Chapter 28

Clary's POV

I took a step back from the mirror after brushing my teeth.

Sigh.

The news from last night made me rethink if I'm really worth being part of Jace's long list of ex-lovers, even if this an act. I stick out like a sore thumb, and anyone would see that I'm clearly not his usual type, that I'm just a regular, plain girl beside him.

I mean, what if his crazed fangirls go out of their way to ridicule me for not being up to Jace's standards? What if even after this stunt is finished, I'd still have Jace tied to me? I don't think I'd like to be known as his ex, but I also wouldn't want anyone to know about the payment being involved.

Clearly, I didn't have time to think through the aftermath of this stunt before agreeing to it.

Enough of Jace, I chastised myself. I will get the best out of this.

I almost felt like cursing the universe when I swung my bedroom door open and came face-to-face with none other than—

"Jace," I stated bemused. "What brings you to a girl's bedroom door at 7 am in the morning?"

He looked caught off guard like he wasn't sure if he was supposed to be here. I arched a questioning brow at him, prodding him to spill.

In return, his face dropped, putting on that mask of arrogance as a smirk slipped easily onto his lips.

"Not a morning person huh?" Jace replied, completely avoiding my question.

"That's beside the point." I pestered on. "Was this a coincidence or were you trying to listen in on another one of my private conversations to lighten up your boring celebrity life?"

He rolled his eyes grandly. "You forget I own this mansion, I was just passing by when you interrupted my journey to Maryse's office."

I scoffed at him. "You're off the hook, continue on with your day sir."

"Thank you, officer Fray," Jace winked, a genuine smile painting his face. He leaned on the doorframe of my room in a languid manner, our faces inches apart.

My heart fluttered as I took in Jace's good looks once again, his perfectly chiselled face with tufts of thick golden hair grazing his forehead. Dark eyes stared intensely back at me, Jace's smile faded from his face as a much more fervent look came over.

The flutters quickened, the same flutters I got from being so close to him at Magnus' party.

I quickly looked down, snapping our connection in an instant.

Air flowed easier in and out my lungs as I stared at my feet compared to staring at Jace. The trance I fall into around him was starting to make me feel… unlike me.

It's just attraction, I told myself. You can't help human nature.

Yet, I didn't feel convinced that was all I felt.

I glanced up at him.

Jace was now farther away, leaning casually against the opposite wall of the hallway. The tiniest bit of disappointment bloomed in my chest as I noted his nonchalance. I quickly pushed it away and tried my best to mirror his aura.

"So," I started, picking at my nails to avoid looking at him. "Is there anything else I could do for you?"

"Yeah, actually." He replied, and then going silent.

I waited a few more seconds before making eye contact with him. "And are you going to tell me or just stand there?" I snapped, impatience colouring my tone.

A gleeful smile broke on Jace's face. "Sorry, I was waiting for your full attention. I didn't know nailbeds could be that interesting."

I groaned out loud, making him chuckle.

"As I was saying," Jace continued. "Come with me to talk to Maryse, she told me it was important and it was about… us."

I couldn't help but blush when he said "us" like that, so casually as if we have been part of this predicament for a while.

But we haven't, and I wanted to slug myself for melting under Jace.

I flipped my hair to give off boredness like I wasn't a little flattered to join Jace at his private meeting. "Sure, not like I have anything better to do." I shrugged.

Jace smirked at me knowingly. "I knew you wouldn't turn me down. Follow me."

I followed him with no further discussion as he led the way.

About five minutes passed of walking, and I was starting to see a change in every hallway. I watched with wonder at the features of the place Jace calls home, he had his own pool and his own gym, even a recording studio? I was so entranced, I almost didn't notice he's been staring at me for who knows how long.

"What?" I asked unnerved.

He squinted at me and then shook his head, continuing his stride. "Nothing, it's just that I realized you've never been given a tour of this place. You could get lost anytime."

"Well," I replied. "I could always ask Isabelle if it's needed."

He barked out a laugh. "Isabelle could care less to explore the entire mansion. If she's not abroad she's in her room or downstairs."

"Maybe Sebastian then," I suggested. "He seems like he knows a lot."

"Are we talking about the same Sebastian here?" Jace quipped back, side-eyeing me as he stopped in front of a polished wooden door.

Jace seemed to take it upon himself to rule everyone else out for this house tour. I was starting to catch onto what exactly he wanted me to ask but two can play at this game.

"Hmm…" I pretended to think. "Does that leave me with you being the only eligible tour guide?"

His lips curled up with satisfaction. "I'll have to get back to you on that. For now, let's go see what Maryse wants."

I suppressed punching Jace in the shoulder.

As we stepped into Maryse's office together, I couldn't help but shiver a bit — and not because of the freezing temperature.

Maryse's office was extremely contrasting in shades with an unknown source of light expertly shining on the large desk in the back of the room while everything else was left tucked away in the shadows of the giant office. Decorations consisted of mahogany furniture and a blood-red carpet. My eyes flicked to the end wall to see my portrait of Maryse hung up.

Back when I was painting it, I felt the feminine power of it spring off the canvas, but now it just looked plain intimidating and scary.

My body instinctively cowered behind Jace who perfectly was at ease.

The chair behind the grand mahogany desk swivelled so it was now facing Jace and I, and in it sat Maryse's small yet powerful body.

"Took you long enough son," stated Maryse. "Come over here, and explain what this is about."

Maryse's voice came out in a whiplash, echoing against the walls in the vast room. Jace glanced back at me, as Maryse's clicking and typing on her computer started to fill the room. I felt my nerves jittering.

"You good Gingersnap?" Jace mumbled at me while walking over to the chairs in front of Maryse's office desk.

I nodded in reply, feeling off suddenly. I took note that Maryse didn't notice I was in the room with Jace. I sat with Jace and watched Maryse concentrate on her screen, typing aggressively. She paused, and then turned to face Jace and I.

"So why did this— oh," Maryse cut off once she noticed my presence. "I didn't see you there Ms. Fray…" Maryse's icy eyes flicked to Jace with wonder, which he shrugged off.

"You said it was about Clary and I," Jace said boredly. "I thought I'd bring her since she was awake."

Maryse's eyes glanced at me. "Good thinking," she said a bit coldly. "Though, I called for just you because I assumed this whole situation is your fault, Jace."

Jace sat up in his seat. "What's my fault? Not a single rule has been violated by me on the contract."

My head is spinning now. What is Maryse talking about? Does this explain why her energy seemed so volatile today? Did Jace do something that jeopardizes the entire stunt? Should I even be here?

"Sorry," I cleared my throat nervously. "Should I excuse myself out?"

Both of them ignored me, trapped in a steely staring contest.

"Jace," Maryse ground out. "I might be your mother, but I am also your manager. The damage this brings on you and Clary is not doing well at all."

"I did nothing Maryse," Jace snapped back. "I don't even know what you're talking about."

Maryse pressed her lips into a thin line and with one last glare, she held her computer screen in both hands and twist the screen around so it faced us.

In all bold text on the front page of TMZ, it read, " Supermodel Isabelle Lightwood Best Friend, Aline Penhallow Alleges 'Jace and Claire [Clary] is All a Publicity Stunt'"

My heart dropped to my stomach

I quickly glanced at Jace to gauge his reaction, but there wasn't any. His face was composed as his golden eyes quickly scanned every line in the article, his face inches away from the screen like he couldn't get enough.

I felt my palms start to sweat and guilt seep in. This is what Maryse was pinning on Jace, but why? I couldn't read anymore, I just couldn't.

Suddenly, Jace slumped back into his seat and scoffed.

Maryse glared at him once again. "Do you care to explain? Because last time I checked, you are the only one cozy enough with Aline for this type of information to get out."

Jace's jaw jumped. "And what would I gain from telling her about this stunt and potentially break my contract?"

Maryse's eyes burned. "Exactly. What did you gain from throwing your entire label into the fire?" Her body started to lean across the desk. "Other than to keep these girls around while— "

"I did not tell Aline shit." Jace snarled rising to his feet. "I couldn't care less about her or any girl that isn't Clary."

Despite the severity of the situation, I couldn't stop the butterflies when those words came out of Jace's lips. I wanted to kick myself because I knew what he really meant, yet another nagging thought entered my head.

My heartbeat started to accelerate when I started to remember I was the one that told Aline just because I didn't want her thinking Jace was my actual boyfriend and I was competition, now here it is blowing up in my face as Jace takes the fall.

"Wait," I spoke up. "I'm sorry but Jace didn't—"

"Clary let's go," Jace cut me off, already heading to the door. "Since Maryse can't fathom the thought that maybe Aline just bitterly made it up."

Maryse narrowed her eyes at him. "A fairly specific memo for your friend to put into the media, Jace."

"My friend?" Jace asked incredulously, spinning back around to face her. "You forget she's also Sebastian's cousin and Isabelle's modelling partner."

"They would never," Maryse replied.

"Exactly," Jace snarked. "Throw in a cease and desist on Aline, and have the team do some damage control on the media, you don't need to get on my ass for all this when I didn't cause it."

For a split second, Jace's eyes flicked to mine, and I felt my throat dry up because in those eyes I saw what behind it.

Knowledge.

He knew all along I was the culprit, and here I am, too shocked to say anything. Too scared to own up to my actions. I turned my full attention to the woman in front of me.

"Mrs. Lightwood," I started once again, ready to clear the air. "I was the one that— "

Jace groaned annoyingly loud, drowning out my words.

I shot him an annoyed look. "What the hell?"

"Sorry," Jace said not sounding apologetic at all. "I'm starving, I'd rather be anywhere than here any longer. Clary, let's go."

I stared at him with wide eyes. What has gotten into him? This is the second time he's tried to get me out of the room.

"No," I responded. "I need to speak with Mrs. Lightwood for a second."

Jace's eyes flashed alarmingly. "For what?"

"Don't be rude son," Maryse interjected. "Clary before you speak, I need to talk to you as well, it's about our next actions from here on ."

I decided to hurriedly tell her what was weighing on my shoulders. "Oh, that's fine it'll only take a second and clear up the situation. I just wanted to say—"

"Are we gonna have sex tape leak to prove we're really legit?" Jace interrupted with twinkling eyes. "I know that's worked for a lot of big names in Hollywood."

If my jaw could've dropped to the floor, it would have right now. The words about to escape my mouth vanished, as Jace stared back at his mother and me with not a pinch of embarrassment.

"No." Maryse bit out. "There are two flaws that had the Twitter theorists fuelling the conspiracy that this 'relationship' is fake."

"But it is fake," Jace pointed out.

"And do we want them to know that?" Maryse snapped while pulling out a manila-coloured binder. "The first flaw in our operation is that our Clary has zero social media."

Jace's eyes snapped to me suddenly, his brows raised in surprise. "That can't be true, no. I didn't hear that right."

Maryse didn't pay him any mind, she just continued to shuffle through the pages in the binder. I blushed under Jace's stare.

"I just didn't really need it," I answered, shrugging it off.

Jace barked out an incredulous laugh. "Only you, Gingersnap. Some people cannot survive social media and you're existing perfectly fine without Snapchat."

I felt my eyebrows knit together. "What's… ?" I trailed off, already forgetting the word.

Jace's eyes brightened. "Exactly." He cackled, throwing his head back.

Light spilled into the darkroom as the office door banged open. Jace and I instinctively turned around to see who entered so suddenly as Maryse unbotheredly kept shuffling through her papers.

"Jesus," Isabelle panted. "I got lost about 12 times, I'm never making a trip like that again."

Jace shot me a knowing look and winked. I rolled my eyes back at him, knowing this was about that stupid talk this morning about giving me a tour of the mansion, no doubt.

Isabelle looked curiously around the room. "Is this some sort of meeting?"

"Hello daughter," Maryse paused her shuffling and looked at us now. "I need your help with Clary and Jace's situation, your modelling friend decided to tweet out that Clary and Jace are in a paid relationship and TMZ is eating that up."

Isabelle's mouth popped open. "Oh, when I see this girl it's really on sight." She grumbled cracking her knuckles. "What can I do to help though?"

"Since everyone thinks the whole relationship is sketchy," Maryse started. "I was hoping if you could take Clary under your wing and teach her how to use social media. Maybe that could plunge her a little more into the celebrity world."

Isabelle scrunched her forehead up. "Wait…"

"Clary has never used social media before," Jace piped in. "No Instagram, no Snapchat, not even Twitter."

"I do have Twitter," I mumbled under my breath which no one seemed to hear. Although, my Twitter was just a One Direction fan account I abandoned once I turned fifteen.

Isabelle turned to me with wide eyes. "Oh we have so much work to do," she simpered, placing a hand over her heart. "Let's get started right away, c'mon follow me."

I had to hold in a nervous laugh as I didn't know if Isabelle was serious or not. She walked over to me and held my hand, leading me out the door. I turned around to say goodbye to Maryse and Jace while being dragged out by Isabelle.

But it seemed like they were both busy and didn't need me to intrude any further. Instead, Jace was holding a page from Maryse's binder and reading it intensely, as Maryse spoke to him in a hushed tone.

His eyes met mine for a second, and i could see the disapproval and seriousness in his face reflecting back at me. I was so shocked by the strength of distaste on his face, I didn't realize I was already in front of Isabelle's room, the original 10 minute journey went by in a blur because of what my brain kept asking…

What is on that page?

{}{}{}

"Shoulders back Clary!"

I rolled my eyes. "If I arch any further this top is going to literally rip." I whined.

"It's not that tight," Isabelle replied, already angling the camera to take another shot. "Besides, you think I invest in cheap fast fashion that rips? Never!"

I flopped down on Isabelle's purple velveted bed exhausted. We've been taking pictures of me for about three hours — I mean it felt like it— in Isabelle's room and trying on various outfits. Isabelle kept trying to get me to take this whole thing seriously, but I just don't see the importance in it, I mean who judges someone on how pretty their "feed" looks when you can tell it has no impact on real life?

"I'm sorry," I said muffled by the dozens of fluffy pillows I've squshed my face into. "This just isn't coming naturally to me, every picture we've taken so far looks like I'm being held at gunpoint and…"

I trailed off as I noted Isabelle's forlorn expression. I gave her a puzzled look.

"And that's not what Maryse wants in the media." Isabelle finished, slumping down beside me. I continued staring at her in silence, coaxing her to tell me what's up with my raised eyebrows.

Isabelle sighed and flicked her long black hair. "Don't look at me like that," She chided. "It's just that… this was actually really fun, playing dress-up and all that. Living with only boys and an absent mother, I genuinely haven't had any fun gal-pals like look what happened to Aline."

I felt the oddest feeling in my chest when Isabelle just told me about her lack of female friends. I sat up and placed my hand on her arm comfortingly. "I know how you feel Isabelle," I said. "It's been just me and Simon for most of my life too, and I can't talk to him about boys, makeup and other stuff only us girls would get."

She looked up in surprise, and then a faint smile started to spread on her face. "You're like the only girl that doesn't treat me as competition or a gateway to fame."

I squealed in surprise as Isabelle wrapped her long arms around me. "Of course," I reassured her. "That's your brother's job to be my gateway to fame, after all."

Isabelle started to laugh loudly, snorting a little too. I smiled back at her genuinely, savouring this moment of connection. Who would've thought I'd be bonding with Isabelle Lightwood on her bed, wearing her clothes?

Not me for sure.

"So," I said, started to rise from the bed. "You said you have more outfits for me?"

She never said that, but because I was in such a lighthearted mood, I've decided to continue spending time with Isabelle trying on various dresses and posing awkwardly.

Isabelle's eyes sparkled, and she sprung up immediately. "Yes, I do! Hang on, I'll be back. Undress in the meantime."

I watched after Isabelle in amusement as she quickly disappeared into her huge walk-in closet. I started to unbuckle, pushing the fabric off my skin as I slowly loosened each bit.

I got almost half the dress off, trying to reach the zipper in the back of the complex skintight white dress when I heard three sharp knocks at Isabelle's door.

I paused my reaching, and glanced at the door, wondering if I have the right to open Isabelle's room door. I decided to ask her first as I remembered what happened last time I decided to do something I wasn't supposed to.

"Isabelle," I called out. "I think someone is at the door."

I heard her let out a groan. She marched out with a bundle of varying dresses gathered in her arms.

"I swear if it's a boy interrupting us, I'm going to choke him," Isabelle spat as she ripped her door open. "Oh good, it's not a boy, it's a demon."

My heartbeat jumped for a second hearing a familiar sarcastic snicker at the door.

"Actually, it's been rumoured I'm an orphan because I'm really a descendant of Angels."

A/N: A little weird ending, I didn't know how to wrap this chapter up, but here it is! Happy Sunday and reviewwwwww!