Unmasking the Heart

Chapter 13: Dessert

Adrian arrived at his apartment after dropping Joi off, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of her. The sight of her in that stunning red dress lingered in his mind, but he quickly shook his head, trying to rid himself of the distraction. He needed to focus, especially since his father's late-night call demanded his attention.

He stepped into the shower, hoping the hot water would help clear his thoughts. But as soon as he stepped out, his phone buzzed. Several missed calls from Mr. Reginald flashed on the screen, and Adrian's frown deepened. His father rarely called at this hour unless it was important.

He dialed back, and after the first ring, Mr. Reginald picked up.

"Are you also too busy late at night to answer your calls?" Mr. Reginald's voice was sharp, laced with frustration.

"Yes, and I'm busy right now. If you don't get straight to the point, I'll hang up," Adrian replied curtly, his patience wearing thin.

There was a heavy sigh on the other end. "Anna's complaining that she hasn't seen you in a while. It would be nice if you could come over for dinner," Mr. Reginald suggested, his voice slightly less tense.

Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly unimpressed. "I see this isn't urgent. It's already 9 PM. Who eats dinner at this time?"

"Then come over for dessert. Don't keep me waiting," his father countered, not willing to let go so easily. With that, he hung up.

Adrian stared at his phone, processing his father's request. After a few moments, he reluctantly decided to call Joi.

"Yes, Adrian?" Joi's voice sounded tired as she answered the call.

"What are you up to?" Adrian asked, opening his wardrobe to search for something to wear.

"Umm... Nothing, just got out of the shower. Is there anything you need me to do?" Joi's voice was soft, her exhaustion evident. She was finishing her nightly routine, applying body lotion while still in her bathrobe.

"Yes, I'll be picking you up in 10 minutes. We're going to meet my father for dessert," Adrian replied, his tone firm.

Joi's anxiety spiked. "Wait! You mean tonight?"

"Yes, and I don't want you to be late," Adrian said before ending the call abruptly.

Joi tossed her phone onto the bed, her heart racing. She scrambled to find something to wear, her nerves getting the better of her. She quickly pulled on a black knee-length gown, then changed into black lingerie before stepping into a pair of three-inch black glass heels. After a few quick adjustments, she sat down at her makeup table.

Joi, aspiring to be a cosmetologist, had her makeup kits ready for any occasion. Tonight, she wanted to keep it simple but elegant. She applied a glowing face cream, combed and highlighted her brows, then carefully applied mascara to her lashes. A nude matte lipstick finished off her look. She grabbed her black purse to match her outfit and placed her phone, keys, and credit card inside.

As she hurried out of her room, Emily appeared in the hallway and stopped her.

"Whoa... Are you planning on going to the club without me?" Emily teased, eyeing Joi's outfit with interest.

"Do I look that bad?" Joi asked, spinning around in front of Emily, her nerves showing.

Emily chuckled. "Yes, because that outfit is definitely not for the club."

"I'm not going to a club, Emily..." Joi sighed deeply, trying to calm herself.

"I'm going to have dessert with my fake fiancé's father," Joi added, her voice tinged with anxiety.

"Ohhh... Okay, you look stunning, then. I love your simple makeup. You look natural and beautiful as always," Emily complimented with a smile.

Joi opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, her phone rang. "Goodnight, Emily," she quickly said, rushing out.

Outside, a sleek black limousine was parked, and Joi hurried towards it. She slid into the back seat, her anxiety rising as she asked Adrian, "What's the situation?"

"My dad wants me to meet with Anna and have some sweet talks with her under the excuse of dessert," Adrian explained. "I know I can't say no all the time, so I had to bring you along."

"Okay..." Joi's nerves tightened as she felt the tension in the air.

She hesitated before asking, "Adrian, may I ask why you're not interested in Anna?"

Adrian's expression hardened, and his coldness seeped into his voice. "I don't like her. Is there anything else you want to know?"

Joi swallowed hard. She was pushing for more, but his curt response made her hesitant. "Well, if you don't like her and have said so multiple times, why don't they just drop it? Is it about the company, or…?"

Adrian's voice grew sharp. "Her mom saved my dad's second wife, and in return, my dad promised to fulfill any request she made. So, she asked for me."

Joi felt a pang of sympathy for him but couldn't stop herself from speaking her mind. "I'm sorry to say this, but since you don't have a love life, don't you think you could start something with Anna?"

Adrian's voice turned colder still. "If you don't have anything meaningful to say, it's better to stay silent."

Joi froze, the chill in his tone catching her off guard. She didn't know how to react, unsure if she should be angry or just accept his sharpness. She gazed out the window, trying to compose herself, but her thoughts were a whirlwind.

The car soon pulled up to their destination, and Joi's heart raced. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the evening ahead.

They walked inside the mansion, and the butler greeted them with a warm smile.

"Mr. Adrian, your father is waiting for you in the dining room," the butler said, leading the way. Then, noticing Joi, he turned and asked, "Who are you, miss?"

"I'm Joi, Adrian's fiancée," Joi replied, offering a small but strained smile.

The butler's eyes widened in shock but quickly recovered. "Ah, in that case, welcome, Ms. Joi. Please, follow me."

As they walked through the grand hall, Joi took a few more deep breaths, preparing herself for the evening's awkwardness. Tonight, she wasn't sure what was more nerve-wracking: meeting Adrian's family or keeping up the charade that she was his fiancée.