THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY

The room was filled with guests and flash lights from cameras.

Politicians, actors, CEOs, you name it.

It was like a whole awards show with paparazzi and the red carpet.

Alfred Martel always went out big during his press conferences and this wasn't going to be an exception.

Mary smoothened her gown at the rim and took in deep breathes to steady herself.

This wasn't time for her to shake or let the depression cloud her eyes 

She couldn't risk embarrassing Alfred again

She would play the perfect wife.

Smile – wave and bow out.

No matter what the announcement would be, she wouldn't let the emotions show.

Walking out of the bathroom door, she collided with her mother-in-law who looked rather not pleased to see her.

Mary bowed to greet but the woman quickly brushed her aside.

“Oh don't bother with your useless acknowledgements, I have had better today” she said rudely pushing past her.

Mary shook her head, reminding herself that she wasn't going to let anything ruin her composure.

“You think this news is a good one?” Debby asked as she stood beside her on the stage with a fake smile.

“It can't be worse than the last one,  Debby. Smile” she replied with a radiating smile that drove home the point that all was well.

“I have a bad feeling this wouldn't end well, Mary. I think you should go hide your face somewhere, I don't trust Alfred” Debby said looking worried.

“He is my husband Debby, speak about him with respect. 

Today is my anniversary as well as some important announcement he wants to make for the company, you are  being so negative? Be happy for me” she said softly, her angel voice not even notes higher than a mouse’s.

Debby shrugged in resignation.

“Can you move over there, ma’am?” A camera man walked up to her.

Mary was taken aback.

“I am the CEO’s wife, this is where I should stand, by his side” she protested at the man’s request.

“The CEO requested you stand over there, it has something to do with the announcement and all” the man explained apologetically.

Mary exchanged glances with Debby who frowned and shook her head as if trying to tell her to stay put.

But Mary wasn't going to ruin things for her husband so she moved to the other side.

It was just a position on stage anyways.

She was Mrs Anderson, the wife of the CEO.

A mere position on a stage wasn't going to change that fact.

The meeting had been scheduled to start in two minutes but her husband hadn't arrived yet.

A sudden feeling of fear gripped her heart.

Had he forgotten?

No, he couldn't have. He set up all of these by himself.

She didn't want but she deeply wished he would remember to get her a gift at least, not like she would hold it against him if he didn't, just like he always forgot on her birthdays.

A sharp pain pricked her heart and she grabbed her chest slowly and carefully, trying not to attract attention but Debby was watching her from her position, she knew.

She started to walk off the stage for her pills but a security guard stopped her.

“You can't leave ma’am" he said, blocking her way with his arms.

What was with this ma’am anyways?

Did they all forget how to address her?

She smiled sweetly.

“Don't worry, I will be back very soon, I just need to take care of somethings” she replied but the guard held her back.

“It's the bosses order”

“But he isn't here yet” she protested as the pains became even worse.

“I'm afraid, that's the order ma’am”

The hall suddenly erupted with applause and she turned to see the reason for the commotion.

A smile spread across her face despite her pains.

It was him.

It was Alfred.

His tuxedo looked amazing on him as always.

He had insisted on dressing himself without her help so she hadn't seen in this suit.

But he looked gorgeous, like the first time she had seen him in that grape farm in Italy.

She walked to meet him but he waved her away.

Embarrassed, she smiled and walked back to her position on the stage.

She heard sudden murmurings and noticed a woman clinging to his arms.

Selena!

Why was she here?

Why was her arm intertwined with Alfred’s?

Her heartbeat doubled up, drumming heavily against her chest.

She felt the room become a little suffocating for her and colours dance before her eyes.

“Today is the beginning of a new dawn for me and the Martel Corporation” Alfred was saying but she couldn't concentrate on his speech.

Selena was looking at her….with a smirk.

Had it been their plan all along?

“Welcome the new Mrs Anderson!” Were the last words she heard before she passed out.

She woke up in a room she didn't recognize immediately. It was quiet and her heart still hurt.

Her phone beeped on a table and she grabbed it.

She had been out for almost an hour.

The conference was likely over.l

She climbed down from the bed and walked towards the door.

“I told you he was up to to no good” 

She jumped, almost having a heart attack.

“Debby! I thought I was all alone” she said.

“But you are, aren't you? He has announced that Selena is his Baby mama…she is carrying his child” Debby said, frustration masking her deep voice.

Mary nodded.

She had promised to smile at anything he said.

She couldn't let the anger and bitterness get to her at all.

Not even with the sudden appearance of Selena, his ex, the one he had cheated on her with the first year of the marriage, the same lady he promised he had gotten over.

“I have to go and see him. Maybe, he would have an explanation to give me” she replied with a lost look in her eyes.

“Are you crazy? How could you still act like nothing is happening Mary? That man just ruined your life”

“You are shouting Debby. It's my marriage not yours” Mary replied, fighting back the tears that were building up in her eyes.

Debby stared at her like she was mad.

“I have always tried to understand why you let this man treat You this way but I can't keep on making excuses for you. You are a wasted woman in love” she snapped and walked out of the room.

Mary stood waveringly as she watched her only friend go.

The pains came again but she didn't feel like doing anything about it.

What was life now without Alfred?

Ofcourse she had suspected all along about him having a mistress.

The midnight calls, the late nights, the condom packs intentionally left in his trouser pockets but she had thought he would not throw it on her face this way.

She hadn't thought the mistress would be Selena of all ladies.

A sad smile spread across her face.

She had finally come to the road she had always dreaded to cross.

A tear ran down her face.

The future looked blank and empty…..

She wasn't hoping for anything anymore.

She half staggered out of the room when she bumped into someone.

Selena!