Episode 2

OLIVIA

I woke up in an empty bed, feeling my skin cold as the sheets dripped at the bottom of my feet. 

I sat up, as I rubbed my eyes and looked around the room. Suddenly, I heard the bathroom door creak open and there he was - my husband. The man I hated most in the entire world. 

"Hey, sleepyhead." he smiled as he emerged from the bathroom in nothing but a towel. I stepped down from the bed, feeling irritated. "We've got company waiting for us downstairs." 

I shot him an impatient look as he began to move faster, ignoring my discontent. Time was of the essence and I already knew those waiting for us downstairs. 

"Can you at least finish getting dressed so I can hop in the shower?"

"What's wrong? It's nothing I haven't seen before." he smirked. 

"It's not anything you'll ever see ever again." I countered, as I stared at him. He rolled his eyes, ignoring me. He got dressed rather quickly as I busied myself checking emails on my phone. 

I hated sharing a room with him. 

"Do you know what you're going to say?" 

"You don't need to train me. I've been trained my entire life." I answered with my back turned to him.

"Well, this is going to be a little different. We are married now, and they need to see us as a happy in-love couple."

"Believe me, that's the most difficult part of it." I said through gritted teeth, as I rolled my eyes. 

"What is?" 

"Pretending to be in love with an arrogant, self-centered man like you." he laughed, as he walked around the bed. 

"Don't worry darling, the feeling is mutual here." he picked up his gold watch and slapped it around his wrist before walking out of the room. 

He infuriated me. 

Without further ado, I hopped in the shower and proceeded to get myself ready. The media was always nosey. I wasn't surprised that they had already come this early. 

We had an image to maintain and a united front everyone needed to see. I got dressed quickly and went downstairs. 

Galen was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. The interview was situated in the middle of the living room. I took his hand as I fixed a smile, yet, our whispers to each other were like venom. 

"I can't fucking stand you." 

"Likewise." I answered.

There was tension when we walked into the room. We had an act to put on and we had been trained all our lives. Being the heirs to a billionaire empire meant that our lives were not our own. This whole marriage was a sham and I was married to my worst enemy. The facade was necessary, and we were masters of this game. 

"Long time no see." The interviewer suddenly walked up to us.

~~~~~~~

Galen’s POV

A pang of resentment shot through me when I looked at Ashern. He tried to greet me but I couldn't stand the thought of shaking his hand.

I despised him.

"Always." My forced smile tightened. 

We took our seats as they began firing questions at us like rapid bullets. Good a thing we were prepared. Olivia and I answered mechanically. Keeping up the act and dodging the questions that were too private and personal. She played the part of a supportive partner perfectly. The tension between us was not lost seeing as Ashern was a past friend with keen eyes. 

As the interview reached its end, I noticed a sharp shift in his dominion. 

Ashern's eyes lingered on Olivia for a slight moment. The questions he asked her were meant to entice her into a conversation that did not involve me. 

What was he playing at? 

"So, Mrs Olivia, would you say that you have always been in love with your husband, Galen, your entire life?" Ashern asked and to which Olivia laughed. 

"Not really. We've never really noticed each other until the day we crossed paths." Olivia replied.

I forced a smile when the camera was zoomed on me. 

"And do you plan on repeating past mistakes?" My wife’s face paled as he stared at him. 

"Excuse me?" 

"From your previous interview as a couple at the gala, it was revealed that you once cheated on your Mr Galen a few years ago when you were in a relationship. Do you plan to do the same?" He poised the question, as I was filled with rage. I couldn’t believe he was bringing that up. 

Especially here. 

"Your accusation is vague and honestly insulting," I jumped in when she couldn’t answer. "I love my wife, and what you speak of has never happened." I smiled. 

And then grabbed her hand.

"I see…" Ashern said with a half smile. "But why did Mrs Olivia say that you two met only a few months ago?"

"That’s not what I meant." Olivia interrupted, regaining composure. "My husband and I have been away on school and business. Building our careers while chasing knowledge. We met again a few months ago, and–" She turned to me. "--the spark we once had for each other was kindled again."

I smiled, and kissed the side of her cheek. Ashern seemed a tinge irritated. 

"Very well… So what advice can you give couples who are watching back at home?" 

"I don’t think we’re in quite the place to give advice," She laughed. "Right, Honey?"

"Right." I replied. "We’ve only been married for two days." I joined in her laughter. 

"Well, there might be space to still find love." He said, probably meant as a joke, but I could see through it. 

Ashern delightedly touched my wife's thigh and laughed flirtily. In a split second, I grabbed her arm and pulled her towards me. 

I got up. 

My abrupt movement attracted everyone's attention and the room fell silent. The murmurs from the cameramen intensified as they looked at us. 

"We are done here." I said, and looked at Olivia. "Let's go, my love." she smiled slightly as she nodded her head.

"Still jealous, Galen?" Ashern suddenly called out. "Afraid I’ll steal her from you again?"