Chapter 5 I HAV'NT TOLD RAMI THAT I WAS MARRIED YET... HE KISSED ME.

The weight of isolation settled on Joan as she stared at the ceiling blankly, she couldn't lay on Damien's bed, so she had to sit around and wait on his couch, it was just a day in the Taim's mansion and she had so many worries already.

For hours no one had sent for her or even seen her, was this how she was going to live in back ?, "I'll fold my clothes, get something to cook, read my novel, check my email, and send an application letter to my boss", she counted as she scheduled how she would spend the remainder of the day.

But she opposed immediately, her enthusiasm dying as she began objecting to each task, "Where will I put my things?, will I be allowed to cook in the kitchen here?, and..., oh no!, my dance class, I'm late!", she exclaimed as she hurried up to her small box.

Throwing in a few of her most important items into her bag, "my water bottle, towels, uhmnnn..., oh!, my pointe shoes", she grinned as she hurriedly arranged her bag slinging it unto her shoulder.

She stepped out of the room for the first time since her arrival, the long hallways welcoming her in silence, only the soft clicking of the door echoing in the distance as she shut it.

She hurried down the stairs but seemed to be moving in circles, "arghhh", why is this building so complicated?, why can't it just be a basic house?, so they really think this is what I wanted", she rolled her eyes as she scoffs.

Then came the sound of crashing plates.

"Arghhhh!, oh my Goodness, I'm sorry, here let me help you with that, I hope you are alright? I'm really sorry, let me clean it, Joan offered as she tried to pick up the pieces of broken plates, she had accidentally bumped into a maid as she hurriedly rounded a corner.

The maid's face lit in a warm smile as she admired the beauty, Joan was not only beautiful, she was kind, loving, and caring, "I also apologize honestly madam, I bumped into you, thankfully I didn't ruin your outfit", she bowed as she apologized.

"It's not a problem my dear, Uhmnn..., you see I'm still trying to find my way around, can you help me with locating the exit my dear", her voice trembling as she tries to remain polite amidst her disorganization, her eyes darting as her mind navigating her next step.

The maid smiled as she helped her find her way.

Mrs Ivan sat comfortably in the living room, the warm light and exclusive furnishing weren't enough to overthrow the dark emptiness.

Then came her intimidating voice, "So sweet... You think you can just barge in here, leaving the house whenever you please right?, after all you have done, you have only been here for a few hours but you are determined on making our lives miserable, you planned on killing my son immediately you stepped into this house, don't you have any conscience left in that black heart of yours?", Mrs Ivan's eyes narrowed as she glared at Joan with scorn.

"Pervert", she added after a pause.

Joan's eyes flashed with a mix of fear and provocation.

She froze, her hand on the door handle, she was about to exit the mansion but Mrs Ivan's words stopped her.

Mrs Ivan continued, "My son was in pain because of you, but here you were sleeping peacefully, after accomplishing your mission, anyways, he is doing perfectly fine now, and you..., you are still a burden".

Joan's mouth opens to reply but only an exhale is released.

After the duo stood staring at each other daringly for a few seconds, Joan decided to act first, besides she was late for dance class already.

She grabbed the door handle once again but Mrs Ivan's words stopped her once more also.

"And where do you think you are heading off to, humnnn?", she questioned, her eyes scrutinized Joan intensively, "and how do you want to leave? You think you can just walk out the door and advertise yourself self huh? You want to show the world the family you are married into. Don't forget, the press is all over. I don't need any publicity and shame my dear, you'll leave in the cheapest car", Mrs. Ivan said as she turned around, walking smoothly in her expensive limited edition outfit.

She stops in her tracks standing akimbo, "and never think about telling anyone about your marriage, it's all a contract, darling..." she stated, not turning around.

Joan's eyes dropped as it dawned on her, she was married but it was only a contract indeed, she pulled the ring from her finger, sliding it into her pocket.

"Another thing!, ouuu, I have to make this one clear, you are not to come out when we have guests, or parties, oh my!..., surely I wouldn't have you embarrassing me in front of guests, I'm sure you don't even know how to dine. You are a wretch Joan, and I won't have you ruining my reputation ", she stated, malice and anger entwined in her voice.

The air vibrates with tension as Mrs Ivan's words hung in the air, sending chilling voltage down Joan's veins. Her hands clenched into a fist as she watched Mrs Ivan sweeping out the room, her lungs struggling to draw air.

She knew she was alone in this fight, with no one to turn to and no alternative.

She was also late for her dance class, she didn't have any more time to spare, so she dashed out of the building.

The cool morning sun embraced her supple skin as she stepped out, her eyes glittered in the sunlight.

The chauffeur walked up to her, offering to help her with her luggage, She smiled at the man as she politely asked him, "Will you please take me to city hall?, I have a dance class there and I'm a bit late", she pleaded, gritting her teeth.

"With pleasure ma'am".

*****

CITY HALL

Rami smiled broadly as he walked up to Joan who just alighted the vehicle.

His joy knew no bounds after sighting Joan.

He welcomed her in a warm embrace as they walked into the hall.

Greeting her colleagues with a smile as she prepared to take her stance.

Joan always had wonderful performances but not today.

Midway into the rehearsal, her mind kept drifting off, "What would Rami do or how would he feel if he found out that she got married without telling him? Is Damien really alright, what is her stance when she goes back home after dance class?", she taught inaudibly as she limped.

But then the name "Damien" sounded in her head again, the laughs echoing in the hall as she stood alone holding onto her chest as she tried to compose herself while the whole school made fun of her. Taunting Memories flooding back once again.

Rami pats her on her shoulder bringing her back to the present, Her steps were getting unorganized, "Joan, are you alright?".

Joan nods, Smiling softly, He planted a kiss on her cheek and takes her hand leading her outside.

"Alright tell me what's going on my love", Rami asks.

Joan's eyes held no emotion, and her gaze cold as she stared blankly at the floor, a loud sound of emptiness occupied her mind as she tried to shrug off the feeling.

She had eagerly been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Someone to talk to, someone to share her emotions with.

"Go on tell me", Rami asked again with a reassuring smile, staring at her trying to read her face for any emotions, but her silence still spoke loudly that she was not fine.

Once again, it seemed like Layla wasn't even present, more of listening to him.

His eyes retracting into a thin line, he leaned in "Joan, are you there?" But she does not respond.

Joan sat still motionless, her eyes still fixed on the floor, her mind a thousand miles away.

Rami gently placed a hand on her arm.

"Joan, what's wrong?" he asked again with concern.

But Joan didn't respond. She didn't even flinch.

Rami's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing in worry. He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a more urgent tone.

"Joan, talk to me. What's going on?"

But Still, she didn't respond.

Rami's gaze locked onto Joan's for. Few seconds , his eyes burning with a desire to understand. And then, without thinking, he leaned further and pressed his lips to hers.

She tried to fight it but rami's grip was strong, Just as Rami was about to pull back, a voice cut through the air.

It was too late.

"Uhmn... Uhm", a voice interrupted with a fake cough, Joan's eyes snapped back into focus, her face flushing red with guilt as panic surged through her, She quickly pulled away from Rami, her eyes darting to find who saw them kissing.