CHAPTER 5: Facades

Edward and Vanessa sat across each other on the dining room as the soft candlelight illuminated the walls, what was left of their just concluded marriage ceremony scattered before them.

The day had been a swing from one activity to another and small talk with dignitaries. Now they are left alone, the dawn of reality settled on them, it's official.

Edward cleared his throat. "So, about your move to the mansion..."

Vanessa looked up with keen expression. "Yes?"

"The east wing is all yours, I have it prepared specially for you" Edward said, with a business like tone. "It's been fully renovated and should meet all your needs."

Vanessa gave him a sarcastic look. "How generous of you"

Edward's eyes narrowed. "But me be clear about one thing, Princess. Of course this marriage is necessary, but it doesn't mean we have to pretend to be something we are not. You live your life, and I live mine. No interference whatsoever."

Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "Believe me, Edward, the last thing I want is to interfere with whatever it is that you do."

"Very well then," Edward nodded curtly. "Then we have an understanding."

Rising from her chair. "Exactly, If you will excuse me, I think I'll retire for the evening. It's been a very long day."

Just before she reached the door, Edward's voice stopped her. "We leave for London at nine tomorrow. You need that rest."

Vanessa didn't bother to turn around. "Wouldn't dream of it, husband."

"Husband, hm!" Edward repeated to word to himself.

The next morning, Vanessa stepped out onto the palace grounds. She blinked in surprise at the sleek helicopter waiting on the lawn, its blades already whirring.

Edward approached from behind her, looking smart in a tailored suit. "Good morning, wife. I trust you slept well?". With a hint of sarcasm in his voice

Vanessa eyed him suspiciously. "Well enough. What's all this about?"

Edward smiled. "Let's just say a little wedding gift. Shall we?" Edward reached out his hand to help Vanessa into the helicopter, He did it with unexpected gentleness.

Vanessa couldn't help it, her heart is always palpitating whenever Edward displays his romantic side.

As the helicopter engine was turned on, Edward handed a pair of headphones to her. “This will help”.

Vanessa collected them, pretended to not care about Edward at all, she looked outside the window, she couldn't help but admire the view outside. 

Edward leaned close to her, his warm breath against her ear. "Isn't it beautiful?” Just a marvellous view but not as Marvelous as my beautiful bride."

Vanessa's cheeks flushed with blood despite herself. "Edward, what are you doing?"

He chuckled. "What am I supposed to be doing from now on, just a man complimenting his bride".

The helicopter ride was followed by a limousine to the airport, where Edward's private jet awaited. As they settled into plush leather seats, Vanessa's patience wore thin.

"Alright, enough," she said, fixing Edward with a serious look. "What happened to 'no interference' and separate lives?"

Edward sighed, loosening his tie. "Look, Vanessa, I know this isn't ideal for either of us. But we're now public figures. Whether we like it or not, we're a couple. We need to act like one."

"So all of this," Vanessa gestured around the luxurious cabin, "is just for show?"

"Think of it as a performance," Edward replied. "In public, we're the perfect couple. Behind closed doors... Well, that's different now."

Vanessa leaned back, processing his words. "And you're okay with living a lie?"

Edward's expression hardened. "It's not a lie, Vanessa, lets say survival. For both our families, for the kingdom, Sometimes facades are necessary."

As Edward and Vanessa fell into silence looking at each other as the jet took off, lost in their own thoughts. Vanessa looked out the window, and saw as the world shrink beneath her. She couldn't just shake off the feeling that she was flying into a life she barely knew.

As the jet climbed higher, Edward pulled out his tablet, immersing himself in work. Vanessa observed him surreptitiously, noting the furrow of concentration between his brows, the decisive swipes of his fingers across the screen. This was the man she had married, driven, focused, and utterly committed to his goals. But what were those goals, really? And where did she fit into them?

Hours passed, the monotony of the flight broken only by the occasional visit from the attentive flight attendant. As they began their descent into London, Edward finally set aside his work.

"We'll be landing soon," he said, his voice startling Vanessa from her reverie. "Are you ready for your new life, Princess?"

Vanessa met his gaze steadily. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose. And you, Edward? Are you ready for this... performance?"

Edward smiled like a clown, you can see it Am I that bad in acting, cos I have interest in acting.", am ready to perform.

As the jet touched down London, neither Edward nor Vanessa could have imagined the storm that was waiting for them. 

A stormy journey fueled by grief, rage, and revenge that threatened to tear apart what they have worked for and the secrets they had maintained so far.

Milesaway, A lady stood facing a rectangular board, she stared at a wall covered in newspaper clippings and photographs. At the centre was a picture of Edward Clark, his face was circled with red ink..

The woman picked up a framed photo of a smiling young  Olivia who bore a striking resemblance to herself. "I miss you, Olivia," she whispered with her voice thick with emotion. “I won't forget in a hurry what he did to you. Edward Clark will surely pay for taking you away from me."

She turned to the television besides her, where she saw the local news channel showing Edward and Vanessa boarding the private jet. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the couples entered into the plane.

"Enjoy your happiness while it's last, Edward," she murmured, tracing her sister's face in the photograph with her fingers.

"I'm coming for you, it's a promise. U will never forget what I want to do to you in a hurry, as it stands, there's nowhere for you to hide."