The next day, Veronica opens her eyes as the morning sun blended in her honeycomb eyes. Today was the day. Her 2nd year anniversary with Jayce. Wasn't anything special to be considered that.
As she sits up her bed, there was a light knock on her door.
"Ma'am?" Are you awake?" her maiden called from the other side.
"Yes. Give me 10 minutes. Make sure you get the car ready." Veronica ordered in a soft tone.
"Yes my lady".
Veronica swiftly stands up from her bed, walking to the bathroom.
She splashed cold water on her face, then met her own reflection in the mirror. You've got this, she whispered, forcing a confidence she didn't feel. She hated it—hated every second she had to spend with Jayce, playing the perfect couple, pretending they were some fairytale match. Worse, she'd been living this toxic lie for almost two years, rehearsing smiles and affection that never belonged to her.
Veronica grabbed her toothbrush, brushing her teeth with meticulous care before moving on to an exacting facial cleansing routine. Showering, scrubbing, every step calculated, all to maintain that flawless, glowing skin. She washed her hair, ensuring it was soft, moisturized, and full of life. Then came the outfit—a pristine white dress, a gift from her mother-in-law, meant to celebrate their two-year anniversary with Jayce. She couldn't help but feel the weight of it, a beautiful reminder of a bond she was only pretending to cherish
Not like she knew any better about their relationship anyways.
Making sure she was ready, Veronica opened her door and hanged her purse over her. But before she headed downstairs, she knocked on Jayce's door.
"5 minutes. Don't be late" she says before heading downstairs.
As she makes her way to the entrance, her maid and 6 other body guards where lined up waiting for her.
"You look fabulous My lady" One of the maids commented, her smile beaming.
"You think?" Veronica chuckles.
"Really stunning-" she continues to compliment
"Thank you-"
Out of the blue, her jeep pulled up right in front of the mansion. Her driver stepped out and opened the rear door, ready to usher her inside as he opened the door to the back seat.
"Good morning Mrs Madrid"
"Good morning Ethan" Veronica steps in
As Ethan closes the door, he rushes to the front seat.
"And Mr Madrid?" He asked, looking at her from the rear view mirror.
"He'll be here in 5 minutes" Veronica answered, leaning her body at the window.
'He better be'
Unexpectedly, the rear door swung open, and Jayce jolted in, his presence filling the confined space of the jeep.
"You can go now," he said curtly, not even bothering with a greeting or a hint of warmth.
Veronica stiffened, gripping the seat, a swirl of frustration and weariness tightening in her chest. Ethan nodded silently, his hands steady on the wheel as he turned the engine over. The jeep rolled out of the compound, leaving the mansion—and the tension behind them—glaring in the morning light.