Chapter 30 Dinner night with Mr lark!

Chapter 30 Dinner night with Mr lark!
Lilith’s POV
I stood in front of the full length mirror as I stared at my reflection.
I was wearing a red dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. It had a slit by the side that ended right above my knees. It was in the collection of countless clothes that Jayden got for me.
The only problem I had, however, was the neckline that was a bit too low, but then I didn’t dare to complain. Was that how Celine loved her dresses to be? Almost half of my cleavage was out, making me look like a slut. I had seen a picture of Selene where she was wearing a dress that left nothing to the imagination. She looked good in it, I just never thought I would see myself wearing the things she liked.

I guess that’s part of the price I have to pay for living a life that isn’t mine. Sometimes, I wondered if Celine was okay or actually in danger. I wondered if Jayden was making any progress with her being found but I never asked because my own problems barely made me have time even for myself. And the mere thought of having to face Jayden’s sarcastic response kept me at bay.

I had on black heels and a black bag to match and my face was all glammed up, ready for the night.
I was very nervous but then I tried not to let it show because tonight solely depended on me. If I flopped, the plan would go down the drain and seeing Ariel getting the right treatment was all the pull I needed to try my best.
As for Ariel, she was asleep by the time I left her room and I wasn’t concerned about her safety for tonight because the house was heavily guarded and she also had a nurse by her side, in case she needed anything.
I had checked on her three times before coming in here to get ready, needing to see the steady rise and fall of her chest to anchor myself before the storm that might consume us all.
Mr. Lark wasn't a man that could be fooled by a mere display of affection between Jayden and me.
The bathroom door opened, and a half clothed Jayden walked out. He was wearing black trousers and a white shirt which was yet to be unbuttoned. His hair was still damp as it carelessly stuck to his forehead, making him look even more hot.
I resisted the urge to lick my lips as our eyes locked in the mirror. I didn't turn around, and neither did he. I watched as he walked to the dresser before pulling out a box I hadn’t noticed before. Then, he began to walk until he stood right behind me, his length towering over me.
Without a word, he opened the box and pulled out a golden necklace that looked very expensive. I moved my hair to the side as he helped me to put it on.
I felt a shiver run down my spine when his knuckles brushed against the sensitive spot on my neck but I forced myself to stay still, reminding myself that it meant nothing, he was just helping me.
Once the necklace was secure, he stepped away and took a long but slow look at me in the glass. He leaned back, confidently crossing his arms over his chest as he took in the dress and the jewelry, before his gaze settled on my exposed cleavage. Feeling exposed, I wrapped my hands around myself immediately, cursing him under my breath.
"You look remarkably like her tonight," he said, his voice a low rumble. "I’ll have to admit, you look really good.”
I turned to face him with my arms still around my chest. He complimented me for the first time but he still had to compare me to her.
“I don’t need your empty words to know that I look good,” I jabbed. “The mirror is wide enough and I can see clearly.”
A small smirk played on the corner of his lips. He didn't look offended. If anything, he looked amused.
"Take it as a gift," he replied dryly as he stared at me with a look I feared to be hunger.
“Keep your gifts to yourself,” I said as I reached for my bag and gave myself one last look in the mirror, before walking towards the door, ready to go.
Jayden put on his suit and grabbed his phone, before walking towards me. “Try to keep that tongue of yours behind your teeth once we get to the Larks’,” he warned. “One wrong word and we are done. I know you’re well aware, I just love dropping reminders.”
“I know,” I said, heaving a sigh. The driver was already waiting for us so when we were ready, his hand wrapped around me as we headed down the stairs. I was tempted to go check on Ariel one more time but I knew Jayden wouldn’t allow it.
As we drove to the Lark’s house, Jayden was busy on his phone, while I mentally rehearsed the names and faces I had spent the last three days memorizing. My stomach was knotted so hard I couldn’t feel better no matter how many calming breaths I took.
When the car finally pulled up in front of the big house, my heart hammered hard against my ribs. The confidence I had mustered countless times in the mirror was gone before the blink of an eye.
I swallowed hard as I resisted the urge to get out of the car and run into the nearby bush, screaming my lungs out.
Jayden opened the door and held out his hand to me. I wrapped my shaky fingers around his and got out of the car, just in time for a figure to approach us.
I looked up to see Mr. Lark with a warm smile on his face.
“Welcome to my home!”