(Karis's pov) A faint smile that had a bitter feel got on my face seeing Skyler offering the first dance to me instead of Xander. No wonder in my past life there were rumours of how perfect Xander looked with Emma than me. Like why would you not think so when she was dancing with him and smiling very graciously? My mouth tasted very bitter with jealousy. "Of course, why don't we dance then? I guess there is no reason for me to refuse." I accepted Skyler's hand which he tenderly held and brought to his lips for a kiss. I don't know if Skyler had a fetish for kissing my hand 'cause it was his favourite way of greeting me. My lips pursed into a tight smile and I joined him on the dance floor."You can't get your eyes off him," Skyler whispered close to my ears which made me feel ticklish. I held his hand while my other hand was on his shoulder as we waltzed on the dance floor. The moment Skyler's hand touched my back, it sent shivers down my back, feeling his callous hand
(Karis's pov) We were so close that it felt inappropriate for a married woman, but who cares? After all, my husband was dancing with another lady leaning on his shoulders. "You just want to get on Xander's nerves for fun." I am amused at how Skyler had a boyish grin on his face excited by whatever mischief he had in mind. "At least that's something we have in common." Skyler mused and my eyes popped out. I did want to get back at Xander for fun and have been pushing him up the brink since our wedding night. Skyler had clues about how my marriage which was surprising. We were in the middle of the hall directly under the chandelier. The truth was that Skyler and I also looked like a couple. "Don't be so shocked, Karis. You are super easy to read. Just follow my lead." Skyler gazed down at me, our position was still uncomfortable with the way his intoxicating breath fanned over me. "But I can't find Xander anywhere," I stated my concerns because aside from Emma, who was gl
(Xander's POV) I was bummed when I lost the bid of the pendant Karis wanted to Skyler. Even though Karis didn't mention it, the history behind the pendant at first glance was obvious. This was one of the works of her late mother; she must have wanted it so dearly, but Karis was being careful of the price. I deliberately raised the price very high for two reasons: to make Skyler give up or to make him spend a fortune. Either case was a win for me, but it still left a bad taste in my mouth when he had it in the end. Karis was disappointed, but she didn't say it; since she didn't like me being around her, I had to leave to give her some space while I socialized with some of the guests. The entire time, I kept glancing at Karis from time to time to check up on her. "I am sorry about what happened earlier." My attention on Karis was diverted to an annoying vixen who didn't know when to stop. "Emma you should apologize to my wife and not me." He said, turning back to look at Emma.
(Xander's pov) Karis and Skyler were the stars of the night; I could even hear murmurs go around at how charming they looked together, like a real couple. Someone even had the nerve to mention that Karis was more suited for Skyler because of his friendly demeanour, unlike me, who was rough on the edges. I scoffed at their words only if they knew the Skyler I consider my rival. His friendly smile could never fool me. It was getting unbearable to watch them, I was itching to pull them apart. Unfortunately, if that happened, it would be scandalous, and some might even say Karis was in an affair with Skyler. That was one rumour I could not afford. I grabbed a wine glass from a nearby server and clung it down in one go. If looks could kill, Skyler would have fallen dead on the ground. "Xander isn't that Skyler dancing with Karis?" Mum asked me. Her voice startled me because I didn't hear her coming as all my attention was on Karis. ' why does she never smile genuine
(Karis's pov) Under the beautiful moonlight on a wide veranda connected to the hall, the two enchanting figures were dancing to the soft melody from the hall. I leaned on Xander's chest to catch my breath after that demanding kiss that sucked the life out of me. There was tension thick between us, but from an outsider's view, you would not be able to guess anything was off from first glance because it seemed like a lovely couple privately enjoying the night, only that the reality of things was far from that. I was annoyed that Xander was dancing with Emma first while he was threatening to punish me for dancing with Skyler as a means to get back at him. Xander was just simply outrageous. Xander was pissed, but it didn't matter to me; he acted like I was the one at fault when the person who started it was him. "Punish me? I didn't do anything wrong here. If anyone should be punished, that person should be you, Xander." I latched out at him. He didn't even bother to explain t
(Karis's pov) The wind howled with a deafening silence. Xander just stood rooted, thrown off by my questions. His lips parted but no words left it. Instead, his fingers raked through his hair as he let out a guttural groan. "You don't want to know the answer, and if I tell, you would not believe me," Xander answered and I scoffed at him. I knew the answer: the only thing he wanted from the way he acted was my body. We were both sexually attracted to each other. "Karis, I don't want to hurt you, but I can't bear to see you with Skyler. You are mine and that is something we would have to learn to leave with." He added, which made me angrier. "Fuck off, Xander; I am not yours and belong to no one else." I gritted my teeth at him, tired of hearing him proclaim that thing over and over again. "You can keep on lying to yourself but I am sure you know the answer. Even though there is no love between us, our fates are already sealed and enough with the drama." Xander b
(Karis's pov) Although we were both drenched with water I was the only one shivering and was cold. My hands shamelessly clung to the same person who I said disgusted me, pressing my body against him trying to feel his warmth. Xander gazes down at me with his mouth shut. He didn't comment on my behaviour and let me cling to him. He stretched out his hand to grab his jacket, which he had pulled off before diving into the water and draped it around me. "Achoo." I sneezed and my nose turned red. I reached out to rub my nose, but then again, another sneeze left my nose. Xander released a tired sigh as he got on his feet, carrying me in a bridal style. "You have already gotten a cold." He stated the obvious; I buried my face in his chest, annoyed by the caring and concerned look he had on his face. He was not going to fool me with that look. Luckily Xander didn't say a word to make me feel more embarrassed. We left the gala Venue through the back exit to avoid any pap
(Karis's pov) "Achoo." I sneezed again immediately after I entered the bathroom, and the hot steam got into my nose. I sniffed because of the itching discomfort in my nose. "Bless you." My ears caught Xander's voice, which seemed like he wanted to laugh. What was so funny about sneezing? Xander carried me in his arms like I was a fragile being that could easily snap or break in his hand. He walked towards the large tub and gently placed me inside. The tub was already filled with warm water, and the lathe with soap. "You are adorable when you act obedient." He commented. Xander pulled off the towel on his waist; my eyes quickly averted as they caught sight of his little brother, who was not little, hanging down there. He was stark naked, the same as me, except for the fact I still had my panties on. Xander walked to the towel rack to hang the towel he had on, and I used the opportunity to pull off my panties. Xander came back towards the tub and my per
(Karis's pov) My mind was spaced as I glanced out the window; the car was driving the streets of Frankfurt, which was known as the financial hub of Germany. It was 8:45 am so traffic was a bit hectic since it was rush hour. Skyler also has some business here, and not so shockingly, Xander, but the chances of us running into each other were very low since this was a sizable city and the second most populous metropolitan German city. There were a lot of things going through my head. The fashion line I did with Skyler and Blue Secret was a hit, and the question was what next. I didn't want to rely on Skyler forever, and the money I transferred out of Xander's account would not sustain me forever. A baby was coming and I had to make sure she was well provided for. "We are here." I heard the driver say. My eyes were drawn from the window to Skyler who was busy on his phone. Recently, he has been super busy with business, which has been growing rapidly. He and
(Karis's pov) These past few months have been a breeze so fleeting that I couldn't believe that I would be meeting her soon. Rubbing my swollen belly a soft smile was etched on my face. My tummy was so big that Skyler and I thought they were twins or triplets but it was just a fat baby girl. I have been eating so much that my baby was already very chubby even in my stomach. I could not wait to hold her in my arms and kiss her cheeks. I wondered if she would look like me or a feminine version of the devil. It was early spring, the snow had melted, and green plants were showing up. I will be having my baby in March. My pregnancy has been a bit challenging but he was by my side all the way. At times, when I think of how supportive Skyler has been, I don't have any idea how to repay him. He was always travelling to and fro to be able to keep up with his business and assist me throughout my pregnancy. Skyler never missed a check-up where the father was meant to be.
(Xander's Pov) Life felt meaningless; Skyler was right; I killed her. After that day, I confronted him, I had investigated what happened the eve of Karis birthday between Emma and I. There were video footages from the hotel showing everything that happened in the hallway. Due to privacy issues there were no cameras in the room but from what I saw from the hallway my life was over. I had willingly followed Emma to the room, but I couldn't understand why I did something so stupid. I had ruined my marriage with my hands and my jealousy was to be blamed. If I hadn't been enraged by jealousy and stayed in the house waiting for Karis to return none of this would have happened. Karis had been at the hotel that morning with Bertha and most likely saw me in with Emma. That was what made her lose it completely. It turned out a friend of Bertha saw Emma and I leaving the club and secretly trailed behind us, that was why everything got revealed. But none of that matter
(Karis's pov)Loud alarm sounds started to ring in my ears. My whole body was in pain, and I kept hearing incoherent voices like they were panicking. "The patient's condition is not stable, her heartbeat is dropping.." someone seemed to have screamed. Is this another dream? They were speaking a strange language which I recognized but was still finding it a bit difficult to translate because my head was killing me My eyes fluttered open, and I could see faces; they had face masks on, and I was being pushed somewhere. My eyes were still blurry, but this sharp pain in my head made it hard to keep it open. A lady who was wearing a different colour of scrubs grabbed my hands, she spoke English to me because she wanted to communicate with me. She probably realized I was awake. "Relax, ma'am, you are going to be fine." She assured me. I wanted to stay awake, but it was hard to stay awake; I wanted to relax like my body was tired. The dream, yes, it was Mother. Maybe if I di
(Karis's pov) Summer, I always loved it not because of the warmth or its beauty but because of my birthday. "Karis, what are you waiting for? Your mother is waiting for you in the garden." I heard someone say and my eyes fluttered open. I was hiding behind the stairs, but what was I doing here? My eyes looked up to see a middle-aged woman dressed in former attire. I immediately recognized her “ Madam Deborah." I altered. "Yes, dear, we can't keep your mum waiting longer." Deborah stretched out her hand for me which I accepted. Deborah was my governess who retired after mum's death what was she doing here? No, rather, what was I doing here? My eyes darted around the room and immediately went wide as I recognized where this was. It was the Reynolds mansion when Mum was still alive; my eyes could spot an old picture of her hanging on the wall. "Dear child, what were you doing there?" I didn't know what I was doing there. My brain could not remember but my lips see
(Xander's Pov) She was dead; no, that was not possible. I watched her sleep last night and she snuggled up to me in her sleep. I could still remember the sheepish smile I had on my face seeing her subconscious actions. The A 587 flight had crashed a few hours after take-off near the coast of Europe. The authorities were still finding the crash site, but it was bleak. The chances of surviving a plane crash were very low, and my mind could not stop wondering what had happened that made Karis so desperate to leave me that she might be dead... That entire day, I didn't get any sleep as I exhausted every resource I had to investigate the plane crash. If not for the fact mum stopped me from travelling, I would have gone myself. She was traumatized by the news of Karis probably dying and had a breakdown worse than mine. Hours ticked by and all I could do was grip her wedding rings as I started to trace everything Karis did this past week.. Benji was already looking in
(Xander's Pov) Smile. That was what Father whispered into my ears when he shook my hand as camera lights flashed on us. I should be happy that the entire De Marco business empire was under my absolute control, but yet there was this hollow feeling in my heart I could not ignore. She left; I don't know why, but after my eyes caught sight of Karis sneaking off when her guards were distracted, it felt like a piece of my heart was taken away. I wanted to go after her or at least warn the guards she was gone, but the annoying paparazzi kept asking annoying questions about Karis's infidelity. Luckily, Ethan sensed my distress, and I was able to send a message to him, but since then, there has been no news from him. Dad and I were still standing in front of the crowd as the camera continued flashing lights at us. I tried my best to smile like my father said I should but my face just couldn't smile. My entire life, my mum taught me how to smile in front of the came
(Karis's pov) The clouds suddenly darkened, and a storm started, just like what happened in my past life; this flight had mistakenly gotten on a different route and ran into a storm that struck it from the skies. It made major headlines and I was crying the entire day in my room because Xander had travelled to Germany that day. I was scared that his jet had gotten involved in the same storm, but luckily, he didn't leave that day again. From outside the window, I could see thick clouds with lightning flashing in them. An ominous feeling was already hanging over my shoulders. The pilot's voice in the intercom tried to assure the passengers that everything was fine, but it was hard to fool people when we could see with our eyes that we were in trouble. "Please try to stay in your seat. Everything will be alright." The air hostess tried to get everyone to relax and stay in their seats. The plane shook again, and my hands clutched the bag as terror struck me. A scream rang from
(Karis's pov) My hands on the large box were clammy with cold sweats around it. Xander's office was large and beautiful but I cared less about the intricacy of the interior decorations and focused on my mission. My eyes darted around the large space until I spotted a small sitting area like a lounge and walked towards it. I placed the box on the coffee table. A sharp inhale entered my lips as I uncovered the box to make sure the cake was still in place. A weak smile graced my lips, seeing that the letters were still there. The words read, "Happy divorce Dear Ex husband." There was a wine in it for Xander to celebrate with. I checked my bag to pull out the document he signed yesterday. They were the transfer documents for the vineyard, which I mixed the divorce documents with. Xander had no idea he willingly signed our divorce. Even if it was not yet two months, by the time the document would be processed completely, the time frame would be complete. Th