BerniceChristian was a total go-getter. He soon managed to get an invitation. But instead of using his own name, he posed as a wealthy French businessman named Gasly. I was to play the role of his wife, a prospect that sent a flutter of butterflies through my stomach.As we entered the gallery, Christian's demeanor shifted. He stood taller, his shoulders broad and his chin held high."Bonjour, Monsieur," he greeted the manager, his French accent flawless and his tone dripping with sophistication. "I am Gasly, and this," he said, turning to me with a look of adoration that made my heart skip a beat. He took my hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "is my beautiful wife, Madame Gasly. My wife and I have heard great things about your gallery, and we simply had to see it for ourselves."I couldn't help but blush as Christian referred to me as his wife, even though I knew it was all part of the act."Welcome, Monsieur and Madame Gasly," the manager said, her eyes sparkling with
BerniceShock coursed through my veins like a bolt of lightning. I knew that Christian's mother had passed away years ago, so the idea that her paintings were hanging in Fed's gallery seemed impossible. Questions raced through my mind, but before I could voice them, Christian turned to the manager, his eyes flashing with a dangerous intensity."Where did you get these paintings?" he demanded, his voice low and controlled, but I could hear the undercurrent of anger and pain beneath the surface.The manager, sensing the shift in Christian's demeanor, took a step back. "We acquired them through a private collector," she explained, her voice carefully measured. "But I'm afraid I don't have much information about the artist herself."I could see the gears turning in the manager's head as she sensed an opportunity. She moved closer, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "If you're truly interested in the works, I'm sure we could come to some sort of arrangement."For a moment, I feared
ChristianTen Years AgoThe day of my mother's funeral was a blur, a haze of grief and disbelief that settled over me like a suffocating fog. The sky was overcast. I stood by the gravesite, my eyes fixed on the polished mahogany casket that held my mother's lifeless body. The scent of freshly turned earth and the delicate aroma of the surrounding flower arrangements filled my nostrils, but I barely registered them.Beside me, my father, Aaron, stood with his arm wrapped around the waist of his new wife, Elina. The sight of them together, so soon after my mother's passing, made my stomach churn with disgust. Elina, with her perfectly coiffed hair and designer black dress, looked more like she was attending a social event than a funeral.I couldn't bring myself to look at them, to acknowledge their presence. The pain of my mother's death was still too raw, too fresh, and seeing my father move on so quickly with the woman he had been unfaithful with.As the casket was lowered to the grou
ChristianTen Years AgoI stormed out of the house, my blood boiling with rage. I couldn't stand being in that place a moment longer.As I marched towards the front door, two of my father's bodyguards appeared, blocking my path."Sorry, Christian," one of them said, his voice gruff. "But your father has ordered us to keep you here. You're not going anywhere."I clenched my fists, my anger rising. "Get out of my way," I growled, trying to push past them.But they didn't budge. Instead, they grabbed my arms, trying to restrain me. I struggled against their grip. I knew I was outnumbered and outmatched, but I refused to give in.I wrenched my arm free and swung at the nearest bodyguard. My fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling backwards. The other bodyguard lunged at me, but I ducked under his grasp and delivered a swift kick to his stomach.As the two men reeled from my blows, I seized my chance. I bolted for the door, yanking it open and running out into the street. I coul
ChristianTen Years Ago"Don't tell me you're throwing away those tomatoes you bought," the girl said.There was a hint of amusement in her voice, and her eyes sparkled with amusement, and I could tell she was trying very hard not to laugh.I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment.I had no idea what I was doing, but I couldn't let her know that she'd been right all along. So I lied."No, I'm not throwing them away," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I actually made a delicious dinner with them last night. Best tomatoes I've ever had."The girl's smile widened, and I could tell she wasn't buying it for a second. "Oh really?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Then why are you throwing away the leftovers?"I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could come up with another lie, my stomach let out a loud, embarrassing growl. I felt my face flush even deeper as the girl burst out laughing."Sounds like your stomach disagrees with your story," she giggled, her eyes twi
ChristianTen Years AgoThe girl breezed past me. Her hair brushed against my arm as she headed for the kitchen. I followed her, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance."Wow, you really did a number on this place," she said, waving her hand in front of her face to clear the smoke. "Have you ever cooked before?"I bristled at her question, my pride once again getting the better of me. "Of course I have," I lied, crossing my arms over my chest. "I just got distracted, that's all."She gave me a knowing look, her lips twitching with amusement. "Distracted, huh? By what, exactly?"I felt my face heat up beneath the mask, and I was suddenly grateful for the covering. The truth was, I had been staring at her outside the window while cooking, but there was no way I could admit that."It's nothing," I mumbled, hoping she would drop the subject.To my relief, she simply shrugged and turned her attention back to the kitchen. "Well, lucky for you, I know a thing or two about cooking. L
ChristianTen Years AgoI was rummaging through the old storage room when I heard the soft tinkling of piano keys.The soft, melodic notes drifted through the house. I hadn't heard anyone played in year. Intrigued, I followed the music, my footsteps leading me to the living room.There was Bernice. She looked so different than usual Bernie. Her fingers danced. I stood in the doorway, transfixed, watching her play.She finished playing."Wow," I breathed, leaning against the doorframe. "I didn't know you could play."Bernice looked up, startled, but then smiled. "Hey, Charlie," she said. "I hope you don't mind me playing your piano."I shook my head, stepping into the room. "After your invading my house all these days. Playing my piano is not a such big deal." I raised an eyebrow, "I had no idea you could play like that.""Oh, yeah. I've been playing since I was a kid. My mom taught me."I walked over and sat beside her on the bench. "You're really good."Bernice's smile widened, and s
ChristianTen Years Ago"Charlie, Charlie? " Bernice's gentle voice brought me back to reality.I blinked, pushing the peculiar feeling aside as an effect of our escape's exertions."What's the matter?" I asked.Bernice whispered. "Who was that? Why were they following us?""I don't know," I said, hating having to lie to her. I can still heard some distant sound of footsteps. I stepped back, putting some distance between us. "We should keep moving," I said, my voice rough. "Just to be safe."Bernice nodded.As Bernice and I made our way back, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were still being watched. My mind raced with possibilities of who could be following us and why. Probably it was Aaron's men, trying to track me down and bring me back."Bernie," I said, my voice low and serious. "I think you should head home. It's not safe for you to be around me right now."Aaron is a dominating person. Ever since I was young, every person and matter I've come into contact with has been unde