I leave Marianne in the kitchen, and find Ben waiting for me so we could get into the elevator.

"Look, i was..."

"Save it....i am not interested in whatever you have to say" I snap.

We should have all left my apartment over an hour ago, but we delayed because i wanted to meet Marianne here first, to see how she was taking the news.

I knew it wouldn't be good,but seeing it on her face, the hurt, the disappointment, i was not prepared for that.

It should not have happened this way, this is not how i wanted her to find out.

I regret not seizing the opportunity the other day and told her everything while i had the chance to do it myself.

Now i have lost my credibility and opportunity to show my sincerity over the matter.

Sitting in the car, i stare out the window and think of all the possible ways this would have turned out, and realise, any way i look at it, this was a really difficult position to be in anyway and someone was going to get hurt.

I just wish it didn't have to be Marianne who in addition, turned out to be blindsided on top of it all.

At our destination, we find the family gathered in the lounge, Claire inclusive.

I approach her.

"Did you do this?" I ask, my nose flaring as i focus my attention on her.

"Oh, you are talking to me now? I thought the thousand phone calls i made to you that you ignored were a sign you and i are not on speaking terms.

"Cut the bullshit, i am not in the mood, do you think this is a joke?" I grunt.

"I don't know what you are talking about, i am just as surprised as you are by this" she glares.

From the years we had been together, i could tell when she was lying, and right now, she is not, unless she suddenly become a good actress in addition to her modeling career.

Which means that this was Richmond or better yet, Max's doing.

"Angelo, let's just get down to business shall we........."Richmond addresses me, as if it's business as usual.

"How the hell did this happen? We had an agreement, you gave me your word" I snap.

"Look...." He says.

"This was the one thing i asked from you, my one fucking condition, and one day into the trial you decide to screw me over?'

"No one is screwing anyone over, after the trial begins, we all knew that this would be a possibility" Dad utters.

I turn to glare at him.

"This did not happen as a result of the trial because it was not part of the court documents. Your deal with Meraki is not why he was arrested in the first place.....Only and only when it is proved that he is guilty would they probe into his other businesses and properties, then this would come out.......someone deliberately tipped someone off and told them were to look.

"Angelo, calm down" Ben mutters, trying to halt my runt.

"It could have been anyone"Max mutters, sitting on the chair with his legs crossed, a glass of bourbon in his hand.

"One more word from you and you won't live long enough to make it to trial" I promise him, as the room goes completely silent.

"Listen, I don't know how you can be so sure it's us, it could have been someone from your side" Richmond mutters.

"Don't insult my intelligence" I retort.

"Angelo...let it go, what's done is done." Dad grunts.

"Besides, what difference does it even make if everyone knows, it does not change the fact of the matter" Claire murmurs in agreement with my father.

"It makes all the fucking difference. Now, i have to pretend to have a relationship that doesn't fucking exist, do you think I have time for that?" I literally growl, ignoring Dad's remarks to let it go.

He clearly don't give a shit about my relationship with Marianne, or how much this will change alot of things about my life generally, neither does Ben, so right now, they can both go to hell.

"Angelo, calm down" Nick taps my shoulder and I groan in resignation.

I take quick steps and stand by the window, looking outside.

"Let's just all calm down and take a step back. We have alot of things to discuss and we won't get anywhere like this..the best thing to do right now is to find the best way forward" Nick continues.

They start to talk, but i have completely lost all interest, and refuse to participate, zoning out of the conversation all together.

I feel like i am surrounded by ungrateful people.

I did this for my father, even though i know that ultimately, if it came down to it and what he did came to light, it's not only his reputation that would be ruined, but our whole family. There are very few places i can go to without someone mentioning how much they admire and respect my father's work. His prestige has been passed on to all of us.

But that's not why I did it, I did it because he asked, because mom begged me to do it when i spoke to her that morning..... 'Do it for the family' she had pleaded.

And after all that, the least i expect from him is some sort of emphathy, support or understanding of the position i am in right now, not for him to seemingly side with the people that put us in this position in the first place.

"Angelo..." Nick murmurs, drawing my attention and asking for my participation.

"I need some air." I respond, walking out of the room.

I don't give a fuck anymore.

*

I continue to sit on the kitchen floor long after my tears have dried. I sit with my knees bent and held against my chest.

I think about what to has happened, and what to do next.

I can't believe this is even a consideration, the fact that i have to question my relationship with him when yesterday i was so sure of us.

I finally felt like i found someone other than myself that i could really depend on. Someone who made me feel like they knew me better than myself.

But now, I don't see how our relationship will work out. Whatever he may say his reasons are for doing this, it doesn't change the fact that they are married.

How can i trust him after he went ahead and did something like this behind my back and lied about it afterwards. Now if we continued to see each other, in the eyes of the world, that would make me the other woman. I will be rediculed and not be worthy of respect. Surely it won't end well for either of us, especially me.

And also, the fact that they have a history together means that they could easily fall in love again, and where would that leave me?

Which ever way i look at it, our relationship is over sooner or later.

I should have known it was too good to last.

Finally, i push myself up off the floor, feeling like my head will drop off my shoulders and my eyes out of their sockets any moment now from how much they are pounding after crying so much.

I pour myself a glass of water, after which i take slow deliberate steps up the stairs, any slight movement causing my head to hurt even more.

I could really use a pain killer right now, but i have no idea where Angelo keeps the first aid kit or medicine, so i just have to endure it until it goes away on it's own.

In the bedroom, i get into bed with my clothes still on and just try to get some sleep, hoping the headache will disappear when i wake up. But despite how tired i am, i struggle to fall asleep and i end up staying awake much longer than i wanted.

Until i hear movement in the house. Angelo is back. Soon the bedroom door opens and i hear footsteps coming towards me.

The bed deeps a little to accommodate his weight as he sits on the edge besides me.

"Marianne?" He murmurs softly, his hand rubbing my hair on the side of my head.

I had considered turning the other way before he entered the room, but then if he got into bed with me, then we would have faced each other, so i continue to face the bathroom, but now, it gives him access to my face from where he is sitting.

Before today, his touch was delightful and comforting, right now, i find it irritating and repulsive.

I want to pretend to be sleeping, but what's the point.

My eyes open and i look at him briefly, trying to avoid any movement as it makes my head ache even more.

"I am sorry.....i want to explain everything now." He murmurs.

I clear my throat.

"I am really tired right now and just want to get some...some sleep" I say, my voice coming out croaked and broken.

"I understand, but it won't take long, I just need you to know the reason why i....." he says softly, his voice husky and low.

"My head hurts alot, and so i just need a little bit of silence." I say, breathing heavily.

I feel him watching me, studying me.

After a few moments of silence, he gets up and leaves the bedroom, the action making me feel both relief for respecting my wishes, and hurt, for leaving me alone when i know, in the past he wouldn't have left even if i asked him to.

I try to force myself to sleep again but the heat in my eyes is so intense and nothing seems to work.

Then Angelo walks back into the bedroom and comes to my side again.

"Here, take these....it should help with your headache" He says, sitting where he sat before.

I sit up slowly, the thought of medication a source of comfort for me.

I want to avoid making eye contact with him, but i unintentionally look at him as i tilt my head back to put the pills and water in my mouth and find him gazing at me intently.

He takes the glass from me after and puts it on the nightstand while i lay back down in bed, closing my eyes again. I feel him linger for a while, before he gets up and heads to the bathroom.

I open my eyes and stare at the closed door. A few minutes later, it opens and i close my eyes before he walks out.

I hear him move around abit before he finally joins me in bed and my body stiffens at the action. Are we even supposed to be sleeping in the same bed anymore?

I take a deep breath, trying to will the thoughts out of my head.

Angelo keeps his distance though.

I keep my eyes shut and try to relax, and some time later, i eventually fall asleep.

*

My alarm clock wakes me up, and i reach out my hand to turn it off as i open my eyes.

I hear breathing and become aware of Angelo's presence in bed besides me.

I expected him to be working out or something and so i am a little surprised that he is still in bed.

Then the memories from yesterday come rushing back and i feel a lump in my throat. I sniff a little and feel him shift on the bed.

"How are you feeling"? His voice is hoarse and deep, like it usually is in the morning.

I don't answer, but just get up and start heading to the bathroom.

"Marianne, we have to talk at some point." He mutters.

I turn around and face him, finding him sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed in a shirt and jeans, i don't think he slept in that, so i guess he must have been up for a long time already.

"I have to get to work, i don't want to be late" I whisper.

" I know, sit down, it won't take long" his voice is soft, his eyes looking like he hasn't slept much and hair tossed about alot.

I walk back to the bed and sit down, keeping some distance between us.

He sighs, running a hand through his hair.

Then he tells me about his trip to Ukraine, everything up to their final discussion and ultimate decision, which was his marriage to Claire.

I stay quiet through it all.

"It wasn't planned, at least on my part, and i didn't know about it until the very last minute when Dad asked me and i only did it for him, for my family.

In a couple of months, we will get an annulment and it will be like it never happened, i promise" he murmurs.

"Like it never happened..." I echo condescendingly.

"Nothing has changed between us...I am still going to live here and nothing has to change" he says, taking my hands.

"Are you listening to yourself? Evidently from the gossip news everywhere, Claire is a very famous model that everyone is talking about right now, and now everyone knows you two are married, how can you possibly say nothing will change?" I ask bewildered.

"I know i am asking you for a lot, and that we would need to be discreet for a while, but just give it some time to work itself out...everything will be ok in the end....you will see" he says softly.

"You want me to have a secret relationship with you, like a mistress?"

He grunts.

"Don't say that, you are my only woman and you know that" he says angrily.

I stare at him, surprised at what he is suggesting either way.

Discreet? a secret relationship or whatever he wants to call it, is what it has come down to, i shiver at the thought and feel the tears build up again.

I stand up and step away from him.

He gets up too, a scowl on his face.

"What did you want me to do Marianne? Should i have refused him? Would that have made you happy instead?" He asks, his tone laced with frustration and anger.

I don't respond.

"Believe me, we went over every other possible scenerio and this was the only way........All i am asking for is a couple of months. You already know how I feel about you....so please don't give me that look, i have not betrayed you" he mutters still furious.

I look at him wanting to say something, but no words come out.

He has lost his damn mind, What right does he have to even be upset right now?

I turn to the bathroom and close the door, locking it this time.

When i return to the bedroom after my shower, he is not there and so i dress up in peace.

Seline is down stairs when i get there.

Today, we don't share alot of chatter except for what is necesary.

I find Angelo in the foyer and he takes my hand as we walk out and into the elevator where Sam is already waiting for us.

When we reach the ground floor, Felix approaches us as soon as he sees us, passing a quick greeting to each of us.

"Angelo, there are a couple of reporters outside asking about you and Miss Claire, excuse me, Mrs Claire.....I guess they want to be the first to take some pictures of the new couple" he mumbles awkwardly, stealing a brief glance at me and where our fingers are still entertwined.

Angelo frowns.

"We are going out through the private exit so it doesn't really matter anyway. Just don't answer any questions, you know the drill" he responds as we walk in the direction of the carpark.

The drive is quiet and i look out the window for most of the way. Angelo has not let go of my hand despite me pulling to loosen his grip several times and now i am begining to lose the feeling in my fingers from his tight grip.

When we near the school grounds, i pull my hand again and this time he grabs my chin and gently turns me to look at him.

"It's going to be ok, just give it a little time, things will simmer down" he murmurs softly.

I look away again.

Wondering whether to even bother arguing with him anymore. He has his beliefs and i have mine.

"In the meantime....." I say, after some thought, as we enter the school gate.

"In the mean time just sit tight, it will blow over soon" He replies quickly, cutting me off.

"Sit tight? Sit tight? You do realise that only last week, you were here, parading yourself as my boyfriend and making sure anybody interested knew that we are together. How do you think the news of your marriage makes me look...did you consider that in your master plan, or maybe you don't care?"I find myself finally shouting at him.

He looks a little taken aback at my outburst, but calmly rubs the back of my hand with his thumb despite his jaw ticking and his lips pressed in a thin angry line.

His calm attitude is starting to really annoy me, especially when i feel like a volcano is about to explode inside of me.

"You know my supposed marriage to Claire is not real" he says quietly.

" It's not 'supposed' Angelo, you have signed documents that legally make you her husband. That is very real and valid. And guess what? nobody knows why you did what you did, and so in their eyes, she is your wife and you know what that would make me? your mistress, the other woman...do you have any idea how that makes me feel and look....?" I shout again.

"People can say or think whatever they want, they always do, but the only important thing is that you know the truth" he responds.

"Oh that's right...I forgot, you don't really care what people think about you...and i am just supposed to do the same right?" I grumble, wiping away a stray tear.

Why do I even bother arguing with him.

He stays quiet this time...watching me.

"I have to go" I say, reaching for the door, but it's locked.

"Let me take you home, you can't work in this state." He says quietly.

"You are not my boss, you can't decide that for me" I respond.

"I will talk to Peter, it won't be a problem" he adds.

"And tell him what exactly? Are you going to play the part of the dutiful boyfriend again, because guess what? You have a wife now that is not me and he probably knows about it like everyone else, so you will just end up making us both look ridiculous........now can you open the bloody door". I shout, after another attempt at opening it fails.

"Calm down" he murmurs, the muscle in his jaw ticking again.

I take a deep breath and rub my face incase of any tear marks and look at him pointedly.

"Sam" he murmurs.

The sound of the auto unlock echoes and i finally open my door and walk out, not looking back at him even though i heard him come out of the car too.

I see principal Wallace at the entrance of the school hall and he waves in my direction at who i presume to be Angelo behind me.

I really wish I didn't have to be here today, my head is back to pounding furiously, and my eyes have probably swelled abit from crying just now, but after taking Seven days off work and two days before that, i can't take anymore time off.

When i reach Wallace, another teacher is talking to him, so i greet them both and proceed to my class.

Checking my phone, i find two missed calls from Luke, one from Ally and Rachel each and three from my mom. I have to call them back soon but right now, i have to work, so i send them all a quick 'I will call you back later' then put my phone back in my purse and open my science module for my first class.

*

Watching Marianne disappear out of sight, i have never felt more hopeless or desperate in my life.

I don't know what to do.

Her anger i could deal with, but not the hurt and the way her eyes have been constantly shining with tears since yesterday, and knowing that i put them there, and that there is nothing i can do but watch her suffer at my own doing.

I was supposed to protect her, take care of her, not be the source of her pain.

Last night, when i found her in bed, her face looked like she had been crying all evening, and it made me sick to my stomach and now to watch her do it again, knowing that i am doing it to her, breaks my heart.

When i agreed to this, i anticipated her being angry, and our relationship being affected, but i dared to hope she would understand eventually and come around.

Looking at her now, i doubt that very much now.

I can feel her withdraw from me again and go back into that place where she doesn't allow herself to trust or depend on anyone else again and that was such a hard place to get her out of.