Chapter 82: A Glossy Facade

Chapter 82: A Glossy Facade
Chapter 82: A Glossy Facade
Elora’s heart sank, she had never been to an interview and she did not even imagine herself being asked various questions by the nosy press.
“What if they twist the story? I am the victim here…i can get the right to speak right?” Elora questioned curiously.
“You can. You can set the record straight and speak for yourself. You must be there.” Lyra replied, her voice firm yet gentle.
Elora summoned courage. “You are right. If I go, I will be able to tell the truth. I can tell them I was never interested in this mafia ritual…thay should be able to help right?”
Lyra’s expression remained the same. “I am not sure you should say that on the interview. They might twist your words and use them against you. You just have to memorise whatever I tell you now and follow young master’s lead.”
She nodded, knowing there was no way of escape for her, not even through the press.
“Alright.”
A hint of smile graced Lyra’s face. “Let’s get you ready!”
••••
“You can open your eyes.”
The makeup artist’s voice declared and Elora fluttered her eyes open gently. Elora could not believe her eyes as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
“You look gorgeous, ma’am.” Lyra let out sweetly.
The hairstylist had done her job. She had pinned Elora’s hair up elegantly, allowing a few strands to frame her pretty face while the make up artist did her own art too.
She covered up Elora’s bruises with concealer and light blush. The afternoon sun bathed the room in golden warmth as Elora stood up.
She had already gotten dressed in a flowing sapphire-blue gown that emphasized her natural beauty. The make up and hairstyle matched the soft fabric that was shimmering in the light.
She felt an urge of confidence and she twirled before the mirror slowly, admiring her reflection.
“You look stunning, ma’am. Hope you like the make up?” The make up artist said, a look of satisfaction on her face.
“You did a great job. This is beautiful. I’m not sure I can even recognize myself.” Elora replied appreciatively and they all giggled happily.
As if on cue, a knock echoed through the room and they turned their gazes to the door.
“I will get it,” Lyra said as she walked to the door. As she opened it, she quickly stepped to the side while Lac entered. “Sir.”
Clad in an all black suit that accentuated his striking features, he wore an expression of determination and the expression softened as his gaze fell on Elora.
“I should take my leave now.” The make up artist started and she left the room, followed by Lyra.
Elora turned to look at him, his look took her breath away. Her stomach fluttered as stood his ground, his posture was everything and his expressionless look!
“Are you ready?” He asked, his gaze still lingering on her longer than necessary.
“Yes.” Elora retorted, her voice steady even though her heart was racing. “You should have told me about this interview earlier.”
“I guess Lyra already told you about it. I wanted to see how you would handle it.” He replied, a faint smirk on his lips. “You look radiant anyways….like my perfect woman.”
Elora felt a blush creeping up her cheeks as she shifted her weight, she suddenly felt shy under his una wavering gaze and that made her turn to the mirror.
“I am not your woman and this isn’t any interview. It is the press. They have their cunning ways to make things sound worse than they’re.” She said softly.
Lac walked over to her, making the room seemingly shrink as he stood behind her back. “I understand your fears. I don’t accept interviews, they’ve tried to approach me all this while and I’ve blocked them but we have to go for this. You’re not alone in this.”
Elora nodded, staring at his reflection in the mirror made her more nervous but she hid her emotions. “I will try my best.”
Lac bent, his lips almost touching her neck. “Why did the artist have to apply gloss on your lips?”
Elora furrowed her brows. She tried to shift away from him but he slid his hand around her waist to stop her, making her freeze. “She has to…it is the finishing look,” Elora answered back, her voice quivering a little bit.
“I specifically instructed her not to,” Lac stated, his voice low.
Elora swallowed the lump in her throat. His body was too close to her and his grip around her waist got firmer, making it impossible for her to move.
“Well she has applied for it. There is nothing you can do.”
Lac leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. Elora knew that dark look in his eyes, it made her suffer anything she saw.
“I guess I’ll be the one to wipe it off.”
He declared firmly and with a swift moment, she turned her towards him. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss that stole the breath from her lungs.
Elora gave in. She closed her eyes and parted her lips, allowing him to lick the gloss of her lips with his tongue. It made Elora squeezed her feet and her heart pounded hard in her chest.
Lac pulled her in a warm embrace as he continued kissing her and For a brief moment, the impending interview faded in the background and she felt so comforted in his arms.
When he finally pulled away, they were both breathless.
“This tasted different from the gloss from that day,” Lac said, a playful glint in his eyes.
Elora regained her composure, the heat from the kiss had ignited something inside her but she composed herself. “You shouldn’t be cleaning someone’s lips gloss.”
Lac smirked, watching as Elora sat on the chair then rested his hands on the handle. “If you reapply it, I don’t have a choice but to clean it off.”
She rolled her eyes as she picked up the lipgloss on the table. “It won’t be our fault that we are late to the interview.”
He watched as she applied the gloss to her lips carefully.
“Lac.” Elora began as she finished applying the gloss, breaking the silence. “About the interview…what do we say?”
He glanced at her reflection, his expression inscrutable. “I intend to be honest. We won't spend much time with them anyways so you don't have to bother yourself.”
She nodded, standing up from the table. Lac extended his hand to hers and she took it without hesitating.
“No matter what they throw at us, you don't have to reply. I'll handle everything.” Lac assured and she nodded again.
He led her down the long hallway to the stairs, Nico and the others were standing downstairs and as they saw them, they adjusted their composure.
Lac’s presence was reassuring yet intimidating. They approached the car and Elora marvelled at the black Limouise waiting for them.
Icarus opened the door and Elora walked with Lac’s help.