Chapter 12-Audrey is being monitored
Audrey's POV…
This whole house felt like a fifteen-million-dollar prison. The silence that it accompanied was so deafening. I missed my penthouse.
I was in the kitchen trying to make coffee. It's been three days now since Jonathan and I started living together and we haven't said a word to each other. That was great. At least I wouldn't have to deal with him.
I smiled as I tasted the coffee. It was nice and it's all thanks to the espresso machine. It was the only thing I loved in this house.
I wasn't a fan of coffee, but after staying in this dungeon for three days, I think I'm becoming a fan of the espresso machine.
Just then, I heard the door to Jonathan's wing open and then shut. I heard footsteps coming down from the stairs.
Oh no! I don't have the energy for any drama this beautiful early morning.
I heaved and got myself prepared for bickering.
As soon as he came into sight, all the self defense I had put up faded.
Why did he seem extra good looking this morning?
I could see the shock in his eyes when he saw me. He probably didn't expect to see me.
His hair was rugged and he was still in his pajamas.
The buttons of his pajamas weren't fastened, so I could see a bit of his chest.
I quickly averted my gaze. What was he playing at now?
I took another sip of my coffee, then it dawned on me. I was in my nighties too.
A very good embarrassment for a very good morning.
He descended the stairs and went into the kitchen. He walked past me and we didn't say a word to each other. It's better that way.
He brewed his coffee with the only thing I liked in this house, and then came and sat opposite me by the counter.
I inhaled his morning scent and it was very pleasant. Wait, pleasant? What's wrong with me?
But I must admit that his scent was okay.
“I don't think you're away…” I looked at him. "Your hair,” he pointed at my hair.
I raised my brow.
"What's wrong with it…?” I stopped immediately I touched my hair.
My hair was a bird's nest. I completely forgot I wasn't in my penthouse where I lived alone and wouldn't have anyone seeing me before I took my bath.
Also, since we started living together, I haven't met him in the morning, so it didn't occur to me at all.
I tried arranging it. Double embarrassment.
“This is actually the first time I'm seeing you without makeup"
Triple embarrassment. At that moment, I just felt like the floor should open and swallow me.
"You've always appeared perfect, with your hair done and makeup perfect” he continued.
Okay, what was he trying to do now? Is he trying to make me feel embarrassed or what?
"If you're here to talk about my appearance this morning, then you'll have to banter with the counter" I said as I stood up with my coffee, ready to retreat.
“Wait" he spoke up and I stopped in my tracks. "There's an event tonight. Charles Whitmore’s 50th wedding anniversary. He's a senior partner and we were invited as VIPs. Besides, his wife really wants to meet you”
"So what do you want?” I asked nonchalantly. I knew what he was insinuating, but I needed him to say it out loud.
“Since we were invited, we should show up. I need you to go with me"
I raised my brows at him. He wasn't pleading.
I opened my mouth to say something.
"Please,” he added.
I felt victorious. “Sure thing" I agreed.
"Thanks”
I turned back around and went upstairs. If there was anything I loved, it was going for events. This sounds like somewhere I need to go show off.
Hehehe!
I descended the stairs slowly and my heels clicked on the clean, marble floor.
I was putting on a long black dress. It flowed on the floor as I walked.
It was sleeveless and the cleavage area was covered with a net, although I had to wear extra clothing to avoid it looking indecent.
I wore long black gloves that reached my elbow. I looked like a princess.
Jonathan was already waiting for me. We wore matching colours. He wore a black tuxedo that fitted him well.
The moment his eyes landed on me, I noticed the look in his eyes. His gaze was on me till I reached where he was. He looked impressed. I knew that.
He brought out his hands for me.
“You know we are still inside, there's no need for that” I said.
"I know. But someone could be outside watching us when we come out” he looked at me knowingly.
I put my arms in his and we walked outside and entered the car.
·····
Luxurious cars were parked around every corner. Jonathan and I stepped down from the car. He brought his arms out and I slid mine into it.
Time to put away any grudge I have against him and play the perfect fiancée. I smiled at him and we headed inside.
Before we got to the entrance, we had already drawn a lot of attention. The paparazzi had already surrounded us and were taking pictures and asking questions.
The security had to prevent them from coming closer to us or harming us. We entered safely and the very first thing I observed was the decorations and elegance of the hall. The lights corresponded with the painting. The flowers lined the wall so perfectly.
I completely fell in love with the place. This is the type of environment I loved staying at. It felt so good to be in a lively and warm environment, not that cold and silent house I've been staying at for three whole days.
“Audrey. Is that you?" I turned to see an elderly woman smiling at me. She must be Mrs Whitmore. I smiled at her.
"Yes, I’m Aud…” I was cut short because she embraced me.
“Look at you" she detached from the hug and held my cheeks softly. “You're so pretty. I've been wanting to meet you for a long time now. The girl that made Jonathan's strong heart beat"
My eyes grew but I maintained composure. I looked around for Jonathan but found him speaking to some business moguls. How could he? Well, now I have to handle things on my own.
“I've heard so much about you from Jonathan. It's a great pleasure and privilege to meet you” I responded in a sweet tone.
I never knew she even existed until now. But anyways, I had to say that to make this plan work.
"I hope they are all good things you've heard from him?" She asked.
I nodded. "I have learnt a lot from what he's said about you”
She has raised a brow. "Really?”
“Yes. And I learnt a lot from you. You're a strong woman and it shows in everything you do"
She smiled widely and hugged me again.
"Is she the one that stole Jonathan's heart?” A male voice came from behind.
"Honey. This is Audrey” Mrs Whitmore introduced. "This is my husband, Charles Whitmore”
“Good evening sir. It's a huge honour to be here and be invited by you" I curtsied.
"Isn't she a sweet girl and respectful too? No wonder Jonathan couldn't let her go” Mrs Whitmore added.
"You've really changed my mindset about your profession" Mr Whitmore started. “I'll begin to respect people in that field more. I've always seen them as bad eggs”
Ouch. That hurts.
“But if you're as good as my wife says, then you're worthy of my respect. Jonathan made the right choice indeed” he said
"Come come. Let's take a picture first before we get into the main thing“
We went up to the podium while the paparazzi inside and other guests raised their phones and cameras to take pictures of us.
At that moment, I saw Jonathan come to join us. I don't need him now, I did perfectly.
He put his hands around my waist and my body was touching his. I was surprised and shocked. I knew it was for the camera, but this was too intimate, regardless, I needed to maintain composure.
I faced the camera and wore the most beautiful smile I could muster. But then, something felt off. I felt someone was watching me.
I searched the crowd and my eyes landed on a person putting on a black mask and black cap, looking intently at me.
‘I think I've seen those eyes before, but this time, they signal danger’