Chapter 003

The days dragged on as I spent most of my time locked in the bedroom. The only familiar face I saw was Samantha’s, who occasionally appeared during the day to bring me food. Other times, a younger maid would come to her place, but she said nothing and wouldn’t even look me in the eye. She would enter, leave the food on the table, and leave immediately.

The bruises on my face were almost healed, which made me quite apprehensive. I knew that as soon as I got better, Gregory would walk through that door and demand that I fulfill my role as his wife.

I still found his behavior of not seeking me out very strange. Since that night, when he caught me trying to escape, I hadn’t seen him again.

Some nights, I heard his voice and his footsteps descending the stairs. Then, I’d go to the window and see him get into a car and leave, rushing. Occasionally, Gregory returned at dawn or only the next day. That man’s life was a mystery to me. However, I had nothing to complain about; he stayed away, as if I didn’t exist in that house.

But it seemed my peace was nearing its end.

I heard footsteps approaching when the door opened, and Gregory appeared in my room. I immediately went on the defensive, unable to look him in the eyes again. Not only that, but I couldn’t bear to see him look at me with contempt and disdain.

“Get ready and come downstairs for lunch,” he said. His voice startled me as soon as I heard those words.

What was he planning with that request? He had gone days without saying a single word to me, and suddenly, he shows up demanding that I have lunch with him?

“I’m not feeling well,” I said, this time looking into his eyes. I regretted it almost immediately. “I’d prefer lunch in the room, as I’ve been doing these past few days.”

“You should not question my orders, Emma,” his arrogant voice and icy stare reached me. “Dress in something presentable. My grandparents are coming to meet you.”

I froze, unable to react to that revelation. As quickly as Gregory had entered my room, he left. I was left with only the lingering scent of his cologne in my nostrils as Samantha grabbed me by the arm, dragging me to get dressed immediately.

I was terrified. Likewise, I had no idea what kind of people I would face that day. If Gregory’s grandparents were as arrogant and cruel as he was, I was doomed. I let out a small huff as Samantha placed a casual white dress in front of me to wear. I didn’t question her choice, although later, I felt it made me look a bit older.

“You look lovely, Emma,” she said with a broad smile. She seemed to be the only one excited.

“How can you say that?” I sat on the bed, feeling like my body was collapsing. “You have no idea how I’m feeling inside. I’m scared, Samantha. They threw me into this house, sealing my fate without even letting me know the people I’m dealing with.”

“You’ll enjoy meeting them, Emma,” Samantha placed both hands on my shoulders and shook them as if trying to inject some enthusiasm into me. “They’re not as cruel as you think Mr. Gregory is.”

I looked at her in utter despair, placing my hands over my face as I lamented.

If my dear mother hadn’t passed so young, I certainly wouldn’t be living in this situation. I cried every night, missing her and mourning the tragic way she died. On the other hand, I felt a sense of relief. My mother’s death had brought me the freedom to live far away from Mason.

Was there anything worse than living with Mason?

I hoped the answer was no.

I saw Samantha leave the room and return shortly after, her eyes wide. She grabbed my hand, pulling me to my feet.

“Come on, Emma, Gregory’s grandparents have arrived.”

She turned my face, ensuring the makeup had covered all the bruises, and when she was finally satisfied that I was ready, she dragged me out. Only like this could I leave that room—dragged.

Samantha hurried me along so fast I nearly tripped in my heels as we descended the stairs. I forced a polite smile when I stopped in front of the two elders. The woman had white hair and a kind smile on her face, but the man beside her glanced at his expensive watch and huffed.

“I have a teleconference with the London office in an hour.” I stared at his mustache moving along with his lips, barely noticing him lift his gaze to scrutinize me thoroughly.

“I don't understand why you still insist on working,” Gregory said, but the perpetual scowl on the man standing before me remained. It was as if he could see right through to my soul. “I’m ready to take over the business. I’ve done what you always wanted—I got myself a wife.”

As I averted my gaze, I noticed a radiant smile on Gregory’s lips. He stepped closer and, in an unexpected gesture, grabbed my hand, intertwining our fingers, pretending he was happy by my side.

It was the warmth of his touch that left me stunned.

“Where did you find this woman?” I was forced to tear my eyes away from Gregory and look at the old man standing before me. He regarded me with a demeaning stare. “She’s not a prostitute you hired to pretend to be your wife, is she, Gregory?”

My lips parted in shock. That old man had just called me a prostitute.

“She looks like a sick prostitute.” I had never been so insulted in my entire life. “She’s skinny, pale, and has bruises on her face. Tell me, Gregory, are you deceiving me just to take over the family business?”

I could have let Gregory handle his damned grandfather, but when I looked at him and saw his desperation, I actually felt pity for him. I shouldn’t have, but I wanted to help him.

“My name is Emma Scott, the daughter of an old farmer from the northern region. Unfortunately, I’m an orphan. My father died many years ago, and my mother passed away four days ago.”

I felt Gregory’s intense gaze on me, as if he couldn’t believe what I was about to do.

“I am not a prostitute, sir,” I forced a smile, though I felt an immense urge to insult that wretched old man, “and I’m skinny and weak because Gregory saved me from the mistreatment of my stepfather. He’s a genuine hero, marrying me and giving me a dignified life.”

“So, there’s no love in this marriage?” he persisted in his provocations. “It proves I’m right—that my grandson only married you to inherit my fortune.”

“You’re mistaken again, sir.” I widened my smile and boldly clung to Gregory’s arm with affection. “I’ve never found true love like I’ve found with Gregory. We love each other.”

Gregory cleared his throat, and I felt his body stiffen. Once this was all over, he would question me and possibly punish me for such boldness, but I had taken control of the game and decided to use the situation to my advantage. Gregory didn’t realize it, but by helping him, I was also helping myself.

I barely noticed that the old man had spent a few minutes analyzing the situation, which had left Gregory impatient.

“Let’s see, then, if what you say is true, Miss Scott,” he said, adjusting the expensive suit he wore. “The inheritance will only be given to Gregory when you give me a great-grandchild. It’s time to prove all this love.”

A great-grandchild?

Now, I was truly doomed.