(Karis's pov) I immediately hid the abomination Bertha got as an excuse for a wedding gift before Xander came back in. He didn't mention anything about the negligee, nor would I be able to stand the embarrassment of talking about the topic. We left for the airport soon after and my unpleasant honeymoon ended sooner than expected. Which I was thankful for. **** The loud knocking sounds on the door made me jolt up. My head was hazy because I didn't know when I fell asleep. "Where am I?" I asked myself trying to gather my thoughts. "Ma'am, are you awake?" Someone knocked again and I heard the familiar voice of Deborah. That was when I finally realized I was back home at the De Marco residence. I don't remember a thing about how I got back all I remember was getting to the jet. I was staring blankly at the window maybe I fell asleep then. I slipped out of the bed covers and was hit by another shock. My clothes were changed, Xander must have changed me. Groani
(Karis's pov) I could not get the fact that Antonio was poisoned out my head. Who wanted him dead? The De Marco family had a lot of enemies but I was sensing a greater scheme. "Focus Karis."I tapped my cheeks to snap out of my thoughts. I was going through my designs one last time to check everything was perfect before emailing the sketches to Sapphire. I have been on this like forever. The basic designs were done with just some colouring here and there. This design had to be finished ASAP because tomorrow was going to be a big day; not only was I going to visit My father in law in the hospital, whose condition has been improving although he is still unconscious, but Bertha's surgery was tomorrow too. When I asked that daredevil about the present she gave me, all she did was just laugh it out like it was some type of joke. It's been a month now since I got married to Xander, and we still had a month or less before the divorce. I am even planning on speaking to him
91 (Xander's pov) Speaking of unwanted visitors, that was exactly what knocked on my doorstep today. After Dad's poisoning incident, I started to investigate, of course, not with the police since it was unknown who planned the poisoning incident and if they had influence in the police. Due to the investigation, I informed a couple of old friends, Ivan, Kyle and Benji, due to their influence. We planned to meet up at one of Ivan's clubs to talk things over after Benji arrived in the country, but all of a sudden, these assholes decided to use my home as the meeting point. I was not a good person in quote so none of my friends were considered saints. The last thing I wanted was for them to be close to Karis. The world was too wicked for my naive wife, and at times, I wish I could create a bubble to keep her safe but Karis just wanted to defend herself and kept throwing herself to the devil. I don't know what's the deal she has with Skyler, but one thing for sure, associat
(Xander's pov) My hand was still bleeding but the pain was nothing compared to what I had felt before. The music piece was happy, but for me, all it did was bring back memories of Alessia. Coincidentally, this was also Alessia's favourite piece. Whenever she was free, she would play it over and over again. Then, the piano was placed close to the grand stairs facing the back door. It was after her death it was moved here. I hated the sound of the piano because all it did was bring back memories of guilt. I could never forgive myself for what happened to Alessia, and hearing such fine play was tucking my heart strings, reminding me that if what happened never occurred, Alessia would have been the one playing. "It's Alessia's piece. I thought you got rid of the piano."Ivan muttered it probably brought back memories for him. "I kept it out of sight and reach; that was what I thought." I snarled. My eyes glanced at the pile of cards that had been stained by blood.
(Karis's pov) "I look forward to that, but unfortunately, we have guests to attend to now. The punishment will be later." There was this menacing presence around him that made me scared to my bones. He was terrifying. Xander leaned forward and the aura around him calmed down a bit, but his eyes were still cold. His reaction to me touching the piano was so adverse. Despite the danger that rang around me and how serious Xander was, I was super excited and anticipating what he planned to do. My head was screaming and warning me of the danger but yet my body was intrigued. That was how fucked up Xander made me. "You don't scare me." I spat at him. My eyes were shooting daggers at him. His eyes were still cold despite the fact he was smiling. "If you are not scared, then why are you shaking like a bunny? All you can do is glare at me but it's cool as long as your eyes are on me. You just can't resist looking at me." He was annoying, his level of narcissism was beyond
(Karis's pov) I was not the only one who found this side of Xander weird; I could see the surprise on his friend's face. "I never thought I would see this side of Xander, love makes people change." Ivan teased with his green eyes sparkling with mischief. Benjamin let out a short chuckle in response. Kyle was rigid as ever, but it still made me feel a bit off. My cheeks started to burn hot, and I tried my best not to look too much. The new steak didn't take long for it to arrive. Xander was taking his time to play the attentive lover to the peak. He was so caring to even help me cut my steak into smaller pieces, while still conversing with his friends. Meeting Xander's friends was not as nerve-wracking as expected due to Xander's earlier warning they were mindful of their words. After Xander was done cutting the steak I was expecting him to slide the plate to me. The next thing he did was pick up a piece of meat to feed me in front of his friend. I bit my lips as my ner
(Karis's pov) I could not talk to Bertha after the surgery because she fell unconscious after it was done from exhaustion. Since it was expected she would be unconscious for almost a day, I just got her some flowers and a get-well card which I placed by her bed to show I was there. A sigh left my lips as I gave her a last glance before leaving her room. Skyler was waiting for me outside because he felt I needed my privacy. He was very considerate in everything. "Have you thought about what I told you?" He suddenly asked leaving puzzled. "What are you talking about? I am kind of lost?" I wracked my brains trying to figure out what he was talking about. "I heard from a little birdie you told your dear hubby I am your lover. You didn't accept my offer but you are always using my name to your advantage." My heartbeat plunged to my stomach. How did he find out about that? Skyler had an amused look as he observed my expression. "You are cute when you try to hide your
(Karis's pov) I was confused by Skyler's words, but one thing I have learnt about men from my husband is that you shouldn't stretch your brains to understand them. My mood was instantly lifted by that thought as a bright smile hung on my lips. Today was a great day. Sapphire praised my designs, and Bertha's operation was a success. The only thing left was for my divorce to be completed. I grabbed my drink, bringing it to my lips to enjoy the flavour that wrapped around my tongue. I planned on going back to the hospital later, and then I needed to talk to Xander concerning our divorce proceeding. Time was running fast, and two months were over halfway through. I couldn't wait for my freedom. My smile fell when I heard an annoying laughter from my side. I didn't need to turn to know who it was. "Dear sister, are you going to pretend you didn't see me earlier." A particularly cheesy voice spoke out. Great, my perfect day just got ruined. Ignoring Emma, I grabbed my
(Xander's pov) The busy party was winding down because it was already getting to the late hours of the night. Benjamin was trying to track Rico's car; I didn't have much hope of that though. By now they must have ditched the car or given Karis to another person. ‘ Why is it that whenever I take my eyes off my little red, she gets into trouble?’ I didn't bother going back to the party but just stayed in the security room relaying instructions to my men. I had already pulled off my jacket and tie, with my sleeves folded and my top buttons undone. Knowing the potential danger Karis was in made me restless. She could be getting raped now or being shipped to God knows where. The door was pushed open, and Ethan came in, but there was no Emma. My grey eyes stormed, and before I could question him on where I was Emma, he answered me. "Miss Reynolds mysteriously disappeared from the party." He informed me, and I slammed my hand on the table, making Ethan flinch back
(Xander's pov) After the last argument I had with Karis, I could not bring myself to return home and face her. I knew what I did was wrong considering how Emma treated Karis. I wanted Emma to pay, but when the decision was between business and Karis, with Mum also on my neck, it was hard to decide. There was something about Karis that I really could not point my finger at that made me drawn to her. I didn't love her but I still could not let go of her. It was a crazy obsession that was eating me. Remembering how I got on my knees to beg her earlier was too absurd even for me to imagine it. After everything I doubt she trusted me. The club music was blaring loudly; after leaving the house, I went back to the office to drown myself in work until it was late at night. Luckily, the boys were hanging out in one of our spots tonight, so I decided to join in. They were having the time of their lives and flirting with some girls who threw themselves at us. Immediat
(Karis's pov) Xander didn't return home that night. I didn't bother to wait for him, but I was too worried to sleep. By the time I woke up in the morning, I got the message that he was travelling for a short business trip. He didn't bother informing me because he was probably still mad because of what I did, but he had no right to. For the next couple of days, I hardly left home except when I visited Bertha and my father-in-law in the hospital, and they were both recovering well. Skyler and I kept in touch the entire period to keep a record of our collaboration progress. Despite several days passing by, there was not a single word from Xander. I knew I should not be bothered but it made me worried. The only good thing that happened was that there was no sign of Emma anymore. "The moment I get home I am going to pop a bottle of wine." Bertha chimed excitedly. Today was the day she was finally cleared to be discharged. Although she would return for check-ups, it was cle
(Karis's pov) I froze immediately Xander hugged me while he was on his knees. "Xander kneeling won't change a thing about how much you hurt me. Why did you cancel the charges on Emma? " I asked him. It hurts to know your husband was supporting someone that hurt you. Xander never stood up for me, it was Skyler who charged Emma to court in the first place. Xander didn't answer. He was kneeling down while he hugged me. It made me wonder if he was feeling guilty. "Tell me why you chose to help another woman instead of your wife. But it's fine I never expected much from you." I tried to pry away his hand from my waist but it only tightened. " If scandals about one of our investors were to surface to the public it would affect the shares negatively." Xander finally stated his reasons that were not justifiable. He was validating business over his wife. I was not move or let myself be swayed by his words. "I am done with your excuses. There is always one excuse after a
(Karis's pov) Xander snapped once again. I had successfully pushed him to the brink but he had no right to be angry when he was with Emma yesterday. "Karis," Xander said, stretching out his hand for me. His voice was calm, but I could sense a brewing storm. I nervously swallowed, refusing to take his hand; who knows what the hell he planned on doing? Skyler held my hand and pulled me behind to cover me from Xander's piercing gaze, which didn't go well with Xander. His eyes got darker with the room suffocating. "Stop scaring her Xander. It's not like she hasn't told you about the divorce before." Skyler sneered. Benjamin was stunned and looked equally angry, but his anger was not focused towards Skyler. "I was not talking to you but My wife." Xander's voice was seething with anger, prominent in every word sounding like Venom. I peeked my head from behind Skyler to look at Xander's expression. The angrier he looked, the happier he made me. Skyler held my hand pro
(Karis's pov) Xander was busy cooking while I stared blankly at him, lost for words. "Are you cooking for me?" I rubbed my eyes and then asked, because this had to be a dream, why the hell was he cooking for me? "Who else will I cook for aside from my wife? Well, unless we have a mini version of us, which is not a bad idea." Xander replied not taking his eyes off what he was doing. He switched off the cooker to drain the pasta. Then he started making the sauce. I had no idea he could cook, this was the first time. "This won't make me hate you any less." I retorted at him. If he thought cheap tricks like this could win me over he better think again. Xander glanced at me with a very dazzling smile that sparkled in his eyes and showed his dimples. "At least you didn't reject the idea of having children." He chimed, leaving me speechless. I hopped off the counter to head back to my room. No matter what, I was still mad at him, so this little kind act was only infuria
(Karis's pov) I stayed in my room the entire evening avoiding anything that would make me see Emma. It was better to avoid useless fights. I spent my time looking into some of my Father's businesses and particularly mum's investment. It didn't come as a surprise that most of my mother's shops were managed by Emma and Miranda. How was I able to look past this fact in my past life? There was a knocking sound on the door. "Good evening ma'am. May I come in?" It was Deborah. I allowed her to enter the room. Soon the brunette dressed in a maid outfit entered the room. Her hands were clammy, she was nervous for an unknown reason. "Are you alright?" I asked her purely out of concern. She quickly straightened up and then cleared her throat. "Sorry if my behaviour was off. I am here to invite you for dinner. Mr De Marco is expecting you since you have been indoors all day." So he missed his little wife he loves bullying. I scoffed. "Is Emma still around?" I asked strai
(Karis's pov) I thought the madness ended that unfortunate night but I had no idea what was waiting for me online. The next morning the entire X was flooded with images of Skyler and me together. There was this particular one that seemed like we were kissing. Who had taken these pictures I wondered? It kept me on my toes the entire day. Xander was pissed, that was one thing for sure. I didn't even catch a glimpse of him when I got out of bed this morning which was great. It would only remind me of my shamelessness. As he had promised, I was indeed prohibited from leaving the estate without protection, he said, but it seemed more like he was caging me. My hands clenched to the side when I saw Xander's car drive into the estate. I was peeking through the window of my bedroom. Xander got out of the car, and his eyes were drawn to my direction as if he sensed my gaze. I was unsure if he saw me or if he was just glancing at the prison cell where he kept his wife. Xander averte
**** Trigger notice dark scenes ahead**** (Karis's pov) The mansion was dark because it was probably very late in the night; flashes of lights showed around whenever lightning struck the sky. It was very eerie, and I was being trapped by a devil, but yet I felt excited about a very strange reason. Yes, I had lost my nuts at that point. My plans during this second chance were to push Xander to the edge, but seeing how he reacted concerning Skyler, struck terror in me. "This is absurd. You can't force me to stay with you, Xander. Why are you so adamant about tormenting yourself with my presence when you can have Emma or even Benita?" My voice came out sharply at first but broke into a cry. My emotions were a mess as a mixture of terror and excitement ran through my veins. "As much as I love hearing your voice, dear wifey, I love it better when you don't talk. You just love pushing my buttons. Don't you?" He said, wiping my tears away with his thumb; he then reached out to kiss