"Hey... how are you holding up?" He asked vainly. There was no hint of concern in his voice as he spoke so it didn't make sense to me that he cared enough to want to know how I was holding up. Especially when he and my father orchestrated all of this.

"Not bad. Jonathan isn't as devious as I thought.." I lied and folded my arms over my chest. There was a pause on the other end and he cleared his throat.

"Good. But don't get too attached because I'm sure you got my message earlier. Your assignment there will soon be over.." he warned and I glanced at the door to make sure it was locked.

Then I walked into my bathroom, turned on the faucet and just let the water swallow my voice.

"Why the sudden change of plans? What's going on?" I asked.

"You haven't heard? Jonathan is part of a money laundering scheme. Matter of fact, he's one of the people instigating it. He has no idea about it, but it's an illegal act and you've been placed strategically to take the fall when everything comes into light."

His words hung in the air for a few seconds as I struggled to understand.

"What the heck?" I snapped. "You mean to tell me, that Jonathan is unknowingly laundering illegal funds–"

"Massive sums of illegal money Mia, get it right. And yes, that is exactly what I said. In case you also didn't get the part where you're involved, I said you have been kept there as the perfect scapegoat when everything is exposed.." he repeated and my heart pounded in my ears.

"Anyways, have fun while you can, but don't forget what you're there for. I gave you 48 hours earlier darling, it's almost up and I can't find what you were asked to submit. Tick...tock"

The line went dead and I slowly lowered my hand from my ear. I gritted my teeth, trying to hold my frustration in but it simmered like water on fire.

"So this was my father's smart move huh? Use me as the shield while he stirs up wild beasts. Now I'll have to kill Jonathan and also take the fall for all the illegal stuff he's been doing.." my lips quivered as I spoke.

I placed my phone on the cabinet and poured some water on my face, letting out a grunt.

Once I returned to the room, my eyes landed on the invite and I picked it up again to know what date the event was.

"Oh shit! It's in a few hours!"

I grabbed my bathing robe and peeled my clothes off of my body. That was one of the quickest baths I've had in my life and when I was done, I had barely four hours left to get ready.

"What am I even going to wear?" I muttered and then remembered there are so many dresses to pick from outside. I picked up my phone and headed downstairs.

"Hey!" I called out and two maids rushed in front of me. "Take these dresses and everything else up to my room right now. Quickly!" I ordered and they filed up, dragging the racks and the boxes upstairs.

"You, call me a make up artist and a hair stylist. If you can get one who is both, then do that" she nodded and bolted off.

My eyes caught a familiar shadow and I looked up. Jonathan sat at the far end of the living room, eyes buried in his laptop and his stern face remained as emotionless as it was on our wedding day.

I shook my head and went back upstairs to get ready. He was already dressed in his tuxedo and I knew he was waiting for me but didn't want to come get me.

My indecisive mind couldn't settle for something to wear, so I just let my makeup decide and after what felt like eternity, I was finally ready.

I had no time to admire my reflection so I just picked up my phone and hurried down the stairs.

"Let's go." Jonathan ordered as he led the way into the car. We sat together, but he didn't look up from his phone. The car was eerily silent and I leaned on the window, feeding my eyes with the outside world.

"I'm sure you know what you're supposed to do.. keep up with the happy couple act until this event is over, got that?" Jonathan said like he was placing an order at a restaurant.

"Roger that." I sneered without looking away from the window. He said nothing else until we arrived at the venue.

For the first time since our wedding, he held my hand and helped me down from the car, walking me into the hall while our hands entangled.

"Mr. And Mrs. Mysterio! Look this way!"

"Over here! Over here!"

The paparazzi were crazy. Lights flashed from different directions and I did what I knew how to do best. Pretend.

Jonathan played his own part pretty well, caressing my hand, pulling loose strands away from my face, picking imaginary things from my neck every once in a while. Even I was impressed by how loving he was and if I wasn't married to him, I'd think this was how he always treated his wife.

The hall was exquisite. Lights, luxury, laughter.

As Jonathan and I walked in, I felt pairs of eyes gawking and it made me uncomfortable but it also made my shoulders rise above my chin.

I scanned the room, unfamiliar faces stared back at me. Until a familiar scent hit me.

"There's my favorite couple!" Her annoying voice shrieked and I whipped my head around to see Clara walking towards us. She smiled cunningly at me and I rolled my eyes in disgust.

"Hello Mia, aren't you dazzling tonight?" She teased me but I said nothing to her. She slipped her arm under Jonathan's and tugged at him to pull his other arm away from mine.

"I'm sure you won't mind me stealing your husband for a few minutes right? Look Martha is here already, she'll keep you company"

Before I could I even protest, she dragged Jonathan away, leaving me alone with Martha.

"I see Jonathan is actually taking care of you.." she sneered and sized me up, her sharp eyes piercing through me like a hot dagger.

"Not that it's any of your business Martha." I shot back.

"I'd rather be with someone who values me. I'm sure you know where your place is after this....sham is over."

I remembered my conversation with Collins earlier and swallowed the lump in my throat. But I'd rather chew on wet jeans than show anyone that they can get to me.

"If you pay as much attention as you pay to me, to your own life, I'm sure you'd be rubbing shoulders with men and women of caliber." I muttered and she smirked.

"I'll break your confidence..." she whispered and took a step backwards. "What Mia, don't tell me you really haven't told your husband that you can't get pregnant because you damaged your womb?"

Her voice echoed at the wrong time because the music lowered. The few people that heard her turned around and murmurs started.

"What are you talking about?" I laughed but she didn't stop.

"Why haven't you told Jonathan about your little whore life?"

My heart almost leaped out of my chest. I was never a whore, what is she talking about?

"Does he know about your past?"

"Martha..." my voice trailed.

Chapter 7 .

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