A'S

to convince Mr. Romano, but whate

hink I said anything

took a lot of pride pushing, will and determination to make the decision I ended up making which is why I am almost 40,000 feet above sea level, and

import to him. Sonia, you're going to do everything in your pow

hat. Instead, I bury my cellphone deep into

that I'm clearly unsettled. The entire duration of the flight to New Jersey is all of 3 hours before we're landing in the airstrip, getting into a waiting bl

contract didn't state how long the marriage would last, so I'm guessing it will be until he g

lar – goes by and we arrive at a really tall high rise building in Jersey City. I'm too distracted with the view to n

as he presses the button for the 47th floor before running his thumb print through a scanner. I begin to wonder if we're at a

tural light. Walking into the penthouse, my gaze wanders upward to the stunning chandelier that hang

ting, casting a warm golden light over the towering skyscrapers and the glittering lights of the city. Ahead of me is a beautifully c

nitely his h

ng my attention to the expensive living area that's

side to introduce a blonde woman who's around the same age as me. Chiara is

your every need while you're here. Your bags

an see him in my periphery walk back to the elevator

you need not worry yourself." With that, he leaves me alone with Chiara, an insan

tire trip here until moments ago, the size of this massive penthouse, that I and Anthony will

hony aren't really even a thing but some part of me can't help feeling that wa

ss considering my virginity not being intact. But then I remembered that apart from myself, my father and Anthon

lack suit and tie. He has my hand in his as he stares inten

crutinizing gaze but I manage to s

he bride." The priest finishes before taking a step b

pleasant and fake smiles. I recognize the fake smiles enough to know that they are being directed at me. The only other pleas

ands are immediately on my chin, lifting my face up and my lip

forgetting my resolve not to let him in after being absent sinc

slip in while praying that he quits because frankly, my will

st awkwardly clears his throat, bringing our attention to the

me whole. On the other hand, Anthony doesn't seem to mind as he has

scruff of his beard gliding along my skin

again. Then I realize what he means and gasp.

usement dances in his eyes and I ca

een made to our marriage, Anthony is whisked away and I'm left standing alone at a corner of my

a blonde probably in her late 30's or early 40's while the man who she has her arms linked with is an older man p

a glorious pale skin, raven hair and bright red lips with what would've been an even more beautiful smile,

." I correct and if I had blinked a second earlier, I w

ia Rossi and this is my dear husband, C

es me the creeps. Her husband on the other hand doesn't so much as say a word. It seems

s a rare one." Despite her words, she has a smug face on and I can't help but feel like there's an

ss on my head. I don't even have time to be shocked by his action because I know it's all a façade. Looking at him is also how I know that he and Cynthia are not just 'dear friends'. The look they share are more l

says. I force a smile at him and let him

dbye to you

e time not really lying. When you're practically disowned, t

mindedly as another couple pas

ieved breath. "I've had enou

I see that amusement in his ey

ery far from ov

he doesn't say anything. Instead he directs me into the back of his