Shadows Behind the Smile

Maddison's POV

“I am almost done please, just give me a minute.” I said quickly as Fernando pushed the door open.

I flinched when the door slammed against the wall, my hands began to shake and I tried so hard to keep it stable. The foundation that I was applying had shown a different shade.

I turned around and our eyes met, he was standing by the door, with a look that could kill his chest was up and down a sign that he was extremely angry.

“Since morning, why are you not ready yet?!” He barked.

“Do you even understand how important this meeting is?”

“Or are you just trying to embarrass me again?”

I gulped nervously not knowing how to answer any of the questions he threw at me.

“No..no I am not trying to embarrass you I swear I just needed to cover-”

“Cover what?” He cut me short.

“If you had behaved properly in the first place, you would not have anything to hide.” He said in a cold voice.

“I am sorry I will hurry.” I quickly apologized.

I thought that would do the work but it didn't. Instead Fernando came closer to me, my chest started pounding heavily that I found myself stiffening. I looked away from him quickly, picked up the make up brush so I could hurry with covering the bruises that were on my arms.

I gasped loudly when Fernando suddenly grabbed the back of my chair, and then he leaned forward to whisper to my ears.

“You better not ruin tonight, Maddison.” He warned and I nodded frantically.

Just then a cry came out from the outside, Fernando stepped away from me quickly, opening the door.

Liam ran inside, rubbing his eyes. “Mummy.”

Fernando sighed then walked outside of the room leaving me to calm our son down.

For those few minutes I was able to breathe properly and the silence was heavenly. I put the make up brush down then turned to where Liam was.

“Come here, baby.” I said as I picked him up, then held him close to me.

His small hands rested on my dress, he grinned as his hands moved to my glasses. I laughed adjusting my glasses back.

“It is okay.” I whispered.

“Mummy is here, everything is okay.” I whispered in his ear, even though deep down I knew that was a lie.

I finished fixing my hair with one hand while balancing him on my hip. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and forced out a practical smile.

I stepped outside when I was done, holding Liam tightly. Fernando was leaning against the car. His expression was strong as he was watching me approach.

“You took a long time.” He said as he opened the back door.

“Get in.” He ordered and I entered in without saying anything.

The drive to the hall was quiet. Liam played with my necklace, my palms were wet with sweat and my heart was beating loudly as we neared the hall.

Fernando pulled the car over when we got to the front of the pack hall, I came outside carrying Liam Fernando came around and leaned closer to me.

“Do not act funny in there, you smile when I smile, you talk only when I say it's necessary. And also you hold Liam and keep him calm if you embarrass me-”

I nodded quickly before he could finish his words. “I will not, I promise you.” I assured him.

“Good.” He nodded.

And before I could say anything else, his hand went to my back in a gentle manner, then he led us to the hall. As we walked Inside the hall the pack members started greeting him, bowing in respect and Fernando as his usual pretence smiled and responded to their greetings.

I could even hear the whispering of some of the female pack members who said they envied me, but if only they knew.

“Maddison.” Fernando called when we reached the center.

“Yes.”

“Smile, don't be shy.” He said in a sweet voice and those that were near us giggled.

I forced a smile. “Sorry I am just a little bit tired.”

Fernando then came closer, wrapped his hand around my waist then he bent slowly and kissed Liam's head. The pack members whispered again, I'm sure of the thoughts that were going through their heads.

Though like we were a perfect family, Fernando was the perfect Alpha and I had a perfect future that I did not deserve.

But I kept smiling at him. It was for my own survival. As time passed, I followed the flow of things that didn't really go because of Liam's clingy attitude.

I watched as Fernando took care of the pack matters, answering the pack associates questions.

One of them then suddenly turned to me like he recognised me from somewhere. I adjusted my glasses. His stare became intense. He was an elderly man.

“Well, Fernando.” The man said, patting him on the back.

“Beautiful family, as always your wife looks radiant tonight.”

“Thank you.” Fernando replied.

I tried not to  show any reaction but the man laughed and then looked at me. “May I have the honor of a dance with you, Maddison?”

“It has been years since I danced with someone who actually has grace.”

My heart beat nervously, I couldn't dance in front of everyone without Fernando.

“Oh.I… I cannot.” I stammered, taking some steps back a little bit away.

“I am holding Liam, and I-”

But before I could complete my statement Fernando pressed his fingers into my waist it was hard and painful that I almost gasped loudly.

“Go on.” Fernando said while smiling.

“Don’t be rude.” He added but it still didn't sit right with me.

“I..I really can’t.” I whispered.

“Please.” I pleaded but his fingers pressed harder and I winced silently.

The man sensed the tension that was going on he then chuckled trying to make the atmosphere lighter.

“Come on Maddison, it is just a little dance.” The man said and I shook my head in retort.

“Maddison do it now, I won't have you embarrassing my guest!!” Fernando growled through the link and I froze.

The hall lights seemed to be dimming , I couldn't hear a thing again.Liam shifted in my arms, like he knew that something was wrong my legs were weak my mouth went dry and my hands trembled in fear.

And the only thing that I could think of was that if I should go the only thing that would happen after.

It was my punishment.