11.

Riley’s POV

I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Agnes's words cut deep, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I broke into sobs, my body shaking uncontrollably.

He had to have a motive; that’s what all rich people do.

They’re best at using people to get what they want regardless of their feelings.

I can’t believe I agreed to this. I should have never believed him in the first place. He made it seem like he cared about the child and was willing to help, but I should have known better.

Just then, Mr. King walked out, a look of concern on his face. "Riley, what are you doing outside?" he asked, walking towards me.

I turned to face him, my eyes blazing with anger. "You!" I spat, my voice shaking with rage. "You cheat! You used me! You lied to me!"

Mr. King's expression changed, his eyes narrowing. "Riley, calm down. What are you talking about?" he snapped.

“I am a ticket to taking over your late grandfather’s company.” I spat.

His eyes darkened.

“What is it? Cat got your tongue? I can’t believe you, and for a second I thought you wanted to help me; turns out you are using me to get to your share, and what happens when you do? You dump me, huh?” I demand tears rolling down my eyes.

“No! You don’t know what you’re saying,” he defends.

I let out a humorous laugh, shaking my head, “You’re a fucking cheat, Mr. King. It’s what you all are, you think you—“

He cuts me off. “The wedding is done. I'll explain everything to you when we get home."

But I was beyond reason. I was furious, hurt, and betrayed. "Explain?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You think you can just explain away the fact that you used me? That you only married me because of some stupid condition?"

Mr. King took a step closer to me, his eyes flashing with anger. "Riley, stop this," he warned. "You're making a scene."

But I didn't care. I was too angry, too hurt. "I don't care about making a scene!" I shouted. "I care about the fact that you lied to me! That you used me for your gain!"

Mr. King's face turned red with anger, and for a moment, I thought he was going to hit me. But then, he seemed to regain control of himself.

"Fine," he spat. "If you want to know the truth, I'll tell you. But not here. Not now. When we get home."

And with that, he turned and walked away but paused halfway, turning back and marching towards me.

He cut me off guard my swiped me off my feet and into his arms, “You’re coming with me”

I threw punches at his chest, trying to wiggle out of his hold, but who was I kidding?

“Let go of me, Mr. King; I will not be going home with a cheat,” I say.

“Well, the cheat is your husband, and you’re coming with him home like a newly married couple that we are,” he says.

My eyes widened.

He chuckles as he makes his way to the car. “Ryder, tell my mother something came up; my wife and I won’t be attending the after party,” he orders Ryder, handing him over the car keys.

Mr. King placed me in the passenger seat, shutting the door before taking the driver's seat, and soon we hit the road.

I could feel his glances here and there, but I ignored them, wiping off the tears that streamed down. I felt the ring on my ring finger, the feeling of having it on feeling odd.

I stopped wearing my wedding ring when I found out that he was cheating on me; all the vows and promises were broken, so it was of no use wearing it.

I rubbed on the ring, moving it and trying to lift it, but I felt his hand entwined with mine, pulling it to his side.

“Don’t you dare,” he warns, his tone serious.

My brows furrowed in confusion at his audacity.

“Let go of me.” I tried to pull away, but his hold was firm.

My hand felt small in between his, a spark waving down my spine.

Everything about this man screams protection; it was as though I was enclosed and shadowed by him, protectively.

We arrived home after what seemed like forever; I didn’t waste time stepping out of the car and lifting my bridal dress, rushing inside.

I could feel him take long strides behind me but ignored dying to be left alone, I wanted to accumulate my emotions, it was like I was on the verge of breaking down.

Everything felt so overwhelming, and all I wanted to do was escape from all the pain and betrayal.

He cut on my wrist before I could walk into the room, pulling back, and causing me to fall into his arms.

“Your stuff has been moved into my room,” he announced.

My brows furrowed, “Why?”

“You’re my wife; I want you close to me.” He says lifting my hands to his lips and placing a kiss.

I felt tingling, rubbing on my thighs, feeling the heat surge within me.

"What do you want from me, Mr. King?" I asked, my voice trembling as tears welled up in my eyes.

Mr. King's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with intensity. "Everything," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I want all of you."