Chapter 4 Bound by a Lie

Melissa sat stiffly in the backseat of David's car with her arms crossed as watched the city through the tinted windows. She had agreed to David's ridiculous arrangement but that didn't mean she had to make it easy for him.

David sat beside Melissa scrolling through his phone, but as composed as ever like he hadn't just forced her into a month of pretending. The tension in the car was suffocating and the silence heavy with unspoken words.

Finally Melissa exhaled sharply "You could've just told Nadine the truth, you know?"

David responded without looking up "And give her something else to worry about? She's already fighting for her health"

Melissa clenched her jaw "Damn him. He knew exactly which buttons to press" she whispered to herself.

The car pulled up to the Haynes estate; a place she once called home. Now, it felt foreign just like stepping into a past she no longer belonged to. A butler opened the door but before Melissa could take a full breath, a frail but determined voice called out "Melissa, dear!"

She barely had time to compose herself before Nadine Haynes appeared with her face lighting up at the sight of her "Oh, sweetheart, it's been too long" Melissa forced a smile as the older woman pulled her into a warm embrace. Despite everything, the comfort of Nadine's presence nearly got her to change her stand with David.

"You're too thin" Nadine scolded lightly while cupping Melissa's face "David, have you been taking care of her?"

Melissa felt David's gaze but she refused to look at him "He's been... busy" she said vaguely.

Nadine clicked her tongue in disapproval "No excuses, a husband should always put his wife first" Melissa barely stopped herself from laughing at the irony.

"Come, let's sit, I want to hear everything" Nadine looped her arm through Melissa's arm, guiding her inside while David followed a step behind silently.

As they settled in the room, a maid brought tea and Melissa braced herself for what would surely be an uncomfortable conversation. "So," Nadine began with her eyes twinkling "When are you two giving me great-grandchildren?"

Melissa choked on her tea while David leaned back in his chair and after smiling a bit responded "We're working on it."

Melissa's head snapped toward him with eyes blazing "What the hell" she thought to herself.

Nadine beamed "That's wonderful news! I knew you two just needed time"

David met Melissa's glare with a look so smug as she had to resist the urge to throw the teapot at his head.

"This month was going to be hell" she whispered to herself.

Melissa's fingers curled into fists while her nails entered into her palms as Nadine practically glowed with excitement.

"Great-grandchildren? David had really just said that?" She said while forcing a smile. She had agreed to play the part of David's devoted wife but she hadn't signed up for this.

David on the other hand, looked far too pleased with himself. He swirled his tea lazily as if he hadn't just sent Melissa's entire nervous system into overdrive.

"I should start making preparations" Nadine mused as she clapped her hands together "Oh, I knew you two would work things out! Maybe a little getaway will help things along." She added.

Melissa nearly choked "Excuse me?"

Nadine turned to David "Take her somewhere nice. A vacation somewhere romantic"

David nodded completely unbothered "That's a great idea."

Melissa shot him a death glare "We're not" She stopped herself just in time as Nadine's hopeful expression made it impossible to ruin the moment. Instead, she inhaled sharply and forced a tight smile "We'll see."

David smiled clearly enjoying her struggle.

When Nadine finally excused herself to rest, Melissa wasted no time. The moment they were alone, she spun toward David jabbing a finger into his chest "What the hell was that?"

He looked down at her hand before meeting her glare "What?"

She huffed "We're working on it? Are you out of your mind?"

David shrugged completely unbothered. "You wanted this to go smoothly, so I'm just playing my part."

"By making me sound like your willing baby-making machine?" she hissed "This isn't a joke, David" She added.

His expression hardened "I never said it was" David said.

Melissa opened her mouth to argue but before she could, a voice interrupted "Ah, how domestic"

She turned to see Helena standing in the doorway with her arms crossed and amusement dancing in her eyes. "Didn't take you for the type to play house, David" Helena said smoothly stepping into the room. Her gaze turned toward Melissa with her lips curving into a knowing smile "Or maybe you just enjoy the challenge."

Melissa stiffened, but David remained unfazed "Helena" he said with his tone neutral, but there was an underlying edge to it "Didn't realize you were stopping by"

Helena shrugged "I was in the neighborhood" Her gaze lingered on Melissa for a beat too long "And curious" she added.

Melissa refused to let Helena see even a dot of doubt in her. She straightened her shoulders meeting the other Helena's gaze head-on "You must have a lot of free time"

Helena's smile didn't waver "Oh, I always make time for things that interest me"

David exhaled sharply "Helena, we're in the middle of something."

Helena raised an eyebrow "I can see that."

Melissa clenched her jaw. This wasn't just a visit. Helena was here to remind her of something, she was there to make sure she knew exactly where she stood.

Too bad for Helena, Melissa wasn't the same woman who used to cower in the shadows. She turned to David deliberately making her voice sound sweet "Darling, weren't you just saying we should take that vacation?" she asked

David blinked as he was clearly caught off guard. Melissa smiled up at him "Let's do it, a week away, just the two of us" She said as she placed a hand on his chest ignoring the way his muscles tensed under her touch "I think it'll be perfect."

David recovered quickly with his lips twitching in amusement "Of course anything for you."

Helena's smile faltered just for a second but it was enough. Melissa turned back to her, triumphant "Was there anything else?"

Helena's gaze took turns between them before she let out a light laugh "Not at all. Enjoy your trip." She said and then turned and strolled out leaving a charged silence in her wake.

David finally spoke "A vacation, huh?"

Melissa crossed her arms "I just saved your ass."

David's lips curled slightly "Oh, sweetheart" His voice dipped, low and amused "You have no idea what you just signed up for."