Chapter 3
1130 Words
Secrets Behind Closed Door
The next morning Mia stood on the extended balcony outside her room, looking out at the beautiful view of the estate. She was still bewildered at the new life she was going to live. She was startled slightly as Robert appeared behind her.
Insomnia?" he asked, holding two steaming mugs of coffee. He handed one to her.
"Not really," Mia confessed, holding the mug. "It is hard to relax knowing I have to keep up this charade every moment, and your family is always scrutinising my every word or action.”
Robert leaned back against the railing of the balcony, glazing at the gardens. "That's just them. They love taking people apart, especially new members. But you did alright last night. Even Charlotte didn't get the better of you."
"Barely," Mia muttered, sipping her coffee. "It's your grandmother that bothers me. She's still watching my every move.
"She'll lighten up sooner or later," Robert said, though by the sound of his voice, he wasn't altogether convinced.
"Do you really think so?" Mia responded, an eyebrow c****d.
Robert wavered for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "Not really. But we have no other option. We have to stay with the plan."
Later that day, Mia found herself in the library. The floors all around were lined with shelves of floor-to-ceiling books she doubted anyone had read in there in decades. She was thumbing through a leather-bound volume when Evelyn entered unknown to Mia.
“Ava dear”. She called but Mia didn't respond.
Mia was still engrossed in reading, completely oblivious to Evelyn present in the library.
She heard a faint voice calling out her sister’s name ‘Ava’... ‘Ava dear’
Mia jerked immediately when she realised that voice was referring to her. She was Ava now.
“Yes Grandma”, she turned to reply immediately.
“I almost thought you were ignoring me,” Evelyn said.
“ Not at all, Ma. I got carried away with my reading.” Mia replied with a smile.
"I wouldn't have thought to find you here. Do you like reading?"
"Very much," Mia replied, laying the book aside. "I found it. centering."
Evelyn smiled faintly, her expression not quite reaching her eyes. "A fine quality. One can often tell a great deal about a person's character by the books they read."
Mia nodded.
She moved closer, her gaze now fixed upon Mia. "You seem like a bright young woman, Ava. But I must admit that I find your sudden appearance in Robert's life. intriguing."
Mia made herself hold Evelyn's gaze. "I understand your concern, Mrs. King. Robert is very important to me, and I surely do assure you, my feelings for him are genuine.
Evelyn's smile took on a near quality. "I hope so, dear, for if I find out otherwise, there will be consequences."
Mia swallowed hard as Evelyn turned and left the room.
“Ouch, that was close.” Mia whispered to herself.
“I really need to get used to being called Ava”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
That evening, Mia found Robert in the lounge, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. She slumped on the couch across from him.
"Your grandmother is terrifying," she said, running a hand through her hair.
Robert smirked. "You're just figuring that out?"
"I mean it," Mia said, leaning forward. "She practically told me she'd destroy me if she found out we were faking this."
Robert's smirk fell, and he sat down beside her. "My Grandma doesn't make idle threats. That's why we can't slip up. She's already suspicious, but so long as we keep up appearances, she can't prove anything."
Mia exhaled loudly. "Great. No pressure or anything."
"You're tougher than you think," Robert said, his voice softer. "You've already lasted longer than most would in your position.
Mia shot him a look, startled by the honesty that laced his voice. "Is that your way of saying thanks?"
"Don't push it," Robert said back with the tiniest hint of a smile on his lips.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The following morning, Evelyn announced they were having a charity gala in a week; Mia's heart went out at having to deal with yet another high-stakes event. She and Robert spent the afternoon in preparation for it, going over every detail of their "relationship" so that their story would be genuine
What's our song?" Mia asked as they sat in his study amidst notes and photos.
"Our what?" Robert asked, turning from his laptop.
"Our song," Mia repeated. "Every couple has a song. When anyone asks, we need to have an answer."
Robert leaned back in his chair, considering. "How about. 'At Last' by Etta James?
Mia rolled her eyes. "Too cliché. We need something less obvious."
"Fine," Robert said. "How about 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Elvis?"
"Still cliché," Mia said, though she smiled. "But it works. We'll go with that."
Robert nodded. "Alright. Anything else?"
"What about pet names?" Mia asked, smirking. "Do we have those?"
"Absolutely not," Robert said flatly.
Oh, come on," Mia teased. "Would it kill you to call me 'babe' or 'darling' once in a while?"
Robert groaned. "You're enjoying this way too much."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The week before the gala had just been a blur of fittings and rehearsals, and endless scrutiny from Evelyn. By the time the night of the event actually arrived, Mia felt like a tightly wound spring, ready to snap at the slightest pressure.
As she descended the grand staircase in her sleek, emerald-green gown, she spotted Robert waiting for her at the bottom. He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, looking every bit the billionaire heir.
“You clean up well,” Mia said as she reached him.
Robert offered her his arm. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
The ballroom was a glittering spectacle, filled with the elite of society. Mia clung to Robert’s arm as they made their rounds, greeting guests and fielding questions about their “relationship.”
At one point, they found themselves cornered by Charlotte, who was as nosy as ever.
“So, Ava,” Charlotte said, her smile saccharine. “How did Robert propose? I’m dying to know.”
Mia hesitated, then smiled. "It was simple but perfect. He took me to the park where we had our first date, and he got down on one knee under the stars."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "How romantic. And what's your wedding date?"
"We're still deciding," Robert cut in smoothly. "But you'll be the first to know, Charlotte. Don't you worry.
Charlotte's smile finally faltered and she moved on.
"That was close," Mia muttered when they'd stepped out of earshot.
"Stick with me," Robert said lightly. "I won't let her sink her claws into you”.
- Writer
