Chapter 4

"Distant?" I echoed, my voice flat. I looked him dead in the eye. "Christian, when have you ever been anything but distant with me, in the ways that actually matter?" The question hung in the air, a silent accusation.

He blinked, his carefully constructed mask of concern faltering for a split second. "Annie, darling, what are you talking about? I love you. You know I do. We're getting married next week!" He reached for my hand again, his touch making my skin crawl. "Don't say such things. You're just sick."

A wave of nausea washed over me, not from illness, but from his sheer audacity. My stomach churned with disgust. "Don't touch me," I said, pulling my hand away. "And please, Christian, let's not pretend anymore. You have your... preferences, shall we say. And I'm clearly not meeting them tonight. Or any night, it seems."

He paused, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes, quickly masked by practiced tenderness. "Annie, that's unfair. You know my... particularities. We've talked about this. But right now, you're not feeling well. You need to rest, not... argue." He smoothed my hair back from my forehead, his touch sending shivers of revulsion down my spine. "Listen, there's a big investor dinner tonight. Demonte and his friends are coming. We need to close this deal quickly for the new project. It' s critical."

My heart sank. Another one. Another night of being the smiling, compliant hostess, the beautiful bait. I thought of the spiked protein shakes, the lecherous gazes, the feeling of my dignity slowly eroding with each forced smile.

He saw the hesitation in my eyes, the flicker of pain. "I know it's a lot to ask, sweetheart," he said, his voice dropping to a sympathetic tone. "But this project... it's big. It involves the land where your family's old cemetery is. I'm trying to protect it, Annie. For you. For your memories."

My breath hitched. My family's cemetery. My parents, gone too soon, resting in that quiet, peaceful place. My soft spot. He knew exactly how to twist the knife. A tiny, foolish part of me, the part that still clung to the illusion of his love, wondered if he truly cared, if this was his way of showing it.

"But you're not well," he continued, a sigh escaping him. "Perhaps I can handle it myself. It'll be tough, but I'll manage." His voice was laced with a martyr-like resignation, designed to make me feel guilty.

The thought of him facing those sharks alone, of the project failing, of my parents' resting place being disturbed, spurred me to action. Foolish, I know. But some old habits die hard. "No," I said, pushing myself up. "I'll go."

He looked genuinely surprised for a moment, then a triumphant glint flashed in his eyes. "Are you sure, Annie? You really don't have to."

"I'm sure," I said, my voice hollow. I swung my legs out of bed. "Just give me twenty minutes."

As I walked into the living room, heading towards my study to choose an outfit, I saw Kimberli. She was dressed in a shimmering silver cocktail dress, her hair perfectly coiffed, her makeup impeccably applied. She looked like she was ready for a red carpet event.

"Oh, Annie!" Christian exclaimed, a forced cheerfulness in his voice. "Kimberli's coming with us tonight! She's so eager to learn about the business. My little protégé."

Kimberli smiled, a sly, knowing glint in her eyes. "Yes, Annie. Christian says I can help you out. You know, lighten your load. I'm a fast learner. You won't have to carry so much weight anymore." Her words were a veiled threat, a declaration of intent.

I ignored her, my gaze fixed on Christian. "Of course," I said, my voice devoid of warmth. "Anything to help the business." I walked past them, my head held high, the metallic taste of betrayal bitter on my tongue. I would get through this. I had to.

We arrived at the exclusive private club, a place I had frequented countless times, always with Christian by my side. As we stepped out of the car, Christian quickly moved to guide Kimberli, but then, with a subtle shift, he pivoted.

"Kimberli, darling, you can sit with Demonte and the others tonight," he said, his voice firm but seemingly gentle. "This seat, right here," he gestured to the head of the long dining table, "is reserved for Annie. She's the star of the show. Always has been." He placed a hand on my back, pushing me gently towards the designated chair.

I felt a cold shiver. He was setting me up. Again.

Demonte and a few other investors were already seated, their eyes widening in surprise as I approached. "Annie Byers!" one of them exclaimed, a lecherous smile spreading across his face. "Christian, you sly dog! You said she wasn't feeling well. You kept her all for yourself, didn't you?" He winked.

Christian chuckled, a smug look on his face. "Couldn't keep her away. She insisted on being here. Said she wanted to make sure our deal goes through. My dedicated fiancée." His hand lingered on my back, a possessive gesture that felt like a brand.

"Well, then, to Annie!" another investor slurred, raising his glass. "For her dedication!"

"And her beauty!" a third added, his eyes raking over me.

Christian leaned in, his voice a low whisper in my ear. "They're particularly keen tonight, Annie. The deal. It's hanging by a thread. You know what to do." He pulled away, a tight smile on his face, and gestured to a tray of shots. "Gentlemen, let's get this party started!"

My heart hammered against my ribs. He was sacrificing me. Again. For his ambition, for his greed. The bitter taste of resentment filled my mouth. I remembered his promises, whispered sweet nothings about our future, about how he would protect me, cherish me. All lies. All a performance.

He wanted me to entertain them. To drink with them. To let them touch me, ogle me, use me. And I, the fool, had walked right back into his trap. He was a master puppeteer, and I, his obedient doll. He had learned how to use me even better now.