The Convenient Wedding: a contemporary romance (The Rosa Legacy Book 3) (8 page)

Anderson faced her and squared his shoulders. He reached out and tilted her chin up so she had to look into his eyes. “No. There will be a constant parade of staff through our home. We need to give everyone around us the impression that this is a real marriage.”

Lucia could see the determination in his eyes and knew instinctively he would not back down.

Moving away from him, she could still feel the tension vibrating between them. She would have to either distance herself emotionally and give in to his demands or be ready to go to battle. She folded her arms across her chest and again repeated a silent pledge vowing to not let him control every aspect of her life. She armed herself with the memory of their wedding night and his callous. Lucia knew he would walk away when she no longer suited his purposes and she was going to make sure her emotions were intact.

She straightened her spine and faced him fully. “You can’t control me. I was forced into this fake marriage but I’ll not bow down to your every command.”

Anderson adjusted his tie. “Are you purposely baiting me?” 

Instead of trying to diffuse the confrontation, Lucia was beyond self-protection or logic and taunted him further. “Yes, I am. You can’t dictate to me.” Her voice had risen and she could feel the blood pounding throughout her body as her anger and resentment increased tenfold. Having to play such a fake part of loving wife, having her life turned upside down and being left in virtual solitude left her resentful and angry.

Anderson placed his hands on her hips, “Fight me all you want in private but to the outside world you are my adoring wife and I naturally worship the ground that you walk on.” He emphasized his words by lightly kissing her neck.

Lucia pushed him away from her and said “I’m beginning to despise you.”

“There is a thin line between love and hate, bella.” Anderson said as he mocked her by touching where he had just kissed her neck.

Lucia could hear the seduction in his statement and said “Not for me. There is a wide gaping barrier between love and hate.” But even as she denied the attracted between them she could feel his desire and was drawn to him. Crossing her arms in attempt to shield herself, she silently pledged she would not let herself give in to his charm.

“I’ll leave you to your philosophizing. We have a fundraising dinner at 7 pm. I will send the car for you at 6:30.”

He walked away from her. Feeling strangely adrift with the day looming ahead, she decided to make a list of tasks.

She spent a few hours sorting out her belongings that had been neatly packed in boxes and stored in one of the guest rooms. She fully explored the loft. When she turned on the local news at five o’clock, she was stunned to see her picture on the screen. They were replaying a clip from earlier in the day when she had gotten off the plane. It was odd to see herself on television. She had been to countless interviews when CEOs or politicians were being interviewed but never thought she would be on the receiving end of the camera.

She didn’t look happy. Aloof or bewildered but not particularly joyous or in love. Anderson looked like a natural, relaxed and confident in front of the cameras. She began to feel violated when the news people began speculating on her recent marriage and whether Anderson’s young bride would stand up to the pressure of the campaign trail.

Lucia used the remote to switch off the news. She began pacing the room and in agitation thought how dare they pick her apart. Six months to the election seemed like an eternity. She was prepared to work hard for his campaign if she was hired but now that she was his wife, she had no idea how to become involved.

The idea of their marriage being under scrutiny made her apprehensive. How could they present the image of a happy couple for six months? Many of the politicians she had met were self-absorbed and superficial, she had no desire to emulate their lifestyle.

But that was what she was becoming, a glossy image instead of a real person. She was expected to portray a certain image for Anderson. Success? A beautiful wife? What did Anderson see that he wanted to project to the public? Maybe it was the connection to a well-known political family that motivated him.

The phone rang and interrupted her thoughts but she decided to let it go to voicemail. It was almost six o’clock and she should get ready for the evening. As she was drying her hair, she decided to make the best of the situation. Her role had changed but Anderson did need her help with the campaign.

Lucia dressed in one of the gowns Francine had chosen for her. It was an elegant white silk gown that left her shoulders and back exposed while clinging to her hips and falling just below her knees. Looking at her reflection, she realized her honeymoon had provided her with a light tan and an opportunity to exercise that only served to enhance her look. Instead of feasting on rich dinners by candlelight, she went for long runs on the beach and spent time swimming in the ocean.

Lucia walked downstairs and collected her keys from the table in the foyer just as Anderson opened the front door. He was already dressed in black tie attire and showered. Lucia wondered where he had gotten ready for tonight.

“Have you had a peaceful day?”

She picked up her small evening bag. “Yes, thank you. And yours?” 

He held her gaze for a moment. “Fine. I tried calling you.”

A heat spread throughout her body and she looked away. “I wasn’t sure if I should answer the phone.”

Anderson slipped his phone and keys into his pocket. “The number here is private and you should feel free to answer it.” 

“Nervous?” His voice was low and held a fraction of concern.

“Should I be?” She followed him to the door.

He smiled and opened the door. “No. Just relax and be yourself. This evening is for my supporters so you will find many friendly faces among the crowd including my father.”

She hated walking into an event blank. Researching every aspect of an event and knowing the timing and possible outcomes was her strength. She would need to talk with his campaign team. Anderson had the ability to draw in the crowd and make each person think that he was interested in their ideas. 

“Tomorrow morning, Marissa would like to meet with you to discuss upcoming election events. She has suggested hiring a press secretary to help manage your schedule.” Anderson explained.

“I can manage my own schedule.” She wouldn’t sit by and let someone else dictate her appearances.

“We can discuss it tomorrow.” 

Taking the elevator to the main level, Anderson escorted her outside to a waiting limousine. A driver opened the door and she slid into the luxurious leather seat.

“Even though we are among friends tonight, I expect your loyalty.” 

Lucia turned to him and said, “What does that mean exactly? Do you want me to stay glued to your side holding up a Go Anderson sign?”

He placed his hand on her upper thigh, saying “To the outside world, we are a happily married couple and any issues between us need to remain private.”

The memory of their wedding night surfaced in her thoughts and she said, “If they knew the truth then they would realize I find the great Anderson Adams repulsive.”

“Be careful, bella. I could make you eat those words.”

Anderson leaned closer and effortlessly pulled her into his arms. She was conscious of the small window that separated them from the driver and said, “Please don’t.”

His eyes searched her flushed face for a clue about her thoughts. Lucia held his gaze and lost the ability to even take a breath. For a fleeting moment, she thought this is what it feels like to be trapped. Her body began to soften and Anderson positioned her head and lowered his mouth to capture her lips. She expected a slow seductive kiss that would gently persuade her to open her mouth to him but instead she received a strong, passionate kiss meant to prove her wrong.

Anderson placed her back against the seat and said “We’ve arrived.”

Lucia hadn’t even felt the limousine stop in front of the grand hotel. Anderson held her hand as he got out of the car and pulled her forward into a frenzy of journalists taking pictures and asking questions.

Lucia’s cheeks were flushed and she felt disoriented. Keeping pace with Anderson, she tried to relax and smile but she was still shaken from the kiss. For a moment, she had wanted to reach out to him but then she felt overwhelmed by his intense kiss.

Making their way into the dinner, many people gave their congratulations. Lucia felt false on the inside. Even though everyone seemed thrilled and enchanted by their seemingly fairytale courtship, she knew the real story. She bitterly thought in real life she presented a good image for the fair-haired candidate.

Once inside, Anderson left Lucia with Arthur while he worked the room.

“Hello, my darling. You look beautiful tonight.” greeted Arthur.

Lucia smiled up at him. “It is good to see you.”

She kissed his cheek. Normally she was so reserved but Arthur had been so kind and welcoming that she genuinely bonded with him.

“Would you like to dance?” Arthur asked her.

Lucia didn’t have the heart to decline so she said, “I would love to dance.”

After a few dances, Arthur whispered to her, “staff is circling trying to catch your eye so apparently you are needed.”

Arthur walked her over to Brian Gallagher.

“Lucia, how are you?” Brian greeted her.

“Fine. And you?” 

“Busy of course. We will need to pull you into the campaign.”

Just as Lucia was trying to formulate a coherent response, Anderson appeared at her side and said “We will discuss this tomorrow.” His tone was both directive and dismissive so Brian merely nodded his acceptance.

“Shall we dance?” Anderson asked her. It reminded her of dancing the first night they had met.

Lucia held herself rigidly as Anderson gathered her into his arms. Anderson seemed impervious to her reluctance and he ran his hand down her back pulling her closer.

“Why the resistance, bella?” he whispered into her neck.

“Shouldn’t you be impressing some supporter at the moment?” 

“I certainly wouldn’t want to neglect my wife, would I?” 

When the music changed, Anderson took her hand and murmured “Let’s say our goodbyes.”

Lucia wondered if this was another orchestrated exit, leaving everyone with the impression that the newlyweds wanted to be alone.

Lucia smiled politely while Anderson said his farewell to each table. People followed them out to the waiting limousine to have one last moment with him. Most wanted a photograph or had a word of encouragement for him.

When they were safely on their way, Anderson leaned back and closed his eyes for a moment. Lucia thought he must be exhausted. He was under intense pressure to succeed. Many people tonight had given sizable contributions to his campaign and expected a victory.

Lucia was expecting another showdown about their sleeping arrangements but Anderson simply said, “Sleep well” at the bottom of the floating staircase and headed for the office.

Lucia bit her lower lip. Turning she held onto the banister and moved quickly up the stairs. She sternly reminded herself that it was better he respected her space. She went upstairs and turned on the news. The local station had nothing to report that wasn’t related to politics. Lucia switched the channel to a movie and tried to unwind. At least two hours had slipped by and Anderson hadn’t come upstairs.

Lucia showered and put on a pajamas tank top and long flowing pajamas pants. Looking at the massive bed, she decided she would sleep on the sofa in the adjoining media room. She searched the upstairs closets and draws looking for extra bedding and came across an unusual photograph in an armoire. It was a framed black and white photograph of Anderson kissing a woman. Lucia studied the picture, she thought how unusual for Anderson to be so carefree to allow a photographer to capture such a private moment. She was sure the picture was taken in the Far East several years ago. Then she remembered a comment by a distant relative at the wedding that suddenly made sense. The woman had congratulated Lucia and said that she was glad Anderson was finally over his obsession in Hong Kong. Lucia carefully returned the picture and closed the armoire. The extra sheets and bedding were in another closet and Lucia made a bed for herself on the small couch. 

Lucia glanced around the media room for a clock. It had to be early. The room had no windows making it ideal for viewing a film and sleeping. The sun was streaming in the windows elsewhere in the loft apartment so light was softly diffused throughout the space. Gathering the soft blanket around her, she wondered at what point Anderson went to bed and if he was up yet.

It was a Sunday so Anderson probably had an event to attend. Was it possible he already left for the day?

Anderson emerged from behind the privacy wall carrying two cups of coffee. Lucia murmured a thank you as she took the mug from him and took a tentative sip. It was a delicious blend of espresso and cream with just enough sugar.

“The staff will be here in about forty-five minutes.”

Anderson perched on a nearby chair and took a sip of coffee. He was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and red striped tie. 

“What is on the agenda for today?”

Anderson met her gaze. “Brian, Marissa and a few support staff are coming here to discuss the strategy for the coming week. This afternoon, we have a few local appearances.”

Lucia wished she was dressed properly. “I’m hoping to work on the public relations aspects of the campaign.” 

He nodded. “Your role is somewhat different now. As my wife, I need you to be able to attend events and gatherings so you won’t have enough time to coordinate all of the PR elements. But you can certainly weigh in on different ideas or strategies.”

She was surprised that he was so open and willing to consider her involvement. She decided to raise her other concern, “The staff seemed quite put out by our sudden courtship.”

Anderson stood up and said, “You shouldn’t worry about their reaction. They are professionals who work for my campaign so they will adjust.”

“But Anderson…” It was awkward to start working in the campaign after a whirlwind courtship.

“Don’t overthink it, bella. They will adjust.” Anderson left her to get ready for the day.

After a rushed shower, she looked through her wardrobe for something suitable. Finding an ivory crepe dress with a black beaded neckline, she got ready and headed downstairs.  

When the doorbell rang, she opened the door for Brian, Marissa and their assistants.

Anderson came up behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder as she greeted everyone.

Marissa spoke first. “You are certainly the picture of the happy homemaker.”

Lucia felt her skin bristle at the obvious putdown but smiled and said, “I’m not sure what you mean by homemaker.”

“You seemed to have gone from wanting a PR position to candidate’s wife with amazing speed.” Marissa smiled when delivering her insult.

Anderson interrupted the exchange, “A lot has happened in a short period of time. I suggest we start by talking about the schedule. Why don’t we head to my office?”

They all headed for the conference room at the back of the loft. She took a seat to Anderson’s right at the conference table.

The staff began discussing Anderson’s schedule for the week. It seemed every minute of every day was filled with speeches, grand openings and fundraising events. Lucia wondered how she was going to survive the next few months.

Marissa was in the middle of discussing expanding fundraising activities when Anderson cut her off, “Marissa, you know mornings are off limits during the work week. My company has several architectural projects underway.”

Marissa nearly purred when she attempted to cajole Anderson with, “You need to be reasonable and make more time available. If you want to win this election, it can be done in a part-time way.” 

“Marissa, nearly every waking moment is scheduled and I will not completely give up running my company to satisfy every request.”

Marissa persisted, “Anderson, you need to give the campaign 110% if you expect to win. Many generous supporters have donated with the expectation that you will do whatever it takes to win.”

“I do intend to win but on my own terms.” 

When Brian attempted to change the subject, Marissa stood up and said, “I think everyone should take a coffee break so Anderson and I can have a moment alone.” Her eyes were locked on Anderson.

Brian took Lucia’s arm and said, “Come with me. They need a few minutes.” Instead of going to the dining room, Brian guided Lucia to one of the open bedrooms.

Brian murmured to her in a kind voice, “How are you holding up? I’m worried that this it too much for you.”

Lucia reassured him, “I’m fine, really. The schedule does seem a little overwhelming – Marissa doesn’t want to allow for any down time.” 

“Don’t worry about Marissa, she is a type A personality all the way and she was a vested interest in Anderson succeeding. However, she didn’t see the fairytale courtship coming and that has her a little thrown so I would tread carefully around her. But I know she is confident in Anderson’s affections so it should all work out…”

Lucia moved away from Brian. Keeping a neutral tone to her voice, she asked “What do you mean, a close friendship?”

Brain lowered his gaze, “Lucia, Anderson must have told you about his involvement with Marissa. They need to be more discreet then before …” Brian trailed off.

Lucia could feel her heart plummet but tried to hide her distress. Instead of acting surprised, she became quite still and forced a smile on her lips.

“I thought it would have ended for now so as not to cause embarrassment.” Lucia carefully said.

“Personally, I think that they should cool it during the campaign as they need to be together all the time and it could get quite volatile. But Anderson doesn’t take direction well and he can be stubborn.”

Lucia nodded and folded her arms as she began to wonder how she was going to get though the campaign unscathed. Why would Anderson marry her if he was having an affair with Marissa? Was there something in her background that would reflect negatively on his campaign?  

“Lucia, if you ever need to talk or vent, just come to me.” Brian told her as he gave her a crooked smile that reminded her of a small boy hopeful for some attention.

“Thank you.” It didn’t matter how approachable Brian was, she would not just toss aside her pride and let others know how mortified she was. Lucia thought to be used was one thing but to blatantly be used and to be forced to live a complete and utter lie was another. 

The conference room door opened, she heard Marissa laugh saying, “You will have me and only me to thank when you win this election.”

Marissa paused at the spare bedroom that she was in with Brian and said, “Having a private tete-a-tete, Brian?” in an insinuating tone.

Anderson was behind her and shot Lucia a questioning look. Lucia held his gaze defiantly and merely said, “Maybe” and she walked out of the room with her head held high.

The remainder of the day passed in a blur. Shortly before noon they all climbed onto the campaign bus and made several stops at local events then attended a fundraising dinner. A car drove them back to the loft at nine o’clock. 

Lucia started stacking up newspapers and discarding the leftover breakfast food.

“Leave it. The cleaning service will be in tomorrow.”

She could feel the tension of the day radiating through her back and shoulders. She needed to escape. Maybe she should go for a run. Considering the idea, she thought about the commercial neighborhood and realized she would need to map out a route during the daylight.

Anderson open a bottle of wine and poured them both a glass. 

“There are a few things we should discuss.” Anderson handed her the wine glass.

Lucia’s stomach clenched and a shiver of apprehension glided over her. He led her over to a sitting area at the far end of the loft, she placed her glass on the coffee table and sat on a modern gray sofa. 

She stilled her body and looked at Anderson. Even after a long day of planning sessions and exhaustive debates on how to proceed with the campaign, he looked energized. He sipped his wine, casually leaning on the bank of windows and studied her. He had effectively cut off her view of the night and instead positioned himself as her sole focus.

Lucia thought for a fleeting moment that it was hard to resist his charm. His physical appeal did not solely rest on his classic good looks but it was the combination of his intensity and intelligence that shaped his attraction. She despised the fact that she continued to be attracted to him even though she knew he was having an affair with Marissa.

“You let them intimidate you today.” It was an accusation and he was waiting for her to defend herself. He was right, his top aides were in a league of their own. As a group they were bright, experienced and ready to go to battle. Lucia stayed on the periphery and acquiesced to their demands. Anger infiltrated her body. How could she possibly hold her own with them? They must know that she had been tricked into playing the role of his wife while he continued an affair with Marissa.

When she made no attempt to respond, he said, “If you intend to work on the campaign then you will need to hold your own with them.”

His criticism stung and she said, “You have put me in an unworkable position.” Lucia thought of the role that she was forced to play. She was Anderson’s showcase wife who didn’t hold his interest and certainly not his heart. Instead of anger, the reflections filled her with bitterness.

He stepped closer to her. “A few weeks ago, you were ready to take on the world. You were full of ideas and enthusiasm, ready to learn the ropes, what has changed?”

Lucia could no longer endure his scrutiny, she stood up and looked out the windows. “Maybe if I weren’t put in such an awkward position I would find it easier to contribute to the campaign.”

When they divorced, everyone would know the truth behind her marriage. Lucia could feel fear replacing her earlier bitterness and the need to escape the loft and Anderson became overwhelming.

Anderson come up behind her and gently place his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him saying, “Don’t hide your thoughts from me. Tell me what you are thinking – what is bothering you, bella?”

She met his gaze. “I’m tired of this fake marriage and being forced to lie to everyone.” 

He said, “We could make our marriage real.” He slid his hands down to her elbows and drew her forward. Her heart began to race and her mind went blank for a second.

She became fascinated by a look of vulnerability that passed over his face for a fleeting second that was soon replaced with desire. She held herself back. She thought this is the reason people want to vote for him, they are made to feel that their voice is heard and he cares about their problems. But knowing the truth about him and his unfaithfulness, she refused to give into the temptation.

“There is no way to make deceit real.” As the words came out, she knew that they hit their mark.

He was angry. She watched the glittering in his eyes and could feel the muscles tense in his arms.

“Deceit is quite real. I think you mean to say the truth. There is no way to make deceit or lies into the truth.” Anderson corrected her.

He threw her off balance and her natural inclination was to apologize for her rude words but she held back not wanting to give into him.

“I have never lied to you. While our marriage may have started to avoid a scandal – it is everything the media believes and it is quite real.”

Lucia turned away from him. “What about your affair with Marissa? Is that what the media expects?”

There was silence for several seconds. “There is nothing between Marissa and I.”

Lucia moved away from him. Why would Brain lie about an affair? He must know everything that went on in the campaign. “I don’t believe you.”

He caught her arm and turned her toward him. “What gave you such a strange idea? Our families go back a long way but I have never had any interest in her.”

Why couldn’t he just tell her the truth? “She is welcome to you. I just want to survive the next few months then return to my own life.”

He walked away from her. She wanted to call after him but remained silent.

She heard Anderson slam the front door and knew that he was escaping their oppressive marriage, probably going to Marissa. The last thought made her even angrier. Why would he lie to her so blatantly?

He wasn’t the only one who could escape their oppressive marriage. She changed to her running clothes and went downstairs.

Gliding past the uniformed guard, she said, “See you in forty-five minutes.” 

Stepping out onto the sidewalk, the night air surrounded her. She began running towards a nearby college campus. She debated in her mind whether in was safer to run on the street or if the college would be a safer bet. The area surrounding Anderson’s building was mostly a business district and was deserted on a Sunday evening. She pushed herself to sprint to burn off her negative emotions and built-up stress.

The rhythmic sound of her feet hitting the pavement calmed her. She propelled herself forward and enjoyed the physical challenge. Lucia made it to the college campus and decided to run the perimeter as the trees gave her some shelter.

After several minutes, she broke a sweat and could feel the tension evaporating from her body. Lucia reminded herself that she needed to make more time for exercise to help counteract the fast pace of the campaign.