Chapter 37
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her nonsense. Joseph remained silent as he processed what Tina was saying. I knew he was falling for it, just as he always had. There was nothing Tina could say and do that Joseph wouldn’t buy.
“Anna, please,” Joseph said again; his voice sounding soft and broken. “She needs your help. She’s going to die.”
I stared at the blood that was bright red in her cars and dripping down her face. It didn’t even look like real blood; if I had thought for a moment that Tina was about to lose her life, of course, I would help her. But I didn’t trust her. I saw the test results with my own eyes. She was completely fine; it was time for everyone else to see her lies unfolding as well.
I stepped closer to them; careful to not get “blood” on my dress. I bent down and stared at Tina, so I was at eye level with her. I didn’t let emotions cross my face; she looked almost nervous.
“I’m done with your lies, Tina,” I muttered to her.
I heard some gasps from the crowd around us; they were shocked that I could be so heartless and cold toward someone who is unwell.
I poked my finger in the blood that ran down her face. Joseph stared at me silently, unsure of what I was doing. I brought the blood to my lips and his eyes widened in shock as I licked my finger.
Just as I thought; it was runny ketchup.
I stood up and stared down at her; she had tears in her eyes as she realized that I uncovered the truth about her lie.
“It isn’t real,” I told them firmly. “It’s just ketchup. She’s fine.”
There were some chuckles in the crowd, and then there were some dirty looks toward Tina as the crowd dispersed from around them.
Joseph helped Tina to her feet and her face was bright red. Obviously, she didn’t think I was going to put her on the spot like this. She was used to me being quiet and reserved; but not anymore. I was done being the quiet girl who took a beating.
Rita was by my side quickly; I could feel her anger and her face was fuming with redness. She was a strong and fierce grammar warrior, so I knew she’d be able to fight if needed. I just hoped it wouldn’t come to that in the middle of Merida’s fashion show.
“I already called security,” Rita hissed. “They’ll escort you off this property.”
“You can’t kick us out!” Ella hissed. “We paid for our tickets like everyone else here.”
“Everyone else here isn’t making a scene like you are,” Rita said in return. “You aren’t to return to this fashion show.”
“I am a VIP member of this brand. You should be treating me with respect and like a valued customer,” Ella barked.
I wanted to laugh in her face; if only she knew the clothes she loved so much and most of her wardrobe, I designed.
“Excuse me?” Merida said, stepping through the crowd. Ella’s eyes widened and her body stiffened. “Only ones who respect my fashion designer will be respected as valued customers.”
Ella and Tina looked at one another confused before turning to me.
“Fashion designer?” Tina asked, staring at me, dumbfounded.
“That’s right, Anna designs the clothing while Merida creates them,” Rita told her, her voice cold.
“She’s also a huge shareholder,” another person from Merida’s staff said. “We wouldn’t be as big as we are without her. If she doesn’t want you here, then you need to leave and not return.”
I felt almost embarrassed by the attention; everyone was staring at me stunned. Ella and Tina looked especially stunned.
I realized at that moment that both Ella and Tina were wearing clothes that I had designed myself. I shouldn’t have been surprised; they were always wearing the clothing I designed, even while I was married to Joseph. They could never think that someone as simple as me would be able to create such high–end and elegant clothing.
Joseph’s face fell slightly as he continued to stare at me; I was trying hard to not make any eye contact with him. Alice was already in enough pain with him present; I didn’t want to make things worse.
The security guards arrived shortly after; they were already grabbing onto Tina and Ella, ready to escort them off the property.
1/2
“This won’t be the last you hear from me,” Ella hissed as she was guided away.
I rolled my eyes again; I already knew it wasn’t going to be the last I heard from her. At that point, I didn’t really care. I just wanted to get on with the show. I turned to walk back toward the runway, but Joseph’s hand gently grabbed my arm and stopped me.
My skin tingled under his touch, and I quickly pulled my arm away from him.
“Leave,” I told him firmly. “I want nothing to do with you.”
“I need to apologize,” he said softly. “I had no idea…” he tried to explain.
“I don’t want to hear it. Leave.”
