MIRANDA
The expression on the faces of everyone turned into shock. Seeing that I looked serious, the lady at the counter said, "Calm down, Ma'am. I will call Mr. Duke right away and inform him."At this point, a man walked up to the counter. From the way he was dressed and the way all the employees at the counter greeted him respectfully, I could tell he was a prominent figure.One of the employees picked up a card from a bunch on the counter and handed it to the man, saying, "Here's an invitation to the boss' launch party tonight. It's mandatory to show up with the invitation, sir."The man smiled and accepted the invitation card, saying, "Thank you, I will surely be at the party."As the man turned and began to walk away, I stared at the heap of cards and thought, "So that arrogant man is throwing a party, huh? I wonder how he would react if I gate crashed it. Would he send me back home just as I want?"I suddenly became excited as I thought about what I could do at the party."I'm sorry, but Mr. Duke is not answering the phone. He must be very busy," the lady said to me with an apologetic expression on her face."I'll just go up to him then," I replied and wanted to proceed to the elevator."Please be patient," the lady implored. "I don't want him to get upset. He might fire me.""Mr. Duke?" One of the men at the counter suddenly said and everyone turned their attention to the elevator where Hazel had just come out from. He was speaking to an older man who had come out with him and he was smiling at the man.Seeing that everyone was now staring at Hazel, I slyly reached out my hand and stole one of the invitation cards. I quickly hid it in the pocket of my gown and smiled as though I had not just stolen an IV.I turned my attention back to Hazel who was still talking and smiling. Who knew he could smile so much? He seemed like a monster earlier in the day.He shook hands with the man and finally looked my way as the older man began to leave. He stared at me briefly before turning his attention away and I could tell he did not recognize me. He wouldn't have ignored me otherwise."Hey, husband," I called out to him before he could get back in the elevator. He stopped, turned, and stared at me in surprise, and I knew he had recognized my voice.The expression on his face changed to one of anger as he began walking toward me.I smiled when he got closer while he gritted his teeth, "What the hell are you doing here, dimwit?"I chuckled and leaned against the counter, "Hazel, there's no law that says I can't visit my husband at his company."The employees at the counter all pretended to be busy as though they had no interest in our conversation but I could see them from the corner of my eye, occasionally lifting their heads from looking at their computer screens to stare at me."Get out of here right this instant," he ordered.I folded my arms and smirked, "Make me."He scoffed, took out his phone from his pocket, and made a phone call saying, "Come to the counter right now."A few seconds later, four men in uniform hurried toward the counter and I could tell they were security.I smiled, "You will regret this, Hazel.""See her out," he pointed at me as he spoke to them. Afterward, he turned and walked away.The men tried to grab my hands but I raised them, "Don't touch me, I will leave on my own."The men kept their hands down and I walked out of the company. My visit to the company wasn't completely in vain so my mood was quite good.I smiled as I strode toward my car where Mel was waiting for me. Seeing the smile on my face, she got out of the car and said, "I'm guessing the meeting with your husband was a pleasant one, seeing how happy you are.""You can say that again," I replied and got in the passenger seat."I am so happy for you," Mel said as she got into the car.I took out the invitation card I had stolen, from my pocket and showed it to her, "What do you know about parties like this?Well, Hazel invited me. He said he'd like to introduce me to everyone at his launch party but I have no idea what exactly he is launching and the type of people that would be there."Mel smiled, "Leave it to me, that's my specialty. Once I carefully look through this IV and do a little research, I will tell you everything you need to know."I smiled at her, "You are so efficient, Mel. How old are you?""I am twenty-six," she replied. "I've been professionally trained in different aspects, that's why I could take on a job like this.""That's amazing," I replied. "Let's go back home for now, so you can do your research while I figure out what to wear to my husband's party."Seven hours later, I walked out of the house with Mel by my side. She had done my makeup and styled my hair so professionally that I almost could not recognize myself. I knew I was beautiful but I didn't think I could look like a beauty queen.How could one person be so skillful? Mel was a rare gem and I was grateful to have her by my side, and even though we just met, I was a little sad that our time together would be short.The domestic staff had all stared at me in surprise because I looked nothing like the ugly duckling they had seen in the morning. Mel had gone all out to beautify me because she believed Hazel had truly invited me to his party. Very funny."Don't you think your gown is too short?" She asked once I took off the long jacket I had used to cover my body.I smiled. From the moment she told me that the code was dress and tux, I decided on how I wanted to look, so I convinced her to take me shopping.I deliberately selected a very short, and sexy red dress that exposed my thighs because I had a goal. Even though I was uncomfortable in the dress I smiled and said to her, "Hazel asked me to look really sexy for his party, that's why I look this way."She nodded and drove the car to the venue of the party. We arrived early but I waited in the car until Hazel arrived."Your husband is here," Mel said pointing at him."I know, and I'll meet him inside," I replied.I did not leave the car until thirty minutes later, after convincing Mel to wait behind with the excuse that Hazel didn't want her inside the hall.I wore back my jacket to avoid attracting attention before I could carry out my plan. I showed my IV when I got to the door and I was let inside. It was truly a grand party and Mel had told me that Hazel was launching one of the most sought-after products in the country.There were at least two hundred people present and they all looked like big shots. I took in deep breaths in preparation for what I was going to do while ensuring that I was hidden from Hazel's view.When Hazel was done speaking, they all clapped for him and began to congratulate him. Afterward, everyone sat down and the emcee took the stage.Then came my chance. I got up from where I sat behind, took off my jacket, and began making my way to the stage without looking back.The emcee was surprised when he saw me approaching, and I just smiled at him. I got on the stage, whispered into his ears, "Mr. Duke asked me to speak," and took the mic from him.Believing my words, he gave me the mic and moved to the side. As I faced the audience, everyone stared at me curiously, wondering what I was up to, including Hazel.I realized he had no idea who I was because of how calm he looked."Hi, everyone," I began. "My name is Miranda Hazel Duke and this is my husband's launch party."The moment the words left my mouth, Hazel got up and stared at me in shock. I winked at him and while waving my hand to show my ring to everyone, continued, "As Hazel's wife, I am here to entertain you all. DJ, hit me with some music."As I waited for music from the DJ, I ignored the gossip from those in the audience and focused on Hazel who kept staring at me as though he had seen a ghost.MIRANDAI turned my attention to where the DJ was and realized that he had no intention of playing a song for me, so I turned to the next best thing; my voice.I began to sing one of my favorite songs offkey while swaying my hips to the right and left. It was embarrassing, I knew that....anything to get Mr. Grumpy to send me back to the people I loved, right?Some in the audience began to laugh while the others stared in surprise, just like Hazel. The emcee realized at this point that I had lied to him, and he had made a big mistake by giving me the mic.He sought to correct his mistake and tried to take the mic from me but I evaded him and ran off the stage. I continued to sing while moving around different tables and dancing as well. At this time, some in the audience could not contain their laughter anymore.I turned my focus to Hazel again and noticed he had gotten over his shock. He was whispering to two men and I quickly recognized them as part of security.They made their way t
HAZELI stopped my hand midway from landing on the cheek of the brat in front of me. I had never raised my hand to a woman before and I didn't think I ever would until Miranda appeared in my life like an erupting volcano. Of all the women in the world, why did it have to be her? How did I get so unlucky?I stared at her face as she closed her eyes, waiting for me to hit her. Where did she get her courage from? It was almost as if she really wanted me to hit her, but I had no interest in giving her that satisfaction. I walked out of the room, my mood worse than it was when I went in. I had never met someone more insolent in my entire life. As I got into my room, I called my mom. When she answered the call, I asked, "Why, mom? Why would you do this to me? Are you deliberately trying to punish me because of what happened?""What is going on, Haze?" My mom asked. "You called so late and you are asking me weird questions."I sighed and tried to be calm. I didn't want to speak disrespectfu
MIRANDA When Hazel raised his hands to slap me, I became afraid. Even though I closed my eyes and acted like it wasn't a big deal, my heart was racing inside.However, he walked away without another word. I didn't understand him. I had made it clear to him that it was okay to send me away, so why didn't he say anything about it?Did I go through the trouble of humiliating myself before so many people for nothing? I sat on the bed feeling sad. Why wouldn't he send me away and get another wife?That night, sleeping was difficult. I kept hoping that when I woke up in the morning, Hazel would have made up his mind to send me away but that didn't happen.I was instead introduced to two ladies and a man by Mel who told me that they were among the many tutors who had been chosen for me.I was going to be homeschooled? What did these people take me for? A handicap? I didn't want to make an issue out of it because I knew I would be leaving soon.However, I had no intention of sitting through a
MIRANDA "The cops are here," one of the men rushed into the room and reported.Hazel instantly let go of my neck while I struggled to breathe as tears rolled down my cheeks. I quickly wiped my tears and walked out of the room. All the men had disappeared and I could see Hazel leaving through the front door.I followed behind him and was surprised to see Mel standing outside with so many armed policemen. She stared at me in shock while Hazel ignored them all, got into his car, and drove away.The police wanted to go into the house but I said, "There's no need, sir. My husband and I were the only ones there."I didn't want a situation where I would have to follow them to the station and give them my statement. It was futile because a man like Hazel was bound to be powerful and highly connected.I got into the car with Mel and she still wanted us to go to the station but I told her, "There's no need, Mel. It was all planned by Hazel.""I don't get it. What happened between you two that
HAZEL I gulped and my Adam's apple bobbed. What was Miranda trying to do? The same crazy girl who had dared to slap me earlier and confessed her hatred for me was now in my room, trying to seduce me. I did not need a soothsayer to tell me that she was up to no good. This was definitely a trap.But why was my heart beating so fast? I could not deny that she was beautiful. Her sparkling eyes shone as she walked toward me. She was 5'9" tall, and her slender legs which were exposed to my view made her seem graceful as she walked.Her radiant skin shone in the brightly lit room and a cascade of molten red hair fell down her shoulders. Her wasp waist called out to me, urging me to wrap my palms around it.She did not stop walking until she was standing in front of me. Her heart-shaped lips parted and her dazzling halo white teeth gleamed. She placed a hand on my chest and I spotted her beautifully varnished fingernails.She was nothing short of a seductress and unfortunately, I was caught
HAZELI finally emptied my wine bottle and began, "You're no stranger to the fact that in the past two years, my mom has been hounding me to get married again. I swore I never would and she swore I would never live peacefully. She was at my place every single day of the week, crying, making a scene, and threatening to kill herself. When I couldn't take it anymore, I proposed that we both come to a compromise.She was the one who drafted the agreement and according to it, she would pick a wife for me and we would live together for a year. If after one year, I still wanted the wife, then everyone would be happy.However, if after one year, I wanted to spend the rest of my life alone, she would back off and let me be. She had a lawyer draft the agreement and we both signed it.She prepared the marriage document and I signed it too without caring who the bride was. This was because I had a plan. I intended to provide my so-called bride with luxury, however, during the one year of our mar
MIRANDA I had expected a different result. I thought Hazel would push me away the moment I placed my hand on his chest, after all, his hatred for me ran deep. I expected him to lose it and finally ask me to leave his house but he caressed my lips instead.I took a step back in fear. I was tempted to run out of his room and quickly wash my lips but my efforts would have been in vain. So, I held on a little longer. Even when he ordered me to get out, I refused. Who would have thought that he would walk out of his room, leaving me behind?The moment I heard him drive out, I picked up my jacket and left. I walked back to my room with my shoulders sagging in defeat. Why was nothing going my way?What was Hazel's breaking point? There had to be something legal I could do to make him send me away without giving away my intentions. But what if there was nothing? I recalled how he had told me earlier when he kidnapped me that he wanted me to live a miserable life. Did he plan to make good on
MIRANDA"Didn't Hazel tell you that he was married before?" Shayla asked and I shook my head. I couldn't care less what Hazel's history was. I just wanted out. Perhaps if I found out why he and Shayla were divorced, it would help my plans.I smiled, "I'm so sorry for keeping you guys out here. Your daughter looks so beautiful and you are both welcome."She smiled back, "Thank you," and walked in with her daughter who I really found adorable.I reached out my hand to stroke the little girl's hair but she pushed it away and cried, "Don't touch me!""Grumpy like your father, huh?" I thought. "What a shame.""I still think Princess is adorable," I told Shayla as I went back inside with her.""I should be leaving. I have no intention of bumping into Hazel," Shayla said as she handed Princess over to a nanny I had never really paid attention to.She was about to leave when I said, "Hold on, Shayla. To be honest with you, I was forced into this marriage and I would do anything to get out. I'v