Twisted Vow

Playing The Perfect Wife

“Smile, Olivia,” Brandon murmurs into Olivia's ear with his hand resting on her back possessively. She obeys; they both smile into the cameras as photographers snap away to their delight. Tonight is another show of performance, which she has continued to master and perfect as the days go by.

The occasion is the American Impact Awards ceremony, and Brandon is going to receive the Young Achiever award, him along with two other people. Despite the friction between them because of Isabelle, tonight seems different. He is a little relaxed, and she knows it's because of the happiness from the award. The photographers move to another couple while Brandon and Olivia continue to mingle with people while the cocktail hour lasts.

The air hums with murmurs and laughter, mingling with the soft strains of a string quartet. And all eyes are on Brandon Sterling, and his wife, with his towering stature, dressed in an Italian midnight-blue suit. Olivia’s style is impeccable too; she's wearing a silver gown that clings to her curves and pools at her feet. They both look good together.

Brandon continues to steal glances at her at intervals, putting her in a frenzy mood. And by the time his name is announced for the award, she is well relaxed in his company.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the first recipient of the Young Achiever award tonight, the business category is no other person than Brandon Sterling, the CEO of Sterling Enterprises.” The anchor of the ceremony announces from the podium in front.

As applause erupts, he turns to her, locking eyes with her. Time slows. Then, unexpectedly, his fingers graze her hand. Not like it did when they were taking the photographs. But this is though brief; it’s electric, and enough to send a jolt through her.

Her breath hitches, her body trembling from the fleeting contact. Before she can react, his expression changes over and he stands up. Olivia, along with his brother and Sterling Enterprises MD, stand with him and follow him to receive the award.

“You did very well tonight,” Brandon tells her the moment they arrive home later. He has never praised her in their almost three months together.

Olivia feels her heart swell like never before. She studies his face, a hint of a smirk tugs at his lips.

“Thank you,” she replies, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

He wants to say something, but his phone rings in his pocket. He brings it out, “I have to take this,” he says curtly and walks away to the garden, leaving Olivia standing in the dim foyer, heart pounding, body aching with an unnamed longing. She exhales shakily and walks inside.

They see each other again the following evening when he arrives from work and they have to leave for his stepmom's place for Victoria's birthday dinner in keeping up with the yearly tradition Brandon started years ago.

The dinner starts not long after both of them get there; Ethan, Brandon’s uncle, is there too.

Victoria hasn't taken her eyes off Olivia all evening. The younger woman shifts uncomfortably under the scrutiny.

“Brandon,” uncle Ethan calls the moment Brandon stops eating. "A word in the sunroom? About that situation in Singapore."

Brandon nods curtly, folding his napkin meticulously. His eyes meet Olivia's for a brief moment; a warning glance that she's come to recognize. Meaning, ‘don't say anything unnecessary.’

As Brandon follows his uncle out of the dining room, Cole's phone buzzes a few minutes later. He checks it, grimaces, and excuses himself with a charming smile directed at his mother. "I need to take this call. I'll be right back."

And suddenly, it's just Olivia and Victoria at the massive mahogany table, the silence between them heavier than the crystal chandelier overhead.

Victoria takes a deliberate sip of her wine, her eyes never leaving Olivia's face. "You've adjusted remarkably well," she finally says, her voice smooth as polished marble.

"I'm sorry?" Olivia places her fork down carefully.

"To all of this." Victoria waves her hand vaguely. "The rumors. Isabella's return. Most women would have been devastated, but you my dear seem to have taken everything in your stride.”

‘She's testing me,’ Olivia tells herself and tries to keep her expression neutral. "Well.” Olivia shrugges. “I… I am trying to cope…”

"You are not bothered by it at all anymore," Victoria cut her short, with a smile which didn't reach her eyes spread on her face. "Interesting."

Olivia takes a small sip of water, buying time. "I trust Brandon to handle the situation."

Victoria's laugh is brittle. "You do now? And what exactly are you getting out of this marriage while you?" She moves to the edge of her chair.

"I'm not sure what you mean," Olivia says, though she knows exactly what Victoria is suggesting.

Victoria leans forward slightly. "Let's not pretend, dear. A young woman with no family connections, no significant wealth or status, suddenly marries one of New York's most eligible bachelors. What am I supposed to think?"

‘Oh my goodness, she thinks I'm a gold-digger,’ Olivia groans inwardly, heat rising to her cheeks. ‘She thinks I enjoy all of these!’

“Ma'am,” Olivia clears her throat slightly. But Before she can respond, Cole returns, sliding into his chair he vacated earlier on.

“Ex…Excuse me,” Olivia stands up. “I need to get some fresh air.” She pushes her chair back and leaves for the front porch.

Olivia sighs in relief for the temporary freedom and leans against the decorative pillar, wishing she has the power to tell Brandon that they should leave right away.

The night is cool, the city lights flickering in the distance. She exhales, savoring the silence.

Until Cole joins her.

“Running away already?” His voice is playful, but there’s something behind it that sets her on edge.

Olivia stiffens. “Just needed some air.”

Cole moves closer, his presence unsettling. “You don’t belong here, you know. Mom sees it.” He gives a childish laughter and continues, “but me? I think you’re a refreshing change. And I could make you a lot happier…if you can be my friend.” He rubs his hands together, smiling sheepishly.

She doesn’t like the way he says it. Like she’s something to be tasted, to be played with.

“Go back inside, Cole.” She says.

But he doesn’t. Instead, he reaches out, his fingers trailing lightly over her arm.

It happens fast, too fast.

His hand slides lower.

A jolt of revulsion surges through Olivia.

She shoves him away. Hard.

“Don’t ever touch me again.” Her voice is sharp, laced with anger. “I mean it.”

Cole stumbles back slightly, eyes gleaming with something between amusement and irritation.

A cough.

Olivia turns to see Brandon standing in the doorway. She exhales, her pulse still pounding

His expression is unreadable, but his eyes are cold, dark, furious as they lock onto Cole.

“I suggest,” Brandon says smoothly, stepping forward, “that you keep your hands off my wife.”

Cole lifts his hands in mock surrender, smirking. “Relax, bro. Just a friendly chat.”

Brandon doesn’t blink. “Don’t let it happen again, Cole.” He rumbled.

Cole holds his gaze for a moment, steps past Olivia and walks back into the house.

She expects Brandon to say something; to question her…to accuse…her, but he doesn’t.

Instead, he says, “we are leaving now.”

She nods, scurries inside to pick her bag and they leave.

Olivia pushes the incidents at Brandon's stepmom’s behind her and faces her responsibilities as Brandon’s wife. Not until she attended a gala the following week for women In technology the following week.

Olivia could feel the other women's judgmental curiosity the moment she steps into the elegantly decorated hall that night.

Dinner progresses with small talk about fashion, travel, and the latest Upper East Side gossip. Olivia plays her part, smiling and nodding at appropriate intervals. That is until one of the women, Cassandra, the wife to the COO of one of Sterling Enterprises rival companies comes to sit beside her while most of the people on their tables have already left to mingle around.

"You are such a fast learner; this glamorous life fits you so well," Cassandra says, giving Olivia a pointed look. "I must say you are one smart lady."

"I get better with things I set my mind to do," Olivia responds diplomatically.

"Hmm, yes. I can see how serious-minded you are darling," Cassandra agrees, something dark flickering in her eyes. "Tell me, has he tells you why Isabella barged into your wedding the way she did.”

Olivia tenses at the mention of Isabella’s name again but she tried to keep her expression carefully neutral. "I…I…"

"I guess as much," Cassandra says with a knowing smile. "He wouldn't tell you, it's not such a beautiful story to tell."

Olivia should let it go, should change the subject, but curiosity gets the better of her again. “What are you trying to say?" She asks.

Cassandra leans closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that somehow seems louder than if she'd shouted. "They say Brandon's past is far darker than anyone realizes. Isabella wasn't just an ex-fiancee who left him. There are rumors..."

She trails off deliberately, waiting for Olivia to take the bait.

"Rumors are just that, rumors," Olivia says, though her heart is racing. She wishes she hadn't come to the event.

Cassandra's smile turns predatory. "Are they? Ask yourself why a woman who had everything would suddenly disappear for two years, only to return at the exact moment her ex is about to marry someone else. Dramatic? Yes. But calculated? Absolutely."

She leans even closer, her breath warm against Olivia's ear. "Be careful, Olivia. You might be wearing Isabella's ring right now, but that doesn't mean you won't share her fate."

Before Olivia can respond, Cassandra pulls back, her demeanor shifting to light and carefree as she turns to pick up a flute of champagne from one of the servers passing by.

‘What have I gotten myself into?’ Olivia thinks as eril feeling runs down her spine. ‘What happened during those two years?’

She leaves not much longer after, as soon as Cassandra’s attention shifts to someone else.

"You're home earlier than expected."

Olivia startles, nearly dropping her clutch bag. Brandon is seated on the front porch nursing a drink.

"The gala wasn't as interesting as I'd hoped," she says, watching him carefully.

He reaches for the bottle, pouring himself two fingers of scotch. "Did you make any useful connections?"

"One could say that." Olivia takes a deep breath, then plunges forward before she can lose her nerve. "I met someone who knew Isabella."

Brandon stills, the glass halfway to his lips. "Did you."

It's not a question, but Olivia answers anyway. "Yes. Cassandra Winters. She had some interesting things to say."

"Cassandra has always had an overactive imagination." His voice is controlled, too controlled.

"Then maybe you can help me separate fact from imagination," Olivia says, stepping closer to him. "What really happened with Isabella, Brandon? Why did she disappear for two years? And why does everyone seem afraid to talk about it?"

Something flashes in Brandon's eyes; anger? Fear? It's gone too quickly for Olivia to identify. He sets his glass down with deliberate care.

"It's complicated," he says finally.

She is a bit relieved that at least for the first time he accepts that something happened. "That's not an answer, Brandon.”

"It's the only answer you're getting." His tone is final.

"I have a right to know. I'm your wife, even if it... . it's a contract.” She retorts. “If there's something in your past that could affect our future…my life, I need to know."

Suddenly Brandon is directly in front of her, his hand around her wrist, firm but not quite painful. His expression has darkened.

"Stay out of things that don't concern you, Olivia. For your own good." He warned.