A Marriage of His Convenience

By every measure it was going to be the the most fancy date of Annabelle Winter's life so far! Jaxon had brought Anna's favorite flowers, orchids. He had brought them in a clumsy clay pot, the whole plant. Anna supposed that was part of his charm, little things like that seemed to evade him. Where others got jewelry or vacatuons she had an unusual growing collection of random things Jaxon got her. Jaxon seemed a bit awkward when it came to love, especially with her.

She had always seen her best friend's older brother be smooth and swave when he dated other women. Around her, he would often stumble over his words and end up doing things like bringing a whole pot of orchids instead of a bouquet. Anna supposed it was because she was different. Different from his past girlfriends.

"So, you like them?" Jaxon asked, rubbing his neck.

Anna gave a genuine smile and nodded, sitting the heavy round plant aside at an entryway table, "It is thoughtful. You remembered about the orchids."

"Yeah, Maddie reminded me. They didn't have a boquet so ..."

Anna smiled to herself at this. Even the name Maddie made her smile. Madison Bailey, Jaxon's younger twin sister had been the best friend Anna had ever known.

A quick touch up in the mirror beside the door. Mousy brown hair that fell mid-back in layers. She has swpt it back and pinned it up. Grey-blue eyes from her mother she found plain. She was not a slip of a woman, but by her measure - too curvy. Her glance from the mirror fell from her face to inspect the rest of her reflection. She was healthy, but told herself in that moment she was probably a few burgers short of the plus-size section. Anna could only see this version of herself in the mirror. As she fetched her coat. She missed the light gold highlights her hair. She ignored how thick her lashes were. She didn't even notice that her lips were found resting in beautiful effortless pout. Instead she fussed over how her black dress fit over natural flesh. Pulling her mind from the warping image in mirror she glanced to Jaxon's reflection.

The radiance of her smile returned as she watched him. He was respectably tall, with a lean athletic build. With brown hair that fell just past his full eyebrows and whiskey brown eyes. The entire Bailey family, except their father Brent, looked this way; as if some artist took a particularly careful time sculpting the perfection in their classical features. Sliding her arms into her coat she told him so,

"Angel's are probably jealous of you. You look so handsome. "

Jaxon glanced at the mirror and took his time to admire himself in the mirror before opening the door for them both. Anna saw his first smile of the evening as he looked back to the car awaiting them, "Thanks. I just picked this suit up today."

Anna took his elbow as soon as the door shut behind them and he was finished fussing over his suit. By Anna's estimation it was probably worth more than her family made in a half a year. She glanced at her off-the-rack dress before smoothing his sleeve. She made sure his expensive watch looked just-right. Anna knew appearance was important to the Baileys.

"I wasn't talking about the suit, silly. Jack, you know you're handsome. Attractive people know."

"Yeah, but it's always nice to hear. I don't feel like I'm handsome all the time. Jaxon flashed a winning smile at her as a driver opened the back door to the black luxury car. Annabelle could never tell what they were but the Bailey family seemed to own a fleet of neverending luxury sedans. They always smelled new, looked new. Anna wouldn't be surprised if they bought a new one every time they needed to go anywhere.

As they settled in silence grew between them and Anna couldn't help but wonder if something wasn't wrong. Maybe she was just nervous expecting reporters, cameras. Minutes drew out their distance from another until it was unsettling. Her thumb went to her lips and she reminded herself not to bite her nail. So she straightened out her hem of the dress and glanced to Jaxon once more,

"You havent told me much about the big event tonight." Anna tempted, trying to listen to anything except the silence.

"Yeah, you could say that. It's important." Jaxon responded pecking away at his phone.

Anna tried again. "Thanks for inviting me. I hope the dress is okay?"

Jaxon didn't even bother to look up from his device, and as if the words he spokr had been practiced until they bored him, "You look like a model. The most beautiful woman who will be there tonight. You worry too much."

This was their first public appearance together. Sure, being friends with the Bailey Twins gave her experience with this. Random strangers would approach her to ask about Maddie or Jaxon's dating life. Secret, sordid gossip, even a sneeze could be reported as "evasive tactics to obscure the truth!" Anna had fled from them for years but they still managed to know her relationship with Maddie. Just not Jaxon yet.

Anna frowned down at her dress. Black. A bit sparkly. Simple. It fit well. It seemed to flatter the areas it should. It was by no means extravagant, but had cost her over a thousand dollars. The most expensive garment she ever owned. She checked her jewelry in the reflection. She wore her aunt's diamond stud earrings, and her mother's small cluster diamond necklace sparkled well. Both brought attention to her dimples and decolletage.

Anna usually wasn't this hard on herself, but something about being next to Jaxon always made her feel insecure. She rarely voiced this except to her journal and sometimes Maddie. Anna took a breath and steeled herself throwing on a genuine smile. Enough was enough, this was an important event to Jaxon.

As they slowed, Anna tried to peer out Jaxon's window toward the venue but instead saw the reflection of Jaxon's phone illuminate a reflection there. Inverted names and images bounced to her vision as he casually tapped a photograph of a smiling bikini clad woman. Then another. Anna's breath stopped and before she could even inhale again - and so did the car. The word "MATCHED" dominated the screen in the reflection as Jaxon indiscriminately liked anything with breasts. A figure different from hers. Anna's heart sank.

The phone's reflection tilted away as Jaxon tucked the phone inside his tailored jacket. Anna shook her head and demanded, "Jaxon, what are you doing?"

Jaxon played stupid. Worse. He wasn't stupid, he knew what she must have seen, but played stupid anyway. "What are you talking about Anna-banana-bells?"

The driver dutifully opened the door as Jaxon smiled at her, as if he was genuinely confused by her question, "We're here!" And with that Jaxon exited the car.

Any bravado Anna had vanished when she saw what was awaiting her. Every ounce of confidence drained from her face. Even the shock and confusion that were waving red flags moments before were all stolen under the scene before her. Her emoti9ns went haywire. Every cell in her body told her to hide.

Jaxon waved to flashes and cheers. Anna stayed frozen. A red carpeted column split an aisle between a swarm of people, cameras, and reporters. He adjusted his suit and smiled in particular at a group of young women bouncing near the crowd barriers. Anna felt vertigo, she wasn't told about any of this. She was uncomfortable but now she panicked. After several long seconds of this eventually Jaxon peeked back into the car and held out his hand for her.

She reached for it, against her own self-interst. She slipped her hand into his and stepped from the car. Not only was it brighter but it was suddenly louder. People speaking everywhere. Strangers demanding answers to questions like who designed her shoes. Anna had known what the Bailey family experienced but rarely was exposed to it.

Frozen there as Jaxon moved again, gallant, suave. Just as he had for his girlfriends of the past. Suddenly there were airs. Jaxon put on a show for the onlookers kissing Anna's knuckler. Jaxon was a showman, he knew exactly what to do and say. The sweethearts of the press, the Bailey Twins. The young millionaire heirs to the Bailey Family fortune. They had degrees, looks, money, power, a media reputation as darlings. Anna couldn't have stood out more. As she stood there, expression contorted in horror as Jaxon pulled back his lips.

It dawned on her, maybe she didn't know Jaxon as well as she thought. She had met Maddie in high school. Anna had transferred in the middle of her Freshman Year. After her father had passed away. Anna's mother placed the money into trusts for their children. Anna had used her trust for a private tuition for school to gave her the best shot at a full scholarship. Every last cent was spent at Glennborne Acandemy. Genevieve, Anna's younger sister, was set to graduate from there this year too. That was it. The Winter's secret to life, work until you die and hopefully your family benefits.

Anna met Maddison and at first, Anna felt that it couldn't be real. People like Maddie were fake. And to Maddie's fault, it was as if Maddie had found a charity case to work on, or some poverty glow-up project. But as the years went on the two developed a deep and meanungful relationship. Anna loved Maddie, who had been nothing but generous, lively, and accepting of Anna. Even the Bailey Family, who loved the celebrity that came with wealth, welcomed Anna with open arms. Anna thought of all of this while staring at Jaxon's hand holding hers.

Even with Jaxon's urging and tugging hand, it was difficult for Anna to move from that rooted spot. That was until she saw Maddie waving at her from near the entrance. Maddison looked picturesque in a gown that was colored as if reminiscent of a peacock. Rich blues and greens in a sea of patterns that swirled round her legs and feet. Her petite stature stood on expensive designer heels with countless hand-cut crystals Is catching every move in the light. If Maddie moved, the world would see this glimmer.

Anna felt her senses return to her and she smiled, nearly trampling over Jaxon to her to her friend. She clasped Maddie's hands who returned the gesture and added and enthusiastic smile. Soon all courtesy was dropped as Maddie enveloped Anna in a huge hug. Anna closed her eyes and smiled embracing Maddie. The press, naturally, captured the reception from every angle.

Anna took the opportunity to tell Maddie, "Something just happened in the car. I need to talk to you about it."

Maddie could tell from Anna's tone it was serious, yet maintained that brilliant smile. She managed through her teeth, "Wait until we get inside." Anna didn't argue.

Dozens more photographs of the trio were taken before they were joined by Honor Raibu, Maddie's boyfriend. Honor was the eldest of the children from the Raibu family. Before he ataered dating Maddie, Anna had known Honor to be near emotionless and stoic. Stern and steadfast. The entire Raibu family had this staunchness about them that trickled down to each of the seven children. They had made their wealth off mining markets all throughout Africa though their company was based in Nigeria. Maddie and Honor had been dating for months, and he had grown to spoil her as if she were an Empress.

Maddie called him her Nigerian Prince.

Anna knew that it was more than just that. Maddie liked Honor well enough to seriously date him. So much so that their families were subtly pressuring them to go beyond dating. Honor loved Maddie with a persistent pursuit. Anna remembered randomly by watching them that she had spoken to Sofia, Maddie's mother, a few weeks before and discovered that they were moving her grandmother's engagement ring from the family's vault and having it appraised.

And this "Family Business Event". Maddie, usually first to bask in the praise for her parties and events had been unusually tight-lipped Anna knew she had to come, wear something formal, abd she was going to debut with Jaxon. Welp, this was the debut, her avoiding holding hus hand and smiling in randon directions in caae there was a camera.

Then it hit her. She heard somrone from the crowd shout, "Congratulations Maddison! We love you!" Anna wondered how she could be so blind. But why was Maddie keeping it a secret? Why hadn't she realized? Of course Honor wasn't going to propose without the world knowing of his love. He was going to do it tonight.

Photographs snapped as the couples were ushered on as more and more people arrived. Anna suddenly suspected it was like Maddie's 'surprise' sweet sixteen she planned for herself invited everyone and had them surprise her so she could pretend to be surprised. Now it all made sense. Anna glanced at Maddie, and it also dawned on her, Maddie didn't just look gorgeous and rich, Maddie looked as if she were the main star of the whole event. Anna's heart swelled with joy for her best friend but continued to panic about what she just saw with Jaxon.

Honor smiled. His coal black eyes glimmered with warmth and it seemed like he had nothing but affection and admiration for Maddie. His sun rose with this woman and it was apparent to anyone who saw him, he would do anything for her. He spared a knowing glance and knowing smile at Anna before chatting with Maddie again as the couples left to procession indoors.

Anna avoided, or attempted to avoid, even coming into contact with Jaxon but he bullied her hand into his again. Desperate not to cause a scene she left it there as limp as possible. Jaxon continued to give her quizzical looks.

Soon enough they were escorted inside the hotel's grand ballroom, Anna only confirmed her suspicions. No expense was spared. It had been decorated beautifully. Climbing ivy reached up the pillars and over the ceiling from which hung countless tiny sparkling white lights. The entire scene seemed like they weren't in a ballroom at all, but in some distant enchanted castle garden. The floor was black and glass-like making the reflection of the masterful lights in the ivy seem more like a starscape underfoot. Live music played as people mingled. They all had arrived with just a bit of time to spare.

The pairs were escorted up to their seats, at the head center table. Sofia and Brent Bailey were seated foremost at the table whereas Jaxon and Anna were to the right and Maddie and Honor to the left. Everything was precise and over the top in opulence. Everything seemed wrong. Sofia and Brent greeted the four with open arms and air kiss welcomes showcasing for the cameras. Anna stepped away from the family as they basked in their fame.

For the first time Anna noticed in the crowd where some of her and Maddie's friends from college. Cesar Hernandez, Erica Schultz, Dylan Moore, and Marissa Mishra were all eagerly waving and gushing thier way over.Maddie and Jaxon used this for another photo opportunity. Anna hesitated and smiled, contrary to the chaos she felt in looming the distance.

Laughter, smiles, and conversations flowed and Anna caught a flute of champagne from a passing tray and downed it as her friends caught up. Several reporters continued to snap away and no one else seemed to mind. Erica, as always, was in the best her family could afford. Erica obviously had so much work done in her face she was unrecognizable from the awkward girl Anna met when they were 14. Her brown hair dyed a deep auburn. Her once aquiline nose had been changed almost a decade ago. Anna had to admin Erica got what she paid for, scalpel beauty. Erica and Anna had never been as close as Erica seemed to cling to Maddie. Anna finally leaned to Marissa after snatching a second champagne glass,

"I think Honor is going to propose to Maddie tonight. "

Marissa, effervescent as always giggled at the secret, as if she already knew. She tossed back her luxurious black hair, revealing the traditional Hindi earnings and jewelry. Marissa was adorned with the world's finest layers of yellow gold. No one but Marissa could make this look effortless and classy. Marissa looked as if she was a Bollywood Starlette. She wore a stunnung sari that was wrapped around the woman's frame to showcase her in the the most alluringly modest way it could. Effortless beauty. Marissa nearly chimed as she moved to whisper a myrth-filled response "Oh? You think so? Ah, maybe!"

Her accent teased her words making them sound musical. Annabelle couldn't help but smile briefly but it faded the moment she saw Jaxon checking his phone before tucking it away again. Anna drained her champagne.

Dylan and Cesar were chatting away with Honor and Jaxom as Anna watched them all talk and laugh.

Anna turned and immediately clasped Marissa's forearm with a dull clank from the bangles there. Marissa cocked her head quizzically before Anna met her with a serious expression, "I need to go the powder room. Come with me?"

At first Marissa couldn't process what was asked but the look in Anna's eyes made her understand in an instant. This was important. Marissa nodded and told the group they'd return in a moment.

Once alone in the restroom Anna nearly cornered Marissa and dropped her voice. The two huddled near the furniture Anna finally understood the purpose for in a fancy restroom. They sat there for a moment while Anna collected her scattered thoughts. She attempted to pour it out but her mind still processing everything at once. She blurted. "I don't know what to do. Marissa, but it is bad." Anna covered her face in her hands.

Marissa's expression broke into concern. She immediately wrapped her arms around her friend and rocked her, "For what saheli? Nothing is so bad that cannot be fixed with a friend."

Anna took the comfort and explained what she saw in the car. She explained her insecurities, and explained that she saw Jaxon do on the phone. Marissa asked if Anna was sure, and Anna was confident. Marissa held her friend, unsure what to do when the door leading to the toilets opened. Marissa failed at words or warnings as a woman strode elegantly into the powder room from the private roomed stall. She moved to the basin and checked her reflection after washing her hands. The only sound were her heels on the floor and the water shutting off.

Anna glanced and recognized Faith Rabiu immediately. Slender, and built like a goddess. Her gold and cream gown flowed oveer ger body as if it were a thin layer of translucent oil, that never let you quite see everything. Her jewelry made Anna's "heirloom" prices seem like a child crafted them. It was obvious they were only outshone by Marissa's, something Faith noted immediately in the reflection.

Faith was decorum personified. Her hair was natural and pulled back into a large elegant puff with the raw magnetism of kinks and curls begging to be freed. Glimmering depths of her coal black eyes were framed with a stark almond shape. Her lips were full, naturally so where other women spend thousands for the same pout. Gems nestled here on her clothing, in her hair, making her seem almost ethereal.

The three were silent as Anna tried to comport herself, her emotions still fluctuating between embarrassment, anger, shame, and even joy for Maddie. She dried her cheeks which were damp. Faith walked directly to the pair. She said in a tone that was rich and resonant, "If you ask me, I think you both would be better to avoid the Bailey Family altogether. They are not good people."

Faith said what she said without so much as a hint of remorse. She stared at Anna, as if gazing into her very soul. Faith didn't soften her gaze but instead offered something akin to a sneer, "Hopefully my brother will come to his senses and get away from all of you."

Faith then turned without another word to exit the room leaving shocked silence in her wake.

Anna felt gobsmacked. That was Honor's own sister. Was she going to ruin Maddie's proposal?! Anna glanced in panic at Marissa, who stared after Faith tutting her tongue. Marissa then smiled again at Anna,

"Anna, if you ask a lemon to sing - it will only share sour songs. Don't mind her." Then Marissa's expression softened. "If you are sure, I believe you. You need to talk to Jaxon about it right away."

Anna nodded and rest her head back on Marissa's shoulder. Marissa was perhaps the most gentle person Annabelle had ever known, "I can't. Not tonight. Not now. Maybe after the proposal on the way home I ..."

Marissa froze and glanced at Anna, "Anna... No, you need to right away. Tonight - " but before a word came out Maddie peeked her head in with Erica, "There you two are!"

Anna quickly put on a brave smiling face and untangled from Marissa, "We were just heading back."

Marissa tugged at Annabelle's arm. There was no facade there but genuine concern. The concern that almost screams of imminent danger. Anna recognized this and her unease grew. She tried to brush it off. She took a breath and swore to Marissa, "It's fine. I'm fine."

Marissa insisted, "No you are not. Please, no listen. Tonight is important, " and before Marissa could finish the lights dimmed.

Maddie hovered with Erica and crowded Anna too, "Is everything alright? What is it?"

The lights dimmed again as Marissa attempted to explain but Anna interrupted, "Nothing! It is so much bigger than i expected. It looks as if the event is starting."

Anna shot a pleading look to Erica who immediately caught Anna's drift and started ushering Marissa and the group back out of the powder room.

Marissa stubbornly stayed raising her voice. "No, Anna needs to know! Anna, listen... Erica,"

But even this was washed away by the dimming of the lights and Erica's voice insisting. "Time to goooo!". Anna glanced at Marissa apologetically and grabbed Maddie and fled the bathroom. She was NOT ruining Maddie's night over this.

Soon the friends were split once more with Maddie and Anna being left back to the center table. Marissa and Erica were seated at a table across a small dance floor directly dacing the raised center table. Marissa fumbled in her purse gesturing as much as she could to Anna before locating her phone and texting frantically. Anna moved to get her phone from her clutch beside her seat and met Jaxon's gaze as she was bending down.

He was smirking at her. He watched her almost ... aloof. He surveyed her face as she scrambled for her phone in her clutch, "Don't tell me ... someone else besides me has you scrambling for your phone, babe."

His words uoset her more. Anna felt the pit of her stomach go sick. No she has seen what she had seen, and he had the audacity to ask if SHE was talking to anyone? Her cheeks flashed red but her hand hesitated. All she could hear was her phone notifications going off with Marissa's unique tone pinging over and over just beneath the music.

Meanwhile Marissa nearly fell from her seat trying to get Anna's attention before her father who she was seated beside gave her a single glance. Marissa changed tatics quickly explained to her father. Mr. Mishra's face drew red as Anna witnessed this all. The pit in her stomach grew more intense. Now they both pointed frantically to Marissa's phone.

Anna finally snatched up the phone as it continued to ping and beep. Brent Bailey stood before his the guests and the live music stilled entirely. Anna shoved it on silent and tried to peek but Brent interrupted. He was a portly man, and luckily neither Jaxon or Maddison inherited their height or figure from him. He boomed his voice through the venue.

"Tonight I want to welcome you all to a remarkable event. You know me, Baileys do EVERYTHING BIG!"

A polite chuckle was heard through the crowd. The moments grew and dread started filling Anna's heart. The sense something disastrous was barreling down on her and there was no way to escape. She tried to blaze through Marissa's messages but the words were jumbled. She couldn't focus. Anxiety soon found no other option but to wait. She shoved the phone away. She drank some more champagne. Two more glasses as quickly as she could.

"Tonight is a very special event indeed. But let me say it isn't about me. Tonight is about two very special people to the Bailey family."

Anna threw on a face of joy despite the pressing panic. Leaning forward Annabelle peered at her friend. Anna froze seeing Maddie leaning forward to smile at her in the same way. They caught eachother's smiles. That's when Anna saw Honor stand up and Maddie turn toward him. Anna was caught off-guard while Jaxon stood up beside Anna. The lights dimmed and a beautiful stirring melody of strings accompanied images displayed by protector on the walls. Anna saw images of Maddie growing up, and the same for Honor. Then of Jaxon. Then of her. The feeling grew worse as Anna confirmed to herself what was happening.

Anna tried to stand up, she needed air, out, anything, which was inadvertently the exact thing she was meant to. Anna couldn't breathe or think as she was led front and center of the ballroom. The crowd gasped and cooed and the music swelled as the images of the happy couples displayed everywhere. Anna was confused for a moment how they had even gotten so many pictures of her. Overwhelmed. She was overwhelmed. She felt sick.

Anna frantically glanced around and noted Maddie and Honor hadn't moved and inch. The lights were too bright where they were and somehow still too dim. Anna squinted but could only see where they stood. Then Jaxon stopped in the right spotlight on the ground and dropped to one knee. Anna barely felt herself. She stared at the other spotlight, to the left, that was vacant. Jaxon cleared his throat and she fought to focus on him.

There he was, in all his perfection and glory. Flashbulbs captured Anna gazing down at Jaxon. She was charming with her fingers delicately resting on her lips. Her mouth caught in a slight gasp. Anna frooze there unable to move. Jaxon posed there on one knee, and upon the other an obvious antique box, flipped open. The sparkle from inside the box under the light was captivating. The moment was offset with diffused lighting. The ivy framed the couple with the shimmer and twinke from the lights. The exact tyoe of photograph that makes magazine covers and wedding ads. This would not be the photograph associated with this night, however, despite the fact it was ideal.

Whatever Jaxon was saying, Anna couldn't hear. Her ears only heard a high pitched distant tone. Her breath. Her pulse. She glanced toward Marissa and Mr. Mishra who had looks of horror etched on their features. She managed to fight the bile in her throat as she searched for Maddie sgain. She was still standing beside Honor. Honor was not kneeling but instead showing Maddie his phone.

Honor's expression was stoic and firm. Any affection and admiration were gone. As if his boundless sea of love had evaporated. He spat out words to Maddie. Anna couldn't hear what he was saying either. Anna startled as Jaxon clasped her hand again. She tried to pull away but he jammed a huge diamond ring, his grandmother's ring, onto her finger. She tried to look for Maddie again panic fully swelling in her throat. Anna wanted after her own mother, or impossibly her own father, to rescue her. Already the entire room was erupting in cheers. Balloons, confetti and glitter fell from behind the ivy vines showering the venue in celebration.

Anna looked down again at Jaxon, his flawless features had twisted into an expression Annabelle had never seen him wear before. She stared, transfixed at his eyes until she recognized the expression. Jaxon looked concerned for her. Caught off guard he stared up at her still holding her left hand. And that's when Annabelle threw up all over that impeccable looking Jaxon, his custom designer suit, heirloom ring, and herself before she promptly fainted.

Anna caught bits and pieces through her stressed state. Images and sounds faded in and out with no real relevance. When Anna woke up it was a few hours later. She was in the hospital, and she knew it wothout opening her eyes. The scent. The beeping of the monitor. It was increasing as she roused. Suddenly her ears started working more properly and it was loud. Even behind her eyelids she knew it was bright. With little clue to what happened, Anna snapped her eyes open. As she adjusted she noticed her mother and sister there, as well as Dylan, one of Jaxon's best friends.

Annabelle tried to sit up but her body refused to respond. She looked to her mother and sister.

Immediately her attention diverted to the TV. She watched, mortified, as images flashed on the screen. Her mother, Judy, desperately tried to turn it off. Genevieve moved to stop her mother, "No you can't protect her from this mom."

Genny was always a bit rough around the edges, but she was smart. Wickedly smart. Instead Genny threw the remote and turned to Anna despite their mother's protests. Genny grabbed Anna's hands and blurted,

"Anna, you threw up on your fiance in front of the entire Internet. I know that's rough to hear but we are here okay?" Genny snapped a bit louder, directed toward Judy and Dylan, "And pretending that it didn't happen won't change it. She needed to know so we can help her."

There was silence. Anna couldn't deny what was on the screen in front of her. She closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes again and began sobbing. Clutching to her sister, Anna shook with sobs. Genny was right. Even if this upset Anna now, she knew her sister well. Anna only could nod in thanks as she wept. Genny and soon Judy surrounded Anna with embraces. Soothing clucking sounds from Judy only occasionally interrupted the heart-rending sounds from Anna.

It wasn't long before the sounds alerted the staff who asked Anna if she wanted something for her nerves. Anna eagerly agreed. She stared at the screen over, frozen on the image of herself at the worst possible moment. Repulsed Anna turned away humiliated. The urge for hysterics had passed. Anna wanted to be numb. The nurses gave her the medication, and as she settled Anna could not look away.

Finally Dylan interjected,, "Mother Mary of Jesus." He spat the words out like a slur but still crossed his chest after saying it and marched to get the remote and shove back in the batteries, "Bad enough it happened now you got her just staring at it like she should be sorry... "

The nurses left Anna stable while Dylan fiddled with the remote. Dylan felt a bit bad for Anna, considering. They never really got along well. Anna was soft, far too soft for the churn Dylan knew the world had in store. After wrangling the batteries in he pushed back his blonde hair. He aimed the remote at the TV as it if personally offended him and slammed his thumbs on the buttons. Anna kept her gaze locked on the screen, gripping her sheet. The image resumed with the host narrating what occurred. The camera whirled again through the crowd. Anna saw Maddie and Honor and choked out, "Dylan, wait!".

Dylan, still grappling with the remote sneered, "No. You don't need to see this shit, Anna." But Anna flailed her hands, tears still pouring down her cheeks against her will. She saw something. No, twice. She crawled over herself to grab the remote and Genny plucked it and tossed it to her.

Anna scooted as far as she could on her bed and settled on her knees. She peered at the screen. Glancing at the remote she rewound to what she saw. There. The image paused. It showed Honor walking away from Maddie who looked devastated. Marissa and Erica were seen rushing toward Anna and Maddie. Anna was already on the floor with Jaxon kneeling still poised as liquid dripped off of him. Dylan and Cesar were moving from their chairs. Brent and Sofia looked flabbergasted. Anna even noticed her own mother and Genny were there in the crowd. They knew, they all knew. But all of these details didn't stand put as much as the one Anna locked in on.

Faith Rabiu casually observing her brother's back. Her cellphone in her hand resting against her lips, screen bright and illuminated. Those same lips were curved in a subtle, yet unmistakable smile. Chaos erupted like a halo around her while she sat poised in repose. Anna sniffed, her tears still falling. She knew Faith did something that made Honor walk away from Maddie.

Anna gazed at Maddie and managed to ask the room, "Is she okay?"

Dylan stared at Anna in disbelief, "You're asking if SHE is okay? Yeah. At least her fiance didn't reject her by throwing up on her!"

Dylan scoffed, he never really liked Anna. He tolerated her because for some reason Maddie adopted Anna. The Baileys even managed to swindle Jaxon into proposing to the woman. Jaxon was fated to marry a weak, poor, plain, plump woman. Dylan knew Jaxon was dating down, and no amount of "being a nice person" from Anna was going to change that. Now it seemed Anna didn't even try. Jaxon wasn't just out of Anna's league, they weren't even playing the same game. And of course all Dylan knew was that Anna cared for Maddie. Apparently more than she cared for Dylan's best friend. Jaxon had planned to give up on everything to settle for a low-class woman who obviously didn't give a damn about him. Dylan glared at Anna.

Anna hesitated. She asked, "I..is Jack okay?".

Dylan turned and grabbed his suit jacket off the chair. Anna noticed for the first time he was still dressed for the event. In fact all of them were.

Dylan asked, "When have you ever really cared about Jaxon, hm? You're too busy kissing his sister's ass."

Anna felt sickened again thinking of everything. She thought of Jaxon, their first date. He took her to Applebee's. It wasn't fancy. In fact he drove one of his father's company loaner vehicles. It was still nicer than what Anna drove. Anna didn't expect Jaxon to take her to Paris or Tokyo as he did his other girlfriends.

What Anna felt that they shared was different. And that made it real. Jaxon didn't have to pretend to have swagger. He didn't have to be anything or anyone but himself with her. She encouraged him, she supported him. She cooked for him, cared for him. Anna was smart, not nearly as smart as Genny, but she did graduate and did get her degrees from an Ivy League. They had just graduated this year... all of them. Jaxon celebrated by bringing over take-out while Maddie celebrated by throwing herself a lavish party.

Jaxon had told Anna what he loved about her, LOVED about her was that she knew who he really was. Jaxon didnt have to be anyone else. Playful, goofy, ordinary, even lazy. That he could pop by at 2 am and watch a movie and forget the world. If they had ever been intimate Anna would have thought there was an ulterior motive. But no, Jaxon said he wasn't going to until he convinced her to marry him. Anna thought it a joke, or perhaps she was unattractive. Everything with Jaxon was uncertainty

She leaned back in the hospital bed and shook her head. She inhaled, shaken still. She drew in her breath and spit out, "Dylan. He's seeing other women."

Dylan froze. Jaxon was a playboy. He had lines of other women before Anna, but to Dylan's knowledge, and he knew a lot about Jaxon, not since. Jaxon never explained and it infuriated Dylan. Dylan was confident Jaxon hadn't cheated on Anna one moment, but was not too sure the next. Dylan frowned, he doubled down on his first instinct, "No. You're lying."

Anna insisted, "No I'm not. He's seeing other women. "

Dylan shook his head, defending Jaxon, "No, Anna. For once he actually isn't. So if you're telling the truth then someone is lying to you."

Judy, who had just about enough asserted herself, "Stop." She turned to her daughter with concern, "Anna, why do you think Jaxon is seeing other women?"

Anna faltered then explained everything she saw. She explained she saw clear as day that Jaxon was matching with other women online. She explained how he hid it. How he had been acting distant in the last few weeks. How he was always on his phone, or not answering calls. Dylan still ran defense. Of course Jaxon was busy, he was planning this whole fiasco Anna ruined. Anna insisted again, explaining clearly what she saw.

Dylan was afraid at this point. He knew that was very much like something Jaxon would do. Especially if he faced a life married to Anna. Dylan also knew, it wasn't Jaxon's idea to propose, but Brent had been strongly pressuring Jaxon. That they got into a huge fight about it, but whatever Brent had said to Jaxon convinced him to propose. Dylan knew this was important to the Baileys - and naturally reasoned Jaxon went and somehow messed it up.

As Anna finished her retelling Dylan lifted and kissed his fist. He knew he had to lie, "You see, Anna. You're wrong."

Anna shook her head. She looked dreadful. Her face was puffier than usual and her eyes were red. She looked pale, sickly, and weak, "No. I saw it, Dylan."

Dylan tried again, "I know what you think you saw. "

This just enraged Genny, "Are you really going to try to convince my sister that she didn't see what she saw? What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"RELAX! Listen. No, okay you saw it, but okay. Listen. Have you ever seen him with another woman?"

"You have got to be kidding me. Does she have to walk in on him balls deep to -" Genny barked.

"Enough! Both of you. Out of Anna's room this instant." Judy demanded.

Dylan threw up his hands in surrender but persisted as he backed toward the door, "I'm many things but ask Anna if she's ever known me to make shit up." He glanced to Anna, "I'm not a liar.", he lied.

Anna shook her head and glanced toward Dylan, "He's right. I've never known him to lie, but listen. Dylan I saw it."

Dylan shrugged, mind working fast, "Yeah, but you listen. It's not like that okay? I had Jaxon help me out okay? Look I didn't even get a date for my best friend's engagement right? I asked him to help me. I never can keep them, and he has you. I asked him to scout some girls for me okay?" Dylan struggled, "He was gonna propose Anna. I won't have anyone while he's off playing husband. Hand to heart swear."

"He's lying." Genny retorted instantly.

"What? No. Listen.."

Genny interjected with malice, "Anna, that's his best friend. Dylan would fight a bear for Jaxon."

Genny wasn't wrong, even Dylan had to admit this, "True, but. I asked him to help me. Like that movie with the white haired guy with the nose. Roxanne."

Anna stared, dumbfounded at the foolishness spouting from this man's mouth. It was obvious Genny felt the same but had the presence of mind to ask, "You mean Steve Martin?"

Dylan brightened, "Yeah that one where he has all the words and the other guy is all like, I wanna get with her so give me the words."

"Cyrano de Bergerac. You're going with the Cyrano de Bergerac defense?" Genny couldn't have asked more skeptically.

"No clue what you just said but ask him. Tell him to show you his phone the second he gets back. I won't even text him until then."

Anna paled, "He's coming back?" Now she just wanted to fade into nothing. Part of her wanted to believe Dylan. Part of her wanted this to be true. She wanted to think that it was a misunderstanding. Anna thought about this, what if it was? If it was a misunderstanding what happened at the event was even worse, she couldn't face him. If Dylan was lying then she still didn't want to see Jaxon.

Dylan hovered awkwardly at this and offered, "Well, yeah. He was sitting here for awhile until we kinda forced Cesar to take him home to ... uh... shower and change."

Anna stared at Dylan in disbelief but asserted, "I can't see him."

Genny instantly supported that choice and again Dylan tried to interject when Judy ushered both of them into the hall. Anna returned her sore eyes to the screen where Faith's smile was all she could focus on. Judy walked over and turned off the TV. After sitting beside her daughter Judy pulled her into a mother's embrace.

Tears came as she held onto her mother. Anna cried until she was all cried out and just shook lightly with tremors of anguish. Judy rubbed her back until a knock came from the door. It was Marissa and Mr. Mishra.

Anna sat up to receive her guests but it was obvious what she had went through. Marissa and Mr. Mishra were greeted by Judy, "Marissa, Krish, please come in. Annabelle could use some good company."

Marissa was already at Anna's side wrapping her friend in a warm embrace. It was obvious the pair had gone home to change. Marissa was now in a less formal sari with a few dozen less gold bangles and necklaces on. The young women embraced and Marissa smiled at Anna's eyes, "I have brought my friend a gift."