MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE

ough the windows, brightenin

illed the air with the sound of

e atmosphere, making my sto

to pop out of my chest. My husband, who I hadn'

cking, triggering my anxi

efits. I had managed to revive my father's company, and my mother's surgery wa

ee him occasionally. I had always loved him, ever since the first moment my eyes met his, but he never seemed

ge with Mason just to help me

carries weight to the Media, but behind closed door

ur marriage was more transactional than genuine

orghini drove in. I felt a wave of sweat trickle down my back. I managed to stay calm as I stood on

d toward

cticed. As he stepped out of the car, the sunlight seemed to catch his fa

e sight of him, he sur

, and I was shocked to see Brittany, his lover, emerge. Ma

realization hit me that I was delusional, hoping Mason and I could h

lf to believe that our marriage might mean something more? Standing there on

h, the way he looked at he

e his attention. Was I not enough? Does our marriage mean little or

my own life. Overshadowed by someone

without saying a word It felt like a k

wished the ground would open up and swallow me.

ng up on Mas

tany exclaim with excitement, h

ng, as they leaned in and

but roll my eyes, a mix of bitterness and disbelief written

go take a shower. I'll be right back for lunch." He kissed her cheek, and she

loser with confidence. "Oh, the latest bride i

ng me as if I were the intruder. I didn't

kled, she voiced with mock sympat

s his wife," she continued, leaning in slightly, "but you

said sounded li

" trying to walk away. But she grabbed my arm, her

at I command," she said, her voice echoing w

ultimillionaire, and I was

anding. I replied with a hesitant, "Ye

of her authority. I rubbed my arms lightly, trying to shake off the pain. She walked upstairs, her

mom. The thought of her comfort and support felt like a lifeline. As I turn