Chapter 11 Private Wedding

As we stepped out of City Hall, I couldn't help but feel like I'd just sold my soul to the devil himself. The media frenzy that greeted us was no surprise - I'd tipped them off about the wedding, hoping to gain some control in this chaotic situation. Now, flashbulbs popped like fireworks around us, and reporters shouted questions that I had no intention of answering. Jamal's grip on my arm tightened, propelling me toward his sleek black car. Amanda followed close behind, her eyes wide with concern. I forced a bright smile, playing the happy bride for the cameras, but my mind seethed with resentment. What had I just gotten myself into? And how could I protect my family from Jamal's sinister plans?

"Look this side," another reporter called. "Hey, miss, how does it feel to be married to a movie director?" another reporter asked.

They were all confused; they thought Amanda had married Jamal, but they still weren't sure. Later that day, on the news, no one mentioned Amanda.

Who is the lucky maiden? Hot movie director Jamal tied a knot. -"Trust me you don't wanna Know"

Cinderella? Who is she, writer Rubie shocked after receiving news, Boyfriend married! -"Serves her right!"

Director, Jamal's Fans not happy about the mystery bride. -"How is that their problem?"

Is Jamal married or we are being played? -"That's his private life."

Who is the mystery girl? -"I know her ;)"

Amanda left the City Hall without a ring, She is not Jamal's wife. -"She isn't!"

Jamal and Rubie's relationship is over! -"Isn't that clear?"

Will Jamal break up with Rubie or keep her as his mistress? -"Well does she?"

Rubie won't stand being a mistress!!! -"Yeah right!"

Mystery girl take out your mask! -"Here I am!"

As I scrolled through Twitter, I discovered I was secretly trending. The internet was buzzing with speculation about Jamal's mysterious spouse. Both praise and criticism filled my feed. How long would Jamal keep our marriage under wraps? I pushed my lunch aside, too captivated by the trending topics and headlines to eat.

I opened my Twitter DMs, and my phone blew up with notifications. But before I could even process the chaos, I had to confront Jamal. I typed out a message, my fingers flying across the screen:

"Now tell me what danger is my family in?" I sent, my heart racing with anticipation and fear.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should say more, but the responses started pouring in before I could even think about it...

"Now tell me what danger, is my family in?" I sent Jamal a text on Twitter.

@jayturner: what are you talking about.

@kim-Ingram: Jamal what kind of a joke is that are you a phsycho? I filing for devorce!!!

@jayturner: Calm down is that how you talk to your husband? Actually you are in more danger now!

What kind of a joke was this, I didn't have more time to waste. All I need was to see my family. I just wanted to know if they are okay. I had done what he wanted what else does he want now?

@jayturner : don't leave the house now. I'm coming to pick you up. Have your packed your stuff?

@kim-Ingram: No... I'm not leaving my apartment! I want to see my family now!

@jayturner: Don't bother yourself packing... I'm on my to pick you up right now, it's not safe there.

After exchanging messages with Jamal, I opened the other messages from my contacts, leaving most of them on read.

@writerjane: Rubie is on her way to your place. Tell me, who married Jamal?

@joe_smith: Where are you?

@theressa_carter: Where have you been? Mr. Joneses has been looking for you. What's going on today? Tell me, who married Jamal? I saw you on the news!

@tinaIngram: Oh my God, you didn't tell your sister you're famous! I saw you on the news!

I sighed, overwhelmed by the influx of messages. Everyone wanted answers, but I barely had any myself.

Yeah, I was famous, but none of the articles mentioned my name, despite being the sole connection to all this chaos. And what did Rubie want now? I didn't have time to reply to all these messages.

Just as I was lost in thought, I saw Jamal's car parked outside my apartment. He had arrived before Rubie. I quickly grabbed my things and left, getting into the car. Jamal drove off without a word.

"Where's Rubie heading?" I asked, glancing back at my apartment.

"Don't worry about Rubie," Jamal replied, his eyes fixed on the road. "She'll be taken care of."

His response sent a shiver down my spine. What did he mean? What would happen to Rubie now?