Chapter 004

Amelia

The Chalet Hotel was like a second home to me. It was our meeting spot—Williams and I. I had suggested the place after he told me that he still lived with his grandmother.

That should have been a red flag to me. A thirty-two years old man, living with his granny. Now I just found out that was a lie. What else has he been lying about?

The hotel was a ten-minute drive from my apartment. I highlighted from the cab and walked into the lobby.

The butler gave me a nod, acknowledging me. My frequent visits to this place have made me familiar with the staff. I walked over to the desk.

“Miss Fray, good day,” the receptionist greeted with a smile. “He is waiting for you. The usual room.”

I nodded my thanks and took the elevator, heading to the third floor. I didn't know what I was doing here but I knew I wanted to see him. I wanted him to look me in the face and lie to me, tell me they forced him to do it. That he isn't married.

The elevator pinged, and I headed straight to the room. I gave a light tap on the door and in seconds, the door flew open.

“Amelia, get in!” his eyes darted across the hallway suspiciously before roughly, pulling me in.

His hands frisked my body as his eyes roamed over my body. “Did you come alone?”

Prompted by my silence, he repeated the question, louder this time. “Did you come alone, you bitch?! I asked you a fucking question!”

“Yes.”

“How did you do it then?” he was closer now, his hands underneath my shirt, searching. “They just let you go like that? Are you wearing a wire?”

I pushed him away. “You're drunk, Williams,” I said, spying the empty bottles scattered on the table. “Why did you call me?”

“I heard you were out and I didn't believe it. I wanted to see for myself.” he slurred. “I gave them everything they needed to keep you behind bars for a long time. Why would they let you walk away just like that?”

My heart ached at his words. It felt like a stab to my chest. “You framed me,” I whispered, barely able to keep my tears at bay. “You stole from the company and framed me for it…you're married all this time, cheating on your wife and leading me on. How could you be so wicked?”

He laughed drunkenly, “You're wicked, Amelia… teasing me and playing hard to get. You were supposed to be nothing but a plaything. My side piece. But you had to be stubborn, talking about your values and how you wanted to be loved. You were a piece of work, bitch, and the perfect scapegoat,” he belched loudly, tainting the air with a foul smell. “I can see the headline ‘A small town girl, blinded by New York’s glitz was found guilty of embezzling company’s funds.”

“You're wicked,” I cried, utterly shocked by the vile words spewing from his mouth. “You said the words back; you said you loved me. Did you even think about my mother? Her health?”

“Made up lies, by a perfectly good actress here,” he staggered towards me, gripping my waist tightly towards him. “Did you think I would fall for your story, bitch? It felt more like a role play to me.”

I put my hands on his chest, trying to push him away. My effort made no dent, as he pulled me closer, grinding his crotch on my legs. His breath made me nauseous.

“You'll pay for this…I promise you,” I replied, ignoring the snort running down my nose as I struggled to free myself from his embrace.

He smirked, pushing me roughly over the bed. Pain shot across my belly as I landed heavily on my back.

The door burst open right on time and Mr Alexander strode in, accompanied by two hefty men.

He pulled a dazed William off my body and his fist swiftly connected with William’s nose. A loud crack, followed by William bellowing filled the still room.

“Take him away,” Alexander ordered, his face was an unreadable mask.

I stared, stunned as the two men who had followed Alexander pulled a bleeding William out of the room.

How did he know where I was? Had he planted a tracker on me? The car!

I sat up, pulling my skirt down to preserve whatever dignity I had left. He turned his back to me, giving me space.

Alexander was a perfect gentleman and in his presence, I felt like a whore for hire. He has saved me twice in one day. The least I can do is be grateful.

“Thank you,” I muttered.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, his back still facing me.

“I don't know,” I whispered, hating myself for sounding helpless. “I think…I thought he would apologize. That he would tell me it was all a big misunderstanding.”

He turned sharply on his feet. His emerald eyes blazing as he stared at me. “Did you get what you came looking for?”

“Mmm…hmmm” I replied, shaking my head.

“I'll say this and say it once only,” his voice was cold, sending chills down my body. “Though our marriage may be unconventional, you are still my wife. You work as my wife, you've an image to uphold as my wife. No sneaking around to meet up with ex-lovers as my wife! You'll do your job well or find yourself back in that prison cell faster than you can blink. Do you understand me, Miss Fray?”

I nodded, refusing to make a fool of myself by letting my voice crack.

“That's not an answer.”

I cleared my throat. “Yes.”

“Good. You're driving with me to the house. Whatever you need will be provided for you and your stuff will be sent over.”

“Mr Alexander,” I called softly, halting him in his tracks.

He muttered under his breath, cocked his head in my direction, his eyes cold. “Miss Fray?”

My eyes dropped to the floor as I fought the urge to tell the truth. I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice.

“Amelia,” his voice impatient. “Do you have something to say?”

I blurted out before I could stop myself. “I'm pregnant.”