CHAPTER EIGHTY ONE –WHAT WAS THAT?

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Everyone wanted to congratulate them, to gush over Miguel's romantic declaration. Karina smiled and nodded, clinging to Miguel's arm like a lifeline. It wasn't until they were safely ensconced in the back of Miguel's limo that the facade cracked. "What the hell was that?" Karina demanded, her voice shaking. Miguel loosened his bow tie, looking exhausted. "Damage control. Bianca was about to blow our cover. I had to do something." "So you decided to declare your undying love for me in front of half of Houston's elite?" Karina was trembling with a mix of anger and something else she couldn't quite name. "It worked, didn't it?" Miguel snapped. "No one's questioning our relationship now." Karina let out a bitter laugh. "No, they're just expecting us to have the wedding of the century. God, Miguel, do you ever think before you act?" "I was protecting us!" Miguel's eyes flashed. "What would you have done? Let Bianca expose our lie to everyone?