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Chapter 5: False Pretence

Amelia's POV:

I pulled on a white floral strapless dress, being extra careful to not ruffle my hair around too much, wanting it to appear perfectly straightened. I did spend the last hour working on it, even lightly burning my fingers and neck here and there; I wasn't very coordinated.

I picked up my lipgloss, and applied 2 swaps, along with the custom 2 swaps of mascara I always apply.

I - yet again - felt pretty. My nerves were all over the place, I wondered if Damien would complement me again tonight or not.

Damien hadn't yet arrived, but I was ready. I went downstairs to maybe help mom with dinner.

She had her back to me when I entered, too engrossed in whatever she was stirring, "hey mom, need any help?" I asked, softly.

"Oh, hey sweetie, yes come cut up the vegetables." Her back was still turned to me, but the moment she saw me, her mouth formed an evident 'o'.

I grimaced, I didn't think the shift in the way I looked was that drastic.

"Oh, baby you're glowing." Mom looked in awe, finding it extremely easy to abandon the food she was moments ago furiously stirring.

"It's been so long since I saw you look this relaxed, and your hair - oh my, it's a lot longer. When was the last time you wore this dress?" Mom went off rambling, and I couldn't help but feel happier. Maybe Damien would also notice that I did look prettier.

I was just about done cutting up the vegetables, while mom went upstairs to finish getting dressed and wake dad up when the doorbell rang.

I quickly rushed to the sink, washed my hands at lightning speed and almost skipped to the door.

I didn't have time for a pep talk because I didn't want to leave him hanging by the door, so I opened it against my better judgment.

He was wearing the same thing as earlier, but he looked more rugged. His hair wasn't perfectly combed, but it didn't make him any less handsome.

"Hey," I breathed out looking at him, he was much taller and broader.

"Hey, beautiful lady." He greeted playfully, and my heart skipped multiple beats. He said it again, I felt accomplished.

My face flushed for the umpteenth time.

"Come in."

Damien seemed to look behind me, focused. I was confused, and it was very evident on my face. "Is everything ok - " my words were cut short when I felt him pull me into a tight embrace.

My heart was beating way too fast that I was almost certain he could feel it. "Just because you gave me a hug in the morning doesn't mean I won't take a second one." He murmured in my ears, I felt goosebumps arise all over my body and a bolt of electricity running through my spine.

'Oh, god.' I mentally thought as I - for the first time ever - nestled myself even deeper into an embrace. It was as if time stopped, and my brain has stopped in unison too.

I wasn't sure how to register what was happening altogether, and I wasn't sure if the hugs he gave me were normal, but I was way too happy to even think rationally.

I wasn't sure for how long did we remain locked this way, but I knew that when I heard dad's steps as he bounded downstairs, I let go; too fast, but Damien did too.

I felt a slight ache in my chest because that was the most evident proof that those hugs were absolutely wrong.

"Hey Noah." Damien greeted, "you don't know how good it is to see you all the time again, like the old days."