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Faith frowned at her reflection in the mirror, her palms cupped her cheeks as the crease lines on her face grew even deeper.
Why did it feel as though she was gaining some weight lately?
Perhaps she'd had a healthy appetite for the last few weeks?
Squeezing herself earlier into the lacy black gown had been a little tough and she had made a mental note to start dieting, or maybe it was time to hit the gym.
Reapplying some lipstick to enhance her lips, she arranged some strands of hair that had fallen out of place.
Faith walked out of the bathroom, she couldn't go missing for too long.
Tonight was the celebration of the company's thirtieth anniversary and there were a lot of important guests.
She'd always accompanied Sterling Hunter as his assistant, and this year was no different.
She returned to the slightly crowded hall, her eyes spotted Sterling, he was speaking with some business associate.
The waiter started to pour her a drink which she gladly accepted.
There were still some hours left for the anniversary celebration but she was already feeling tired and slightly sleepy.
Maybe the drink would help?
As she took another sip of her champagne when her eyes spotted Sterling again, he wasn't alone.
There was a beautiful young woman next to him.
Faith recognized Emilia Rhodes. She was the niece of a renowned businessman, as well as a popular journalist.
Faith watched as she leaned into Sterling as she laughed at whatever Faith couldn't hear.
Unwillingly, Faith felt her lips tighten, she disliked the woman instantly, knowing fully well that she was the type Sterling used to date a few months ago.
Faith choked and sputtered on her drink when the woman took a step further to hug Sterling, she thought her mouth was hung open as a flare of jealousy swept through her.
And her husband who usually despised physical contact from others willingly returned the hug easily!
Perhaps Sterling and Emilia were familiar with each other before now?
Faith didn't realize how tight she was gripping onto her handkerchief as she furiously wiped at the mess she had made on her dress and the table.
At that moment, Sterling's gaze found hers, and the corners of his lips curved slightly in a smile.
Faith didn't think she succeeded in appearing unbothered, she could barely resist the urge to rip off the young woman who was clinging onto him like a stubborn fly.
When did she get so possessive of her him?
Being his wife even though in secret didn't seem weird to her anymore.
It came as natural to her as the day. She wanted to be with him, and most importantly wanted him to be hers as well.
Some days, she could feel it in his touch, see it in his eyes, and would think that perhaps her affection wasn't one-sided. That what he felt for her was more than physical lust.
How badly she wanted it to be true.
But she was also so afraid.
That she would wake up one day and Sterling wouldn't want her anymore, that he would ask for a divorce and they would both go their separate ways.
Some nights, she would find herself thinking of how she would ever restart her life. One without him. It seemed unimaginable.
Faith looked up and was relieved to see that the woman talking to Sterling was gone. In her place was several of the company's shareholders.
She quickly gulped down her drink and decided to take a little walk outside.
The fresh breeze gently caressed her face as she continued to wander aimlessly. A feminine voice behind her had jerked her to a halt.
She spun around to see no one but Emilia Rhodes.
"I didn't mean to startle you, I've been waiting for a chance to finally meet you!"
Faith's eyes narrowed slightly at the young woman, what could Emilia have to tell her?
"Allow me to introduce myself, Emilia Rhodes, but you probably already know who I am, since I'm a hot sensation in the news most of the time!"
Faith nearly scoffed aloud, would it be considered rude if she told the woman with all due respect that she neither asked nor cared?
"Oh? I see!" Faith chose to respond instead.
Faith felt uncomfortable under the woman's prolonged scrutiny.
"Is there anything you especially wanted to meet me for?"
If there was anything, Faith was prepared to leave.
"From words spread around, I heard that Sterling got married __to you"
This was not something Faith had expected, and she also didn't know how to respond.
Their marriage had always been kept secret, how could the word have gotten out?
Perhaps the hotel staff? Or the few of Sterling's friends.
"From your reaction, it is true then?! For people like you, I guess you feel like it's a dream come true and perhaps your biggest achievement?"
Faith flashed at the obvious insult, she felt like smacking off Emilia's ugly smirk. She only managed to refrain herself because tonight was special for the company and as Sterling's assistant, she didn't want to create a scene.
"What exactly do you want? Say it directly!"
"Nothing!" Emilia replied too quickly with a smile.
"You must think that I envy you, but I don't. I only want to warn you about Sterling and the kind of person he could be."
Faith didn't miss the familiarity with which Emilia addressed Sterling.
"Thank you for your concern but you don't need to tell me the kind of person my husband is." Faith gritted and turned to leave when Emilia spoke yet again.
"You might want to listen to me before it's too late, I've been in your shoes and have known Sterling for longer. In fact, our families even wanted us to get married. We were even engaged at some point."
Faith felt uneasy. Her chest suddenly felt tight as she recognized the emotions all too well.
Jealousy?
It didn't sound as though Emilia was lying to her, she was certainly Sterling's type.
"Aren't you curious to know why we broke up?"
Faith couldn't even deny that she wanted to know.
She didn't respond but Emilia continued.
"I couldn't marry someone like him, he's very controlling, everything always has to go as he wanted, gradually you will find yourself becoming a totally different person." Emilia paused to meet Faith's stare.
"He doesn't care about anyone's wishes but what he wants. He's not someone capable of loving anyone else, Sterling can only love himself, you don't want that type of a man, do you?"
While Faith could agree that her husband could be demanding some of the time, and liked to get things done his way, he had also always respected her.
He always cared about her wishes and always made the effort of admitting guilt each time he thought he might gave offended her.
He totally wasn't the monster Emilia was painting him to be. It made her angry with the fierce need to defend him.
"Well, you're wrong." Faith forced herself to smile calmly even though she was anything but cool.
"Maybe he just didn't love you, we are happily married, so your concern is not needed."
Faith walked away and soon found herself inside the grand hall.
She inhaled deeply, now she was so tired and wanted to leave.
As she searched for Sterling, only one thought lingered at the back of her mind.
Yet again, another person was warning her about her husband.
She didn't want to doubt_
Didn't want to distrust him, but whether she accepted it or not, Emilia had succeeded in planting the seed in her mind.
That her perfect husband might just be hiding something.
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