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away to present a smile to their guests as she acted the part or blushing bride aware that the man at her side was also acting his part as he took hold of her hand and entwined their fingers.
    "Must you?" she hissed and he sent her a smile.
    "Not long now and we can finally be alone," he said changing the subject completely and making Katie suddenly panic at the thought of being alone with him now that they were actually married.
    Once the meal was over everyone moved through to the next room where a late reception was being held for everyone who had not been invited to the ceremony and live music was provided by one of the biggest bands in Darlaya.
    It was torture for Katie as she found herself once again firmly held to Tariq's side as they made their way around the room. It was even worse when he insisted they spend a while talking to her parents. Her mother couldn't stop talking about the wedding and how proud she was that her daughter had married royalty while her father barely even gave his daughter a glance as he discussed business and money with Tariq. By the time they moved away Katie had suffered enough and she pulled away furious when Tariq refused to release her.
    "I need to use the restroom," she hissed and his eyes scanned her face as though searching for the lie and eventually he bent and kissed her briefly before releasing her.
    "Don't be long," he offered and she glared at him before heading to the restrooms at a controlled pace as she resisted the urge to storm from the room.
    It was so calming to just have a few moments alone to reflect and she wished she could stay in the large luxurious bathroom but unfortunately it was only a temporary reprieve and as a knock sounded at the door she sighed at the realisation she had to go back out and face her duties. Opening the door she froze with the smile fading from her lips at the sight of Amber stood there looking stunning in her evening dress that revealed a little too much flesh and matched the colour of Katie's dress.
    "If it isn't the bride," Amber said with a little laugh as she pushed past Katie closing the door firmly behind her as she observed all the colour fading from Katie's face.

CHAPTER SIX
     
    "What the hell are you doing here?" Katie managed furiously and Amber gave a tinkling laugh.
    "Well, isn't it obvious darling? Tariq invited me. Now, why do you think he would do that?" Amber asked with a laugh that made Katie's blood boil. 
    "I have no idea, why would he do that?" she asked dryly and Amber cocked one hand on her hip exposing her leg even more as she accentuated her curves.
    "Isn't it obvious Catherine? Some women were born to be loved and others were born just to fulfil a duty," Amber mocked and Katie blinked away sudden tears. How could Tariq have invited his mistress to their wedding? Did he have no shame?
    "If he loves you then why did he just marry me?" Katie asked while Amber gave that tinkling laugh of hers again.
    "Oh, honey. It's so cute that you think marriage will stop Tariq and I from being with each other. He only married you out of duty but believe me you will never be more than that to him," Amber said while Katie stared at her in shock. 
    "I suggest you leave," Katie snapped ad Amber merely laughed again as she approached the large mirrors and began reapplying lipstick and fluffing her dark hair.
    "I am here at Tar's request not yours," Amber informed her and Katie decided she'd heard enough as she turned and stormed from the rest room only slowing her footsteps when she remembered she was supposed to be acting a part. So, even though it killed her to put up a façade Katie reigned in her anger and pasted a smile on her face as she fought a headache that was steadily creeping up.
    "Everything alright?" her lousy cheat of a husband asked as he appeared beside her and Katie turned her stormy gaze on him.
    "Fine," she replied unwilling to cause a scene in front of their guests.
    "Something happened?" he asked narrowing his eyes