Wrong Bride

Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

MELINDA

I spent all morning trying to explore the mansion. Each door I opened was either locked, or filled with men in expensive suits. Finally, I was informed that Lunch had arrived, and that it was going to be served in the garden.

Kieran was already in the garden, looking devastatingly handsome in dark slacks and a white shirt which was open at the collar.

“You look lovely,” he complimented as he drew out a seat close to him for me to sit down.

I had chosen my outfit from the variety of clothes in my walk-in closet. I should have chosen something brighter, eye-catching, something Belinda would have worn, but I settled for a simple elegant dress. I just hope he wouldn’t ask me about it.

“Thank you,” I replied, accepting the chair he set out for me with trembling hand.

“I hope the breakfast was to your liking. I specifically asked for your favorites.” He poured wine into my glass, my hand trembled as I reached out for it.

“It was lovely. Thank you for thinking about me.”

“But the housekeeper told me that you did not touch the peanut butter bagel. I was certain that it was your desired breakfast.”

“I..” Think. Melinda. Think. “I’ve been trying to eat healthier lately, to cut back on processed foods.’

Amusement flickered in his expression. “That’s very health conscious. I’m impressed. When did this change begin?”

“Recently,” I said weakly. “Very recently.”

“I see.” He took a sip of his wine, his eyes on my face.

It was just hard to breathe around him sometimes.

He leaned forward. “We are attending the Vescari Foundation Gala tonight.

I paused.

“It’s an annual tradition. All the family will be there…along with our business associates.” His gray studied my reaction but I could only nod. “I thought it was time to properly introduce you to my world as Mrs. Vescari.”

“I…of course. That sounds wonderful.” The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

“Good. I have something appropriate sent to your room.” He stood, straightening his tie. “We leave at eight. Do not be late.”

As he left, I sat frozen at the lunch table, panic flooding through me. I was not ready to be exposed to the world yet, as his wife. A gala meant hundreds of people assessing me, watching me, judging me. And Kieran’s family might remember details of Belinda that I didn’t know.

I’m going to get caught. I’m going to get caught and he’s going to kill me.

The dress waiting in my rom was the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen. It was a floor-length gown in Belinda’s favourite colour that cost more than I would ever make in six months. It was a bit loose on my body because Belinda was slightly fatter than me and I was sure he made the dress according to her size.

My personal maid assigned to me help me with my hair and makeup, all the while talking excitedly about how pretty I looked. I didn’t like to be around people that talked to much, but her fussing helped me take the nerves off my mind.

“Don Vescari will be so proud.” She said, putting on a diamond necklace on my neck. “You’ll be the most beautiful woman out there.”

When I descended the stairs at sharp eight, Kieran was waiting in the Foyer. He looked stunning in his black tuxedo, every inch the dangerous prince of his dark kingdom. But it was the way his eyes heated as he saw me that made my breath catch.

“Stunning,” He murmured, offering his hand, “absolutely stunning.”

The limousine ride to the hotel was quiet. I could feel goosebumps pricking all over my skin as I imagined all the people that will surround, and torturing me with small talk. All the smiles and laughter that I have to fake. I was never good with people. It was why I always stayed locked in the comfort of my room, before dad pressured me to get a job.

“My parents just cancelled. They have to take care of something in Milan.” He said as we pulled up to the hotel. “My uncle Roberto will be there to represent them. He’s been asking about you since the wedding.”

“I look forward to meeting him.” Was all I could say.

No, I did not. What if he asked me uncomfortable questions? I had no idea what he might know about Belinda.

“Remember,” Kieran paused in my ear as we paused at the entrance of the hotel. “Smile, be gracious, and let me do most of the talking. I can see that you are nervous about your first major social event as my wife. It is perfectly natural.”

The moment we entered, we were surrounded. Men dressed in shiny black tuxedos approached to congratulate Kieran and kiss my gloved hand. Heir wives kissed me on both sides of the cheeks and complimented on the dress. I smiled and nodded, trying to appear gracious, all the while cataloguing faces and hoping that none of them asked questions that I could not answer..

“And this must be the beautiful bride!” A voice boomed behind us, and I turned to see an older man with Kieran’s gray eyes. “Roberto Vescari,” he said, taking my hand. “Kieran’s uncle. It’s so good to finally meet you properly, my dear.”

“Uncle Roberto,” I said, praying my voice sounded steady. “The pleasure is mine.”

“Such a lovely wedding,” he continued, his grip on my hand lingering. “Though I was sorry that your family couldn’t stay longer afterward. Your parents left so quickly, we barely had a chance to speak.”

“They were…tired.” I rambled. “It had been such an emotional day.”

“Of course. What about your sister? Such a shame she could not make it to the ceremony. Kieran mentioned she was…indisposed?”

My blood chilled. what sister was he talking about? Did he mean me? Did he know about me?

“Yes,” I spoke. “Very unfortunate.”

Kieran’s hand settled possessively on my lower back. “You look pale. Let’s get some champagne.”

I nodded gratefully, thankful for the distraction as he led me away from his uncle’s probing questions. I did expect it though. A lot of people were curious about me. Our family didn’t walk in this social circle.

We stopped at a champagne stand and when we had our flutes filed, Kieran left me to talk to his business associates.”

One sip from the champagne calmed my nerves and I turned around to bump into a smiling figure.

“Mrs. Vescari”, she beamed, recognition flickered through her face. I was filled with instant dread. I didn’t know her. Maybe she was one of Belinda’s friends.

“I am sorry,” I said carefully. “Remind me your name?”

Her smile faltered for just a moment. “Isabella Caretti. We met at a charity luncheon a week ago.”

My face was blank.

“We sat the same table and had such a lovely conversation about your plans for the wedding.”

Belinda went to a charity function? Of course, she did.

“Oh, Isabella.” I tried to inject enthusiasm into my voice. “How lovely to see you again.”

“Yes, we talked for hours about what your dress would look like. You were so excited about the beadwork details.” She leaned closer conspiratorially. “Did everything turn out the way you hoped?”

I had no idea what beadwork or designer she was talking about. But one thought flashed through my mind. If Belinda seemed so excited about the marriage and the wedding details, then why did she run away?

“It was perfect.” I said quickly.

“Wonderful, where you able to decide on the honeymoon destination? You were torn between Paris and Dubai?”

My mouth opened, but no words came out. What was I to say?

“We decided to postpone the honeymoon,” I finally managed. “Business obligations, you know.”

Isabella eyebrows rose. “Oh, but you were adamant about going immediately after the wedding. You said you could not wait to get away from---” She stopped abruptly, her cheeks flushing. “Well. Plans must have changed.”

Get away from what. What had Belinda been running away from?

Before I could process that fully, another voice joined us. “Isabella, darling. How lovely to see you.” She turned towards me, her smile flashing like a threat. “And Belinda. You look so radiant.”

“Verena,” I faked a smile.

“I was just about to tell Belinda how different she looked tonight,” Isabella said, oblivious to the tension. “Marriage suits you dear. You look much more subdued…”

“Subdued?” Verena repeated. “So, I wasn’t the only one to have noticed. Though I suppose some experiences can change someone dramatically.”

“I should find my husband,” I said looking around the room for him. I suddenly didn’t like where the conversation was heading, and I was looking for a way to escape.

“Oh, but we are having such a lovely chat,” Verena purred, holding onto me.

She was violating my personal space and I needed air. Badly. I flung her arm away from mine and fled towards the terrace.

“What the heck was that?” I heard Isabella whisper from behind me. They would think that it was weird. Belinda indulged in small talk and petty conversations. I just wanted to be alone.

When I reached the terrace, I could finally exhale. It was just day one f my deception and I was exhausted. How would I keep up?

“Why are you hiding?” Kieran’s voice behind me, made me jump.

“I just needed some air,” I lied.

He stepped in, his face full of concern. “Are you feeling alright?”

“I’m fine, I’m only a little overwhelmed.”

“The attention can be intense,’’ he agreed, “But I can see that you are handling it beautifully.”

Before I could reply, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at it, and his expression hardened.

“We need to go back inside. Now.” The warmth from before was gone.

“What is wrong?”

“Family business,” he said, offering me his arm. “And my wife needs to be by my side.”

As we walked back into the ballroom, I saw Verena watching us from across the room she raised her glass in mock toast, a sneer on her face.

I had a terrible feeling that this was just the beginning of my nightmare, but what terrified me the most was not Verena’s threats or me having to keep up with lies.

It was that moment at the terrace when Kieran looked at me with something that might have been tenderness.

I was supposed to hate him, the most dangerous man in the city, a predator who liked bloodlust. But what if I end up falling for him?