Abigail Jones Great Pretender Novels & Stories

“That can’t possibly be true. Claire is my mother. She raised me from infancy, loved me unconditionally, sacrificed everything she had for my wellbeing—” “He’s lying!” Abigail interrupted with hysterical fury, her voice cracking from the strain. “Samuel is only saying this because he’s desperately in love with you and wants to elevate your pathetic status!” Her voice rose to a near-shriek as panic completely overtook whatever composure she’d been maintaining. “He’s helping you concoct this ridiculous deception because he wants to get rid of me and install you in my rightful place! You’re both conspiring against me, plotting together to steal everything that belongs to me!”

She was just a wide-eyed kid, fresh from school, tricked by a powerful mentor with smooth talk. Right on cue, Abigail buried her face in her hands, shaking like some tragic heroine. A couple people in the gallery even sighed. Donna leaned over. "What an act." I just shot her a look—patience. Then it was our move. We dropped the first bomb—the recording Abigail herself had handed me while groveling outside my apartment. Matthew's voice filled the courtroom, all smooth and smug, coaching her on how to tweak my stolen designs, how to charm the judges.

I won't accept her insulting Abigail, but instead, she decides to speak for herself. "No, James... Leave it to me. First of all, the dress is from the summer collection of Tim Taylor if you want to know. And second,--" "Honey, I know a designer's clothing when I see one. And this is not one. Judging by your cheap look, I know you're shopping from some thrift shop." Abigail lets go of my hand and takes her phone from her little handbag. "See for yourself! I don't have to be dressed like a cheap hoe to show my wealth."

He did most of the talking with the media when she just glared at him and kept quiet. She was shocked at the transformation. 'How can someone be so good at pretending? And he said last night that Dhruv and I were used to lying and pretending. Such a player! He was a player with women until he found Alisha, and a player in business; a really manipulative person who somehow persuaded me to get in the car with him to sign the contract.' "Ruhi..." He rubbed her shoulder and put her in a trance again. "They asked you a question."

She seems nice. "I'm Aimee Jones from Financial Times", I say, and she offers me a smile and guides me through the long corridor towards a set of double doors. I stop as she opens the door and walks in. I stand still, and she looks back over her shoulder and frowns. I take a deep breath, and I walk into the room to see Alec, he stands up, and when his blue eyes meet mine, they turn cold. I walk in pretending the be the most confident woman in the world, and Sonia looks at me and then at Alec.

I was the one who wanted a change of pace, so I begged him to let me come in his place and enjoy a free meal. I hadn’t expected the drama to land on my own head. “Why would I be acting?” “Mr. Lawson invited my boss to this banquet. He didn’t have time, so I came in his place. “What’s wrong with that?” I met their gaze calmly, without the slightest hint of avoidance. But the live comments exploded. [This excuse is ridiculous—standing in for her boss? What kind of employer sends an employee to a private family banquet?] [She really won’t give up until she’s completely exposed. Does she think playing dumb will get her out of this?]

Simone I stared down at my wedding gown, admiring the beautiful flowers on it. Father made sure I got the best dressmaker to design my wedding dress. It disgusted me. “It’s not so bad you know” my sister chimed from where she sat at my bed. “Easy for you to say, you are not the one getting married to a stranger” I laughed. “He couldn’t be that bad” she tried again. I mean the blogs say Zion Scots is the most eligible bachelor in L.A”

People stopped eating and started watching. Abigail’s smile faltered. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Bullshit,” I snapped. “You saw me give her money and decided to twist it into some disgusting story. You’ve been jealous and obsessed for months, and now you’re trying to hurt an innocent girl because you can’t handle that I’m not interested in you.” Her friends shifted uncomfortably. Abigail’s face turned red. “I saw it myself! You gave her cash! What else was I supposed to think?”

“Grandpa! That’s her. She’s the disgraced woman trying to steal Marcus away from me. She’s that pauper I told you about—the provincial woman who just wants your wealth!” Marcus quietly clenched his fist. Laureth had indeed told Max stories like that, which was why his grandfather hid the truth from him—that he really did have amnesia. Only last night did the truth come out. This woman was good at manipulating people. And now she was even putting on an act. Max looked at Naomi as Laureth faked a sob. Naomi simply blinked, her face calm as she looked at the old man. “So, it was you,” Max said with a grin. “The mother of my grandson’s child.”

“Mrs. Cynthia wants to see you in her office.” I raised my brows. “Thanks. I’ll be there in a minute.” I picked up my books, but one of them pulled them back onto the table. I hummed slowly. “I heard Tiffany got kidnapped,” one of them said. I think her name was Josie. She was known for being tacky and irresponsible. “How did you save her?” “Yes, how did you manage to take down Blake and his friends?” The other one asked. I hadn’t even seen that one in my life.