MY SECRET

Dedication

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My DearestReaders

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Epigraph

“In a world full of choices, sometimes it’s the unexpected connections that lead us to who we are meant to be.”

― A. S. | @missmoonwinter

I lay sprawled across my bed, mindlessly scrolling through tiktok. The feed was flooded with an array of handsome men, striking poses that left little to the imagination. The allure was undeniable. I could not help but marvel at their perfect features. Everyone seemed to have their favourite, and they were all eager to know which one I would choose. People start tagging my tiktok username, asking “which man do you choose?”

The excitement was palpable, and the comments came in so fast that they blurred together, scrolling up at an uncontrollable speed. It was hard to keep up, let alone read everything. But in the midst of the chaos, I could not resist. My finger hovered on the screen, and before I knew it, I was typing a comment of my own: “I do not know who to choose, they all look so hot!” The words appeared on the screen before I even had time to think, a spontaneous reaction to the whirlwind of attention. It was as though I was engaging in some sort dating app, debating with myself over which one was the most desirable. The idea felt ridiculous, yet strangely appealing. Suddenly, the comments shifted my focus toward the yellow square button on the screen.

The urge to click it had lingered at the back of my mind for the past five minutes. Yes, you heard that right -the yellow shopping cart. It has become my ultimate nemesis, a cruel temptation that threatened to drain my already meager pocket money. Let me clarify, though, After I started playing the famous online game, I found myself engrossed in the endless packs of cards featuring alluringly handsome characters. Women were constantly posting about their latest purchases, flaunting their decks of “hot guys”. And there I was, helplessly trying to resist the impulse to make a purchase, but with every swipe of my thumb, I was drawn closer. Just as my finger hovered over the screen, a sudden vibration startled me.

My phone was ringing, taken aback by the unexpected interruption. A cold chill ran down my spine as I saw the caller’s name - Aunt Aylene. The tone of my immediate reaction was not one of excitement instead I groaning inwardly.What could she possibly want now?

Don’t get me wrong - I truly adore my aunt. She is, without a doubt, one of the most caring people in my family, always concerned about my well-being. The reason why she - and everyone else, for that matter - reacts the way they do is because I have unintentionally created a facade by allowing them to believe I am someone who is unambitious, a homebody with no career, no aspirations, and seemingly, no future.

But what they don’t know is that I am living a double life. Behind every scenes, I am an anonymous, successful author, quietly cultivating a massive following on a writing app. My words have resonated with countless readers, building a world of my own while keeping my identity hidden. If there were an award for being best actress, I do certainly be in the running. No one suspects the person they think they know is anything but ordinary.

But I am not exactly the niece who easily fits into her perfectly organized world. In fact, I am probably considered a bit troublesome. She constantly worries about me, questioning why I always lock myself away in my room, away from the socializing world. She even interrogates my parents and siblings, asking if I ever leave the house. Of course, they all defend me by saying“she is just the way she is. she enjoys staying in her room, watching her favourite korean drama on her phone”.

Despite her attempts to pull me from my solitude, offering to take me shopping or out for the meals, I often find myself reluctant. My aunt, who has never hesitate to spoil me with her wealth, refuses to let me retreat into my own space. From here, you could tell I am her favourite niece.

The abrupt ringing of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. With a resigned sigh, I swiped the green button.

“Hi, Aunt Aylene,”I answered, trying to hide the exasperation in my voice.

Her cheerful voice came through the speaker, clearly oblivious to my inner turmoil“Hi, sweetheart.I am inviting you to a special event tonight. So,I need you to get ready. Please wear the dress I bought for you last week and put on some makeup. I will be picking you up in an hour. ”

I froze at the mention of thisspecial event.The uncertainty gnawed at me.“What kind of event, Aunt Aylene?”Her voice bubble with excitement as she replied,“It’s a surprised!”

A surprised?I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. I was not sure what to expect, but I could feel uncertainty creeping up. I could only manage a faint, “Okay, see you soon - Aunt Aylene”. Rushing out of my room, I searched for my parents, but there was no sign of them. I noticed two noted left on the living room table. One read:Please wear something nice for the event-from my mom.The other, more cryptic note from my dad simply said:Here’s 100 dollars for you to buy anything you need.

Suspicion gnawed at me. Why were my parents being so secretive? They had not event told me where they were going. I looked at the clock on the wall, realizing I had just forty minutes to prepare. Panic set in as I hastily got dressed. Suddenly, I heard a honk outside the gate. I glanced at my watch- My Aunt had arrived exactly on the dot. Had she been drifting on the road?

She rolled down the car window, asking,“Are you ready?“.

With a forced smile, I nodded“Yes, Aunt Aylene”.

She beckoned for me to join her in the car, and we drove off. I assumed we were headed to a wedding - perhaps one of her friends. We arrived at a fancy hotel, and my nerves began to tangle as I followed her into the building. There was something in the air - as unease I could not quite shake off.

“uh, Aunt Aylene. I’m going to the washroom,“I muttered, needing a moment to collect myself.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Aunt Aylene replied. “When you’re done, just let the receptionist know your dining table number.”

I nodded and made my way to the bathroom, trying to fix my hair and makeup. I wasn’t fond of these social gatherings, particularly when the same questions always came up like “How old are you?“, “What do you do?“, “Where do you study?“. My mind began to race, and I let out a heavy sigh as I stared into the mirror. Socializing was always so draining.

As I composed myself and exited the bathroom, a man, probably in his mid-thirties, approached me with hesitance in his step.

“Excuse me,” he said in a slightly awkward voice. “Are you with anyone?”

I flashed him a polite smile “I’m with my Aunt”. Internally, I cringed. What was I thinking? What if this was some sort of setup? What if he was some kind of predator? My survival instincts screamed at me to be cautious, but I smiled at him anyway. He returned the smile with an expression somewhat relief?

“Uh, this might sound strange, but...”he continued“I actually - need a bit of help”.

“Help?”I asked, genuinely intrigued despite my reservations.

“Yes”he said, shifting on his feet“well, if you’re free - uh. It’s okay if you don’t want to”he stammered.

I studied him carefully. His seemed harmless enough, based on his demeanor and sincere expression, suggested he wasn’t a threat. I nodded slowly.“I can help you, but I don’t have much time. I’ve got an event to attend”.

He exhaled with relief“Thank you Miss - uh, sorry, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Lucas”.

This guy was now extending his hand for a shake. Hesitant but polite, I took his hand and said“Nice to meet you, Lucas. I’m Ae Bi”.

He replied,“About earlier, I just need fifteen minutes of your time”.

Fifteen minutes? What if Aunt Aylene was worried about me?I excuse myself, grabbing my phone from my rhinestone clutch. I texted my aunt:Aunt, I met a friend and would like to chat for a bit. I’ll be back soon. She replied with a simpleOkay.

I turned back to Lucas,“Okay, I’ll agree to fifteen minutes. What do you need help with?”

He looked a little embarrassed but pressed on“I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend. Just for a little while. It’s ... complicated”.I blinked, unsure if I had heard him correctly“wait, what? Did you just ask me to be your fake girlfriend?”

He sighed, looking sheepish“I’m sorry... I know it’s sounds strange... but I need to introduce someone to my parents to cancel my arranged marriage.“.

I was flabbergasted“but what if they ask questions I can’t answer?”

His smile was reassuring“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you through it. You won’t be alone.”

I agreed to his odd request. He insisted we call each other ”love”, “sweetheart”, “dear”.

Again, I agree.

I linked arms with him. I felt strange sense of camaraderie as we entered the venue. The receptionist confirmed his table number. I froze - couldn’t help but wonder if this was all some bizarre coincidence.

As we walk towards the table, I felt uneasy. And then I saw her - my aunt staring at me, her eyes wide with disbelief as she saw me with this man.

A beautiful woman in her mid-fifties asked him, “Lucas, who is this pretty woman?” My aunt replied, “She’s Ae Bi. Seems like your son has met my niece”.

Lucas and I exchanged glances. My mind spun with confusion, what on earth was happening here?!