SEVEN

My heart skipped a beat as I heard the door open. Mateo returned, and I was ready to put my plan into action. I gave him my most obnoxious smile, and he arched his brows in inquiry, making me feel uncomfortable about my own behavior.

 "Get dressed. "We're having dinner at my parents'," he nonchalantly stated. His rich voice reverberated in my ears, and for a little while I forgot what my plan was. Before I could respond, he was gone, carrying a suit. 

 The journey to the Mendez family home was silent. You could cut the tension with a knife. As soon as we entered the mansion, Trina wrapped me in her arms.

"How have you been mi amor?" She remarked as she backed away. Her words soothed my worries and reminded me that someone in this frigid area of the globe liked me.

 "Great." I attempted to grin as I spoke. Trina didn't appear to notice as she dragged me into the home.

 "Mateo told me all about your trip to Bali and I'm so jealous." She pouted. My neck almost broke as I turned to face Mateo. He had shut me up in the penthouse and told his mother falsehoods. His steely look made it apparent that if I told the truth, there would be consequences. Perhaps the divorce will happen quickly.

 "Bali?" I asked, and I watched his gaze settled to utter blankness.

"Yes, Bali." Trina answered with her brow wrinkled.

 I chuckled before shaking my head, "Forgive me, I must've left my head at the beach house." Trina laughed out in agreement, and I knew Mateo would have my head on a platter.

 As the night wore on, I felt like a prisoner on exhibit. Augusto's questioning searched for flaws, and Mateo's quiet appeared to prove his indifference. I attempted to maintain my calm, but the stress was unbearable. Trina attempted to keep the atmosphere lively but was unsuccessful. Dinner was complete torture.

 When supper was finally over, I exhaled a sigh of relief. Mateo hauled me inside the penthouse by my arm. I attempted to squirm out of his hold, but it was too tight. 

"What were you trying to prove?" He spat.

 "Prove? I'd appreciate it if you'd told me about the lying. I responded.

 "Informed." He chuckled grimly. "In case you forgot, this isn't supposed to happen, so don't try my patience. "I can get you out of here in a second."

 That was the plan.

 "Be man enough to tell your mother the truth about what a douche you are. "Keeping your wife locked in a penthouse for more than two months!" My voice rose. I prayed he wasn't abusive because the way the veins in his neck burst made me fear for my face. The vases near us collapsed in seconds, leaving nothing but fragments.

"This will be the last time you talk to me like that." He shouted and stormed out of the home.

 I took a nervous breath and strolled to the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the the city skyline. The lights sparkled like diamonds, but my heart felt drab and gloomy. I should be delighted that I had obtained a ride from him, but my heart was sad.

 The remainder of the evening was a blur. I went through the motions, appearing to be an ideal wife. But within, I was filled with rage and anguish. As I went through the apartment, feeling like a ghost haunting my own life, I heard a tap on the door. It was Victor, Mateo Mendez's bodyguard.

"Mrs. Mendez," he continued, his voice forceful yet courteous. "Mr. Mendez has instructed me to inform you that we will be moving to his estate in the Hamptons, effective immediately."

My heart fell. What about the Hamptons? That meant even greater isolation and imprisonment. I felt like I was being wiped, as if I were vanishing into Mateo's universe without a trace.

"When do we leave?" I inquired, my tone barely above a whisper.

"Today, madam. "The car is waiting downstairs."

I nodded, a sensation of despair sweeping over me. I had no choice or say in the issue. I was merely a pawn in Mateo's game, which I did not comprehend.

As I followed Victor out of the penthouse, I felt as if I were headed into an indefinite prison term. 

 When we eventually arrived to Mateó's mansion, I remained transfixed in the driveway, my gaze focused on the magnificence before me. The house towered above, its intimidating façade a monument to Mateo's riches and power.

"Mrs. Mendez?" Victor's words shattered the enchantment, and I turned to him, my eyes wide with amazement.

"Where is...Mateo?" I stammered, just above a whisper.

"He'll be home soon, ma'am," Victor responded, his manner bland. "He had some business to attend to in the city, but he'll join you shortly."

I nodded, still looking up at the mansion. I wondered whether this home was going to be the end for me.