On monday afternoon I drove to Eastmond's office building anyway despite my reluctance, despite the fact that I shouldn't be going there after learning Rafe's feelings for me. I was just worried that if I won't go our families will doubt us. I'm still not sure what I should do with this new, uncomfortable marriage relation.I put on a printed midi dress and arranged my hairs loose on my back. I took help of some makeup to hide my weary face and shadows under my eyes which has become quite prominent. All my tiredness and grief can be seen on my face. But makeup has done a good job. Doing household chores is not childplay. Pain and acute tiredness has spread all through my body including my joints and ankles. Even right now I'm drained to the point that if I get to sit somewhere I will instantly fall asleep. I can sleep the whole day today if I just wouldn't have to be here. It's been like four days, I've been continuously doing labour work and I haven't decided to stop....not yet.I re

• Freya • I gave him a look of disbelief. That dumb! I didn't want his money. "Go away." I gritted, "I don't want anything." He was surprised at my reaction, "I'm unable to understand you these days." I ignored him. He left. Then I heard his voice again, "Hey, Fay let's make a deal." The bartender refilled my glass. I rotated my seat in his direction and asked, "What?" "If you'll get married successfully with Ben, you'll take me out to dinner at the city's most expensive and posh restaurant and if I win the CEO position, I'll do the same." What a jerk he is. I didn't answer him, but drank from my glass. "Actually, you know what? I'll take you on vacation to some nice places." I gestured him to leave right away with my hand, "Fuck it off." He laughed and got lost in the crowd again. I could go on vacation on my own. I would have to wait for him forever to take me anywhere. Reluctantly, I rotated my seat towards the crowd and searched for Rafe without any particular thought.

At the night of the party aka my wedding reception, I stay at home, utterly clueless whether I'm attending the reception or not. I haven't seen Rafe after that day in the office so I don't know what he has planned. As per Mom's timings, it's only an hour left since the party will start and I'm still in my Pjs, pacing to and fro in my room. One minute I consider the idea of calling Rafe and ask what to do then the next minute I brush it off because I know he's not going to take my call. I'm out of options about what should I do. We can't skip this event. It is our wedding reception. We're the guests of honour. And Rafe is the new CEO. We have to be there. I can't even go there without Rafe. People will doubt us, about our marriage and I won't bear their bizarre interrogations and stares all by myself. I sit down on the bed when my back pain escalates. I massage and press my shoulders with my hands. The back pain has become persistent.It doesn't disappear even after hours long rest.

• Freya •Just what had gotten into me that I placed Ben's ring in my purse instead of the drawer? At least my secret was safe there. Now it was dislosed to the world with a misunderstanding. Rafe's father gave a long speech. As it ended, spotlights turned to me and Rafe. My eyes narrowed to slits. I put my hand in front of them to stop flashlights of cameras, directed to me, reporters however continued clicking our pictures.I felt Rafe had been pushed to stand beside me. My knees became weak. I kept clutching the ring inside my fist."Mom, Dad listen to me." I begged them. They were standing at some distance posing in front of cameras. I face palmed myself, "Please. Let's go home."Mom faced me, put her palms on my jaws, pressed them, "Freya. My Freya, you made me proud of you today. Don't worry, the wedding will be soon." I grunted. It was not an appropriate time to think about this, but I was surprised at her adoration for me. It was the first time in ages, she appreciated me for

Another man around my age appears in front of us minutes later and we again disguise our unease with fake smiles."Rafael, congratulations. I have heard you're now a CEO of Eastmond Builders. That's outstanding, man.""Mr. Salvatore, thank you." I shake my hand with his, "I didn't know you would be here too." "Please call me Luke and yes. I came for some work and then I heard about this event. You're the one who is taking care of the construction of our commercial building so I wouldn't have missed it." He explains. I muse, "Right. We'll start work some time in March." His eyes shift to Freya, "Is she your wife, Freya Howard?" "Y-yes." I slur, clearing my throat.I turn to Freya. She looks now more worn out and weak. Her posture has dropped down. She struggles to smile and looks at Luke. Luke offers his hand to her, "Howard is partnered with my project and you're the one who is going to represent Howard, right?"She gets confused, but tries her best to conceal that she doesn't kno