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.

Mia's pov

Slowly, the little crowd that formed around Martha and I had morphed into a bigger audience. Women sneered at me with judgments in their eyes. Men glanced at me like I was some piece of cake and they waited on their turn to have a taste.

"You're just a political tool darling..." Martha sneered and ran her fingers across my face. I pulled back, smacking her hand away.

"Rest assured that when you're of no use anymore, you'll be disposed of and nobody will even remember that there was ever a third daughter in the De Luca family.." her cynical voice echoed and I clenched my fists.

"Martha, what is wrong with you?" I snapped, pulling her arm tight. "Have you lost your mind? Why are you making such a huge scene?"

She yanked her hand off of mine and pointed her frail finger in my face. "Don't you dare lay your filthy hands on me ever again." She warned and that was when Jonathan returned.

"What's happening here?" His commanding voice shut Martha up and she folded her arms over her chest.

"I was just wondering if this perfect trophy wife of yours has told you about her past and who she really is.." she spat.

I ran my fingers through my hair, hot hair simmering beneath every breath I took. My heart raced, not because Martha was trying to embarrass me... this wouldn't even be the first time.

The idea of breaking my confidence in front of Jonathan bothered me to the core. I don't know why, but it made my skin crawl.

"I see you and Clara have a lot to say about your sister.." Jonathan growled. "Let's hear what you have to say about yourself Martha, how's that?"

My eyes lifted from the floor and trailed off to Jonathan's face. My eyes watered up and I clenched my teeth.

"But I'm trying to save you from what she really is. She doesn't even have the slightest idea of how to run a business. She's just a–"

"Your father married her off to me, Martha De Luca. Mia is now my responsibility, and thus she's my problem to worry about." Jonathan barked.

He strode towards me, wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in.

"Don't you ever speak to my wife in that tone ever again, do you understand?

She may have been your sister a while ago, but there isn't 'De Luca' attached to her name anymore. It's Mrs. Mia Mysterio now. Get used to it or get lost"

He turned to Clara and pointed in her face. "You're not left out either. Stay the hell away from my wife and anything concerning her. If there's something about her that I need to know about, I'll wait until she's ready to tell me. And if she won't, then I don't think it's worth knowing!"

My heart melted instantly. I didn't know how to act because this was clearly not part of the script at all. Jonathan never looked at me twice let alone spoke to me more than necessary. But here he was, in the presence of this multitude of people, fighting for me against these witches.

"Let's go honey, this place isn't welcoming you so I see no reason to be here either.." he said and tugged at my arm.

"Jonathan!" An old lady called out and we both turned. She looked like money itself and I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me she was the host.

"You leave when the party is about to start and you know how risky it'll be for the board.." she ordered and Jonathan slowly let go of my hand.

But then he turned to Martha and cleared his throat. "If she apologizes to my wife, then we'll all forget any of this happened and enjoy the rest of the event.."

Martha hissed so loud, her eyes rolling in disgust. "You can't force me to do something I won't do. I'd rather die than beg this brat!" Her voice thundered and Jonathan threw his hands in the air.

"Don't be a child Jonathan. I'm sure it's just something minor, they're siblings after all and siblings fight every once in a while.." the host added and I tilted my head.

"With all due respect ma'am, Martha and I aren't the ideal siblings. So either she apologizes like my husband said, or I'm leaving." I warned firmly.

Martha shot me a fierce look and scoffed. I knew she was never going to apologize no matter what, but I wanted to know what Jonathan would do now that this woman has involved the board.

"Jonathan..." the host muttered, staring at him with so many unspoken warnings.

"You heard her, she'd rather die than apologize to my wife. Anyone who disrespects her, disrespects me. And it seems everyone here, including the board, has no respect for my wife." Jonathan snapped.

"Come on.." he nudged me and we both left the hall, walking towards the car in silence.

The drive home was tense. Neither of us said a word to each other and it made my heart heavy. Jonathan's eyes were glued to his phone the whole time while I struggled to get my mind together.

Now how can I bring myself to kill this man?

He's nothing like the Jonathan who walked out on me without any explanations. Our worlds had crashed a long time ago, and I never thought I'd set eyes on him again.

Now fate has brought us together again, even though he can't recognize me after I went under the blade. I can't imagine taking his life, not after what just happened back there.

Pretense or not, he stood up for me against my sisters and even his board members. For the first time in years, someone stood by me against everyone else. I had already gotten used to being talked down on and humiliated by the people I called family.

Even Collins couldn't stand up against my father when he wanted to marry me off to my ex, despite claiming to be in love with me.

So now, how exactly will I kill the only person who's ready to protect me?