Sentenced to Marriage

Chapter 21

All three saleswomen opened their mouths wide, confusion visibly painting their faces. I felt as if most of the tension left my body as he made me the boss of him. He led me to the sofa in the middle of the luxurious atelier, and then said a few words to one of the ladies. I had no idea what he said, but it couldn‘t be anything polite since she bowed apologetically before darting to the back of the boutique. Suddenly, some other lady appeared in front of me, a nervousness flashing through her smiling face. “Would you like some tea or coffee... Mrs. Lan?” she asked.

My jaw dropped, hearing her call me that. At least, now I was able to guess what Neil had said to that other lady. Nonetheless, it surprised me. Wasn‘t my engagement supposed to be a secret? I glanced at Neil and saw a wicked grin on his face. Suddenly, I understood everything. I was the one who asked for this. I was the one who wanted to play a bigger role in Aren‘s plan,

and my first assignment had already begun... “A green tea would be nice,” I said calmly to the agitated saleswoman before straightening my back

As the lady disappeared to prepare my drink, Neil gave me a brief nod of approval and stepped closer before leaning over me. “Good job, Ms. Bell. Mr. Lan‘s future wife needs to have more confidence,” he said, lowering his voice.

“This date... Will there be any paparazzi?” I asked, matching my voice volume with Neil‘s.

“Good guess.” He softly chuckled.

“So... our relationship will become public...” I muttered almost breathlessly.

“It is essential that everyone realize that Mr. Lan‘s relationship is something serious,” he confirmed.

I smiled wryly. “Wow... I suddenly felt like a shooting duck.”

“I, personally, thank you for doing this.” He nodded his head with a sincere smile. “Having you fully on board can truly help Mr. Lan.”

“I‘m glad to be on board... even though I have no idea where this ship is cruising...” I laughed nervously.

“Don‘t worry, Ms. Bell. You will know in time,” he replied mysteriously.

His response didn‘t help dissolve my anxiety, but I was the one who accepted Aren‘s condition. I guessed that I would have to trust him and believe that he had his reasons for not telling me everything A minute later, three boutique saleswomen came back with my green tea and tons of beautiful and insanely expensive dresses. Neil was the one who helped me pick the right one. After an hour of trying different designs, I walked out of the dressing room in a silky, bottle–green, fitted dress on thin straps. I stood in awe in front of the mirror, watching how the fabric emphasized my breasts without exposing them too much. The cut complimented my waistline, amazingly presenting my hourglass figure.

“That‘s the one,” Neil agreed, grinning. I sighed in relief. I would hate to wear something that would make me feel uncomfortable, and this dress gave me all the confidence I needed. Moreover, I was glad that this whole preparation part was over... or so I thought. “Great!” Neil excitedly clapped his hands. “Now for the hair and makeup.” I should have known that it wasn‘t the end of torture. After two additional hours, I was proven that my dull blond hair could actually shine and fall gracefully in commercial–like smooth waves, and with a finished makeover from the makeup artist, I could barely recognize myself in a mirror.

“Ms. Bell, you are ready to show yourself to the world,” Neil announced, offering his hand to lead me out to the car.

I grinned at him. I would never have thought that I could resemble someone I could see in

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tabloids, and moreover, I didn‘t dislike it. I found it strange to discover that I could actually look like one of those rich girls without having plastic surgery. Somehow, I started to look forward to my date...