Dark Illusion: A Psychological Thriller Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

hair emitted a sweet scent that filled the entire
room.
    “You’re late,” Andy said.
    “Exactly as I told you earlier. I
am very consistent that way,” Gloria flashed a perfect smile.
    Andy did not argue. He knew
Gloria was not the type of person who was used to criticism. He ought to choose
his battles and hold his tongue when necessary.
    And this was one of those moments
that he’d better shut up.
    He watched her lying comfortably
on his bed, gazing at the view out the window. After a few moments, she looked
back at Andy and their eyes met. An awkward moment passed between them, and
then Gloria rose at once and sat up straight, supposedly checking her
reflection in the mirror. It was the first time he had seen her lower her eyes.
    “So where are the costumes?” she
finally asked in a formal tone, renouncing any tension between them.
    “I’m way ahead of you,” he smiled
and spread out three ravishing dresses on the bed beside her.
    Gloria tried them on, one by one.
The first dress was a long, cherry-red strapless evening gown that made her
look like a movie star. But not like one of those modern actresses, who
appeared as though they were identical clones of each other; she looked as if
she’d stepped right out of Hollywood’s golden age, reminiscent of a dark-haired
Grace Kelly.
    The second one was a backless
dress, in a shimmering light blue hue that accentuated the color of Gloria’s
eyes and made her look mermaidesque , like she was the
ocean’s incarnation on earth.
    But after she tried on the third
dress, there was no doubt that it was the one. The nude color complemented
Gloria’s fair skin, and the glistening gemstones embraced her perfect silhouette
and made her shine. The fabric was so fine that it seemed like an inseparable
layer of her body and encircled her with a celestial aura. She was surrounded
by light and magic, like a mythical goddess, possessing a powerful magnetism of
beauty and allure.
    “Wow!” Andy blurted. Gloria gave
him a satisfied look. He felt as if he could gawk at her for hours, but at the
same time he prayed she would change back into her jeans, so that he could
maybe regain his focus on what they were here to do.
    Too late, all he could think
about was the vision of Gloria in that dress.  
     
    Before Gloria returned to her room, Andy stopped her. “Wait,
there’s something I need to talk to you about before we start the photo shoot.”
    “Why do I have to keep being
stuck with you in this room?” she complained and immediately felt angry at
herself. After all, she did want to spend time with him, and right now she was
ruining any chance of that happening.
    Change the situation
immediately! she  commanded herself.
    “. . . That is, when I can be
stuck with you in a restaurant instead?” she added with her most charming
smile. “I remember a great restaurant from my last visit to Christchurch, trust
me. I’m exhausted, so we will talk about it tonight. I’ll meet you in the hotel
lobby at seven thirty.” She left the room without waiting for an answer.
    Andy was slightly confused, but
after he realized what had just happened, he simply smiled. Well, I’ll be
damned .
    All of Gloria’s confidence wore
off the second after she closed the door behind her. She just hoped she hadn’t
made a fool of herself.
     
                                   
     * * *
     
    While they were waiting for the main courses, Andy was
thinking that Gloria was right, the restaurant really was great. It overlooked
a peaceful, magical lake and had a warm and homey atmosphere, while still
remaining very classy. They sat in the balcony where the whispers of nature
blended with an old Sinatra song. The view was breathtaking.
    Even what was around Gloria
didn't look so bad.
    He was surprised to discover that
she was one of the most interesting people he had ever talked to, and he felt
like they could continue talking all night long. Gloria told charming