The Mistress Birthday

—SAMANTHA—

The next day, I spent most of my time indoors, sitting by Amore’s bedside, unwilling to leave her side.

But I noticed the atmosphere in the mansion has changed.

It was chaotic, as the servants scurried around, their hushed whispers filling the corridors. I knew what was happening. They were preparing for Ophelia’s birthday.

I wished I could stay with Amore, who had caught a cold and couldn’t go to school. I wanted nothing more than to keep her company, to shield her from the chaos of the mansion. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t avoid the party, especially since the old Mr Frost had ordered for this. This was an opportunity to divert the netizens' attention. The last thing I wanted was to give them more reason to gossip, and even more reason to give them the chance to come near Amore.

The hours seemed to drag as I stayed indoors, tending to Amore’s every need. The doctor had visited earlier, diagnosing her with the flu and advising plenty of rest. As worried as I was, his words had a calming effect on my chest. She was only a child. She needed her rest, and I needed to be there for her.

But no one—no one—came to check on her except her nanny, Maya. That didn’t bother me as much as it probably should have. I had long since grown used to the indifference of the Frost family. It was easier to focus on my daughter, on the quiet of the room, than it was to think about the bustling atmosphere of the mansion outside.

Soon, it was nighttime.

A knock on the door broke the silence, followed by Maya’s voice as she entered.

“Madam, Master Zeke says you should come downstairs. The guests have arrived,” she said nervously.

I sighed inwardly. I didn’t want to go. I wanted to stay with Amore, but I didn’t have a choice. I knew what this was about—Ophelia’s birthday, and the world outside waiting to see what kind of woman Zeke had chosen to stand by his side.

The guests, the paparazzi; it was all a performance.

I nodded at Maya. “Alright, but I need you to look after Amore, please,” I said softly, brushing my fingers over Amore’s forehead.

She looked peaceful, like an angel, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. I kissed her cheek gently before standing up.

I went to the bathroom to freshen up, needing a few moments to compose myself. I had to put on a mask, pretend everything was fine, even though it wasn’t. I couldn’t let them see how broken I felt inside.

On days like this, I used to enjoy dressing up—feeling like the elegant wife of a powerful man. But today? Today, it felt pointless.

Why should I dress to impress when this was my husband's mistress birthday?

Why should I play my part in Zeke’s little world of lies?

I chose a simple black gown, one that reached the floor and hugged my body in all the right places. Looking at myself in the mirror, I could see I’d lost a little weight, but the dress still fit. Thankfully, the black circles under my eyes had faded, and with a little makeup, I was able to cover up the bruises Zeke had left on me.

When I was done, I took one last look at my daughter, her face soft and serene in sleep. I kissed her cheek once more, a silent promise to protect her, and then I left the room.

Downstairs, the music of the party grew louder as I neared the poolside. It was taking place outside, just as I had expected. The mansion had been transformed into something that resembled a fairytale, with lights twinkling above the pool and laughter echoing across the yard. But none of it felt real to me. Not when I knew what was happening behind the facade.

Zeke had called for me, and that meant one thing—paparazzi were here. The cameras, the flashing lights, they were all waiting to capture the perfect image of the Frost family, all smiles and happiness. It was all a performance.

But I had to play my part. I had no choice.

Just as I walked forward, I could feel eyes on me, their gazes heavy, some laced with what looked like admiration, while most others were filled with clear disdain.

The whispers started almost immediately.

‘This is Zeke’s wife?’

‘I heard she’s from the countryside.’

‘She’s so plain compared to Ophelia.’

‘Doesn't the Frost feed her? She looks so thin in that dress’

I fought the urge to flinch, forcing a smile onto my face, even though I felt a knot of frustration tighten in my stomach. It was hard to stand tall when all I felt was like a fish out of water, a misplaced part of this world.

“Sammie!”

I was about to take a seat in a corner when I suddenly heard Ophelia’s voice calling my name.

The star of the party!

She appeared in front of me, dressing in a elegant red gown, her smokey brown eyes sparkled as she flaunted her hair, with her signature smile as she embraced me in an overly affectionate hug and kissed both my cheeks.

I stiffened at the sudden gesture, but I kept my expression neutral, forcing myself to play along. Everyone was watching, eyes trained on us, eager for the next piece of gossip to sink their teeth into.

“I’m so happy to see you joining us, Mrs. Frost,” Ophelia said loudly, ensuring everyone heard her. “Zeke has been waiting for us.”

Us?

I almost bristled, the words rubbing me the wrong way, but I managed to keep my composure.

Before I could speak, I heard a voice from behind us, loud and taunting. “Mrs. Frost, didn’t you bring a gift for Ophelia? Or are you being insincere by coming here empty-handed?”

I turned to see Sally, Ophelia’s best friend, standing with a smug expression.

I was taken aback, momentarily stunned into silence. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, Ophelia immediately shut Sally down with a sharp look, signaling for her to back off.

“Come on, Sally. Don’t be rude!” She snapped aloud, dismissing her friend with a wave of her hand.

Sally bit her lips but I could see she wasn't ready to back down.

Whatever, I didn't say anything, knowing full well that they had planned this. I wasn’t going to waste my energy on their petty games. They had planned this humiliation, and there was nothing I could do about it.

I turned to Ophelia with a strained smile. “Happy birthday, Ophelia. Sorry I didn’t bring a gift, but I’ll send something later, I promise.” I said it as though I had no choice, knowing all eyes were on me.

But Sally wasn’t done. Her voice cut through the air, dripping with venom. “What does a country bumpkin like you bring to the table anyway?!” She muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear.

The words stung, but I bit my tongue, my hands clenched at my sides as I tried to keep my cool. This was humiliating, and now the entire group was talking, their whispers filling the air like a swarm of bees.

“Has my wife wronged you in any way, Sally Moroni, that you're so bent on targeting her?” It was Zeke.

Sally fearfully staggered and hid behind Ophelia.

Zeke walked over, his presence commanding the attention of the spot. He glared at Sally, a cold irritation in his eyes, before wrapping his arm around my waist possessively, pulling me closer to him.

I tensed, my body instinctively recoiling at his touch, but I forced myself to stay still, keeping the emotions at bay. The sudden sting of his finger pinching my flesh felt like an added insult, a way for him to tell me to behave while the world watched.

I could barely hold back my wince, and I hid it with a strained chuckle. “It's nothing, dear. Me and Miss Sally we're just having a small talk. Ain't we, Miss Morini?”

“Y-yes,” Sally shuttered timidly. I almost laughed, if only she knew this was all an act I guess Ophelia didn't tell her the whole details.

Just then, Ophelia stepped forward with a drink in her hand, offering it to me with a fake smile plastered across her face.

I took it from her, and she clinked her glass against mine. Her eyes burned with fierce jealousy when she caught Zeke’s hand around my waist, a small curl of malice tugging at the corner of her lips as she forced a smile.

"A toast to our friendship, Mrs. Frost," she said, her words dripping with insincerity.

Friendship? I thought bitterly.

She was my husband Mistress!

I raised my glass and returned the toast, swallowing the drink with practiced ease. Although deep down, it was difficult dining with the mistress. I could feel the eyes of the guests on us, and I could see the shift in their expressions.

They were finally convinced; that there was no conflict here. We were all one big happy family.

But then, Zeke’s low voice reached my ear, his words laced with venom. "I know you enjoy me holding you, Samantha, but just know you disgust me!”

I jumped and shivered as his spit splash coldly at my skin.