in the car earlier. Oh, my! Is it going to be my unlucky day?

She was still standing and could not help but look at him. With his towering height and perfect muscular body built even in clothes, she could picture how he would look without clothes.

Ugh. Why do I imagine that as if it were the first time I had seen a man with an Adonis-like shape? She silently reprimanded herself and tried to maintain her composure.

"Izabella, it's good to see you again," he said. He kept staring at her face as if looking into her head. "Please sit down."

She was rendered speechless by his magnificent blue eyes, which also entranced her. This continued even as his hand raced his dark, curly hair as he studied the paper he was carrying.

He raised his head, and she was caught off guard scrutinizing his profile. Their eyes locked for a moment. She swallowed, but her heartbeat accelerated, and she could not relax. She breathed in and out. And nearly scolded herself in her head as he ripped a grin from his mouth as if he knew precisely the struggle she was feeling.

He pointed to the sofa and said, "Izabella, please take your seat."

She was unable to move. Izabella was worried that his pronunciation of her name gave the impression that he had known her for a long time.

"Um... Were we previously acquainted?" She couldn't help but ask the man.

He appeared to be considering the response to her straightforward query. And he gave a slow, sensual nod while nodding. "We did, indeed."

When she heard his response, she gasped.

"I ran into you yesterday at the hotel, don't you remember? And a while ago, I spotted you about to cross the street."

Ah...no wonder his voice sounded familiar, she reasoned. And gradually, her breathing eased.

There were several knocks on the door leaf before she could respond. The woman who had guided her through the open door could be seen.

"Where would you want to eat, Aleks?"

"On the balcony. Today's weather is excellent, "The man answered. "I'm grateful, Brigitte."

In answer, the woman grinned as she led the two men holding the tray, dressed in a white polo and black jeans.

"Done. Aleks, enjoy your food, "said Brigitte. She glanced at her and nodded before leaving the room.

He turned to Brigitte with a formal look after his eyes guided her to the door. "Where were we during our initial conversation?" He queried. "Ah, I was just telling you where we recently met."

She nodded in agreement and sighed quietly. She was already seated across from him in a princess sit of manner.

"I apologize for disturbing you at lunch. Would it be okay if I came at a different time?" Her eyes conveyed the need for comprehension.

"Why?"

Izabella looked at the man, feeling a little confused. She couldn't understand why his voice had such a demanding quality.

"Exactly what did you say?"

"Lunch has already been served, and-"

He jumped in, "You need to eat."

She got a blush at how blunt he was in his comments. She also couldn't understand why she believed the man in front of her knew her. Or was that a crazy thought I had after starting a hunger strike? Ugh. My job search today appears unsuccessful, and the most recent employer I've found is even worse.