Settling in
"You may now kiss the bride," the moderator's voice played several times in Chanel's head. "Kiss the bride?" She muttered. It never occurred to her she would be at a point in time kissing a stranger.
The wedding was a quiet civil ceremony that took place in Jackie's penthouse, witnessed by four people from Jackie's office. Chanel was wearing the white dress Jackie bought her. She felt as if she was dreaming as she signed the marriage certificate.
Well, it was supposed to be a secret marriage. For the meantime. Or, a marriage of convenience, as the business people were wont to call it.
Jackie leaned forward and kissed Chanel on the cheek after the registrar pronounced them husband and wife. It had been the cheesiest kiss that she had ever received. She shivered as if someone just poured cold water on her. .
When they emerged from the courthouse, Jackie took her hand. "Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Blackwell," he said.
Chanel smiled weakly, trying to adjust to the idea. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwell."
That night, Chanel was lying in the guest room of Jackie's penthouse, staring at the ceiling. She'd done it. She'd married Jackie Blackwell to save her brother. But how? Where did she go from here?
Chanel closed her eyes. Tomorrow, she'd be up and married again by daylight. This was Jackie's, that was hers. He was working. And besides, she was sleepy.
The following day, Chanel awoke early. She planned to visit John and tell him the news. She found Jackie in the living room, with his newspaper open in front of him.
"Good morning," she said, trying to sound cheerful. She didn't even know that her throat was suddenly dry. It was what she had agreed to do. So why the hell did she feel as if she had suddenly signed a deal with the devil?
Jackie didn't look like the devil to her.
Jackie looked up and smiled. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"Not really," Chanel admitted. "Too much on my mind."
Jackie nodded. "I understand. Do you need anything?"
"No, I'd rather not," Chanel said. "I'm going to see John today. I'll tell him about the lawyer." "Of course," Jackie said. "Let me know if you need anything."
Chanel thanked him and then left. Her stomach was in knots. She was shown to the visiting room. John was escorted in. He looked tired and anxious. But then he noticed Chanel and her relaxed face.
"Chanel," he said, pulling her into his arms. "What's wrong? You found a way to help me?"
"Yes, I did." Chanel sat down. "Jackie Blackwell agreed to help you. He will pay your bail soon and promised to get a good lawyer to prove your innocence."
John looked stunned. "Jackie Blackwell? How did you manage that?"
"It's complicated, my dear. I had to agree to be his wife for a year. I couldn't sit doing nothing, Jackie was my last hope, so I had to do it."
Tears trickled down John's face. "Thank you, Chanel. I don't know what I would do without you." "We are family," Chanel said, her eyes misting. "We will get through this."
********
Back at the penthouse, Chanel created her own space – she arranged books, sketches, – and tried to put an everyday glaze over the freakish setup. They had mastered the choreography of their public outings, with Jackie's arm always around Chanel's waist.
They appeared at social events, and Chanel's honesty and humor charmed Jackie's business associates. It was Jackie's confidence and intelligence that coached her in social behavior. They are presented as a straight couple, a pair of two-dimensional, well-balanced figures in the outside world.
The trial date for John's case was approaching, and Chanel was anxious. Jackie's attorney was new but bullish. The stakes were high. Chanel's days were filled with traveling to the courthouse, visits to John, and meetings with the attorney and staff.
Jackie was always around. His business networks and money helped immensely, and Chanel was thankful he was "steadfast" towards her, just as the contract stated.
Then, the day of the trial comes. Chanel is in court, sweating, her heart is beating fast as the prosecution starts with their accusations. Then, the defense lawyer starts the counter-attack, one by one sweeping the allegations from the table while presenting all kinds of evidence to prove that it is very likely the prosecution is lying.
Chanel watched as the witness came to the stand. The look on John's face remained calm. He was sincere in his testimony. The judge examined the evidence, and by the end of the afternoon, it was clear that John was innocent.
The judge announced a recess for the day. The courtroom was abuzz with anticipation.
Later that night, Chanel and Jackie went back to the penthouse. Chanel was tense but hopeful. "How are you holding up?" Jackie asked, handing her a cup of tea.
"I'm exhausted," Chanel admitted. "But I'm hopeful. The lawyer did an amazing job today." Jackie nodded. "I don't doubt that John will be acquitted. We're almost there, Chanel."
The next days were tense as the trial dragged on. The defense brought compelling evidence, while the prosecution's case grew weaker and weaker. At last, the day of the verdict, came. Chanel sat in the courtroom, breath held as the judge read the decision. "Not guilty."
There was jubilation throughout the courtroom, and she felt relief as John was finally a free man. She hugged him tight, her body shaking and tears streaming down her face. "We did it," she whispered. "You're free."
John hugged her back. "Thank you, Chanel. You saved me."
Chanel awoke the morning after the trial, she entered Jackie's penthouse kitchen and found him making breakfast— "Good morning," Jackie greeted, looking up from the stove.
"Morning," Chanel replied. She sat on a stool at the kitchen island, and watched Jackie cook. "Coffee?" he asked, holding up a mug.
"Uh, sure," she replied, feeling a bit like a guest in her home.