CHAPTER 7: The Party

SAVANNAH'S POV

My chest wouldn't stop beating hard with each passing second. I wasn't supposed to be afraid but somehow I was. Maybe he was still angry with me because of what happened the previous night.

“Mr Diego is here,” Maria announced with a chuckle while sizing me up.

The doors flung open with him barging in fiercely. “What happened!?” Diego raged at Maria.

“Sir-sir Diego. This woman is an imposter claiming to be your wife. Please punish her,” Maria stammered.

My eyes traced Diego's tightened fists, his rough breaths were clearly heard. “An imposter?”

“How dare you disrespect my wife?” Diego raged, counting his words.

“But sir-I didn't -I didn't expect her to be your wife. She looks-

“I’ll get in touch with your manager later. You will have to say goodbye to your job,” Diego said, with his eyes laced on her.

Maria shuddered with fear. Her once imposing smile turned to a defeated whimper.

“Apologize to Mrs Montenegro immediately and do it properly!” Diego commanded.

Maria immediately scrambled at my feet, trembling and sobbing loudly. “Please forgive me. I will never repeat this mistake again, I swear.”

As much as I wanted to hold grudges, I was moved by the way she pleaded but we all have to be punished for our wrongs.

Diego picked my shopping bag and then walked to my side. “Let's go home sweetheart,” Diego said, pulling me to his arms as he guided me outside with whispers and murmurs behind us. Sweetheart? I couldn't believe it! Was he being genuine or he was just pretending for the camera?

As we drove home, I couldn’t help but examine the man beside me. He was complicated and unpredictable. Did he really care about me or was he just fulfilling his obligations as a husband?

Immediately we got home, Diego pulled my wrists heading straight to his bedroom while ignoring greetings from every worker we came across. He looked angry and pissed.

“Savannah, don't hesitate to call me when you have a problem. I'm your husband for goodness sake!” Diego blurted out with beads of sweat gathering at his forehead. “What if the police got there before me? Do you know what would have happened? Are you hurt?”

The questions poured in but I kept mute, jerking my head sideways. Did he even care? Why was he even bothered?

“Diego, I know you don't actually like me so you really do not have to go through this trouble. I can manage on my own,” I told him, stretching my neck to get a better view of him. I didn't want him to see me as a weak little girl depending on him for support.

“Savannah, I am your husband and it is my duty,” Diego said again, calmly this time. His breath slowed and his eyes flickered.

“Is that why you're still upset from last night? The reason you wouldn't even look at me? But why do I care?” I blurted out, burying my face in my palms. Now, a surge of regret passed through me. I shouldn't have mentioned that.

“Savannah, I am not angry about last night. When you understand things better, we would talk. Now dress up, we’re going out,” He announced.

“I'm not going anywhere with you Diego,” I said sternly. I suddenly wondered what had given me such audacity.

“It's a business party and as my wife you wouldn't let me go alone. Would you?” He said with his lips curved into a smirk. I stared at him blankly with no intention of saying anything.

“Oh well, I’d just pick a fine lady from there. I know there are lots dying to go with me, not minding that I’m married.”

My heartbeat suddenly increased. The instinct to slip on a dress in a snap overwhelmed me. I couldn't understand the feeling. Was I jealous? No way!

“Well, I just remembered I could use a little outing since I’ve been stuck in this hell hole all day,” I said, bowing my head in defeat. “Remember, I’m not going for you, I just want to clear my head.”

A silent chuckle slipped from Diego's lips but I was more bothered about appearing as his wife publicly for the first time.

“Tara, help Savannah get ready with the dress I got earlier,” Diego said to Tara who had just arrived in a haste. “I’ll be waiting downstairs,” he added, walking away. I wondered when I'll be able to make my own choices during my stay in this house.

I had a quick bath with my dress, shoes and jewelry prepared by Tara. A stunning pink dress caught my attention with a black heel to match. I quickly slipped them on with a gold necklace to enhance everything. I couldn't even stop admiring myself in the mirror.

Diego stood outside dressed elegantly in a black tuxedo which was slightly different from the one he had worn earlier.

“You look stunning in this dress. All thanks to my choice,” Diego blurted out with a satisfied scoff. Was he complimenting me or making fun of me but either way I was pissed. “Shall we?” He said again, stretching his hand towards me.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. I didn't want him to think I was gushing over him. “I’ll be fine,” I said, entering the car.

After driving for minutes, we arrived at an unfamiliar but beautiful building. Party lights and music emitted from it but the sounds of feet clicking in and out weren't left out. Diego guided me inside and my breath hitched when I saw the crowd.

All eyes were on us but unlike me, Diego was perfectly fine with it. Men and women dressed elegantly spread all over the hall.

I trembled, locking in hands tight with Diego. My memories of parties weren't interesting because of my stepmother and sister.

“Are you alright Savannah?” Diego asked, lowering himself to my level. He had noticed my rough breaths and how I was trembling.

I immediately pulled away from him. “I’m-I’m fine,” I stammered.

“Don't lie to me Savannah. We’ll talk about this after the party,” he said, staring straight into my eyes. “I’ll have to greet some people over there. Make yourself comfortable.”

He walked to the other side of the hall, with me still trembling. With him gone, it had gotten worse. It was as if his presence made me feel better but I didn't want to accept it.

“You must be the so-called Mrs Montenegro,” a not so friendly female voice said from behind me.

I turned to see a curvy blonde staring intensely at me, her gaze laced with disgust. “I don't know how you managed to make Diego marry you but I promise, it won't end well!”