FAKE MARRIED TO TROUBLE

Disgrace in the elite church

It was time to prepare for the elite meeting. Patrick and his mother had left ahead, Eva had to prepare on her own. Patrick had asigned a driver to take her there. Eva thought long and hard of what to do, after a while of cogitation, she had a plan. “ It depends on how I play my games right? “ She smiled to herself, “ First things first, let me figure out how I can help my fake husband get what he wants. “ She opened her wardrobe and stared at all the clothing available. She didn't want attention from the members of the elite church, attention meant that she would be watched. She wanted to fool the crowd into discrediting her. Eva went for a mediocre look that would be treated as unimportant and would leave people unimpressed. That was sure to fool them into thinking that she was stupid. Then, she would have an open window to play her cards right without notice.

Eva wore a raggedly looking jeans and a dirty yellow shirt. She left her hair unkempt and wore a dusty brown canvas. She stared at the mirror and she was good to go. She kissed her son goodbye and stepped into the vehicle. Eva could tell by the way Dean looked at her that he was shocked by her looks.

“ Ma'am, you do realize that it is a church meeting right? You cannot go looking like that. “ Dean replied.

“ You don't understand Dean, sometimes when you desire to fool people, you give them something they don't expect. “

After almost 2 hours of driving, they got to the church premises. Eva was marvelled at what she saw. Tucked away in the shadows of the city’s financial district, The Church of the elite laid like a fortress of indulgence, where high stakes crime lords, oligarchs, and powerbrokers gather to forge alliances, broker deals, and revel in their illicit empires.

The outside look was a polished black glass and crimson-hued stone, with sleek lines and minimalist art installations that whisper secrets to be unwinded. Surveillance cameras disguised as sculptures watched every move. While the interior had Marble halls, vaulted ceilings, and custom art pieces. Private elevators led to penthouse suites with panoramic city views. Soundproof meeting rooms scented with oud and leather. The security was tighter than her previous budget.

As soon as Eva walked into the general meeting hall, it reeked of an expensive cigar. it was as though a ghost walked by. The entire gathering went mute. Not even the curtains moved. Lips dropped, wide eyes were shot at her and some of the members even laughed at her look. Eva didn't expect to feel as ashamed as she did, but what could she say? She was trying to help Patrick after all. She swallowed her shame and walked to the pulpit as she was led by an instructor. The instructor was scared of her look to even touch her. Maybe he thought that she would give him rabies.

Now standing in front of everyone, Eva's shame quadrupled.

“ Who invited this eyesore? “ The instructor, a man in his late forties asked. The crowd failed to respond, instead, they all feasted their eyes on Eva in disgust and pity.

“ Or did she scurry her way here? She looks mad. " The instructor turned to Eva, “ How did you get here, miss? “

Eva ran her eyes through the crowd in search of Patrick. And she found him! But he was in a severe downcast state. His head was bent, while his hands rested pitifully on his waist. He was greatly embarrassed.

“ Him, Patrick Sawyer. “ She called him.

All eyes went to Patrick now. When he raised his head, Eva could see that his eyes were red, he was furious.

“ Is that true sire? “ The instructor wanted to verify.

Patrick could not utter a word, he merely nodded. Eva was led to where Patrick stood.

As she paved her path through the crowd, everyone gave way for her. Their eyes were like thorns pricking her as she passed and for a second she regretted her clothing choice.

“ My love, “ She called Patrick in front of the dismayed crowd.

She circled him in for a hug but Patrick furiously grabbed her hands mid air. He pulled her with him inside the restroom for a discussion.

Immediately they were inside the restroom, he gave her a resounding slap across her left cheek.

“ You complete i***t! How dare you show up looking like a mad tramp I picked from Kentucky? “

Eva's hands were on her cheek, she was still reeling from the pain she felt. Tears began to trickle down her eyes.

“ What sorcery did you plan to achieve today? “

“ Patrick… calm down, “ She tried to reach him.

“ Don't you dare touch me if you value your life. “

“ I know that I appear horrible, but I promise you, I have a reason for looking this way. “

“ Oh really, and what must the reason be? “ His anger was kindled.

“ I am functioning as you told me to, “

“ And this is your function? “ He gestured at her, “ Appearing like a prop at a garage sale? Do you have any idea how you made me look? My entire family is laughing at me. “

“ I promise, I intend on helping you with this function. It wasn't my intention to embarrass you. “

“ Listen to me carefully, you want to help me? Help me get functions to secure my trade fair back, and then I may forgive this disastrous display. “

Eva nodded on edge, “ I will_

“ And, for the entire night, don't you dare say a word until I order you to. “

“ Yes sir. “ Eva was afraid.

“ You are a complete useless disgrace. “