599: Just Pretend Only for Tonight

Just Pretend Only for Tonight

"Brandon, you are a good man. I am so grateful for the love and genuine concern for me. But I'm sorry. I can't marry you."2

Brandon's heart constricted inside his chest upon hearing those words from Alveena. Just yesterday, he was so happy that Alveena had decided to accept the marriage between Sy and Cullens, giving him a chance.

He was looking forward to tonight's engagement party. He had sworn to himself that he would do his best to make Alveena happy. 

He had already planned what he would do to court her and win her heart. He was determined to help Alveena forget about Andrew as he would try to replace Andrew in her heart.

He also had a surprise for Alveena tonight. After the party, he planned on bringing her to the highest tower in the City of Empire. He wanted to stargaze with Alveena tonight.

However, it seemed that he would not be able to do it anymore. Brandon didn't know what to do. Alveena had changed her mind again.

"Alvee, why did you suddenly change your mind? I thought you were already okay with this marriage? "

Alveena bit her lower lip. She was having a hard time telling him that she changed her mind because Andrew already chose her. 

But she had to do it and be honest with him. She already felt sorry for Brandon for giving him false hope. It would be fair if she would tell him the truth.

"I'm really sorry, Brandon. Andrew and I… we decided to be together. He… he chose me."

Brandon fell silent for a moment, just staring at her with his gloomy look. He knew it. Andrew was the reason Alveena was backing out.

"I'm sorry for doing this to you, Brandon. I shouldn't have said yes. Now, I put our families in this awkward situation. If I didn't say yes, this party would not happen." Alveena said, feeling apologetic.

"Are you sure about this, Alveena? I saw you cry several times because of that guy. I don't want you to get hurt again."

"Did he really end things with his fiancee? Can you handle it, Alveena? What if his fiancee will blame you for their breakup?" 

Alveena nodded her head. "Yes, he did. Brandon, I know I am being selfish but I can't let him go. I don't care about what people will say about me. Even if they will accuse me of ruining his relationship with his fiancee. All I care about is to be with him."

"I love him, Brandon. This is the first time I feel this. Even though he made me cry many times… even though he was the reason I was hurt and in pain... Andrew is also the one who can make me happy. He is the only one who can erase my pain. And so he did! He chose me, Brandon. He chose me…"

Alveena smiled at him brightly. "Can't you see how happy I am now? This is because of him."

Brandon watched Alveena and he could tell that she was really happy. He could see that Andrew was her source of happiness.

'Is it really hard to replace him? Should I give up now and accept the fact that Alveena's heart is only beating for Andrew. Damn! My heart is in pain. I feel like crying but I shouldn't! I am a man for goodness' sake.'

Brandon was trying his best to maintain his brave front. He smiled at her, masking his sadness.

"The guy… wearing a black mask a while ago. He is Andrew… right?"

Alveena bobbed her head. "He wanted to meet my parents and tell them about our relationship. But I refused because I didn't want to hurt you further by bringing him there. This is supposed to be our engagement party… so I don't want to humiliate our families in the eyes of the public."

Brandon let out a soft chuckle. "Why? I thought you don't care about what people will say?"

"Yes, but I am thinking about you and the Cullens."

"So what are you planning to do now, Alvee? Resume this engagement and pretend that we are okay. Then after a few weeks, we will tell the public that we already broke up. Is this what you want?"

Alveena bit her lower lip. She knew it was too much to ask this from Brandon. She also didn't know what she would do. 

In the end, she just looked down, not answering Brandon.

Brandon just watched Alveena helplessly. He knew that Alveena was worried about him. She didn't want to hurt his feelings but she couldn't choose him either.

Brandon was already happy knowing that Alveena was worried about him as well.

After a while, Brandon heaved a deep sigh.

"If you really feel sorry for me, why don't you give me a hug and console my broken heart. You just dumped me again."

Brandon wanted to lighten the atmosphere by saying that. He could see that Alveena was stressed out and felt troubled right now because of their complicated relationships.

Without waiting for Alveena's response, Brandon just pulled her into a tight hug. He was hurting right now, but Alveena's hug would be enough to lessen his pain.

Alveena just let Brandon hug her. "Brandon, you will always be my good friend. I feel really grateful to you."

"Hahaha, is this what they called friendzone?"

Brandon was laughing but his eyes were already tearing up. His tears fell from the corner of his eyes. Fortunately, he was hugging Alveena.

He didn't want her to see him cry. What if Alveena would tease him and call him a crybaby?

"Alveena, don't worry. I will handle this. Hmm, but can you do one thing for me tonight?"

"What is it, Brandon?"

"Can you be my fiancee even just for tonight? Let's pretend that we are a happy couple. With this, we can also save our families' image."

Alveena was conflicted about this. But in the end, she agreed with Brandon's request.

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