AMELIA FRAY“Miss Amelia, you are under arrest for fraud,” the policeman who had walked into my office, held my hands behind me and cuffed it. “You have a right to remain silent—”His words were lost on me as my eyes frantically scanned the lobby, trying to convince myself I was dreaming. My doubts vanished into thin air as the policeman nudged me forward.Beads of sweat formed across my forehead.“Sir, you have the wrong person,” I cried, trying to get the policeman to stop walking. “I've never stolen a dime before. I'm telling you, sir, there must have been a mix-up.”My pleas fell on deaf ears as he pulled me out of my office building into a patrol car, waiting at the entrance. His colleague, a fat man in his thirties sat behind the wheel.The siren went off as they rode through the morning traffic in New York City. My heart pounded heavily beside my captor. Everything felt surreal. Almost impossible.A tear slid down my face as they pulled up in front of their precinct and helped
AMELIA My jaw dropped open, for the second time. His wife? Had the ‘Mr Alexander Smith’ said what I think he said? His wife?! “I didn't… I…” I stuttered and hated myself for doing so. His presence was unnerving enough but his statement made me a blundering fool. “I mean…your wife? I've to be your wife?” “Yes, Amelia... I hope I can call you that. I need you to act as my wife, before all mankind.” Married to him? This was absurd. Today just keeps getting weirder by the minute. “I don't see how that clears my name,” I cried out. “I'm innocent. Why would nobody believe me?” “I see no other way out of your situation,” his voice grew impatient. “I have a company to govern and you or someone else has been bleeding us dry. If you are truly innocent, you'll have no reservations about staying by my side and proving your innocence.” “I've no reservation proving my innocence,” my voice cracked as the word innocence left my lips. “But I don't see the reason why I should get marr
Alexander“Drive to the Paragon Club,” I instructed Dean, my driver, as he pulled out of the curb.A quick glance at my watch informed me that I had thirty minutes to beat the traffic. I was meeting my supposed fiance and her father for a late lunch.I sat back, letting Dean weave his way around. I had an inkling what the meeting was about. It was the only appointment in my schedule for today. Until, I got a call from the police force, informing me of a possible culprit.I had inherited the Smithson & Co from my grandfather; a multimillion-dollar empire. After the death of his only son, my father, he became responsible for the welfare of my sister and me. I've been groomed since I was a baby to take his place, so when I clocked twenty-one, he handed the rein of the business to me.Five years later, he is ready to fully retire and wants everything to be in place—he wants me to settle down. Not just to any girl, but to Selene Rodriguez, the daughter of Paul Rodriguez. One of the bigges
Amelia The Chalet Hotel was like a second home to me. It was our meeting spot—Williams and I. I had suggested the place after he told me that he still lived with his grandmother. That should have been a red flag to me. A thirty-two years old man, living with his granny. Now I just found out that was a lie. What else has he been lying about? The hotel was a ten-minute drive from my apartment. I highlighted from the cab and walked into the lobby. The butler gave me a nod, acknowledging me. My frequent visits to this place have made me familiar with the staff. I walked over to the desk. “Miss Fray, good day,” the receptionist greeted with a smile. “He is waiting for you. The usual room.” I nodded my thanks and took the elevator, heading to the third floor. I didn't know what I was doing here but I knew I wanted to see him. I wanted him to look me in the face and lie to me, tell me they forced him to do it. That he isn't married. The elevator pinged, and I headed straight to
AlexanderMotherfucking Christ!I turned sharply towards the not-so-innocent girl I had chosen. Her gloomy face infuriated me the more. But I wasn't going to let her see how her words had rattled me."What did you just say?" I asked calmly. I needed to hear her say it again."I'm pregnant," Amelia repeated, her voice barely audible.I raked my fingers through my perfectly cut hair. “And you're telling me now? What happened to that knowledge when you agreed to be my wife?”"I... I was scared. I… I found out before I was arrested," she stuttered as she tried to speak.I glared at her, my mind racing with different thoughts. How do I play this to my advantage? Fuck! Fuck!! Fuck!!!Inhaling deeply, I took a menacing step towards her and she retreated in response until she was backed against the wall. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. But that wasn't going to faze me. “I… I'm sorry, Mr Smith,” she trembled lightly. Goosebumps attacked her arm and my hand subconsciously caressed it.“A
Amelia "This place is a castle," I groaned under my breath as I walked helplessly around the house. I was lost and had no idea where I was headed. Finally, a lady who seemed to be working there, dressed in a crisp black dress with a white apron and white cap walked past me.I greeted her with a friendly "Hello!" and she turned around to face me, her eyes meeting mine."I'm…uh…" I wasn't really sure what to say to her. I just stared at her feeling lost. How do I tell her I was married to Mr Smith and need to find his room? I blushed scarlet as the word married rang in my head."Do you maybe.." I started to say, but my words trailed off as the sound of approaching footsteps made me hesitate. As the footsteps drew nearer, their cologne wafted through the air, filling my nostrils. It was a familiar scent. I turned my head to look over my shoulder, my eyes locking onto the figure behind me. "Mr. Smith… Alexander," I whispered, as I took in the sight of him standing there."Go on, Isabel
Alexander "Selene, when did you arrive?" I questioned behind her, startling her. “What are you doing standing here?”"Oh, come on. Just because you have that wrench in there doesn't mean I can't go in," She pulled away from my bedroom door and sauntered towards me.I stepped out of her reach. "Your presence here is solely because of my grandfather, Selene. I trust you understand your position," I stated firmly."Where did you pick her from?” she sneered, her voice laced with malice. “Sorry let me rephrase that. Which slump did you pick her from?"I don't have to entertain her bickering with any response. I had important things to take care of. Oh, but I had time to play along, today."I believe Daniel will keep you busy enough to stay out of my business," I responded, my lips barely moving as I spoke.My words seemed to rattle her badly. She lunged at me, her fingers inches away from scratching my face. I grabbed her hands and held them down. My face gave none of my emotions away."I
Amelia "He..." I tried to speak, to cry out for help, but I couldn't, only strained sounds escaped my lips. My throat felt lodged by the obstruction blocking it.I was feeling helpless, trapped in my own body. My vision blurred, as darkness stood only inches away from claiming me. My lungs burned, starved of oxygen.I felt hard blows on my back for a brief moment and his frantic cries. Then suddenly, his arms were wrapped below my chest, pushing. "Miss Fray! Open your mouth!"I coughed, spewing the cause of my discomfort on the floor. Air rushed in and I drank it hungrily. Tears flooded my eyes as relief washed over me. “You gave me a scare, just now.” His voice was calm now. But his breathing betrayed him.My vision cleared and I could see Mr Alexander's face. "Are you okay?" He asked nonchalantly. If I hadn’t seen the fear in his eyes, I would have believed his act."Thank you," I managed to squeeze out, trembling as I realized what would have happened if he wasn't close by.Hi