To Love A Villain-Chapter 193: A Proficient Liar

>>Amber

What was he on about?

I saved his life? What is he saying? I looked at him with suspicious and bewildered eyes but didn’t say anything

"What?" Hestia’s tone shifted, disbelief coloring her voice. "What do you mean by that?" Of course, she was now worried because of what he said. He was her son, after all.

Hael didn’t falter. "When I was at the party, I got so drunk that I passed out. The other actress—she was going to assault me..." He looked down for a moment as he paused, "If Amber hadn’t shown up, it would have turned into a much bigger problem."

Hestia’s expression softened slightly, but suspicion still lingered in her gaze. "You can’t be serious," she said, a hint of disbelief creeping back in.

"I am," He insisted, his eyes locked onto hers. "Amber was looking out for me. She came to get me, and instead of letting that happen, she confronted the situation. If it wasn’t for her, who knows what would have happened?"

I stared at him in disbelief but I tried my best not to let it show on my face.

This little! He’s lying so smoothly, even his mom can’t tell!!

The tension in the room shifted, the weight of Hael’s words hanging heavily in the air. I could see the change in Hestia’s demeanor as she processed his explanation. The anger in her eyes began to fade, replaced by concern.

"Amber..." She started, her voice softening as she looked at me, "Is that true?"

I looked back at her, I guess I should play along, that would be better for me. "Yes, but—" I began, but Hael cut me off.

"No ’buts.’" He turned to Hestia again. "Amber risked herself to protect me. She didn’t deserve the reprimand you just gave her. She’s been doing her best."

Hestia’s expression softened even more, the anger melting away as she realized the gravity of what had happened. She took a deep breath, visibly shaken by her own emotions. "I... I didn’t know," She admitted, looking between us. "I thought... I thought you were just being reckless again."

"Mom, even you know I’ve never been this reckless." Hael replied, his voice steady.

"Yes," She nodded, "Which is why I can’t understand why it all happened! You never stay late at parties!"

"I don’t know," He shrugged as he lied again, "I guess there were more in the drinks than just alcohol."

MY GOD

Look at him lie. I wanted to shook my head so badly at him and it took everything in my power to control myself

"Oh..." Her gaze dropped, "Oh My... I didn’t even think..." She looked at me, "I’m sorry," She apologized, "I should have given you the chance to explain yourself."

"..." I didn’t know what to say to that, "It’s alright," I said, "As long as it has been resolved."

Hestia let out a sigh, "I’ll see what to do about this situation. You both can leave."

"Thank you," I gave her a short bow and then turned around to leave. Hael stayed behind to talk to his mother. Not wanting to interfere, I left.

I wanted some fresh air anyway

***

The bright lights of the studio cast a warm glow over the audience as the talk show host, a charismatic woman named Lila, introduced the next segment. The chatter and laughter of the crowd settled as she looked at the four people seated on the plush couch: Hael, the dashing actor Lucas, and the two bubbly actresses, Mia and Elara.

"Now, for some fun!" Lila announced, her voice brimming with excitement. "We’re going to play a game that’s sure to get everyone a little closer—literally! It’s the classic Pocky Game!"

Pocky game!?!?

My heart sank as Lila explained the rules. Two people would each take an end of a chocolate Pocky stick, and the goal was to see how long they could hold it between their lips without breaking it. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as I watched the glint of mischief in Hael’s eyes.

"Let’s start with Hael and Mia!" Lila suggested, clapping her hands together enthusiastically. The crowd erupted into cheers as Mia squealed in delight, her eyes sparkling.

Hael glanced at me, and for a brief moment, I caught a hint of uncertainty in his expression. But he shrugged it off, grinning at Mia as she moved closer. My heart raced, and I couldn’t tear my gaze away from them.

They each took a Pocky stick, positioning themselves facing one another, the distance between their lips narrowing. The audience cheered, and the tension in the air thickened as I fought against the jealousy bubbling inside me.

"On the count of three!" Lila said, her voice cutting through the mounting anticipation. "One... two... three!"

As their lips neared the stick, my breath hitched. I watched as Hael’s focus locked onto Mia’s face, the light catching the glimmer in his eyes. They both leaned in, their lips just inches apart. I could feel heat rising to my cheeks as my stomach churned with an uncomfortable mix of anger and envy.

"Come on, you can do it!" Lila encouraged, leaning forward with an excited smile.

Mia giggled, trying to hold her composure, but I could see the competitive glint in her eye. "You’re not going to pull away, are you, Hael?" She teased, her voice playful.

"No way," He replied with a smirk, his confidence radiating.

The crowd erupted in laughter, and my heart raced as I watched them inch closer. Their lips were nearly brushing the ends of the Pocky stick, and I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. The playful banter felt too intimate, too close for comfort.

"Don’t break it!" Lila shouted, and the audience roared, urging them on.

The moment hung in the air, and I could hardly breathe as I fought the rising tide of jealousy within me. All I could think was how easy it seemed for them to connect, how natural it was for Hael to smile and flirt. I felt a knot tighten in my chest as I clenched my fists in my lap.

"Okay, ready?" Mia said, her voice low and teasing.

Hael leaned in, his expression serious but playful, and I felt my heart race. "I’m ready," He replied, a confident grin spreading across his face.

With that, they both took a deep breath, and as they leaned in, the stick snapped. Laughter erupted in the studio, but the sound felt distant as I forced a smile, even as the sight of them lingering close together twisted something inside me.

"Looks like they couldn’t handle the pressure!" Lila teased, and the audience laughed, but I was already lost in my thoughts, battling the pangs of jealousy that made my heart ache. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Good job, you two!" Lila said, her voice bright, but I could barely focus on the celebration. I glanced away, trying to push back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

As the game continued, I watched Hael’s laughter and the easy way he interacted with Mia. I couldn’t shake the feeling of distance that settled between us, and the bright lights of the studio felt unbearably hot.

I’m going to burn this studio down! I was getting more angry by the minute even though their game had ended.

The audience erupted in cheers and laughter as Lila clapped her hands, the playful atmosphere electric. "Since both couples failed to finish the Pocky Game, we’re going to spice things up a bit! Each couple will now switch partners for the next round!"

What?

Switch partners?

I blinked in confusion, my heart racing. With who?

"Please welcome, the managers!" Lila said and my eyes went wide

"What? Wait, what?" I stammered, looking around the stage. Lila waved cheerfully, motioning for all four of the managers to join them.

I felt a rush of panic mixed with curiosity as I caught Hael’s amused expression. The other managers seemed equally perplexed, exchanging glances as they made their way onto the stage. I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. I wasn’t sure I wanted to play this game with Hael in front of an audience, but the atmosphere was infectious, and I couldn’t just run away when everyone else was going.

With a resigned sigh and a flutter of anxiety, I stepped forward. I approached Hael, who was grinning like a child with a new toy. "Ready?" He teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I don’t think so..." This was suspicious somehow.

"Don’t worry, I’ll handle it." He held up a fresh Pocky stick. I took one end, and as the game began, I could feel the tension in the air shift, something electric buzzing between us.

"On the count of three!" Lila shouted, her excitement palpable. "One... two... three!"

We both leaned in, the audience’s cheers fading as I focused entirely on Hael. Our lips were inches apart, and my heart raced. There was something different in the way he held my gaze, a glint of mischief that made my stomach flutter.

!!!

As the Pocky stick began to bend under the pressure of our lips, I could feel the warmth radiating from him. His breath was soft against my face, and I couldn’t shake the awareness of just how close we were. "You know," He said, his voice low and teasing, "This is all your fault."

"Excuse me?" I shot back, momentarily distracted by the playful challenge in his eyes.

"You know, I didn’t think we’d be doing this when I came to the show today," He smirked, his lips brushing mine as he spoke, sending a jolt through me. I couldn’t help but feel a rush of warmth at his words and the way he leaned closer.

"Hael!" I gasped, suddenly aware of the audience watching us intently, their laughter and cheers echoing in my ears. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, and I tried to focus on the stick between us, but all I could think about was how soft his lips were against mine.

How the hell is this my fault?! What is my fault?!

He inched even closer, his breath mingling with mine as we both leaned forward to keep the Pocky stick intact. The distance between our lips was practically nonexistent now, and I felt my heart racing in my chest.

"This is so ridiculous," I muttered, trying to hide my embarrassment as I felt the blush creeping up my neck.

"Maybe," He replied, a playful grin stretching across his face, "But you have to admit, it’s kind of fun."

In that moment, the world around us faded away, and all I could feel was the warmth of his body, the way our lips nearly touched, and the thrill of the game. I glanced at him with my eyes wide.

But the moment was interrupted as the Pocky stick finally snapped, a loud crack echoing in the room. The audience erupted in cheers, and I pulled back, my heart racing.

Hael laughed, his eyes shining with mischief. "Well, that was fun! Too bad we didn’t win," He said, a hint of teasing in his voice.

"Fun?" I echoed, still reeling from the closeness we’d shared. "That was mortifying!" What was the most terrifying thing?

I wanted to forget everything else and kiss him

I began to walk away before anyone else. This isn’t right. I have to control myself.

"Amber?" I heard Hael call me, but I couldn’t look back at him