Jazzie Zamora is a well-known model in the Philippines. She's rich, beautiful, elegant and has many other qualities that you will admire.

Everyone believes that she has a perfect life, but little did they know that it was the other way around.

Hellish; it's the exact word you can use to describe her life. Being a secret wife of a mafia boss was a dream that turned into a nightmare.

Despite of all those shits happening, will she still choose to stay?

How much can she put up for her ruthless husband?

"Perfect!" Azy, my manager, shouted enthusiastically when the shoot has ended.

I walked towards the dressing room and tiredly sat in front of a vanity mirror, my three PA’s immediately approached me to put some retouch ¾powder here, lipstick there, a typical scene for me as a model.

"Oh my gosh! You're really a definition of perfection, Jazzie," Azy said while standing behind me.

I winced and simply shook my head. I wish if you only know.

"Gorgeous, sexy, rich and other traits that are truly admired by most of the men," he continued while still pointing at my whole being.

I rolled my eyes at him on the mirror and let out a deep breath. "Stop it, Azy. You knew how much I hate it," I uttered, talking about the compliments he gave.

He rolled his eyes at me and flipped his imaginary long hair. "My God! Jazzie. I don't know if you're just being humble or you hate the truth. Alas! If I had that face and body, I wouldn't just flex that on the catwalk, but also at the kitchen, living room or even at the restroom," he said along with his laughter.

"You're pure nonsense, Azy Angelo," I muttered.

Quickly, his face changed then. "Oh my gosh! My ear, oh my gosh!" he acted while covering his ear with his finger.

I laughed sparingly and then picked up my phone that was currently glowing over the vanity mirror.

My face became emotionless when I saw the name on the screen. I lazily swiped up the answer button and put the phone to my ear.

"Are you done?" a cold baritone voice spoke on the line.

"Yeah," I simply answered and signalled my PAs to stop.

They moved away from me and let me sort my things out on my own.

"Jaime will pick you up," he said and then the line ended.

I took a deep breath and hid the phone in my bag. "Do I have a schedule this week?" I asked and looked at Azy on the mirror.

He pouted. "You actually have a project in Paris, but obviously, it seems like you don't want to receive an international photo shoot," he sounded sulky and displeased.

It was not that I do not like it.

"You have so many offers abroad, but you do not want to accept any of them. You are losing so much opportunity, Jazzie," he reminded me.

I forced a smile and zipped up my bag. I walked towards him then gently touched his shoulder.

"I'm really fine here in the Philippines, Azy."

He stared at me and then heaved a sigh. "If that's your decision, I can't do anything else. Your schedule this week is vacant as you requested," he said.

I grimaced again and thanked before finally saying goodbye. Five body guards immediately surrounded me as soon as I exited the building I was in. A few more cameras flashed instantly as I walked towards the car that had sent by the person I was talking earlier.

I was so shocked when I saw an unexpected person inside the car as I got myself in the back seat. I cleared my throat and composed myself while leaning against the seat.

"You really like cameras, huh?" the man beside me spoke.

I avoided rolling my eyes and just looked out of the window where I could see the three paparazzi who had been watching me earlier. Apparently, they can’t see us now because the car window’s tinted.

"I'm a model, Valjerome. It was natural," I reasoned out.

As if you didn't know how much I wanted to be a model since then.

Or maybe...

You just forget.

He did not say a word and signalled his man to start driving. I could feel him leaning back on his seat. I didn't bother to look back at him because I gradually felt tired after two hours of facing the camera earlier.

I was about to close my eyes and took some rest when he spoke again.

"You've got an offer in Paris?" he asked coldly.

I sighed and then idly turned around, he immediately met my eyes.

I no longer wonder how he found out. Knowing him and his connections, nothing is really surprising. I would be even more surprised if he knew nothing about the offers that were given to me.

"Do not worry, I turned down the offer," I replied bitterly.

"Good," he simply said and went back to his position.

I just shook my head and continued what I was about to do earlier¾take a nap.

"Just stay here, you're not leaving. You're not going away," I heard him whispered before I drifted into oblivion.

"MA'AM."

I woke up from a gentle pat on my shoulder. I immediately wandered around and noticed that I was already in my room, at my husband’s house.

That's right, I'm married to the man I was with earlier, Valjerome.

I smiled a little at Manang Fe¾the caretaker of the mansion¾and slowly got up.

"What time is it, Manang?" I politely asked and fixed my robe.

I was stunned for a moment and my cheeks warmed at the thought that Valjerome had dressed me again.

That jerk!

"It was ten o'clock in the evening, hija. Sir Valjerome told me to wake you up for dinner," said Manang.

"Is he still here?" I asked.

We may have been in the same house but we slept separately¾which he himself, decided.

"Yes, he is in his room with—" The old lady stopped and bowed down.

I sighed and tapped the old woman's shoulder. I forced a smile as she looked up at me.

"It was okay, Manang. I'm used to it so you do not have to keep it a secret," I said.

She looked at me in such pity. "Why didn't you just break up with him, hija?" Manang Fe asked me.

I averted my gaze. "Maybe because I love him,” I looked at her and forced a smile when the pity in her eyes doubled. "I can still tolerate it," I added.

Manang Fe sighed then gave me a hug. "May your patience for him have a purpose," she said softly.

Impossible, but I hope so.

"You go down first, I'll follow later," I said as we separate ways.

Manang nodded and did what I have said. For the moment I fixed myself in the mirror, my forehead furrowed when I noticed my make-up on my face was removed. I just shrugged it off thinking that Manang wiped it off because it was impossible for Valjerome to know such things.

All he does is change my clothes.

As I am done with my appearance, I left my room. I was stunned to walk when I came across Valjerome's room. I let out a bitter smile when I heard soft moans from there.

It was not new to me, but I’m still hurt with this situation. It was been more than two years since the two of us got married, two years of enduring him bringing different women here in the mansion. Two years of questioning why this is happening to me, to us. If what kind of a mistake have I ever done in order for him just to hide me as a wife, but until now the answer remains blank.

I was back in my sense when his door suddenly opened. He stood and stared at me seriously while wearing nothing other than his boxer shorts.

I immediately took my eyes off of him and then continued walking. Even before I could get away I heard him call his men and ordered to dispatch the woman he had slept with.

I laughed softly as I walked down the stairs. Yes, it is also not new to me to hear such a command from him. He is a mafia boss after all, a ruthless one. And I, Jazzie Zamora, am his wife.

I sat on the kitchen chair and silently scooped for my food while I was surrounded by six maids, waiting for whatever I may order for them to get.

While chewing the food in my mouth I couldn’t help to keep an eye on my husband’s scattered armed personnel. I let out a raw smile and gently shook my head.

Like I said, this is not new to me. Valjerome is a boss of a mafia group so he has so many staff here in the mansion¾protector and killer.

"Be ready."

My husband’s voice caught my attention. I turned to him and saw him seriously walking towards my seat. He is now well dressed, a white v-neck shirt and a faded denim pants. I still want to laugh because he acts like he hasn't done anything wrong to me.

I continued eating my food, "For what?" I asked lazily.

He sat down in the chair next to me and started getting his food. "It is my parents' anniversary. There will be a masquerade ball and they want us to be there," he said formally and started eating.

I just nodded and quietly followed him. This is how we are when we are together. Seems like strangers to each other even though the truth is we’re both married.

"I'll deliver to your room later what you're going to wear." Valjerome looked at me as he wiped his lip.

I just nodded thriftily and then drank water. He was about to stand up from his seat when I lazily leaned against my chair and spoke.

"Are we going to pretend that lovey dovey couple thing again?" I asked sarcastically.

I saw his jaw clenched as he looked at me. "We're leaving at 11pm," he said instead of answering and then left me alone in the kitchen.

Yeah, they were like that¾celebrations at midnight.

I faked a laugh and shook my head. "I hope there's always a party," I whispered to myself as I thought that it was only there where he was treating me nicely.

WEARING a gold backless dress with a plunging neckline pair with my silver stilettos, I walked down the staircase confidently. Downstairs, Valjerome was waiting, staring at me intently. If I didn’t know him I would think he was mesmerized by my aura.

I cleared my throat when I am finally in front of him and averted my eyes, awkwardness suddenly filled my thoughts.

"Let's go," I confirmed in my straight voice, I was about to pass him by, but I was startled when he carefully held my arm.

I glanced at him. He was staring at me as if he was memorizing all the sides of my face. I held my breath as he slowly approached and pulled a few strands of my hair from my neck. I stiffened even more as he thoroughly tilted his head towards me.

What is he doing?

I couldn't help, but close my eyes when his breath hit my neck. There’s something tickling my system that makes me goose bumps. I only opened my eyes when I felt a little cold above my chest — a necklace.

I blinked several times and unbelievably stared at it. Valjerome distanced himself and looked at me, emotionless.

"W-What's this?"

His forehead knotted and glanced on the necklace he just put. "You do not know what’s that?" he asked in sarcastic tone.

The nervousness and awkwardness I felt earlier gradually disappeared. I rolled my eyes at him and stared again at the necklace.

"Thanks," I said simply despite of my hundred thoughts.

It was just a simple diamond infinity necklace, but it really means a lot to me.

This was the first time he bought something for me for all those years that we'd been married. He usually just deposits money in my bank account and lets me buy what I want to.

"Erase that smile of yours. Do not misunderstand that thing. I just bought that to grab attention and show them that I'm giving you gifts as my wife. Let's go."

My smile before has faded so quickly after hearing what he has said. I watched him walk out of the mansion. I laughed and looked up to hold back the tears I was shedding.

"Yeah right, Jazzie. What do you expect from your ruthless husband?" I murmured to myself and followed him after I composed myself.

We had a quiet journey in his limousine. Both of us looked out of the windows and did not bother to touch each other.

"Do not go away from me when we get there," he said coldly as he remained his stare outside the window.

"Okay," I instantly replied and leaned myself back on the seat.

I am still tired, but I need to do this for his parents. I couldn’t help but smile in my mind as I remembered how good his parents were to me. I am an orphan, my father and mother died due to a car accident. Valjerome's parents were the one who adopted me¾fed, clothed, educated and much more. I have never been ignorant of the organization they are running, even if it is bad for others, I can't look at it that way. How can I do that when they are the ones who saved and gave direction to my life?

We have finally arrived at the event hall in a few minutes. I put on my gold mask where only half of my face is hidden, before I even got out of the car. Valjerome did the same then we made our way in together. His right hand was wrapping around my waist possessively as if he was showing to everyone that I am his. Our faces may not be seen entirely, but we still caught the eyes of the audience, maybe that's how strong his presence was. From the VIP seat Valjerome's parents, especially his mother, quickly stood up and then greeted us.

"Hija!" full of joy, she called then kissed me on the cheek, not even paying attention to his son next to me.

"Happy anniversary, Mom," I said sparingly and smiled back at her.

"Thank you. You are so sexy and gorgeous, hija. No wonder why the men stare at you intimately," the lady teased in amazement.

I just joined in her laughter even though I could feel my husband's dark aura.

"Dyrhaia, why don't you offer them to sit first so they can already eat," Valjerome's father whispered and nodded at me gently.

I bowed my head as respect and smiled a little.

"Why did you take so long? I thought you weren't coming," Mom said to Valjerome.

He let out a chuckle and kissed his mother's cheek. "I'm sorry, Mom. I let my wife rest before we came here. She just finished her photoshoot earlier," he explained calmly and then tightened his hand on my waist.

I tried hard not to roll my eyes.

"We're still not late after all. We just missed your speech," he added, teasing his mom.

I always see this side of him every time we're with his parents, but I am still in dazed every time he smiled.

"Alright. Sit down and eat," Valjerome's father invited.

We immediately followed his wishes. We sat down and ate light snacks while telling stories about our life as a married couple. As usual, my husband and I are asked about our lives.

"When will you give us a grandson, hija?" Valjerome's father said as he smiled in curiosity, caused me to choke on my own saliva.

Valjerome quickly gave me water and gently caressed my back.

"Are you okay, hija?" Mom asked worriedly.

I nodded and tried to smile. "I’m okay," I replied and sat properly

"Oh God, Civor? You're surprising the kids," Mom restrained Dad.

Dad's lips parted slightly, Valjerome and I looked at each other. I do not know what my husband’s reaction was. All I knew was that he was watching me even though I wasn’t looking at him.

"They've been married for more than two years, dear. It's time for them to give us a grandchild," Dad teased.

I blushed because of that.

"Next month."

We both looked at Valjerome as he spoke seriously.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

What is he talking about?

I was caught off guard when he suddenly pulled my nape for a deep kiss. It was as if my heart would explode with the speed of its beat as Valjerome's lips were touching mine¾insanely exhausting.

He slowly broke his kiss and sharply looked around before sitting back on his seat. "Expect your grandson next month," he whispered as if it was a very easy thing and then scooped up the dessert in front of his plate.

My mouth parted in disbelief. My face went even hotter to the thought of what he said.

Oh God! Tell me he was just acting.

The party went on. The audience began to dance by partners just like Valjerome's parents. I couldn’t help but smile and be jealous of the couple. Today is their 50th anniversary, yet the love in their eyes were still intact.

"You're drinking too much," a deep voice whispered beside me.

I slowly glanced at him and smiled. "Are you going to stop me from this too?" I laughed and shook my head as I drunk the whiskey that I was holding.

I guess, I’m really drunk because I can now answer him in a pedantic way without feeling nervous. Well, I am always like this when drunk. It was like I'm opening a door from a room I'm locked in.

I do not know how many shots I've had. All I know is that I’m putting all my frustrations right now through drinking¾with my husband, with this necklace and with our lives living with each other.

"Oh, son. Why don't you dance with Jazzie? It's getting late, it was a pity if you do not make the most of coming here," asked Valjerome's father when they returned to our table.

It was already dawn.

"Jazzie's tired, dad," Valjerome replied simply as he gently put his arms around my shoulder.

I wanted to scoffed, but I refused to. He just doesn't want dance with me.

"Excuse me, I'll just go to the restroom," I politely said to everyone, including my husband.

"I’ll go with you," he said and quickly supported me as I stood up.

"I can handle myself," I snapped and pushed him slightly to have distance between the two of us.

Even though he still wears a masked, I could feel the tension of his clenching jaw. "I will go with you," he said in dismissive tone and guided me for a walk.

I just bit my lower lip and drifted as he pulled me along. When we reached the bathroom he just let me go and leaned against the wall as if he is telling me that he will wait for me.

I was blown away and did what had to be done. I peed and then retouched a bit. Although I do not want to always put any make ups on my face, I have no choice because I am carrying a reputation. After retouching, I decided to go out of the bathroom. As much as my knees shook at the sight, I smiled bitterly and began to walk away — leaving my husband kissing another woman.

Instead of going back to the table where Valjerome’s parents were, I directly went to the mini bar counter on the side. I immediately asked the bartender for a margarita and quickly gulped it down once he filled it up. Not minding the lime here, nor the salt.

I continued drinking until my surrounding’s already spinning. I laughed for a moment because minutes have passed but my husband was still not looking for me.

Can't he see me?

Or is he just not looking for me because he was doing something disgusting right now?

With that thought, I drank another shot. I was about to order again when a man approached by my side and offered his hand to me. I stared at him with dizzy eyes. Half of his face was behind a black mask but that didn't make me mesmerized about him. His ocean blue eyes captured my entire attention.

"Why don't you dance with me, gorgeous lady? I swear it's more fun than drowning yourself in alcohol," he uttered in a manly voice.

I couldn't answer right away and just kept staring into his beautiful eyes. I was about to speak when a strong arm wrapped around my waist with possession. I just closed my eyes and leaned on him, I already knew the presence of my husband by the scent.

"You're hitting on my wife, mister," Valjerome said in a stiff tone.

Silence prevailed over them. I only heard the music all over the place so I slowly opened my eyes. I saw the guy staring at me instead of talking to my husband.

"You do not deserve someone like him," he said and walked away.

I could feel Valjerome's hard grip based on his heavy breath. I could assure that if I wasn’t leaning on him, he would have quickly followed the man and killed him right away. I just closed my eyes again and let myself jailed by his body.

I felt that he was carrying me carefully so I slowly opened my eyes again. Our eyes met. I couldn't read the emotion on his face but I just chose to smile thriftily

"No one deserves you better than me," I whispered and finally drifted to oblivion.

I woke up as if my head was being hit by a loader. "Fvck!" I cursed out and massage my temples.

I slowly opened my eyes and was so shocked when I saw Valjerome standing on the side of my bed. One of his hands was in his pocket and I could see the slight tension in his jaw.

"Get up and eat. I'm going to work," he said in an emotionless way.

I blinked and stared at him several times.

What?

Am I hallucinating?

Is he talking to me now?

"Aren’t you going to speak?" he asked frowning.

I fell silent and averted my eyes. "Be careful," I stuttered in a low tone.

I heard him scoffed. I was surprised when he suddenly bent down and held my chin towards him.

"Is that all?" he asked while staring at me.

I was swallowed. "A-what ..." I trailed off.

What should I say?

"Souvenir?" I added.

He raised an eyebrow and released me slowly. I heard him cursed silently as he brushed his hair through his fingers.

"What will you do today? I heard you cleared your schedule," he casually asked.

I looked away when I remembered the reason why I cancelled my schedule for this week.

"No. I'm just going to rest here, I'm got tired of the consecutive shoot," I lied.

He stared at me.

"W-What... I'm going to get ready and go down for breakfast." I quickly got up and went to the bathroom to avoid him.

I looked in the big mirror and my face turned red when I noticed that I was now home.

He dressed me up again!

I jumped a little when I heard a knock outside the bathroom. "Why?" curiously biting my lip.

"I'm going," he informed.

I could not answer immediately. I heard her footsteps leave as I quickly opened the door. He stopped walking and frowned at me.

"A-ahm... Are you coming..." I bit my lower lip and met his gaze, "home early?" I carefully said.

He didn't answer, he just kept staring at me like I am a solving puzzle.

"I'll try," he answered sparingly and then finally left my room.

I couldn’t help but smile as I went back inside the bathroom.

Maybe he also remembered what we have today that's why he was acting nice.

I happily took a shower and groomed myself. I was still in the room, but I'm already planning what should I cook for tonight. Valjerome maybe a mafia boss, but he still has his legal company to take care of. He is running a company named ABCD Construction Corporation — a leading engineering and infrastructure firm here in the Philippines.

I blew dry my hair and finally went out of my room. I was happily whistling as I walked down the hallway when I was interrupted by a woman coming out of my husband’s room. All the joy and happiness I had felt disappeared so quickly. My memory came back to me last night when I stared at her face.

She's that girl. She was the one who he was kissing with last night.

I secretly smiled bitterly and reluctantly continued to walk. I even met Valjerome’s right hand Jaime climbing the stairs. I know at that moment, Valjerome ordered him to kill the girl.

"Oh, hija. Eat all of these, I cooked a lot today," Manang greeted me with joy.

I forced a smile and sat on the chair. I couldn’t swallow my food, Manang seemed to notice my lethargic aura so she sat in the chair next to me and gently caressed my shoulder.

"You alright?" worriedly she inquired.

I lazily curved up my lip and nodded.

"Did your husband greet you?" she asked cautiously.

I stopped scooping my food and tremblingly dropped the spoon I was holding. I glanced at Manang and smiled again despite a lone tear fell on my cheek.

"I guess he doesn't even remember our wedding anniversary today..."