Make them pay.

Xavier

As we stepped out of the helicopter, I assisted Alice down, mindful of her delicate condition. Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the grandeur of my mansion.

And I couldn't help but smile, a gesture I normally reserved for rare moments. Alice's wonder was infectious, but I quickly suppressed my emotions, reverting to my usual stoic demeanor.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," Alice breathed, her gaze roaming over the mansion's facade.

I nodded curtly, gesturing for her to follow me. As we walked toward the entrance, I informed her, "I'll show you to your room."

Before we reached the grand staircase, Alice suddenly grasped my hand, halting my stride.

I turned to her, my voice detached, "What is it?" My eyebrow rose in question, betraying a hint of curiosity.

Alice's eyes locked onto mine, her expression uncertain. I waited for her to speak, my gaze unwavering.

"What's it, Alice?" I finally asked, breaking the silence that was about to devour us.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, "When you say 'my room,' do you mean... 'mine' mine? I mean, Am I going to be sleeping with you in the same bed?"

"Why?" I tilted my head, a hint of amusement dancing on my lips. "What are you thinking? Do you want us to sleep together on the same bed?"

Alice's cheeks flushed slightly as she replied, "Well, I just needed to ask. Husband and wife are supposed to sleep together, but since we're not really... you know, a real couple, but rather a contractual arrangement... I thought I'd clarify."

I chuckled, the sound low and husky. "Don't worry, Alice. I won't be sleeping in the same bed as you."

"Ohh," she let out a sigh of relief, nodding her head.

"…Yet." I suddenly added.

"Yet?" she asked, her eyes widened and her face turning warm.

I moved closer to her and she retreated, her back against the banister.

"Is there a problem, sir?" she asked, swallowing hard.

I whispered, my breath caressing her ear, "After we finally get married – the wedding, the whole spectacle – we'll have to share a bed. We can't have my parents thinking I married a fake wife, can we?"

Alice's eyes darted up to mine, a mixture of surprise and trepidation sparkling within them. "Oh..." she breathed, her voice barely audible. "Yes, yes! Sure, that… that's true."

"Now, let's go," I said, gesturing.

"After you," she whispered, her eyes blinking.

I smirked, nodded, and we started heading upstairs, side by side. I could sense Alice's gaze on me. She couldn't help but steal glances, admiring my features, probably. I remained stoic, my expression unreadable.

"So, when are we meeting your parents?" she asked, breaking the silence between us. "I should see them, don't you think?"

I replied, "Soon, don't worry. We'll meet them soon. But for now, I'm quite busy. I'll make time for us to meet them."

Alice nodded, and we finally reached the top of the stairs. I pointed to a door and said, "This is where you'll be sleeping for now, until we get married, of course."

She nodded again, and I instructed her to open the door. As she did, a pleasant aroma wafted out, and her eyes widened in wonder.

The room was beautifully decorated, with elegant furniture and stunning artwork, all thanks to the movers and cleaners I'd expensively hired.

"Wow," Alice gasped, swirling around. "Oh. My. Goodness!"

I raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on my face. "Haven't you seen something like this before?" I asked, my tone teasing.

"No, I haven't," She shook her head, still taking in the opulent decor. "That's why I'm just... wowed."

I chuckled, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "You don't have to be too excited," I said, my voice low and smooth.

Alice nodded, feeling a little self-conscious.

"By the way, thank you so much, sir," she said, her voice sincere.

My eyes narrowed, my voice low and intense. "Thank me for what? For marrying you?" I asked, my tone incredulous.

Alice laughed nervously, shaking her head. "No, thank you for saving me. If you never came, those men would have killed me."

"I only came because you accepted the contract," I said quickly and then my eyes went down. "And also, because of my… baby."

"Oh! And those men, they didn't even care about the baby when I told them that I was pregnant. They said they would kill me alongside my baby if I didn't provide the money or Naomi."

My expression darkened, my fist clenching at my side. "What do you mean? Did you tell those men you were pregnant?" I demanded, my voice tight with anger.

Alice swallowed hard, nodding. "Yes, I did."

I let out a hot sigh, my eyes blazing.

"Why?" she asked softly. "I hope I didn't do anything wrong?"

"Shit!" I exclaimed, my face twisted in a snarl.

Then, I took a deep breath, composing myself. "Go into the room, just go and rest."

Alice hesitated, feeling a pang of uncertainty. "Please, tell me if I did something wrong? Should I have never told them I was pregnant?"

My expression turned cold, my voice icy. "Enter the room and just sleep."

She nodded hastily, backing away before turning and fleeing into the room and finally shut the door behind her.

I grunted, squeezing my forehead in frustration. Turning, I strode downstairs, my long strides eating up the distance.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I dialed my secretary who answered the call immediately.

"Hello, sir?" Lumber said.

My expression was grim. "There's something I want you to look into. Something I want you to do for me, right now."

"What's that, sir?" he asked, his voice inquisitive.

I swallowed hard. "Those men, the loan sharks, who came to my wife's former house... they scattered everywhere and threatened to kill her. And she was pregnant at the time, despite telling them..." My voice trailed off, anger rising within me. "Why am I explaining this to you? I want you to make them regret what they did. They nearly killed my unborn child without any care in the world. Find those bastards and make them pay."

"Yes, sir. I will do that immediately," Lumber replied, firmly.

I ended the call, feeling a sense of resolve. "Good," I muttered to myself.

Then, I left the mansion for the parking lot, heading to the office to attend to my duties.