Caught Up in a Web of Lies

‘A sleeping princess.’

That's the first thought Wes had as soon as he'd seen Mia. He'd just gotten back from work, and he'd gone straight to Caleb’s guest room, where she rested. He’d stared at her for so long, wanting to hug and kiss her, but he didn't because that would be dishonoring her.

He even called for Darlene, the retired maid who'd attended to him when he's finishing his studies, just to ask her to change Mia's clothes. Among those close to him, only she and Seth knew about her, for he trusted them most. He chose not to tell the loud-mouthed Caleb yet, the real resident of the condo, since there's a chance Claire would also find out.

Wes knew for himself that he did all he could so as not to taint Mia with his not-so-pure desires.

However, his impulses would take over whenever he's with her, making him do things he didn't plan. He always controlled himself, but then, he recalled they’re alone together in a room at night. Now, he found himself running out of breath, and he didn’t know how much more he could take.

‘Mia…’ Getting closer and closer, he soon ended up on top of her in the bed. ‘My princess…’

He could hear a heartbeat, but he didn't know if it was his or hers. She was both nervous and nonplussed, he could tell, yet she didn’t escape or protest.

Unable to resist her anymore, he leaned in and kissed the corner of her lips.

She let out a small gasp, and he smiled against her skin, one hand cupping her face. Then, without warning, he trailed more kisses along her cheek, over the bridge of her nose, across her eyelids—each eager and tender all at once. His heart melted when he heard her giggle as though tickled, and he couldn’t help but gather her in his arms, if only to hold her closer.

He wanted her. He wanted her more than anything in the world, and if she's willing to continue, then he wouldn't bother to stop. He could not stop.

“Wes…” he heard her say as he proceeded to cover her face in breathless kisses, her sweet and wonderful scent intoxicating him more than he already was. “W-Wes…”

With much effort on his part, he pulled back to find her face a blushing mess, her hair scattered everywhere on the pillow. He noticed her lips hovering close to his, and suddenly, he’s stunned in place. Every part of him ached to cross that line, but he managed to restrain himself, letting the intimacy of every other kiss speak for him.

Finally, he rested his forehead against hers, their ragged breaths mingling.

“What is it, princess?” If she asked for the world, he’d be more than glad to offer it to her on a silver platter. “Wes, I-I…”

The door swung open right then, immediately grabbing both their attention.

“What in the world…?”

Standing there in shock was his cousin and Caleb’s sister, Claire Ashthorne.

For that fraction of a moment, the memory from the piano recital flashed through his head. Mia had mentioned noticing him change his voice and hearing the ‘Ashthorne’ name before. Reminded that it couldn’t remain a secret for long, he had tried to say that, “There's something you should know.”

But then, he’d seen her shudder as the crowd applauded, and once more, he thought she wouldn’t be able to bear the truth. She’s still not ready, still too afraid. So, he’d deemed it unimportant when she asked, yet at the same time, he couldn’t bring himself to meet her eyes.

“U-Umm, Wes…? I-Isn’t that…?”

And he was doing it to her again.

‘Not yet… She can’t know yet.’

---

Wes possessed a range of abilities that Claire found to be more intimidating than impressive.

He could improvise tear-jerking scenes, captivate an entire room with a single pose, and lead a boardroom meeting at the age of thirteen. Though homeschooled, he outperformed even the best students from prestigious academies. He was born into a legacy of wealth, but he still had to work in ways no inheritance or bloodlines could spare him from

As a result, he missed out on common things in life that others would take for granted, including falling in love.

“Yes, she’s that flower delivery girl who fixed your gown.” Yet now, Claire found herself face-to-face with an incredibly bashful Wes—an unfamiliar expression on him that showed just how smitten he was. “And she’s my girlfriend.”

He had quickly grabbed Claire by the wrist and whisked her into the kitchen. She didn’t know why they couldn’t talk back in the room when Mia was clearly trying to explain as well.

“You could’ve said so back then. Did you meet during one of your secret escapades?”

He clicked his tongue. “I knew Seth was tattling on me.”

“At least he didn’t tell me you’d brought her to my brother’s place, doing who knew what-”

“She’s sick,” he snapped, covering his red cheeks with his hand. “I’m taking care of her.”

“But why here? I told Caleb I'd be visiting today, but he said you're using his unit, so I came to check-”

“Ummm…” At the new voice, they both whirled around to find the person in question stepping into the kitchen. “I-I’m sorry, but…”

“Mia! I told you not to get up!”

This was another first for Claire.

She’d never seen her cousin this fretful and agitated before. He’s always so calm and collected that she sometimes wondered if he’s even capable of feeling human emotions. He’d also certainly never fussed over somebody like this since he’s the one being served all the time.

“It’s cold out here. Let’s go back,” Wes almost pleaded as he shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around Mia.

“B-Before that,” she stammered, turning towards her. “I-I have to apologize for imposing, M-Ms. Ashthorne.”

“There’s no need to, and just call me Claire,” she sighed, unsure how to take this. “After all, Wes and I are-”

“Ms. Claire is related to the person who owns this condo, which I’m renting,” he cut in and stepped forward to stand in between them. “Isn’t that right, miss?”

Her jaw dropped, and she looked at him as if he’d gone insane. But before she could ask what sort of stunt he’s trying to pull, she noticed an unspoken message on his face. His lips formed a thin smile, his gaze reflecting a quiet resolve.

“Unfortunately, I ran into some unexpected expenses. I sincerely apologize for not paying in full, but I’ll definitely do so by the end of this month. Please, relay this to the owner as well.”

This was what Claire meant when she said she found Wes more intimidating than impressive.

There were no cameras rolling, no crew watching. But he’s in character, his words smooth and eloquent like lines from a movie rather than the lies they were. If she denied them, it would be she who appeared deceitful and not him.

She still couldn’t grasp his intention, but she’d be sure to wring it out of him later. He wouldn’t act this way without a reason, and she trusted he knew what he’s getting himself into.

So, with a frown, she let the breath she’s holding escape in a defeated sigh. “Of course.”

“Thank you, miss.” Wes gave her a polite nod before turning back to Mia. “Problem solved. Now, let’s get you to bed. Off we go-”

“Ah! So, that’s why you acted that way during her recital!” She bumped a fist into her palm. “Um, you know, Wes… If you have trouble paying your rent, I can help you.”

‘The oh-so-rich Wes Ashthorne having trouble paying?’ Claire knew Caleb would be bursting out laughing if he's here now. ‘Oh, this could be fun.’

“No, Mia. It’s fine-”

“One thing, though,” Claire chimed in again. “She’s our guest as much as she is yours. If she’s staying for a while, you must provide everything she needs. For instance, what will she wear out of those pajamas? I can see they’re too big on her. As far as I recall, you don’t have anyone you can borrow women’s clothes from. Will it be okay for her to wear the ones available here?”

Wes shot her a look of suspicion, catching on immediately that she’s referring to Caleb’s clothes. “Well, I can always buy-”

“N-No! Save your m-money for the r-rent!” Mia exclaimed. “I’m fine with whatever you have here, and besides, I won’t stay around for long.”

“...I’m not fine with it.”

“W-Why not? It’s your clothes.”

“Just because, Mia.”

“Ah… Y-You don’t want me wearing them, then?”

“No! That’s not it! It’s just that…”

This would be fun, indeed.