Chapter 3 He did it on purpose!

Maria's POV:

Charles was despicable!

He knew I was a fake. Why did he still have to show me off?

I didn't care about meeting his so-called friends. I just wanted to quietly be Mia's shadow like before.

Seeing my face full of indignation, Charles raised an eyebrow lightly and asked, "What's wrong? Don't you want to go?"

He did it again!

Did he just threaten me?

"Heh..."

I took a deep breath and calmly withdrew my hand from his palm and smiled slightly, "No problem."

Charles' deep eyes narrowed immediately as if he was evaluating, scrutinizing me.

I stood there calmly, allowing him to look at me.

After a moment, Charles chuckled. His big hand gripped my slender waist, "Don't disappoint me."

************************************

The banquet was held at the most luxurious club, Heaven on Earth, California city.

When I entered grandly, holding Charles' arm, I instantly attracted everyone's attention.

"Young Master Smith! Ha- ha, two years, you are finally back!" Someone exclaimed.

The crowd immediately surrounded him, complimenting Charles repeatedly, but their eyes fell on me.

I smiled as I looked at them, showing no sign of nervousness.

After chatting and laughing with them, Charles introduced me, "This is my wife."

"Ha- ha..."

Ben Thomas was the first to laugh and said, "We know, we know, this is the famous pianist Mia Miller, right?"

"Yeah, how could we not recognize such a big star?"

"But why do I think she looks more beautiful privately than on camera?"

"That's for sure! Those stars can't even recognize themselves after putting on heavy makeup. Young Master Smith's wife must be a natural beauty even without makeup!"

Each mention of the pianist and big star stabbed at my heart.

For tonight's banquet, I had specifically asked the makeup artist to recreate Mia's usual look. I already had a similar face shape to Mia, just different features. With the makeup on, I could pass for her about 80% of the time.

Unless it was someone who was particularly familiar with Mia, most people wouldn't be able to see the difference.

I endured the pain and embarrassment, smiling as I nodded to them in greeting.

Stars had always been arrogant, and artists were even more so.

Seeing how approachable I was, their impression of me improved significantly.

Their confidence got boosted too.

"Young Master Smith, we have always admired Mrs. Smith's prowess in piano. She became a piano virtuoso at such a young age. I wonder if we have the honor of hearing Mrs. Smith play a piece live tonight. It would be a warm welcome for you and a chance for us to broaden our horizons."

With the first person leading, the rest followed suit.

"Right, Young Master Smith, at the wedding two years ago, you left in such a hurry. Mrs. Smith has been hidden by you all this time. Now that you are finally back, you should let your friends have a glimpse of Mrs. Smith's elegance!"

"What Mrs. Smith?" Ben asked rhetorically.

Ben glared at them fiercely, "Call her Lady Smith!"

As soon as everyone heard that, they immediately started calling me Lady Smith respectfully.

Hearing their words, my heart tightened. I turned to look at Charles for help. I was so nervous.

After all, I was not Mia. Wouldn't it be obvious if I went up and played a piece?

With a low laugh, Charles immediately turned his deep gaze to me, as if he had not seen my pleading eyes, he smiled and said, "Mia, since they are so interested, why don't you go up and play?"

In an instant, my mind exploded. I stood frozen in place...

He did it on purpose!

He deliberately wanted to make me look like a fool!

How could there be such a despicable man in this world?

Did he marry me just to tease me?

Seeing that I was just standing there stunned, Charles' lips curled slightly, "Mia, go on."

Huff...

I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to slap Charles hard across the face.

But I still did not move. Charles jokingly said, "What do you want to get them to pay for inviting a pianist to play a piece?"

"No need!" I said with a forced smile.

I glared at him, then elegantly turned around, walking towards the stage with my skirt swaying.

If he wanted to embarrass me, I wouldn't let him have his way!

Sitting down in front of the white piano, my slender fingers gently landed on the keys.

I turned my head and gave Charles a mocking glance before pressing down on the keys.

Instantly, a melodious piano sound resounded. The beautiful music struck Charles' heart from the first note.

Charles POV:

She could play!

Given her finger technique, her piano skills were even better than Mia's.

I had never been interested in women before because my heart was completely devoted to my career.

The reason I agreed to the arranged marriage in the first place was because I had witnessed Mia's performance.

She played the piano very well and she's also pretty. The temperament of a pianist suited the status of Mrs. Smith.

After the wedding, I sat on the plane flying to Europe and thought if Mia could maintain her role for these two years while I was away, I would fulfill my husband's duty and give her the love a wife deserves.

But it was not Mia who had held onto Mrs. Smith's role. It was Maria.

Moreover, Maria at this moment was dazzling and more charming than Mia...

Maria POV:

As the music finished, I retracted my hands, lifted my skirt, and stood up.

When I turned around, I saw the crowd below the stage mesmerized by my performance.

I smiled slightly and prepared to step down. But at that moment, a masculine hand reached out in front of her. I looked up and met Charles' gentle gaze.

"Be careful. Don't fall."

I quietly looked at him. If only he could be this good to me, how wonderful would it be?

I knew in my heart that everything he did outside was because I represented Mrs. Smith–Mia.

Concealing my inner emotions, I lightly placed my hand on Charles' palm and let him support me off the stage.

"Wow"

At this moment, thunderous applause resounded from the side.

Ben walked over to our side. "Wow! It turns out that attending a live concert is the future way to go. It feels ten times better than watching it on video."

"That's right!"

Someone next to him agreed, "If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that one person could play like this. It seems like I'll have to attend a live concert from now on."

Charles chuckled softly and placed my hand on his arm.

My performance did not embarrass him but made him proud.

"Mia?"

Suddenly, a woman's voice came from another side. The next second, an elegantly dressed woman approached them.

She fixed her gaze on me, examining me with a hostile look.

After scrutinizing me from head to toe for a minute, she furrowed her brows, "You are Mia?"

My heart tightened, and even my hand holding onto Charles's arm tightened. I tried to suppress my panic and smiled calmly at the woman.

Before knowing the woman's identity, staying silent was the best way to conceal my emotions.

The woman looked at me and suddenly sneered, "Can't you recognize me?"

The smile that had just appeared on my lips instantly froze...