Chapter Five.

Reyna's POV.

The spotlight shone on me as I walked upstage, a bright confident smile displayed on my lip while making my way to Father Roberto's side as the paparazzi captured and took shots from different angles.

A round of applause resounded in the hall by the guests. They all had the look of amazement, surprise, and admiration on their faces, and I gave appreciation by giving a slight bow before them, and then the lights were turned back on.

"Thank you all for joining me tonight at my banquet. It’s a true pleasure to celebrate my success with you. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, and I hope to reach greater heights as we get more connections and make more investments." I flashed a dazzling smile at the crowd, about to conclude my speech, but the moment our eyes locked, time seemed to stop, and I forgot how to speak or breathe.

"Alex," I whispered, my voice barely audible, captivated by his striking features. It was those same features that had drawn me to him from the very beginning. His tousled brown hair, soft cherry lips, and deep ocean-blue eyes.

He was already staring at me, confusion etched on his face. My heart raced as I realized he must have been shocked by Father Roberto’s announcement of my name—Reyna Hudson.

But why did I feel this surge of anxiety like I was doing something wrong? Why did my suddenly heart beat for him despite all the hurt he had caused me? After enduring pains, derogatory words, and struggles in our marriage just for it to work out, I was left questioning everything I felt and did for him.

He never bothered to check on me or speak to me like a loving husband should. Instead, I had caught him in our bed with my best friend, and he showed no remorse when I demanded an explanation.

He didn’t deserve me. Just thinking about him flooded me with rage, disgust, and loathing for Alexander Cage.

I bit my inner cheek, forcing myself to snap out of the trance and regain my composure.

I turned away from his face, feeling the weight of the guests' stares on my skin and I guessed that they must've been wondering why I stopped speaking.

“Sorry for the hindrance, everyone. Something irrelevant caught my attention, but it’s all good now,” I said with a chuckle to lighten the mood.

“I hope you’re all enjoying the evening. More refreshments will be coming as we continue the party. Now, let’s keep the party going as the music plays in the background!” I announced, and a round of applause erupted once more.

As I stepped down from the stage, the paparazzi snapped shot after shot, but I lost interest. I didn’t want to stay at the party—not with Alexander there. His mere presence ignited a fury and hatred that I had tried time and time again to keep within me.

Biting my lower lip, I balled my fists and hurried out of the hall, my heels clicking on the tiled floor when I felt his looming presence trailing from behind.

I hurried my heels, running past the crowd to head out and get into my car, but I was suddenly grabbed by the wrist and pulled in the direction of the washroom before I could get anywhere.

"What do you want from me, Alex?! What is it that you want? Where are you taking me to, Alexander?" I screamed while struggling with him but he didn't stop for even a second.

"I need to have a word with you," He replied coldly.

"What?! I don't want to speak to you, Alexander Cage! Let go of me or else I will scream, and all my guards will have you beaten to a pulp!" I threatened but he didn't relent, pulling me down the hallway.

Surprising, no one was passing by the direction of the washroom, and there was loud music playing in the hall, but I didn't want to give up yet. I tried screaming for help, but his large palm got pressed against my lip as he wrapped his hand around my waist.

I got pulled into the washroom, and the door slammed behind me before I could manage to escape.

"Alexander," I whispered, my breath shaky as I looked into his eyes, trapped on both sides of his muscular arms like a kitten, unable to escape.

His gaze was intense, and I felt as if I might melt under the weight of it. I was trapped between the door and him, unable to escape.

"Why, Reyna? Why did you have to go to such an extent? What is your reason?!" He questioned. "Why are you so self-fish that you have chosen to ruin me?" He hit his fist against the door and I flinched as it echoed in the washroom.

I stared at him dumbfounded as I tried to process what he meant by his words.

"What do you mean??" I managed to ask as I felt his gaze burning into my skin.

"Why are you answering another man's name while we are still married, Reyna Cage? Who on earth gave you the right to choose another man over me? Who fucking gave you that right, Reyna Gwendolyn Cage?!" He demanded furiously, calling my name in full as his voice boomed in the washroom.

My heart pounded hard against my ribs because what I feared most was finally happening. He caught me and now he wanted to know why I was bearing Mrs Hudson Instead of his last name.

But why should I be scared? He was the one who started it, he was the one who cheated on me while we were still married. And when I asked for a divorce, he refused to give it to me.

Who was he to demand an explanation when he refused to give me one when I caught him in bed with Chloe? He can be furious for all I care but I don't give a damn about him.

"You are coming home with me, Reyna. I don't care to know what would happen afterwards but I can't lose my company to my uncle. So you are coming with me, right now!" He said, about pulling me out of the washroom.

I could not let him handle me the same way he did the last three years. The Reyna present was a far different person compared to who she currently was, so I yanked my hand away from his grip with all the strength I had in me and ran my palm across his face so hard that it left imprints of my fingers on his fucking face!

I furiously pointed my finger at his face, my voice stern as I gave him a serious warning, "You have no right over me anymore, Alexander. So stay within your limits and out of my way. The Hudson residence is my home now, and I have nothing to do with you because I am now happily married to Theo Hudson even though he is late."

Alexander's eyes narrowed at me, more like he was in shock by my audacity to put him in his place and not acting as timid as I used to.

"He is my second love, and I regret why I didn't meet him before I got married to you. Theo cared for me better than you could ever do in the past three years that we've been married. And you know what?" I asked in a whisper, drawing two steps closer to Alex.

"He fucks and kisses me every night, way better than you could ever. We spent a lot of nights making out, and he never failed to check up on me. To know how I was fairing both mentally, physical and emotionally, unlike you who didn't mind if I lived or died!" I spat.

Then, without warning, my back hit the cold wall of the washroom with Alex gradually closing the gap between us, his face stoic as it gradually turned a dark shade, his blue eyes piercing into my soul.

I struggled to find my voice, my breath catching in my lungs as he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close to his chest. The warmth from his body radiated onto my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I bit my lower lip, trying to process the sensations that were overwhelming me.

Then, his low whisper made the hairs on my skin stand tall as goosebumps formed on it, "You can try to deny it, Reyna Cage, but you are mine. I own you. Your mind, body, heart, and soul - I am the only one who has ever had access to them. No one else but me and you are definitely coming home with me, Reyna."

His words were like a possessive and dominant caress, making my skin prickle with goosebumps but he must be dreaming if he thought he still owns me because we were yet to get a divorce. He was a fucking fool to think I'd still be in love with him after everything he had done to me. That's totally IMPOSSIBLE!

I opened my lips to refute his words, but his lips sealed mine in a fierce, breath-stealing kiss. My eyes widened, my pupils dilating as he dominantly kissed me possessively.