Chapter 4
1024 Words
Cracks in the Walls
Mia awoke in the beautiful guest room at the mansion just as the sun was rising.
The events of the previous night were still fresh in her head. The previous night-the night at the gala, especially the dance with Robert. She had felt a shift, like something weird that she wasn't even willing to admit for herself. She shrugged off the thought, got ready for the day, and made her way downstairs, wanting to avoid any encounters with Evelyn.
Instead, she found Robert in the dining room, sipping his coffee and reading the morning paper. He looked up as she entered, offering her a nod.
“Morning,” Mia said, sliding into a chair opposite him.
“You’re up early,” Robert remarked, folding the paper. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“Not really,” Mia replied, pouring herself some tea. “Still winding down from last night.”
Robert smiled wryly. "You did well. Even Charlotte couldn't trip you up, and that's saying something."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Mia said dryly. "But don't think I didn't notice you swooping in to save me a few times."
"Consider it a team effort," he said with a shrug. "We're in this together, remember?
Mia raised an eyebrow. "It is weird hearing you talk about teamwork, considering the first week was spent acting like I was a burden."
"I never said that you weren't," Robert smarted back, earning him a glare from Mia. He laughed. "Relax, Ava. You've proven yourself, and I don't regret bringing you in on this."
"High praise coming from you," Mia muttered, though her lips twitched into a faint smile.
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Mia and Robert went back to the garden to make more schemes, obviously not wanting to be caught off guard.. Mia paced back and forth, her frustration was bubbling to the surface.
Somehow, they had discovered that Evelyn’s suspicious.
“Does she ever let up?” Mia exclaimed. “It’s like she’s actively trying to make this impossible!”
“She’s testing us,” Robert said, leaning against a stone pillar. “She wants to see if we’ll crack under pressure. Let's be more natural.”
“Well, she’s doing a great job,” Mia muttered.
Robert stepped closer. “You’re doing fine, Mia. Better than fine, actually. Don’t let her get in your head.”
Mia let out a deep sigh and started to rub her temples. "Easier said than done. I feel like I am always walking on eggshells."
"You're tougher than you think," Robert said. "You wouldn't be here if you weren't."
Mia looked at him in surprise from his sincerity. "You really believe that?"
"I do," Robert said without hesitation.
For a moment, their eyes locked, and Mia felt that same strange sensation when they danced. She broke the stare, instead looking quickly away.
"So," she said, changing the subject. "How do we handle this luncheon?"
Robert smirked, feeling her discomfort, but he let it slide. "Same as last night. Stick to the script, smile a lot, and don't let anyone rattle you."
"Easy for you to say," Mia muttered. "You've had a lifetime of practice."
"True," Robert admitted. "But you're a fast learner. You'll be fine."
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As the days passed, Mia threw herself into preparing for the luncheon. She and Robert rehearsed their story until they could recite it in their sleep, and Mia worked on her body language, making a conscious effort to appear more affectionate toward Robert.
With the day of the luncheon at hand, Mia was better prepared, she really wanted to impress Evelyn. She and Robert marched into the dining room arm in arm, their bright smile well rehearsed.
The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, while the sound of conversations hummed around it. Evelyn presided at the head of the table, her sharp gaze scanning the room.
"Ava, dear," Evelyn said as they sat. "You look lovely. That dress suits you."
"Thank you," Mia said, forcing a smile.
Throughout dinner, Mia played the part well: she laughed at Robert's jokes, and she had mild conversations with the rest of the guests. She could feel Evelyn's eyes on her the whole time, but she didn't let it faze her.
At one point, Charlotte leaned over, a sly look on her face. "So, Ava, how did you and Robert meet? I don't believe I've heard the full story."
"We met at a fundraiser," Mia said smoothly. "I was volunteering, and Robert was one of the donors. We started talking and. Well, the rest is history."
"How romantic," Charlotte said, her tone thick with doubt. "And what do you do, Ava? For work, I mean."
" I told you this before Charlotte but," Mia said. "But my jobs gives me the flexibility to work on projects I'm passionate about."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. And how does that fit into Robert's world?
"Quite well, actually," Robert interrupted. "Ava's creativity is one of the things I love most about her. She brings a fresh perspective to everything she does."
Mia threw him a look of thanks, and he nodded subtly in response.
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After the luncheon was over, Mia and Robert withdrew into the study, exhausted.
"That was intense," Mia said, sinking on the couch.
You handled that like a pro, Robert said, pouring them both a drink.
"Thanks," Mia said, accepting the glass. "But I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. Your family is relentless."
"They're testing you," Robert said. "But you're stronger than they think. Stronger than you think.
Mia looked at him, defences lowered. "You keep saying that. Why do you believe in me so much?"
Robert hesitated before shrugging. "I don't know. Maybe it's because I see a bit of myself in you. We're both playing roles, trying to prove something to the world."
Mia thought about his words before smiling wryly. "You're not as heartless as you pretend to be, are you?
"Don't let it get around," Robert replied with a smirk.
“We both know what we want here, so anything to make this work.”
- Writer
