Mia's pov

Morning came quickly, almost too fast and it felt like the sun rose first on this part of the world. I freshened up, slid into a sundress and stepped out of the room.

"Good morning Mrs. Mysterio.." each staff member I walked past greeted, their heads hanging low.

For the first time in my life, I was respected. Even though the respect was still tied to Jonathan. The sweet smell of food grazed my nostrils and I found my way to the dining area.

Breakfast was already served and I pulled a chair out for myself. I didn't bother to ask whether Jonathan would be joining because I knew if he wanted to, he would have been here before me.

So I served myself and ate alone... in silence. A part of me slowed down, maybe he'll have a change of heart and come down for breakfast. But even after I spent almost an hour on scrambled egg and toast, he didn't show up.

The meal was simple and yet sumptuous. I ate to my fill and left the dining area in silence. My phone buzzed again and the same unsaved number dropped another message.

"Don't forget, 48 hours" the text read simply. I stared at it blankly, my face bland and expressionless. I hadn't even gotten used to being married and Collins was already bombarding me with tasks like I was some newly launched killer robot.

The morning was slow and quiet. Nothing like the noisy mansion I was used to. No sound of Elena's screeching voice barking orders at everyone, or my father throwing vases across the room because someone didn't do their work well.

This place was different. Everyone moved in silence, maids talked in hushed tones. Even the birds in the sky seemed to know that there was a volume limit to their chirping.

I walked through the halls slowly, mastering every turn, every door, every corridor. Until I slid through the back and walked through the hallway on the right side. Jonathan's side of the house.

He forbade me from coming here, but I have a mission and the earlier I get this done, the faster I leave this place.

I walked deeper into the hallway, mastering every door I walked past. Until something caught my attention... a flickering light above me. Surveillance cameras!

"Shit!"

I quickly turned around and strutted back to where I was coming from. I didn't need Jonathan to notice I was lurking around and I certainly didn't want to raise any suspicions.

When I got to my door, I pushed it open and slammed it shut behind me, leaning on it until I could steady my breath.

"For goodness' sake, how did I not think of surveillance cameras?" I whined as I tossed my phone on the bed and pulled my hair up.

I paced back and forth in my room, trying to convince myself that Jonathan won't be checking those footages anytime soon and even if he does, I'll just tell him I was curious and wanted to know what the entire mansion looked like.

My mind steadied and I picked my phone back up, adjusted my dress and left the room again. This time, I strolled out of the house and into the garden. The flowers caught my attention when I got closer and as I stood in front of the fountain, I noticed there were more flowers I was allergic to.

Jonathan knows I'm allergic to these flowers... actually he knows that Sophia is allergic to them so why does he have them in abundance? Was he trying to repel me if I ever wanted to pay him a visit?

A chortle escaped my lips and I shook my head as I walked away from them.

"Too bad you won't see what's coming.." I muttered and continued my stroll around the house. I noted some blind spots in my head and some corners that led to other rooms in the house.

The back was heavily guarded, but the corners of the house were left unprotected. In a normal setting, those were the best spots to infiltrate. But knowing who Jonathan is and the way he thinks, that's the first place he'd check if something didn't sit right with him.

I literally spent the entire day getting familiar with the guards on duty and mastering their off hours. I knew how many cameras were in the living room, in the corridors, in the hallways and in front of Jonathan's room. But there was none by his study.

Minutes stretched into hours and my stomach grumbled for food. I walked back into the house for lunch but my shoulders grazed someone.

"I'm sorry.." I muttered but he didn't look back. He just kept walking like I didn't even exist. Something in me twisted.. for a moment, I felt pain I didn't know still lived inside me.

Does this mean that the love he had for me wasn't strong enough for him to recognize me underneath this mask? Was I so irrelevant to him?

Most importantly, why do I still feel something for him? I watched his back until he got into his car and drove off. Not a single word said to me, but his action was like adding salt to an injury my father had reopened.

I took a deep breath, swallowed my emotions and walked straight to my room. I didn't even feel hungry anymore. Now that he wasn't home, an idea crossed my mind. This might be my only chance to get into his study and see if there was anything useful I could get.

So I changed into a black dress and folded my hair into a bun. I grabbed my phone and walked stealthily through the hall, making little to no noise with my steps until I got to his study.

I wasted no time in front of the door and just pushed it open, sliding in through the little opening to avoid making any creaking noise.

The study was dark, the only source of light being the little crack in the ceiling. I turned my phone on and scanned through the room, the smell of burned cigarette and alcohol filled the air.

Since when does Jonathan smoke? I thought to myself as I stared at the stubs smoked halfway and dumped in the ashtray.

"This isn't why I'm here.." I warned myself as I leaned over his desk and pulled compartments out. A few folders stared at me, unnamed. I flipped through the pages, all I could see were staff names, salaries paid and salaries owed.

I grunted in disappointment as I tossed the folder back into the drawer. I honestly didn't expect things to be easy for me, so I kept looking until I saw his laptop laying on the sofa.

I picked it up and flipped it open, my hands rested on the keyboard as I tried to guess the password. I tried old codes... like our anniversary, his birthday, mine, a combination of the two..

Nothing worked. I sighed and closed my eyes to think of something else, but the sound of a car pulling over interrupted me.

I quickly put the laptop back where I saw it and darted out of the room, moving through the back until I came out to the left side of the house. But then something hit me...

Why was it so easy for me to open his study?

Mia's pov

Jonathan had already walked into the house by the time I returned and he paused as he saw me. For a split second, it just felt as if he recognized me but then his hoarse voice pulled my head out of that thought.

"What are you doing?" He snarled, looking around me for any hint of mischief.

"Nothing. Just getting familiar with the house.." I said and he stared at me for a few more seconds before walking away.

I returned to my room, my heart pressing against the walls of my chest. What if he walked in on me rummaging through his study? He'd have me killed even before I got the chance to end him myself.

But why are there more cameras on this side of the house than any other part of the mansion? Did he already suspect me even before agreeing to the marriage?

All the questions in my head needed answers but I couldn't get any, so I took my shoes off and crawled into my bed. The cold air rushed in through the open window and grazed my shoulders.

I felt my throat burning as memories of Sophia came flooding back. When I used to be in love.. the days when I had dreams. Big dreams of running as far away from my father as possible. Where I'd start a brand new life with the one I loved... Jonathan.

The night after he told me how unworthy and unfit I was to be his wife, was the night Sophia died. My father's forced surgery was just the funeral.

I took a deep breath and sat up on the bed, wiping my face with the back of my hand. Just as my mind kept drifting, an almost inaudible knock sliced through the silence.

"Come in!" I ordered. The hinges creaked softly and the door pushed open, Lydia walked in holding a little tray containing a folded envelope.

"Mr. Mysterio sent this over." She said and I got down from the bed to pick it up.

"Thank you.." I muttered without lifting my head from the envelope. The door slammed shut and I sat in flllront of my dressing mirror, tearing the envelope apart to see the content.

"...heartily invites you to her golden jubilee.." I muttered softly.

What stopped him from giving me this when he saw me earlier?

I smacked my lips and placed the card on the table, dragging my legs back to the bed. Barely five minutes later, another knock came. This time, louder and firmer than Lydia's.

I walked to the door and pulled it open, outside stood a young lady with a stern face.

"Mr. Mysterio has orders for a change of wardrobe.." she started and I rolled my eyes.

"You're mistaken darling, his side of the house is to the right. Mr. Mysterio doesn't stay in this part of the house.." I explained and turned to leave but she held the door.

"The change isn't for the boss... it's for his wife. And I believe you're the one.."

I stared at her for a while and slowly stepped aside.

"If you'd please walk with me to the living room, we need to take your measurements." She requested. I shut my door and followed her into the living room, it was already packed with racks of dresses and women in uniforms folding more clothes into boxes.

Upstairs, Jonathan lurked around the railings, hovering like a hawk.

I stood in the center of the living room as the lady took my measurements.

"Spread your arms.." she ordered softly. This went on for a while and slowly, I eased into it.

When I finally sat and watched the uniformed ladies display the clothes, I couldn't help but admire the uniqueness of the designs.

My phone vibrated on my lap and I stared down at it. I barely got any messages on my phone and when I did, it was usually Collins. I hesitated at first and finally picked it up.

The timeframe he gave me hasn't elapsed so what was he texting me again for? As I stared at the message, the world paused for a second.

Before I could process the text, a call came in from the unsaved number. Collins.

My thumb hovered over the accept button and my heart pounded in my ears. I could guess why he was calling.. probably to confirm the text I just received.

But then I remembered Jonathan was watching, so I declined the call and turned my phone face down on my lap again.

I repeated the message in my head and the clothes didn't interest me anymore.

"Uhhm.. let me leave you all to do your thing... I need some rest." I said to the head and she tipped her head a little to the left.

"But ma'am, we're only getting started. You haven't seen our best designs yet and you still haven't decided which ones you're picking.." she insisted.

I stared at each rack one after the other, trying to come up with something fast.

"Make use of your expertise and do the selection on my behalf. You've seen me, you know what I'd like. The rest is up to you.." I ordered and she nodded reluctantly.

"Or... matter of fact, I don't trust anyone's judgement. You probably know nothing past your uniforms. I'll take it all, thank you.."

I turned and walked back to my room. I looked up and my eyes met with Jonathan's. The way he stared at me made me feel as though he read the text message from all the way up there. But that's near impossible.

He slowly looked away and disappeared from sight while I hastened to mine.

After making sure the door was latched, I opened my phone and dialed the unsaved number again but it didn't connect. I guess I can't call him but he can.

So I tossed the phone on the bed and buried my face in my palms.

"Change of plans. The order to kill will come sooner than you think."

The message was that simple and it made me panic. I only had less than 24 hours left to get the passwords and the files Collins asked me to get, and now I'd have to start worrying about how soon I'd be asked to end him.

"Ughhh!"

I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a soft breath.

Mia's pov

My ringtone cut through the silence and I quickly picked the phone up knowing it was Collins.

"Hey... how are you holding up?" He asked vainly. There was no hint of concern in his voice as he spoke so it didn't make sense to me that he cared enough to want to know how I was holding up. Especially when he and my father orchestrated all of this.

"Not bad. Jonathan isn't as devious as I thought.." I lied and folded my arms over my chest. There was a pause on the other end and he cleared his throat.

"Good. But don't get too attached because I'm sure you got my message earlier. Your assignment there will soon be over.." he warned and I glanced at the door to make sure it was locked.

Then I walked into my bathroom, turned on the faucet and just let the water swallow my voice.

"Why the sudden change of plans? What's going on?" I asked.

"You haven't heard? Jonathan is part of a money laundering scheme. Matter of fact, he's one of the people instigating it. He has no idea about it, but it's an illegal act and you've been placed strategically to take the fall when everything comes into light."

His words hung in the air for a few seconds as I struggled to understand.

"What the heck?" I snapped. "You mean to tell me, that Jonathan is unknowingly laundering illegal funds–"

"Massive sums of illegal money Mia, get it right. And yes, that is exactly what I said. In case you also didn't get the part where you're involved, I said you have been kept there as the perfect scapegoat when everything is exposed.." he repeated and my heart pounded in my ears.

"Anyways, have fun while you can, but don't forget what you're there for. I gave you 48 hours earlier darling, it's almost up and I can't find what you were asked to submit. Tick...tock"

The line went dead and I slowly lowered my hand from my ear. I gritted my teeth, trying to hold my frustration in but it simmered like water on fire.

"So this was my father's smart move huh? Use me as the shield while he stirs up wild beasts. Now I'll have to kill Jonathan and also take the fall for all the illegal stuff he's been doing.." my lips quivered as I spoke.

I placed my phone on the cabinet and poured some water on my face, letting out a grunt.

Once I returned to the room, my eyes landed on the invite and I picked it up again to know what date the event was.

"Oh shit! It's in a few hours!"

I grabbed my bathing robe and peeled my clothes off of my body. That was one of the quickest baths I've had in my life and when I was done, I had barely four hours left to get ready.

"What am I even going to wear?" I muttered and then remembered there are so many dresses to pick from outside. I picked up my phone and headed downstairs.

"Hey!" I called out and two maids rushed in front of me. "Take these dresses and everything else up to my room right now. Quickly!" I ordered and they filed up, dragging the racks and the boxes upstairs.

"You, call me a make up artist and a hair stylist. If you can get one who is both, then do that" she nodded and bolted off.

My eyes caught a familiar shadow and I looked up. Jonathan sat at the far end of the living room, eyes buried in his laptop and his stern face remained as emotionless as it was on our wedding day.

I shook my head and went back upstairs to get ready. He was already dressed in his tuxedo and I knew he was waiting for me but didn't want to come get me.

My indecisive mind couldn't settle for something to wear, so I just let my makeup decide and after what felt like eternity, I was finally ready.

I had no time to admire my reflection so I just picked up my phone and hurried down the stairs.

"Let's go." Jonathan ordered as he led the way into the car. We sat together, but he didn't look up from his phone. The car was eerily silent and I leaned on the window, feeding my eyes with the outside world.

"I'm sure you know what you're supposed to do.. keep up with the happy couple act until this event is over, got that?" Jonathan said like he was placing an order at a restaurant.

"Roger that." I sneered without looking away from the window. He said nothing else until we arrived at the venue.

For the first time since our wedding, he held my hand and helped me down from the car, walking me into the hall while our hands entangled.

"Mr. And Mrs. Mysterio! Look this way!"

"Over here! Over here!"

The paparazzi were crazy. Lights flashed from different directions and I did what I knew how to do best. Pretend.

Jonathan played his own part pretty well, caressing my hand, pulling loose strands away from my face, picking imaginary things from my neck every once in a while. Even I was impressed by how loving he was and if I wasn't married to him, I'd think this was how he always treated his wife.

The hall was exquisite. Lights, luxury, laughter.

As Jonathan and I walked in, I felt pairs of eyes gawking and it made me uncomfortable but it also made my shoulders rise above my chin.

I scanned the room, unfamiliar faces stared back at me. Until a familiar scent hit me.

"There's my favorite couple!" Her annoying voice shrieked and I whipped my head around to see Clara walking towards us. She smiled cunningly at me and I rolled my eyes in disgust.

"Hello Mia, aren't you dazzling tonight?" She teased me but I said nothing to her. She slipped her arm under Jonathan's and tugged at him to pull his other arm away from mine.

"I'm sure you won't mind me stealing your husband for a few minutes right? Look Martha is here already, she'll keep you company"

Before I could I even protest, she dragged Jonathan away, leaving me alone with Martha.

"I see Jonathan is actually taking care of you.." she sneered and sized me up, her sharp eyes piercing through me like a hot dagger.

"Not that it's any of your business Martha." I shot back.

"I'd rather be with someone who values me. I'm sure you know where your place is after this....sham is over."

I remembered my conversation with Collins earlier and swallowed the lump in my throat. But I'd rather chew on wet jeans than show anyone that they can get to me.

"If you pay as much attention as you pay to me, to your own life, I'm sure you'd be rubbing shoulders with men and women of caliber." I muttered and she smirked.

"I'll break your confidence..." she whispered and took a step backwards. "What Mia, don't tell me you really haven't told your husband that you can't get pregnant because you damaged your womb?"

Her voice echoed at the wrong time because the music lowered. The few people that heard her turned around and murmurs started.

"What are you talking about?" I laughed but she didn't stop.

"Why haven't you told Jonathan about your little whore life?"

My heart almost leaped out of my chest. I was never a whore, what is she talking about?

"Does he know about your past?"

"Martha..." my voice trailed.