You Must be Lying

The light pink vintage dress below the knee, with short sleeves and small brown-purple flower motifs. With just one glance, people could immediately praise her beauty, like a Korean model. And Grace herself knew that she was indeed that beautiful. "He will surely like my surprise," Grace murmured before stepping into the apartment elevator, coincidentally empty. Today, Grace intentionally went to Jayden's apartment to meet the man and bring something as a gesture of attention. After their first meeting that night, Grace wanted to know more about him. "I can't wait to see his surprised face later. It will be very cute," Grace chuckled with excitement and couldn't wait to reach the top floor. "By the way, I just found out that the apartment I often pass by is actually his? Is he really that rich? How old is he?" Grace asked herself. She had just learned that fact after asking her father. "He still looks young to own such a big business. That means he's very successful. I'm fortunate to be his future wife." Grace smiled slightly, although her sudden betrothal to Jayden surprised her, she was quite happy because such a man would be her husband. An extraordinary man who exceeded her expectations. After a few minutes, Grace finally exited the elevator and walked towards Jayden's apartment unit. Throughout the walk, her heart continued to beat fast because it was the first time she was visiting a man who lived alone. Arriving at the door, Grace took a slow breath to calm her nerves. Before long, her hand rose and pressed the doorbell. Once, there was no response. Making Grace nervous again, she pressed the bell once more. Grace fell silent and thought, "Huh? Why is there no answer? Is he not inside?" Grace tightened her grip on her bag. Then, hopefully, she did the same thing. She was still sure Jayden was inside and hadn't heard the doorbell because he might be in the bathroom. "He couldn't have left. Om Jonathan said at this time he must be in the apartment," Grace mumbled, still smiling and thinking positively. After pressing the doorbell again, suddenly a sound was heard, indicating the door would be opened from the inside. Instantly, Grace's smile widened, and she hurriedly ran her fingers through her hair. A few seconds later, the door in front of her opened. "Good afternoon, Jay—" Grace's words suddenly stopped, and her eyes widened. "Huh? Who are you?" "Who are you?" Layla replied back with an equally surprised expression. She slightly opened the door and gazed at Grace with a puzzled look. Grace was stunned. The child in front of her was very unfamiliar, making her wonder how she ended up in Jayden's apartment unit. As far as Grace knew, Jonathan's son, Jayden, did not have a sibling. And even if it were a relative's child—she hadn't had the chance to ask. "Um, shouldn't you let me in first? We should talk inside." Layla remained silent, thinking, but hoping that Agatha would soon come from the mini-mart. Because she didn't recognize the woman. Layla was afraid she might be a bad person. Besides, until now, no woman knew her whereabouts and her father's except for Agatha. "You should be polite to adults. I am a guest. Surely you won't continue to leave me standing in front of the door, right?" Grace said again with a sweet smile. She felt a bit annoyed because the child was still silent and staring at her sharply. Layla remained silent, her eyes looking at Grace with uncertainty. However, after a few seconds, she opened the door and said, "Why are you here?" Grace tried to ease the tension, then smiled and began to enter. "Oh, I just wanted to bring food for Jayden. He will be happy to receive it. My name is Grace, and who are you?" Layla remained sharp in her gaze while closing the door again. "I'm Layla." Grace was still puzzled for a moment before smiling again. "Oh, I see. You must be hungry, Layla. Let's eat together. I brought Jayden's favorite food." Grace continued to think that Layla might be Jayden's niece, although there was no further clarification. But she decided to remain friendly and create comfort in this possibly confusing situation. Grace went straight to the kitchen to put down the food she brought. Layla followed behind with a sharp gaze. She still didn't know who this woman was and continued to look with curiosity and suspicion. "Who are you?" Layla finally dared to ask, her eyes still sharp as she observed Grace. Grace smiled brightly. "I'm Grace, Layla. Jayden's future wife. I brought his favorite food. Let's eat together, and then we can share more about ourselves." "You're lying! My dad is not getting married!" Grace was shocked to hear Layla refer to Jayden as "my dad". Her gaze changed, reflecting confusion and disbelief. "Dad?" "What do you mean, Layla? Aren't you Jayden's niece?" Grace asked with a confused tone, trying to seek clarification for her confusion. Layla raised her eyebrows, indicating annoyance. "He's not my uncle, but my dad. I'm the only child," Layla clarified firmly, providing a surprising clarification for Grace. Grace almost choked on her own saliva, but then laughed. "Oh, so you really like to joke. You must have considered Uncle Jayden as your father." "You evil woman!" Layla growled, clenching her fists, her eyes radiating dissatisfaction and disappointment. Grace felt taken aback by the emotional reaction of this little girl, trying to respond carefully. "Layla, forgive me. I didn't mean to make you angry. I want to understand this situation properly." "You're not going to marry my dad! He doesn't like evil women like you!" Layla fumed. Grace was taken aback again, but then smiled and ruffled Layla's hair. "Sweetheart, it's better for you to go watch TV or play. After that, I'll give you food, and we'll eat together. Okay?" She tried to calm Layla down with gentleness and offer fun activities to relieve the tense situation. Although deep down she was very irritated because the child almost ruined her mood. Especially since she was very talkative. Layla wrenched her hand from Grace's rough grip. "I don't like you! So dad won't want to marry you! You're annoying!" Grace suppressed her annoyance by forcing a smile. "Sure, whatever you say. But we will still get married, dear. We already love each other." She tried to handle the situation calmly and maintain a positive attitude. Suddenly, someone opened the door. They were both surprised, and Layla, who already knew who the person was, immediately ran towards the door. "Auntie! Why did you take so long?" she exclaimed joyfully, showing her happiness at seeing the arrival of that person.