Trouble
Victoria Grayson winced as the strong amber liquid burned the back of her throat. She refilled her glass hoping to drown out her sorrows in expensive whiskey. Staring into the ominous darkness of the night sky, she sighed feeling bitterness surge through her body like poison.
Loneliness, the repercussion for her various sins. David was gone, never to return again. She'd spent nearly twenty years willing herself to believe he was truly never coming back. It was only until recently that she'd finally completely lost her faith in humanity, opting for swimming in her own guilt, allowing the darkness to swallow her whole.
Trusting her heart was the worst decision she ever made, now it was time for it to bleed. She made her way into the living room, sitting on her throne. The house was empty, only adding to her sullen mood.
She allowed her eyes to drift to the family portrait they'd taken almost a year ago. Staring into her own eyes, those bottomless black pits where the monsters of her past loved to hide.
It was a lovely picture, perfect even. But she knew all too well that perfection was only an illusion, an excuse to escape reality and its many horrors.
The rattling of the door shook her from her self-loathing. She walked cautiously to the front door, wondering who would disturb her at this hour.
Conrad stood in the doorway, pushing his way past her.
He began pulling off his coat, allowing Victoria to help him shed his garments. It was automatic. They didn't need words, they only led to fights, infidelities, and eventually their inevitable divorce.
So far things had been peaceful. They got along well, too wrapped up in their own cause to acknowledge each other's feelings.
Conrad plucked the glass from Victoria's hand, downing the liquor in one gulp.
She glared at him, making her way back into the study. Conrad followed close behind, remaining decidedly silent.
He watched as she poured two generous glasses of wine, switching to a lighter, easier to handle drink. He nodded his thanks, accepting the glass. Their hands brushed briefly, static. The inevitable force that bonded them together.
Conrad pulled Victoria down onto the sofa with him, ignoring her small protest.
She stared into the fireplace, watching as the flames of light illuminated the dark room. He pulled her into his arms, noting that she stiffened before relenting and relaxing into his embrace.
Victoria sighed heavily, running her hand through her hair.
"This is pathetic."
"What is?" Conrad asked, brow furrowing in confusion.
"This. Us," she answered, gesturing to their current position.
Conrad shrugged, finding no problems.
"Conrad, honestly. This relationship was doomed from the start. Everyone is lying in wait for us to get divorced… again,"
He turned slightly, gazing into her eyes.
"Is that what you want?" he asked boldly.
"No, the children would be devastated. Not to mention the fact that we'd be even more susceptible to The Initiative's attacks," she sighed, burying herself deeper into his arms.
Love was a dangerous thing, indeed. It provoked unwanted feelings and stirred desires in the pits of the soulless.
"Why can't we just take this time to relax and enjoy each other's company? Regardless of how we feel about each other or anything that we've said or done, let's just pretend for a little while," Conrad's voice trailed off as he took his own advice. He was content with just holding her, offering whatever comfort she could take from him.
"I'm tired of pretending, Conrad!"
He took the time to really look into her eyes, opening the doors to her soul. She wanted so much, whether it be companionship, a trustworthy friend, or just someone to hold her. He often wondered when he stopped being that person.
Suddenly, an idea formed in his head.
"I'll make a deal with you," he started.
Victoria arched an eyebrow, listening intently.
"For one week we will be the golden couple we are portrayed as, no arguing no fighting, no problems," he propositioned.
Victoria pursed her lips, considering his offer.
"What happens if I lose?"
He leaned towards her, whispering something into her ear.
"Conrad!" she squealed, shocked.
"Fine, if you lose you are accompanying me to the opera," she stipulated.
Conrad groaned.
"Then we have a deal, Mrs. Grayson," he smiled, extending his hand.
"Yes, darling, it appears we do," she shook his offered hand, allowing him to help her stand.
This was going to be interesting.