Page 103 of Secrets, Lies and Love

It’s not the first time we’ve had to go through a paparazzi tunnel at an event, and this is all part of an exposure plan by the Kostanidis press officers so that reporters get used to our relationship and don’t chase us every time we go out for dinner.

It’s almost like saturating them with appearances of the two of us together so that, in the end, they lose interest.

The only time Dionysus categorically refused was when one of the advisors wanted photos of the two of us with Joseph. I’m also against exposing children, of course, but I asked him why there was never a photo of his son in the newspaper.

It was then that he told me that, despite believing that Keith had no relatives, he didn’t want to run the risk of someone emerging who would notice his resemblance to his biological father and thus ask for custody.

I went to the bathroom and cried, knowing that the clock of life is ticking, shortening my deadline more and more, to tell the truth.

I hide my face in his chest, feeling overwhelmed by the excess attention on our lives.

“Today is the last day,gape mou. We will soon release a press release about the engagement, and then we will no longer need to go out in public.”

“I don’t know why they’re so interested in our lives,” I say once we’re inside. “What concern is it of theirs?”

We finally settle down at the table in the party room. We’ve come to a charity event, and it’s the first time since Madison’s wedding that I’ve worn a long dress. I feel like a Hollywood actress on Oscar night. Both because of the luxury of the reception and because I’m actually playing a role.

Procrastinating revealing the truth is draining all my strength.

“I don’t understand either, but it’s been like this since I was a child. I’ve gotten used to it. However, I will protect you and Joseph as much as possible.”

I remember that at the time of Sue’s death, the newspapers unearthed the tragedy of her first marriage and “abusive relationship” with Keith. She was portrayed as a suffering youngwoman who, after having a second chance at happiness, lost her life tragically.

Jesus, they have no idea of the evil that was inside that woman.

I’m in a cold sweat, and for the first time, I’m nauseous, but I don’t even think it’s due to pregnancy but rather nervousness.

“I’m going to the bathroom,” I tell him, after smiling at the people around us.

“I’ll follow you.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“I don’t do anything because Ihaveto but because Iwantto, Cecily. I’ll take you there,anghele mou.?*”

* "My angel."

Cecily

CHAPTER FIFTY

When I enter the bathroom,it is empty.

I don’t even feel like using it that much, even though I’ve started peeing more frequently. I read that it is one of the symptoms of pregnancy.

I came, however, to hide. To try to calm myself down.

I can’t even splash water on my face because it will ruin my makeup, so I just take deep breaths, sitting in an armchair next to a full-length mirror.

Someone opens the bathroom door, and I get ready to leave. I don’t want company or witnesses that I left my fiancé in the hallway to stay here, staring into space.

I didn’t even feel like coming to this event. I would much rather have stayed at home with Dionysus and Joseph.

I pass by the person who’s entered with my head down, no desire to be friendly, but I am startled when they grab my arm.

“Well, well, if it isn’t destiny. Do they let nannies go to galas now?”

“Peyton?” I ask, looking at the woman in front of me. I know it’s her from her voice, but her appearance is completely different from the person I knew. She’s unrecognizable.

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