WHAT IS IT GOING TO BE?

CORA

After Reign walked away, I closed my eyes and acted as though Lucas was invisible. I thought about Reign's words of advice and realized he was right.

Running away wasn't the solution because I was legally bound to Lucas, despite how much I now hated that fact. I needed to come up with a plan that would benefit me and also keep Lucas from acting rashly toward me.

An idea came to my mind just as Lucas coughed, "Pretending to be asleep now that it's just two of us?"

I opened my eyes and stared at him, "What do you want? Is it not enough that you sent your goons after me to send me to my early grave?"

He scoffed, "You are one to talk, Cora. Haven't you seen the bandage on my head? It's all thanks to your hard work. I'm letting it go just this once. Never in your life attack me again because It will end badly for you, I can promise you that.

By the way, how do you know Reign Fletcher?"

"He's my bestie," I lied.

Lucas stared at me in surprise, "I thought Emily was your bestie, and how come you didn't see it fit to mention that you were acquainted with Reign all the time you claimed to love me?"

I sat upright and replied, "First off, I can have two besties, there's no law against that. Secondly, my friendship with Reign is very special. I don't see the need to share that with anyone unless it's necessary.

Of course, after what you did I called Reign on the phone and ran to him. Didn't your goons tell you what he did to one of them? He was angry that such injustice was meted out to his friend and he wanted to deal with you but I calmed him down."

Lucas' eyes widened in shock as he stuttered, "Reign... Fletcher.....really wanted to deal.... with me? In the end, we are agemates, and you are my wife. He has no right to interfere and come after me just because he has more wealth and status."

I rolled my eyes, "Unless we are in front of your grandfather, don't ever refer to me as your wife, again."

His eyes lit up, "That means you'll still play along, right?"

I nodded, "Yes, but I have some rules; I've already mentioned one. While I stay in your guest room, I demand privacy, hence, you are never to step foot in my room.

I intend to return to work. You are not to interfere with my work in any way. I will keep up appearances when necessary but you and everyone involved in this will have to show me respect. I will not tolerate being insulted or disrespected in any way.

Finally, if you still plan on locking me up, I've already told Reign about it and he's asked me to call him every two days, that way he can be sure I am safe.

If he is not able to reach me after two days, the first thing to go down will be your family's company. Your father's political career will also be ruined because I have recorded myself explaining my situation on video and I've sent the file to Reign.

I'm sure you understand everything I've said, so, what is it going to be, Lucas?"

His face turned red with anger and I could tell that he did not like being threatened, especially by me. I silently hoped he wouldn't call my bluff because everything I had told him was a lie.

I couldn't go back home because my dad and stepmom would only anger me to death. Living with Lucas for a while would make it easier for me to cut down on my expenses, especially feeding.

Once I got a job, I would save up and get a nice apartment for myself. That way, I will be rid of the nuisances around me.

After calming down, Lucas nodded, "Fine, I'll follow your rules, as long as you play your part."

With these words, he walked out of my hospital room while I smiled, feeling on top of the world.

I went back to Lucas' house with him that night and kept thinking about what happened in the elevator. It was like a dream, one I knew I would never forget.

That night before I slept, the memory of me opening my eyes to see Reign peering into them after he gave me a mouth to mouth, and the way I felt when I buried my face in his chest kept replaying in my mind.

I could not wait to take the bandage off my arm and go to see him. As I slept, his face was the only thing I saw in my dream, and just as he did inside the elevator, he spoke to me gently and kindly.

I went to the hospital and got the bandage removed from my arm the next day. I stopped by the mall and bought a beautiful white gown with a matching pair of red stilettos which almost cost me an arm and a leg, before going back home.

After preparing what I was going to wear, I decided to call Reign and tell him about my desire to get a job but then, I couldn't find the card he had given to me.

I searched for it frantically at home but it seemed to have suddenly disappeared. I ran back to the hospital, hoping I'd accidentally left it there but I couldn't find it. I asked the doctor if he had seen it and he said no.

As I took a cab back home, I recalled that Lucas had been there the day I got the card and probably saw me accepting it from Reign. Seeing that I threatened him, he may have secretly taken the card away to frustrate me.

I became so angry that it clouded my reasoning. I went back home and waited for him to return.

The moment I heard his car drive in, I went out to the living room. Once he came inside the house, I stretched out my hand and said, "Give me back the card you stole from me."