Love in a spotlight

Just then, Caleb's phone rang, shrill in the silence. He picked it up, his eyes scanning the screen before answering. "Hello?"

It was Abigail, her voice husky on the other end. "Caleb, can we meet?" she asked, her tone low and mysterious.

Caleb's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued. "Where?" he asked, already standing up.

Barron and the others looked up, concerned. "You leaving?" one of them asked.

Caleb arrived at the cafe, scanning the room for Abigail. He spotted her sitting in a corner, looking effortlessly beautiful without a hint of makeup or lipstick. Her skin, still slightly pale from her recent illness, had a delicate, porcelain-like quality to it. Despite the lingering effects of her fever, her complexion had a subtle, radiant glow, as if her skin was slowly regaining its natural freshness. Caleb's eyes lingered on her face, taking in the subtle changes, before he made his way over to her.

As Caleb approached, he noticed that Abigail was unusually subdued, her eyes fixed on the table in front of her. She didn't even look up as he sat down beside her, which was out of character for the normally vibrant and energetic Abigail.

As Abigail sensed Caleb's presence, she slowly looked up at him and asked, "About your fake girlfriend..." She paused, her eyes searching for confirmation.

"Oh," Caleb nodded, his expression neutral.

"Is that still on?" Abigail asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Yes, are you going to do it?" Caleb countered, his eyes locked on hers.

Abigail nodded, a resolute look on her face.

She then asked, "Can you do me a favor, then?"

"Whatever," Caleb replied, his tone casual.

Abigail continued, "Help us register to attend the gown competition in that fashion show."

Caleb's response was surprisingly nonchalant. "Okay."

Abigail's eyes narrowed, a suspicious glint in her gaze. "What? You think I couldn't register that?" Caleb asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Abigail nodded, earning a wide smile from Caleb. Her awkwardness momentarily forgotten, she pushed a wide smile back at him.

Returning to her usual self, Abigail's curiosity got the better of her. "MD, you got the invitation easily, and you can register for the competition easily. How come?"

Caleb said with a smirk, "Because I'm a cockroach."

Abigail blinked, taken aback. "I'm sorry," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You know, at first, I kind of didn't like you."

Caleb pointed a finger at her, his eyes teasing. "And now you like me."

Abigail's face flushed, and she hastily corrected him. "No...clearing her throat, she said, "Now I don't hate you."

Caleb's expression turned serious. "And one thing - don't fall in love with me. It's a fake relationship."

Abigail shrugged, her tone nonchalant. "I don't care, either way."

Olivia stole a discreet glance at Caleb, who was fully engaged in the live show, chatting effortlessly with the hosts and producer. With a quiet smile, she slipped away, making her way to the city's largest boutique, where she carefully selected a stunning dress, her smile growing wider as she envisioned herself wearing it.

Caleb returned from work, still dressed in his attire from the live show. He arrived at Abigail's place to pick her up, and she answered the door dressed in a light blue outfit paired with heels. Despite looking elegant, she seemed both comfortable and tense.

"If you're single and unmarried, why can't you just go on a blind date?" Abigail asked, her curiosity piqued. She fell silent, sensing Caleb's cold gaze on her.

"Miss Abigail, don't you know you have too many 'why' questions?" Caleb asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Abigail's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I got smacked by my brother all the time."

Caleb's expression remained neutral. "Good for you."

Abigail's lips pursed, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded Caleb's nonchalant response.

Caleb and Abigail stood side by side, gazing out at the café. Abigail's demeanor was slightly tense, and her body stiffened further when she felt Caleb's large hand envelop hers. Without a word, she followed him.

As they entered the café, Caleb was greeted by Barron, who looked stunned to see Caleb arrive with a girl in tow.

Barron's eyes darted between Caleb and Abigail, his expression growing increasingly uneasy. "How do you plan to do this?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Caleb shrugged nonchalantly. "You told me to bring my girlfriend."

Barron's face turned red as he realized his mistake. "It was a joke!" he exclaimed, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Caleb's expression remained neutral, but Abigail's eyes narrowed slightly, as if sensing the tension.

Barron attempted to salvage the situation. "I think it's better if you do this alone and meet her first, just the two of you." He suggested, his tone hopeful.

Caleb didn't seem to register Barron's words, and instead, he began to approach the girl waiting at the table. Abigail's steps faltered, and her hand went limp in Caleb's grasp. But Caleb didn't let go. Instead, he tightened his grip and dragged Abigail along, pulling her towards the table where the blind date girl was waiting.

The girl looked up, a bright smile on her face, but it faltered for a moment as she took in the sight of Caleb and Abigail, their hands clasped together.

Caleb's gaze met Olivia's, who was shooting him a confused look, her eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement. Meanwhile, Abigail swallowed slightly, her eyes fixed on Olivia, a flicker of unease dancing across her face.

Caleb's eyes locked onto Olivia's, a hint of surprise in his voice. "You were my blind date today?"

Olivia's gaze darted between Caleb and Abigail, her expression growing increasingly perplexed. "What's going on between you two?"

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Abigail took advantage of the distraction to free herself from Caleb's grasp.

Olivia's eyes narrowed, her gaze snapping back to Abigail. "Are you dating?" she asked, her tone firm, as if demanding an answer.

"See... The truth is..." Abigail began, but before she could continue, Caleb swiftly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. The sudden gesture showcased their intimacy, leaving no doubt about their relationship.