Maria's POV: He did it on purpose!
**************************************************Charles was despicable!He knew I was a fake. Why did he still have to show me off?I didn’t care about meeting his so-called friends. I just wanted to quietly be Mia’s shadow like before.Seeing my face full of indignation, Charles raised an eyebrow lightly and asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t you want to go?”He did it again!Did he just threaten me?“Heh…”I took a deep breath and calmly withdrew my hand from his palm and smiled slightly, “No problem.”Charles' deep eyes narrowed immediately as if he was evaluating, scrutinizing me.I stood there calmly, allowing him to look at me.After a moment, Charles chuckled. His big hand gripped my slender waist, “Don’t disappoint me.”************************************The banquet was held at the most luxurious club, Heaven on Earth, California city.When I entered grandly, holding Charles' arm, I instantly attracted everyone's attention.“Young Master Smith! Ha- ha, two years, you are finally back!” Someone exclaimed.The crowd immediately surrounded him, complimenting Charles repeatedly, but their eyes fell on me.I smiled as I looked at them, showing no sign of nervousness.After chatting and laughing with them, Charles introduced me, “This is my wife.”“Ha- ha…”Ben Thomas was the first to laugh and said, “We know, we know, this is the famous pianist Mia Miller, right?”“Yeah, how could we not recognize such a big star?”“But why do I think she looks more beautiful privately than on camera?”“That’s for sure! Those stars can’t even recognize themselves after putting on heavy makeup. Young Master Smith's wife must be a natural beauty even without makeup!”Each mention of the pianist and big star stabbed at my heart.For tonight's banquet, I had specifically asked the makeup artist to recreate Mia's usual look. I already had a similar face shape to Mia, just different features. With the makeup on, I could pass for her about 80% of the time.Unless it was someone who was particularly familiar with Mia, most people wouldn’t be able to see the difference.I endured the pain and embarrassment, smiling as I nodded to them in greeting.Stars had always been arrogant, and artists were even more so.Seeing how approachable I was, their impression of me improved significantly.Their confidence got boosted too.“Young Master Smith, we have always admired Mrs. Smith's prowess in piano. She became a piano virtuoso at such a young age. I wonder if we have the honor of hearing Mrs. Smith play a piece live tonight. It would be a warm welcome for you and a chance for us to broaden our horizons.”With the first person leading, the rest followed suit.“Right, Young Master Smith, at the wedding two years ago, you left in such a hurry. Mrs. Smith has been hidden by you all this time. Now that you are finally back, you should let your friends have a glimpse of Mrs. Smith's elegance!”“What Mrs. Smith?” Ben asked rhetorically.Ben glared at them fiercely, “Call her Lady Smith!”As soon as everyone heard that, they immediately started calling me Lady Smith respectfully.Hearing their words, my heart tightened. I turned to look at Charles for help. I was so nervous.After all, I was not Mia. Wouldn’t it be obvious if I went up and played a piece?With a low laugh, Charles immediately turned his deep gaze to me, as if he had not seen my pleading eyes, he smiled and said, “Mia, since they are so interested, why don’t you go up and play?”In an instant, my mind exploded. I stood frozen in place…He did it on purpose!He deliberately wanted to make me look like a fool!How could there be such a despicable man in this world?Did he marry me just to tease me?Seeing that I was just standing there stunned, Charles' lips curled slightly, “Mia, go on.”Huff…I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to slap Charles hard across the face.But I still did not move. Charles jokingly said, “What do you want to get them to pay for inviting a pianist to play a piece?”“No need!” I said with a forced smile.I glared at him, then elegantly turned around, walking towards the stage with my skirt swaying.If he wanted to embarrass me, I wouldn’t let him have his way!Sitting down in front of the white piano, my slender fingers gently landed on the keys.I turned my head and gave Charles a mocking glance before pressing down on the keys.Instantly, a melodious piano sound resounded. The beautiful music struck Charles' heart from the first note.Charles POV:She could play!Given her finger technique, her piano skills were even better than Mia’s.I had never been interested in women before because my heart was completely devoted to my career.The reason I agreed to the arranged marriage in the first place was because I had witnessed Mia’s performance.She played the piano very well and she’s also pretty. The temperament of a pianist suited the status of Mrs. Smith.After the wedding, I sat on the plane flying to Europe and thought if Mia could maintain her role for these two years while I was away, I would fulfill my husband’s duty and give her the love a wife deserves.But it was not Mia who had held onto Mrs. Smith’s role. It was Maria.Moreover, Maria at this moment was dazzling and more charming than Mia…Maria POV:As the music finished, I retracted my hands, lifted my skirt, and stood up.When I turned around, I saw the crowd below the stage mesmerized by my performance.I smiled slightly and prepared to step down. But at that moment, a masculine hand reached out in front of her. I looked up and met Charles' gentle gaze.“Be careful. Don’t fall.”I quietly looked at him. If only he could be this good to me, how wonderful would it be?I knew in my heart that everything he did outside was because I represented Mrs. Smith–Mia.Concealing my inner emotions, I lightly placed my hand on Charles' palm and let him support me off the stage.“Wow”At this moment, thunderous applause resounded from the side.Ben walked over to our side. “Wow! It turns out that attending a live concert is the future way to go. It feels ten times better than watching it on video.”“That’s right!”Someone next to him agreed, “If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe that one person could play like this. It seems like I’ll have to attend a live concert from now on.”Charles chuckled softly and placed my hand on his arm.My performance did not embarrass him but made him proud.“Mia?”Suddenly, a woman’s voice came from another side. The next second, an elegantly dressed woman approached them.She fixed her gaze on me, examining me with a hostile look.After scrutinizing me from head to toe for a minute, she furrowed her brows, “You are Mia?”My heart tightened, and even my hand holding onto Charles's arm tightened. I tried to suppress my panic and smiled calmly at the woman.Before knowing the woman’s identity, staying silent was the best way to conceal my emotions.The woman looked at me and suddenly sneered, “Can’t you recognize me?”The smile that had just appeared on my lips instantly froze…Chapter 4: If he bullies me, I’ll tell Grandpa. Grandpa can punish him!****************************************************“Nina Lindsey.”Just as I was at a loss, Charles grabbed my hand. I almost stuck my nails in his flesh. Looking at the woman in front of us, Charles said with a frown, “Everyone in California knows that you and Mia do not get along. Stop pretending to be a friend here.”The smile on her face disappeared instantly.****Nina and Mia had the same piano teacher, but Mia had exceptional talent and left her far behind eight years ago. She had always been jealous of Mia and wished she could disappear from California City.Later, Mia was discovered by a piano master and became his last disciple.Since then, she and Mia have been two worlds apart.After that, Nina had never seen Mia again.But even so, she could tell that the woman in front of her was not Mia.“Young Master Smith, that’s an old story. Mia and I…”“Darling.”Immediately, Maria gently shook Charles' arm
Maria POV:At that moment, my phone suddenly buzzed. My tense heart jumped to my throat. I quickly took out my phone without even looking at the caller ID, I hung up the call and stared nervously at Old Master Smith. Old Master Smith Held the marriage certificate and examined it front and back. He touched it lovely as if it was his own marriage certificate. The smile in his eyes was so intense that it could overflow.“Great! This is great! My grandson is finally married and has a wife.” He said joyfully.After that, he slowly opened the certificate…I was so nervous that my eyes almost popped out. At that moment, my phone rang again.I wasn’t in the mood to answer the call, so I directly pressed the side button to silence the phone. Then I widened my eyes anxiously and stared at Old Master Smith flipping to the side with photos.I just felt like entering the ground. I felt doomed.My heart tightened. I almost collapsed to the ground, sweating and feeling cold at the same time. I had
Is this really for me or for Mia?********************************************Please note that the story will continue in Third person POV from now on.**********************************************Third person POV:Today, Maria was mentally exhausted. She had never felt so tired in her life.When she returned home, she kicked her slippers off and collapsed on the bed.Charles walked in and saw her lying on the bed in various positions. He threw his suit jacket onto the sofa, took his pajamas and went into the bathroom.In no time, he came out, wearing pajamas with a slightly open collar, revealing his enticing collarbone and well-defined chest muscles. Even if Maria couldn’t see the lower part, she could imagine his unbelievably perfect figure.No! She shook her head slightly.Maria sat up from the bed, looking at Charles walking towards the bedside. She nervously asked, “You’re sleeping here?”Charles glanced at her sideways. “If not, where will I sleep?”Maria stared at him shoc
Next Time, I Will Make You Suffer More!**************************A sudden storm was brewing in Charles' previously tranquil eyes. Maria widened her eyes in fear, not knowing what she had done to offend him.Maria just saw him walking towards her step by step with a cold face. She immediately retreated in horror. “Charles, w-what are you doing?”Charles immediately increased his speed. Maria continuously backed away until her body hit the iron door behind her, leaving her with no way to retreat anymore.With a ‘slap’, Charles puts his arms forcefully beside Maria’s ears, trapping her body between himself and the iron door.He looked at her with a serious eyes.Maria swallowed hard, “Charles…”“Dare you to call my name?”Maria quickly change her words, “darling…”Looking at his cold face, she felt a bit wronged. “What did I do to make you upset?”Everything was just fine then.A sinister curve appeared on Charles thin lips. Her pink cherry-like lips were opening and closing, shining i
God! What Did I Just See?**********************************At 9:55pm, on the most remote Deer Bend Lane in California city.Because it was in the outskirts and the road was a mountain path, there were usually few people here, and it was the favorite place for street racers in California city.A man dressed in luxury brands from head to toe, sat slanted on the front of the car and impatiently asked Sam, “Didn’t you say someone else was coming to challenge me? Where is he?”Sam was scared and sweating profusely. They had agreed on 10 pm with Summer. Why hadn’t she arrived yet?Could she have gone to borrow a car at the last minute?He walked up and smiled, nodding and bowing, “Young Master Warren, there are still a few minutes left. Please wait a little bit longer…”“Fu@k!”Young Master Warren jumped off the car and kicked Sam’s leg, “Make me wait for him? Such a big air he put on. Is he trying to get on my nerves?”Sam was forced to take several steps back from the kick and barely ma
Which Young Master Smith??*********************************Maria’s heart sank immediately. She didn’t expect that Young Master Warren could be so shameless.Sam was so scared that his legs became weak. He grabbed Maria’s hand as his legs started shaking. “Summer, what should we do?”“Young Master Warren!”Maria pulled Sam behind her and stood in front of Young Master Warren, slightly raising her chin, defiantly locking eyes with him.“Can’t you handle losing?”Young Master Warren smirked and laughed with a lot of disdain, “Ha-ah-ah…, young girl, when I was out there making a name for myself, you were still cuddling in your mother’s arms. Your provocation is useless to me! Don’t try to struggle. Be my girl. I can give you a lot of whatever you want.”After saying this, he waved his hand towards his men. Those men, looking like wolves seeing a little white rabbit, smirked and walked towards Maria.Even in this situation, Maria did not show any panic on her face. She looked at Young Ma
Can You Blame Me For Not Telling You In Advance?********************************Charles stood by the car door, his deep gaze looking towards Maria. When he saw Young Master Warren’s fat hand grabbing Maria’s wrist, he got mad in an instant.He raised his hand and gently waved it towards Young Master Warren’s direction. The group of men dressed in black behind him immediately ran aggressively towards Young Master Warren and his gang.Young Master Warren was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped to the ground. The men beside him were even more terrified with their legs trembling.Of all the people to come, why did it have to be Charles, the new noble of San Diego!This was going to be a death sentence!Young Master Warren, like a cat with its tail stepped on, let go of Maria and jumped up to run.Maria only felt a gust of wind passing by her, then she heard the cries of Young Master Warren and his people.“Ah…it hurts! Be gentle, please!”“Don’t hit me. Don’t hit me. I won’t run…”Yo
Everyone Knows That Mia is Your Wife, Not Me!*******************************The car entered the villa. Charles grabbed Maria’s hand and rushed into the bathroom, then pushed her in.“Remove it!”Maria looked at her face in the mirror. She thought that Charles probably did not like the look. After all, Mia had always been elegant and noble, while she dressed like a thug, which was unacceptable in Charles' eyes.“Okay.”Maria picked up the makeup remover and slowly removed her makeup. After washing her face, she turned around and looked at Charles without any makeup, “I’m done washing.”Charles gritted his teeth fiercely. Immediately, he grabbed Maria’s hand, placing it under the faucet and rinsed it with water. He then applied hand soap and continued to wash Maria’s hands repeatedly.Maria stared at him blankly because she realized that Charles was washing the spot where Young Master Warren had grabbed her.He made her wash it. Could it be that he did not want her to remove her makeu