Lying in Bed with My Enemy

"You can do this, Sierra," I whispered, slamming the brakes a little too hard as the light turned red.

"Sorry!" I mouthed at the furious driver behind, then rolled up my window and blasted Katy Perry's Eye of the Tiger.

"This is it. 200 Montgomery Street."

The watch read 6:30 a.m. sharp. I slid my phone onto DND mode in anticipation of Matthew's call and turned off the engine.

The Maine Mansion loomed only a few blocks away. If I was lucky, I'd catch Carlos Maine himself, the ghostlike CEO that shied away from public eyes.

Sirens howled in the distance. Engines revved closer. It was time to activate my plan.

I yanked my beanie low and hissed, "Now."

I flung the door open and sprinted into the street, straight into the incoming convoy of tinted SUVs

"Wait!" I screamed. Tires shrieked as the lead vehicle skidded to a stop, few inches from me.

Doors flew open and the guards stormed out, grabbing my arms.

"Lady, you got a death wish?" one barked.

"No! I need to speak with Mr. Maine!" I wriggled defiantly against their grip

The cars had all screeched to a halt and several men now surrounded the SUV at the center of the convoy. Executives always rode in the middle; my husband did same. I knew he was in there.

"Paparazzi?" another sneered.

"Get your filthy hands off me!" I snapped as one inspected me for weapons

"Boss!" a guard called over his shoulder. "Not press. Says she needs a word."

I planted my feet, voice rising. "Carlos Maine! I need to talk to you. Please!"

A baritone voice snapped from the SUV

"Bring her into my car"

My knees bucked with relief as my palm sweated profusely

***********

The air in the SUV was thick; woody, musky, edged with oud. It jolted me. Matthew wore something similar. My husband.

"And you are?" he asked, one brow arched in faint annoyance. Handsome, too handsome... but the arrogance in his posture ruined it.

"I can't disclose my identity here," I murmured, flickering at his driver.

"Not with company."

His smirk was razor-sharp. "You think I'll dismiss my driver just so a stranger can whisper secrets"

I took off my shades and stared right at him with boldness and defiance

"I'm sure I don't look like an assassin of sorts."

"Maybe I'm not the best judge of appearances." He responded with an air of caution

I leaned in closer "What if I told you this was about the Ton?"

A wicked smile tugged at my lips.

I had rehearsed that question several times. It was my bait

His expression changed, just slightly, but enough.

"Rico," he said softly, never taking his eyes off me, "leave us."

Heat rose in my cheeks. I knew the moment he learned this was about Matthew Wellington, "the Ton" as he was referred to in his inner circles, he'd realize I wasn't bluffing.

Once Rico stepped out, I tugged off my beanie hat, golden strands of hair tumbling free from my head, then slid the shades from my brown eyes.

"Well. Well. Well..." he drawled,

" Who do we have here? Mrs. Wellington herself. To what do I owe this... honor? How hilarious. Matthew really thinks I'd be foolish enough to fall for his wife parading as bait?"

Heat flared in my chest. "I won't let you speak that way. You have no right! I thought you'd be different. But clearly, I over-estimated your quest for vengeance. All men are the same. Goodbye, Mr. Maine "

I snapped, reaching for the door and praying he'd stop me. I had no Plan B

"I'm sorry."

The words pierced me. His hand closed over mine, tugging me back. Firm. Grounding. My palms trembled, but I tried to conceal it. I couldn't afford to portray weakness. Not here. Not with him.

"I must admit," I said, forcing steel into my voice, "You have better manners than my husband. You two aren't one and the same"

"Oh, spare me." His mouth curled. "I'm no saint. But I'm not the devil's spawn like your husband."

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. "Months ago, I'd have disagreed. Now? I couldn't agree more."

He studied me, then pulled a folded handkerchief from his pocket. "For your hands. Now, what do I owe this visit?"

"I need your help," I whispered

He leaned back, amused. "You need help... from your husband's enemy?"

"Yes." My grip tightened on the handkerchief. "I need your help to destroy him."

Carlos chuckled, mocking "Delicious. Manhattan's favorite couple and the wife comes crawling to me to destroy her husband."

"It's not what you think. This isn't a trap. I'm just... tired. I've experienced so much pain and humiliation in this marriage" Streaks of hot tears flowed freely onto my cheeks as I spoke.

"Tired?" His tone sharpened. "Tell me, what did you expect when you married the most unbearable narcissist alive? That he'd bankroll you into a fairytale?"

"I may be many things.. but being called a gold-digger is such as low blow," I snapped, lifting my chin. "And I won't stand here while you paint me as one."

"Then what is this? Some housewife's revenge scheme? Punishment because the monthly allowance came late? Enlighten me. I may be Matthew Wellington's biggest enemy, but I am a man of honor."

"Well, of course," I shot back, heat rising in my throat. "That's all you men ever see-women as pawns, trophies, arm-candy. I wish I had the time and patience for this chit-chat, Mr. Maine. But sadly, I don't. I thought you'd be willing to find out more about the Manhattan Montgomery Project."

He stiffened, tilting his head as if trying to understand me. "Oh? Well, what about it? Evidence that your slimy bastard of a husband bribed his way into securing the deal? I need to at least know if it's pact-worthy. I'm a very busy man, and if this isn't worth my while, I might end the conversation here."

"Uhmmmmm..." I struggled to mince my words and not disclose too much, or too little.

"What's your motive? If I'm striking this deal with you then it's the least information you could possibly provide"

"Well. My husband is cheating on me. I caught him sharing when I attempted to pay him a surprise visit for his birthday. I'm still in shock at his betrayal and infidelity. I sacrificed my dreams and ambitions for this marriage. All I seek is your assistance" I pleaded. "I have spotted some bits and pieces of evidence here and there, especially pertaining to the bribe offered to lawmakers for the Manhattan Montgomery Project. I can get more information if you'll show me how."

Carlos snorted. "Natasha? That's stale news."

I bit my lips as the fountain of tears ran down my eyes accompanied by a wave of embarrassment. Apparently, all of Manhattan already knew about the affair, except me. Even Madam must have known. The thought stung. I was such a fool.

He reached out with another handkerchief and dabbed my cheeks since I was too struck to use the first he had given me. The customized linen handkerchief smelt husky and domineering, just like him of him, the oud fierce domineering scent, and I saw the embossed insignia on the linen handkerchief, CM.

"I'm so sorry, Sierra. I'm not exactly sure I don't know how it feels to be cheated on as a wife. But I've been betrayed countless times and it's not a position anyone should be in. Certainly not a beautiful woman like you." He added and tilted my head upwards.

I interpreted his words as my father's mantra "Chin up and face your battles"

My voice hardened, my spine was straightening.

" You're right about this. And that's why Matthew Wellington must feel the full fiery heat of my wrath. I'll either destroy him or die trying. With or without your help. So, are you willing to help this betrayed housewife?"

"You've just made the most dangerous proposition of your life." His eyes burned into mine, with a smirk curving his lips, he added, "But my mother taught me never to leave a beautiful woman hanging."

He extended his hand.

"We have a deal, Mrs. Wellington"

"Thank you"

And, for the first time in years I felt a wave of hope and excitement.

"Thank you, Lord," I whispered as I slid back into my car, waiting for his entourage to clear. I'd insisted on leaving after them, careful not to draw suspicion. With Matthew, one could never be too sure, he seemed to have eyes everywhere.

A giddy mix of excitement and tension coursed through me, a feeling I hadn't known since the day I discovered I was pregnant. An experience that was short-lived.

Before turning onto my street, I took off the beanie and sunglasses, checking the mirror to confirm that I didn't look suspicious.

"Welcome, Ma'am. Mr. Wellington said he's been trying to reach you," Anna said, taking my handbag.

"Oh, shoot!" I muttered, realizing I'd forgotten to take my phone off DND.

I hurried upstairs, straight to the master bedroom. From my pocket, I pulled out the tiny chip Carlos had given me just before I alighted from his car. A recorder. My pulse quickened. I hid it in my jewelry box for safety,then picked up the landline and dialed his number deliberately , a signal that I was home.

"Where the hell have you been, Sierra? Your line kept disconnecting. Anna said you weren't home. Does my trip give you the right to suddenly become unreachable?"

"I'm sorry. Maria needed my urgent assistance. I was at the store to pick up a delivery for her. The network was bad. Something might be wrong with my phone." The lies rolled out with ease.

"Excuses! That's all you ever give. I wonder how long I'll have to put up with this." His voice dropped into a bitter murmur.

"Sorry... did you say something?"

"Forget it. We're hosting my birthday dinner with family this evening. Share a menu for approval. Look nice. And make your signature chocolate cake. Mum's been craving for it. "

"We were supposed have an intimate dinner instead-"

"Mum insisted on coming, and I agreed. Plan accordingly and share the goddamn menu. I don't owe you an explanation."

I dropped the receiver before he hung up first . There was no point.

I exhaled slowly, and sent him a message from my i-pad immediately:

Caesar Salad – Appetizer

Grilled Potatoes and Salmon – Main

Chicken Wraps

Chardonnay Wine

Chocolate Cake and Cream – Dessert

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

I brushed the Moulin Rouge lipstick across my lips, the one from Paris. Hair swept into a bun, golden curls framing my face, diamonds catching the light, a red floor-length dress slit high at the knee.

"The ravishing Mrs. Wellington," I hailed my attractive reflection in the mirror.

Dinner was set, the table gleaming. Matthew had already texted, they were on their way.

"Welcome, Madam," I said with a dazzling smile, pulling my mother-in-law into an undeserving warm embrace. Arthur and Leona also had their fair share. But my husband got something else: a sudden, full-mouthed kiss that startled him. The camera flash from Alfred, his hawk-eyed assistant, captured my attention.

"What was that for? Are you drunk?" Matthew muttered as I locked my arm in his.

"Far from it. Just excited to see my husband," I whispered with a wicked smile.

Once, Dinner with my In-laws had been my worst nightmare. They showed me no grace and were quick to humiliate me. Except Patrick, the Patriarch whose kindness died with him a few months after our first meeting. But now, I'd learned to grow thick skin because I was done with their dysfunctional family. Tonight, apparently, they were gossiping about me.

Madam stuffed her cheeks with chocolate cake, smearing cream across her lip. Meanwhile, the twins were discussing with Matthew about their plans to throw a private party in Paris. They were spoiled brats with no ambition, drowning their allowances in drugs while the family turned a blind eye.

"You know," Madam said, dabbing her lips, "if you ever choose to do something with yourself rather than sit idly in pretty dresses, you'd make a good baker. There's just something about this cake."

I smiled sweetly. "Thank you for the compliment, Madam. Though I took lessons on being an idle housewife from none other than yourself"

Leona coughed loudly. "Ahem. Ahem."

"Matthew, are you going to let your wife speak to me like this?" Madam shrieked

"I apologize for her disrespect," Matthew said flatly, turning to me. "Are you out of your mind? Apologize. Now."

The words "Or else what?" burned on my tongue, but I swallowed them, shoving a cube of potato into my mouth instead.

"Apologies, Madam. I'm-"

But before I could finish, she gagged and let out a loud, humiliating fart.

"How embarrassing," Arthur muttered as I called Anna over.

Matthew rushed to his mother's side, supporting her. "Are you okay?"

"I think... I have a stomach upset." She responded whilst walking hurriedly to the guest toilet

I donned concern. "I'm so sorry, Ma. But we're all eating the same meal... or was it something else?"

"Anna.. please can you bring the first aid box for Madam and give her something for the upset?"

This was all my doing, of course. I spiked the cake with just enough pecans to trigger her allergies. She had to also pay for her son's infidelity. I'm certain she was aware of it.

Whilst I awaited Anna's arrival , Matthew's hand clamped around my wrist. He pulled me into the study and shut the door behind us and turned, his eyes blazing red.

"How dare you talk back to mother?"

I wore a feigned expression of remorse even as my chest tightened. "Matthew, it wasn't serious. I was only joking. I never meant to sound disrespectful." My voice sounded slow and seductive as I reached for his hand. "It's your birthday dinner, I want everything to be just perfect. Don't let my poor joke ruin the night. Forgive me?"

He didn't blink. His jaw tightened. his breath sharp against my cheek.

"If you don't want me triggered," he said slowly, "you'll walk back into that dining room, smile, and keep your mouth shut. No more snide comments. If you do..." his hand flexed into a fist between us, "...I'll make you full of regrets before the night ends."

I froze, my apology hanging in the air as he turned, straightened his jacket, and walked out. What's the worst that he could possibly do? Hit me? He had done this several times already.

The door closed behind him, and just like that, the mask of the perfect host was back on him.

I sank onto the waterbed to catch my breath, chest rising and falling as though I had just escaped drowning. My phone buzzed on the nightstand.

Instagram notifications.

Our pictures at the entrance with my plastic smile had already been posted by his Alfred. Comments were flooding in, dripping with praise and envy. "#PowerCouple." "#BirthdayGoals." "She's stunning."

In less than an hour, I gained over a hundred new followers. What an interesting life; polished on the outside, suffocating on the inside.

I scrolled absently until something stopped me.

People You May Know.

There he was.

Carlos Maine.

My heart gave a small, betraying flutter. Excitement? Passion? Something nameless but magnetic pulled at me as I remembered his parting words to me during our encounter this morning

" We have a deal, Mrs. Wellington" his voice reverberated in my ears causing me to blush mildly like a teenager.

"Don't do this Sierra" my inner voice of caution warned. Still, I tapped on his profile, only to be met with the lock icon. His profile was private, of course. Always private.

So different from Matthew, who lived for spectacle, lights, and pageantry. Carlos was the opposite; quiet, deliberate, grounded.

I slid the phone into the drawer with a shaky breath, smoothed down my dress, and stood. Time to return to the dining table. To my picture-perfect family. To my role in the life everyone envied, yet no one truly knew.

Yet as I walked back to the table, my pulse wasn't beating for Matthew's birthday.

It was beating for Carlos Maine

And vengeance.

I turned on the king-sized mattress for the umpteenth time before finally checking the bedside clock

5:40am.

I still felt terrified about the nightmare.

In it, I stood as a spectator in a wedding hall, drowning in jeers and mockery from Matthew, Natasha and the Wellington Family. They were glamorously dressed and there I was, clothed like a commoner and being made an object of gossip. Everyone in the hall seemed to be pointing and laughing at me. The voice grew louder and harsher till my eyes till my eyes tore open.

A cold bead of sweat slid down my temple as I gasped for breath. My heart felt like it was about to be ejected from my chest. I knew this was a symbolic dream, and that terrified me.

I forced myself out of bed to attend to my doting wifely duties for the day. Prepare Matthew's breakfast engage in mindless chatter with him at the dining table, pack his lunch and then commence my daily yoga routine.

I feigned a smile as he lifted the buttered toast to his lips and chatted about the meetings he had lined up for the day and. Conversations that bored the living day life out of me now, even though they were once exciting to me few weeks ago. Time does change a lot of things. I stayed silent and kept sipping a cup of espresso while I wished I could drench him with it and strangle life out of him with the maroon tie that was fitted on his neck.

He hit my bum fiercely as he headed out the door with a wink. The look of a man who was sexually satisfied.

We had several rounds last night after the family dinner. I expected him to reach for me last night, and when he did, I had to succumb...even though I wished I had the strength to deny him.

I had completed my morning yoga routine and was on my way to the bathroom when my phone beeped.

It was Maria.

"Hey Stranger. Feels like I haven't heard from you in weeks." I teased as I plugged my airpods into my ears

"I apologize, my darling. Work has been insane and of course I've been digging into those files like you asked me too"

"And?" My pulse quickened

"Its really bad, Sierra. We need to talk"

My heart dropped. It felt like life was hitting me in different directions with bad news all in the space of few weeks.

"Alright. Brunch?"

"Yes. Let's meet at our usual spot."

*********

I sat at the corner booth of our favorite pastry shop "Les Camrades". It was a hidden spot that offered us the sanctity of dining away from public eyes and paparazzi. The soothing aroma of croissants and latte tempted my nostrils as I waited for Maria, but I could barely stomach anything all day. I lifted the cup of latte when I sighted Maria walking towards the table. We had met in college and stayed inseparable ever since, against Matthew's will. He hated Maria's guts and defiance for obvious reasons.

"Darling..." Maria said softly as she settled in after we had exchanged pleasantries

"Don't tell me it's that bad" I leaned forward in anticipation as she pulled a thick brown envelope from her handbag and placed it on the table

"It's worse. My guts were right all along. Matthew is such a bastard. I went through the corporate filings, trusts, property deeds, and the Wellington family business registry. Eveything. Sierra, there's not a cent in your name. Not stocks, not assets or properties. Absolutely nothing. Even the car gifts, your Pontiac. It's all in his name."

"Wait. That's impossible. We... I signed agreements after we got married. He called them joint ownership agreements and said it was family protocol. But it wasn't a pre-nup. So, how... I'm so confused. Something must be wrong"

Maria's voice was soft but firm, each word like a hammer blow " They were waivers, Sierra. He deceived you into signing waivers. A friend drew up the contracts and I reviewed them. They were deceptively worded to make you sign off your rights. Recall you said he insisted you signed them hastily a few days after the wedding.. I'm not sure I remember why."

"He..said the family lawyer needed me to sign immediately to draft the contracts and include my name in the family trust. And I believed him..." For a moment the world around me blurred, and my chest constricted, as if invisible hands were squeezing air from my lungs.

"Not a penny in my name"

The sentence echoed in my head.

"You don't deserve this, Sierra. I'm sorry"

"I trusted him with everything. My life. My dreams. My ambition. My body. My loyalty. He promised to be a faithful husband. I was naïve enough to have believed him when he promised me security, said I'll never have to lift a finger for money in my entire life and my family would be taken care of too"

I buried my face in my trembling palms that were now whitened. The sobs came, raw and unfiltered, spilling into the quiet hum of the café. Maria reached across the table, her hand warm against mine, steady where I was crumbling.

"So..if I walk away now..." I struggled to ask the question that had been on my mind

"You walk away with nothing. Except your jewelry and designer wears. No financial claim. Marital claim. Settlement. Absolutely nothing. And knowing Matthew, any attempt to file a law suit will yield to more undesirable outcomes. He's friends with the high and mighty

My ears rang and I gasped for breath. It felt like I was drowning in deep water. Gripping her shoulder, albeit more tightly my eyes reddened. The humiliation from my nightmare seemed to be quietly unfolding into reality.

I wiped my face, sitting up straighter, gathering the fragments of myself that still knew how to fight. Maria's eyes searched mine, wary, almost afraid of what she saw flickering there.

"Calm down, Sierra. You'll get through this. You're the strongest woman I know. You'll be fine. I'm right by your side and we both know this divorce has to happen soon. Men like Matthew are dangerous "

"Yes. And women like me are even more lethal" I responded as I clutched the coffee cup tightly in my hand

"And what's the plan? We're in this together, Sierra."

"I'm still trying to get a grip of what my next step should be. Can I borrow your phone?"

She raised a brow. "For what?"

My lips curled into a sharp, bitter smile. "To call someone who hates Matthew as much as I do. The only person that can help me dismantle him piece by piece."

Her silence stretched, her hesitation palpable.

I inhaled, steadying the storm rising inside me. "Carlos Maine."