A wide happy smile, empty eyes that gave nothing away and a lowered voice. I was always for the appearances as I descended down the grand staircase and I looked at the three women dressed in their designer dresses that looked straight off of a fashion runway.  "Ladies," I began, widening my smile and becoming the perfect hostess, "welcome to my," I pointed around the grand looking foyer, "humble abode," I descended the grand spiral staircase with railings made from gold and steps tiled from actual gold. Beverly stood up from the plush red and gold sofas, placing her teacup back onto the golden glass table and walked to me. Her curves were showing in the off shoulder, ankle length ruby red dress that showed a subtle amount of the top of her breasts and her tiny waist. Her silver high heels matched with her silver diamond jewellery that was most definitely to be admired.  Her makeup was as flawless

 I had become immune- almost as though I were a robot capable of not having any emotions. Shit, life can really change you so fast. One moment you're a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve and the next moment you're a heartless engaged woman who barely bats an eye as yet another woman leaves your future husband's bedroom. I could feel the change and I knew that I changed, even the way that I carried myself was different.  It was like the world was my stage and each time I stepped outside the mansion's doors, I put on the perfect charade and got into character. I hid the deep fear with the wide smile as I wrapped my arm around Aebischer's body, pulling him closer to me as though I couldn't get enough of him. He too was the quite the actor and would gently brush up and down my arm with affection, displaying the perfect caring fiancé. We were at one of his associate's dinner parties with Aebischer's arm around me as w

 "Good morning, Mr Aebischer," Martina greeted me as I walked out of my bedroom. I stopped in my doorway and turned my head to look at the deadly assassin, raising my eyebrow.  "To what do I owe this lovely visit?" I asked her. She should be off, either with Celeste or enjoying her increased pay that I'd given her in cash last night, "I know you're not here to have a friendly conversation, so let's get straight to the point."  "Certainly, sir. Madam has asked me to speak to you."  I mentally rolled my eyes, what does that bitch have to say to me now, "carry on," I said, masking the boredom and distaste from my tone. "She has asked for you to spend your birthday with her because she has something planned."  What? I don’t ever doubt my hearing because I pride myself in being an excellent listener but I'm certain that I didn’t hear Martin

 I truly believe that when I told Aebischer about the tattoo he was honestly stunned and surprised by it, and hey, I don't blame him. It probably brought back memories of his grandparents that let through a momentary weakness because he'd cleared his throat and massaged his eyes, looking down for a long time as the whole room had quietened down and everyone just watched him, anticipating his response and reaction. As the seconds went on, I felt like I had been stupid. There was no way that this was going to work. I thought he was going to turn around and kill me, and his father would probably be more than happy to help. I began to slightly panic and my heart began to pound against my chest from anxiety before he straightened up and told me that we were leaving. He didn’t even glance back at his family or say a thank you for the gifts and birthday cake, he simply strode out of there and I quickly said goodbye before I rushed after him. 

 "You need to hurry up, madam," Martina rushed me as I ran around the room like a headless chicken, screaming over my shoulder about trying to find the perfect pair of shoes. "Help me look for my other shoe!" I replied, frustrated that she was breathing down my neck instead of actually helping me get dressed so I can head on out to the car.  "Madam, a pair of Alexander McQueen heels were laid out neatly for you," Martina replied.  "I'm tired of heels, Martina," I said honestly to her, as I stood up straight and picked up the pair of tekkies (sneakers/trainers), "I just want to be comfortable for once," I said to her and slipped into the shoes and let out a breath of relief before I stood up and smiled, doing a spin for her.  "How do I look?" I asked her as I tried to bite back my smile unable to hide my happy mood. I felt lighter and happier after meeting with my best frie