A Marriage of His Convenience

h no one really knew the depths of their wealth. You see, the circle of elites in Seawood accepted them because it was obvious they had wealth, but did not acxep

nurses would carefully monitor the room. Marissa lovingly chided her father that they were almost 2

in the morning. The TV showed some courtroom dr

addie

id nothing. Anna lifted her head

it all. Anna begged until Marissa relented, "Okay. Please be gent

don't understand.

ated briefly,

er sore eyes,

ained enough, but Anna

way. Maddie is

"Maddison is som

ferent. Sure it's only been a fe

ly about my friends. I really don't know. I do know someone sent those pictures to Honor to ruin M

who. Anna glanced at M

ou can't say that because of what she said in the

ne until they found the clip. The serene Faith smiling at the

he does look ...

e she's trying to not appea

a better look and quickly gave up, "Let's sa

o Judy tidying up the room. Marissa had already left and it was morning. Anna slowly sat up and looked around. The Hospi

d to you was awful. I can't imagine. But... yes. T

r phone ping. Maddie's unique tone chimed. Anna instantly was on her feet fumbling for her phone. Dozens and

straight for Maddie's text. The

this is selfish but I need .my fri

support. She would be there for Maddie no matter what. After res

e that's the

ted, "No.

ed daughter in all things except the Baileys. It

Anna barely greeted the doorman who recognized her. She didn't marvel at the opulence around her. She rode the private elevator, wringing her hands with anxiety

rything had been planned out so perfectly. Maddie explained they had planned the whole event, Jaxon and her. Th

ause of Maddie's upset. Maddie explained how Jaxon had worked for weeks and weeks. How it was supposed to be a surprise for Anna... and how it was

e left her without another word and wasn't answering her calls or texts. Honor's entire family had not been seen since. Anna w

uld sob that she didn't. But Anna knew someone who did. Anna asked, "

ment!" Maddie's shoulders quaked with despair. Anna peered a

have been taken from. With all the super sleuthing young women could do it was a matter of mere minutes (wit

have seen into the room, "Maybe they too

you? I should have known it would have been too much for you. I knew if I didn't help, Jaxon is stupid and probably w

o I'm fine. Listen. I think this is Faith'

's sis

t Maddie down to tell her everything, "

Anna continued about the entire night. About Marissa and Faith in the powder toom. She told Maddie about wha

wkward silence as Anna soaked Jaxon, and Maddie broke down as Honor walked away. It was after

na had seen this before in her best friend. For all of Maddie's wonderful qualities An

a new car. Several girls were out taking photos with it. Maddie saw them and demanded they stop, that was her car. They didn't li

wing year. Anna hasn't been able to go to the dance, but heard tales even years later at the cruelty Maddie brought down upon them. Maddie explained the

own. But like a switch, the grit of teeth and grimace of Maddie's face

ted. Anna could only imagine if Maddie did anything over photos with

u're right she did this. " Maddie turned and once again her expression changed. Maddie gather

Anna's form from the previous night unconscious and covered in hig

lly cheat on you or did she

ylan said. Maddie looked doubtful at the incredulous wor

Dylan. He talks to them but the

know why Jaxon is friends wi

Which is why I can't

than Jaxon's but the similarity was strong. Same beautiful brown hair. Same deathless whiskey brown eyes. Though white, her skin carried a natural sort of glow. Maddie br

ually believe

I've always had a crush on Jack. I... I thought things

hat for years she watched Jaxon wine and dine all sorts of women. When he asked her she thought he was joking. Yet he wouldn't refuse. He'd take her hand when they went out. Texted her sometimes

iked him. She tried to explain it all. How he never seemed to be wowed when she looked smoking hot, or how he didn't seem to be interested in spending time w

ell you what. I'll just go find out. You're going to make yourself sick again. You know.

m in the car and he pretend

o do something stupid then of course he'd deny

"What if you saw

ld never. He's devoted to me. My broth

phone facing the camera a smile on her lips. Anna gasped. On Maddie's top of the line screen she could finally see the screen of Faith