Chapter 07
” Is that really necessary? ” Shane suddenly asked, referring to Jennifer.
” Ofcourse, you’re going to do it anyways on the wedding day, so you have to learn now ” She said and he looked away, staring into space.
” He just have to insert the ring into your finger and that’s all, no word at all, no kneeling ” Jennifer added and Layla breathe out silently.
” Don’t we have other important things to do? ” Shane asked instead.
” This is the first important step ” Jennifer insisted and he sighed silently.
” Claus, the box ” He called and it was then Layla noticed Claus was with them all through, she didn’t notice.
Claus moved forward and gave the box to him revealing a shiny diamond ring which caused Layla to gasp loudly and they all turned to her and she hurriedly covered her mouth with her palm.
” Is there a problem? ” Claus asked.
She noticed they were all staring at her and she cleared her throat.
” I’m sorry, but can you get another random ring?, That’s too extravagant, and moreover it’s just a show, you don’t have to buy such an expensive diamond ring ” She complained more like a request.
” So, you don’t want that? “Claus asked and Layla nodded.
” Why? ” Shane asked, turning his complete face to her.
” Huh? ”
” Why don’t you want this?, Isn’t that what girls want?, luxurious things? ” He asked, his expression suddenly changing and she shook her head.
” I don’t want it ” She replied.
” Just get me normal rings normal people gets for proposal ” She added and Shane raised his brow.
” So this?… this is abnormal? ” He asked.
” Well technically it is, I mean, this costs a fortune, it’s just a proposal.. who am I kidding?, All these is just a show, you don’t have to make it look real! ” She said with a scoff.
” Well, it’s supposed to look real ” He said, raising his voice.
” But, it’s not, I’m not Brielle!, I’m Layla, I don’t know if this is what your fiancee likes, but I don’t, I’m different, I don’t want all these ” She said sternly.
” You.. ”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
” It’s fine, I think we should skip the proposal part then ” Jennifer butts in and Shane let out a sigh before looking away from Layla.
” What’s next? ” He asked.
” We should get her ready for tomorrow ” Jennifer answered.
” Can’t you handle that? ” He asked with his brows slightly raised.
” No, I have to ensure they all suit your preference, before then.. here, I got the suggested venues already, you can choose your preference ” Jennifer said, handing over her tab to him which he collected and his eyes roamed down on the tab.
” So,, ” Jennifer began, turning to Layla who looked calm a bit.
” I have to teach you some answers to reply to any questions you get asked tomorrow ” She said and Layla nodded.
” The wedding has been shifted to a week from now, tell her that and give her what reasons she is to answer tomorrow when asked ” Shane said without looking up from the tab and Layla creased her brow.
” And why’s that? ” She asked and he raised his brow.
” Sorry?.. ”
” That wasn’t a part of the agreement! ” She snapped and they were suprised at her outburst.
” You only told me I have to remain here for some few days, you didn’t tell me about this!! ” She added.
” And I don’t think that should be a problem, I mean you have everything you need here, and isn’t this a benefit for you, you get to live in a big mansion like this without.. ”
” Do I look like I care about that? ” She snapped, cutting him off.
Shane sighed silently before proceeding,, ” It’s just a week, and nothing else ” He said as soft as he could and Layla huffed before turning to Jennifer.
” Are we doing it now? ” She asked.
” Um yeah, let’s get started ” Jennifer said with a short smile as she finally looked away from Shane who looked frustrated.
” So.. ” She began as they ascended the stairs, leading them to the other part of the mansion.
***
It’s been four hours now and Layla looked stressed out and tired as she yawned at several intervals.
Jennifer had been teaching her things she should take note and do tomorrow at the conference meeting.
She had to learn some simple things about Brielle too, since she was also a popular business woman, people might find her weird if she acted differently.
” And we’re done ” the four words Layla was dying to hear finally came out of Jennifer’s mouth and she heaved a sigh of relief.
” So.. I can leave now? ” She asked but Jennifer shook her head.
” No, we have to check on Sire in the other living room ” She said and Layla groaned inwardly.
” Why? ”
” You have to check if everything he had picked for you suit your taste ” She responded.
” Pick? ”
” Yeah, he had requested for some other fancy venues the wedding could take place and I gave him lots of ’em to choose, so I have to ensure if you’re okay with them ” She explained and Layla nodded.
But then, why would he change the wedding venue?.
Oh, her colleagues at work could identify her, but she’s supposed to get a new look just like Brielle, they might not really notice.
But anyways, she should check them out, and she’s damn sure she’s going to reject anyone he had chosen as long as it’s any fancy venue. She doesn’t want that.
” Alright then ” She finally responded and Jennifer led the way while she followed behind.
The sound of foots descending the stairs got the duo’s attention, they had been busy for so long and Claus seemed stressed out while Shane has this unreadable look on as usual.
” We’re done ” Jennifer announced as they finally got to them and he hummed in response before turning his gaze back to the laptop in front of him.
” So, you chose a venue already? ” Jennifer asked and he nodded, still not taking his eyes off the laptop sitting in front of him.
” Can I see it? ” She asked more like an order but Shane handed it over to her anyways.
She glanced through his choice and hummed in approval, seems she liked it. He really has a good taste for things.
” Alright, I think I love this ” She said.
” What’d you think? ” She asked, turning to Layla who had been standing without saying a word.
Layla glanced through the content and nodded.
” It’s nice ” She replied and Jennifer smiled lightly, glad she liked it.
” How much does its rentage cost? ” Shane asked without looking up.
” A million dollars ” Jennifer replied, her eyes focused on the screen while Layla’s eyes widened in shock.
The heck!, Just for a venue!, Just for a day!, How can she just blurt that out?, Doesn’t it feel too heavy for her!, That’s a lot of money!.
That alone could take care of her dad’s treatment and her college tuition fees. And here they are, wasting it just for a f**king venue.
” Alright then, I’ll send the money to you soon ” Shane said, snapping her out of her thoughts and she shook her head immediately.
” No! ” She blurted out and Shane f looked up to her this time around and their eyes were all on her.
” Huh? ” Shane asked, unsure of what she had just said.
” You can’t!, I don’t like the venue ” She said.
” I thought you liked it just now? ” Jennifer asked, raising her brows slightly.
” I did but anymore. I mean that’s a lot of money!, 1 million dollars just for a venue, I don’t want it ” She said.
” Then what do you want?, I’m trying my best to satisfy you but you’re never okay with any of it, what exactly do you want then? ” Shane said, getting annoyed.
” I’m sorry if it looks like I’m troubling you, but I just don’t want all these fancy things, I dislike them ” She said and Shane sighed trying to calm himself down and he finally stood.
Layla shifted back a little as he moved closer to her. He stared at her for a while before finally walking out.
Layla unconsciously breathe out some air she had been holding in.
She turned to Claus who had an unbelievable look on and it’s the same with Jennifer.
They seem to be wondering why she acts so different, every other girl would jump at Shane at any slight opportunity they get.
And any girl would die to have this great opportunity Layla has right now, but she doesn’t seem interested in all these.
She,, she’s different.
T B C