Emery's POV
"Sicko… Hey! Wake up, sicko…"
Who the hell is that?
I slowly opened my eyes and caressed my forehead. My head kinda hurts and the person shaking me isn't helping. Goddamn it! It's making me dizzy.
"Finally awake, sicko?"
I glared at Terrence Harrison-Gray, who was standing between me and the open door of the car.
"Will you stop calling me that? Weirdo."
He just scoffed and turned his back. I grabbed my bag and got out of the car. I was shocked when I saw the huge mansion in front of us. My family is rich and our house is huge but the house in front of me is twice larger than our house.
This is where he lives? Just who the hell is he? Who the hell did I marry?
"I believe the family of Craig is also rich, but why are you salivating?"
I wiped my mouth and glared at Terrence Gray when I realized he was just teasing me. I found him smirking like a complete weirdo while looking at my face.
"Shut up!"
He just smirked again and started walking towards the entry. I followed him while having a hard time walking because of my heavy wedding gown. Why did I even choose this gown?
"Ah!" I screamed when Terrence Gray suddenly lifted me from the ground.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked at him sharply. "What are you doing?"
"If this isn't obvious, I'm carrying you because you're walking like a freaking turtle."
I hissed. "That's because the wedding gown is heavy."
"Whatever!" He sarcastically rolled his eyes and continued walking. He put me on the couch when we reached the living area and I noticed a woman, obviously younger than me, looking at us from the staircase.
"How sweet!"
Terrence Gray groaned. "Shut up! You better tell me where Anne is, Tiffany."
"Why are you asking me about her? You're the fiance."
"You were the last person to see her this morning, Tiffany. Tell me where my fiancee is and don't you dare lie to me!"
I just sighed and roamed my eyes around. This house is really huge and elegant. I wonder what Terrence Harrison-Gray's occupation is. From his looks, I assume he's a businessman. If my hunch is right, then I must've heard his last name in the company or on the news.
"Why are you lashing out at me? I did not do anything, Terrence."
"Yes, you did! You probably said something to her!"
"Even if I said something to her, if she really wants to marry you, she shouldn't have run away on your wedding day! And aren't you happy? You got a substitute bride there."
My forehead creased as I looked at the young lady. She's looking at me as if checking me out.
I shot an eyebrow up and looked at her blankly. I don't care if she's related to Terrence Gray, I'm a bitch to a bitch.
The young lady rolled her eyes and turned her back.
"TIFFANY, COME BACK HERE!"
I covered my ears and looked at Terrence Gray when he shouted so loud. His face and neck were red and his blue eyes were blazing. He looked extremely angry but the young lady just went upstairs, completely ignoring him. What a brat!
"You might want to lend me some clothes and send me to my room," I said looking at my accidental groom.
He looked at me with an angry face. He's scary but strangely, I'm not scared at all.
"Sleep with that dress. I'll ask my assistant to buy you a dress tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" My forehead creased. "You don't mean I have to sleep with the same underwear, right?"
"What does it sound like to you? Why? Do you wanna wear mine instead?"
I gritted my teeth. "Nevermind! Perverted weirdo."
"Follow me," He rudely said and walked upstairs.
I had to run to catch up with him or I'd get lost in this huge mansion. We walked along the long hallway before he stopped in front of a room two rooms from the balcony.
He opened the door and looked at me as he pushed his hands inside the pocket of his pants. ‘This is your room. Just stay here and don't roam around. I'm leaving for a while so make sure you're still here when I come back or your company will suffer."
He was about to leave when I grabbed the sleeve of his suit. "Wait…"
When he looked at me, I looked him in the eyes with desperation. "You're really gonna help me, right?"
"I'm not the kind to lie about something so serious. Just obey me and I'll make sure you'll get what you want."
For some reason, I felt assured by his answer but I don't like his tone. I don't want anyone ordering me around, but for my mother's company, I will endure this. I did worse than this—having an agreement with an old perverted man who promised to give me money to save my mom's company. Staying with a weird man is nothing compared to that.
Nodding, I let go of his sleeve. "Thanks."
He just clenched his jaws, still pissed.
I swallowed hard as I watched him walk away. When he disappeared from my sight, I immediately shut the door and dropped my body on the bed.
I took my phone out and searched for his name on the web.
"Terrence….Harrison…Gray…" I mumbled as I typed his name, curious about his identity. I feel like he's a powerful and influential man.
Let's see…
I gasped and immediately sat on the bed with a shocked expression plastered on my face when information about him popped up on the screen.
‘Terrence H. Gray, 29. Born on February 2, 1995. Single. President of Empire Gray…'
My jaws literally dropped because of the information I gathered. I married the wrong guy but this guy could help me. He's even wealthier than Mr. Jones and my own family. He's a freaking billionaire.
I cupped my mouth and stared at the screen of my phone. "Good heavens!"
Is this a blessing in disguise?
Terrence's POVI was staring at the paper Dan gave me while sitting in the driver's seat of my car. I went to Anne's condo but she wasn't there. I even called her friends and anyone I know who might know her whereabouts but I still couldn't find her.The fact that she disappeared on our very wedding day is making me so fcking frustrated and worried. If she was abducted, her abductor should've called by now but none."Emery Craig," I whispered the name of the woman I married today.I got a substitute bride just like what Tiffany said but I'm not happy about it. Why did Anne leave me like that? If there's a problem, she can just tell me. I'm willing to listen to everything she's going to say. She's my fiance. If she's not ready to marry me, she could just tell me.Someone knocked on the window of my car. I rolled it down after seeing Dan outside."Sir, I already talked to the manager of the bank. You just have to meet him tomorrow with the debtor and settle."I nodded. "Thanks, Dan. You
Emery's POVI had no choice but to agree to Terrence's terms. To save my mom's company, we'll keep our fake marriage for a year.After completing the contract, we were now at the bank paying for what my stupid half-brother had loaned.Ten million dollars, even if for Mr. Jones, it was a huge amount and he could only pay in installments. But Terrence paid it off without blinking an eye."Thank you, Mr. Gray. I apologize on behalf of my colleagues for threatening your wife." The manager of the bank who actually threatened me bowed his head at Terrence apologizing. His two-sided face really disgusted me.Terrence didn't bother to glance at the manager and took me out of the building."Thank you," I said after we got in his car again.Terrence silently handed me the legal documents containing the ownership of the company. It's still under Ethan, my stepbrother's name, but I will make sure to get it back. I will not let him ruin the company that belongs to my mom."I've done my part, and d
Emery's POV"Do I really have to be here to convince them that you're actually married to me?" I asked as I watched the people coming in and out of the tall building of Empire Gray. This is really happening. I'm really married—not actually married, but fakely married to the wealthiest man in the country. I still can't believe this.Terrence looked at me lazily and grimaced. "It's not like you'll tell each and every one of them that you're married to me. You just have to act sweet, baby.""Baby?"He shot an eyebrow up. "You don't like that? How ‘bout love? Babe? Honey? Sweetie—""Wait…" I lifted my arm and laughed without humor. "You're not serious with that, right?"He crossed his arms. "Look me in the eye and tell me I'm joking."I gasped and gritted my teeth. "Terrence, I'm not gonna call you using those…cheesy and stupid…endearment!""I'm not forcing you but if they notice something that they shouldn't…say goodbye to your company."I glared at him. "Are you threatening me?"The cor
Emery's POVI couldn't stand losing, so I leaned closer to him and met his playful blue eyes. "Is that kiss…a monkey kiss?"His forehead creased but before he could rebut, I pushed him and stepped out of the elevator. I smiled at the female employee who was staring at me with a shocked face."Alice, inform all the departments and the board. I'm gonna introduce my wife to everyone." Terrence stepped out of the elevator arrogantly as he fixed his coat.The woman in front of us panicked again and quickly picked up the documents she dropped. I picked one and slowly handed it to her. She was looking at me in awe and I don't know if I should be proud or get offended. I don't even know why she's looking at me like that."Y-Yes, Mr. Gray."My forehead creased as I watched the woman turn her back and walk fast but awkwardly. I turned to Terrence and scoffed at him. "Look what you did."He frowned. "What? Is it my fault that we look like we're about to fck when she sees us."I laughed without h
Emery's POVGeorgina put her glass on the table after drinking her shot and looked at me. "So, tell me what really happened. How did you end up marrying the great Terrence Gray."I shook my head. "You sound like you're worshiping him."She lifted her arms. "Girl! That's Terrence Gray, the hottest bachelor. Just tell me. Come on…"I took a deep breath and drank my shot before I looked at her again. Georgina's lips parted as she covered her mouth. "Oh no! Don't tell me this was your pretentious stepmom's doing again."I shook my head and crossed my legs. "Not the stepmother. The stepbrother."She frowned as if disgusted. "That gambling addict asshole? What did he do this time? Gosh! I might cut his dick off and feed it to him. I really hate your family!"I smirked at her and sighed again before I dropped my gaze on the glass in my hand. "I'm too tired to tell you everything. But to make the story short, I gambled.""You gambled? With Terrence Gray?""He was a collateral damage. I just m
Emery's POVI slowly opened my eyes and caressed my aching head. Argh! I didn't drink too much last night but I got drunk. Thankfully, not too drunk to forget whatever happened last night. We ride in my car when I say we, me and Terrence. He really left his car last night and even pretended to be so dead drunk that I had to help him get to my car.I got off the bed and opened the window of my room. This room is cozy and really comfortable. I'm actually more comfortable here than in my dad's house. Here I feel free while in my dad's house, I feel like my responsibilities are imprisoning me.Two knocks interrupted my thoughts, followed by a soft female voice. "Miss Emery? Sir Terrence is waiting for you at the dining table."Shaking my head, I opened the door and looked at the maid. "I just woke up. Tell him to wait for half an hour."She looked very embarrassed by my answer but I didn't pay attention. I closed the door again and went straight to the bathroom. It actually took me half a
Emery's POVI took my sunglasses off as soon as I got out of the car. A smile crept on my lips as I saw the fascinating view of the place I chose for our honeymoon. Amalfi Coast is the perfect choice, I'd say. Even if I have to spend a week in this place with my talkative and perverted fake husband, at least I can enjoy the place."Let's go to the hotel first," Terrence said after paying for the taxi.I nodded and was about to grab my luggage when he got it first and looked at me. "Just lead the way."We entered the hotel and I just sat on the couch while Terrence walked towards the front desk to get a room. I crossed my legs while roaming my eyes around but when my eyes landed on the front desk, I slightly moved my sunglasses down to watch the annoying scene before my eyes.The front desk staff was smiling lewdly while talking to Terrence. She's purposely showing her cleavage and she looks like she's about to cum. What a slut!I heard someone giggling and when I looked at the couch o
Emery's POVI woke up alone in bed. I roamed my eyes around as I sat on the bed. Terrence isn't here anymore. Where did he go? Before I fell asleep, he told me that we'd go to the sea together. That bastard!I looked around the suite but he's really not here. I frowned and decided to shower and change into my swimsuit. I put my sunblock on before putting a cover on my body. I even grabbed my sunglasses since it was just 2 PM.On the way to the beach, I can feel eyes on me. I just kept walking, ignoring men whose eyes were ogling at me as if it was their first time seeing a woman.I hissed and just decided to eat at the floating restaurant. I'm hungry and I won't wait for Terrence. That asshole left first and he's not even my responsibility.I was using my hands while eating seafood. I rented a floating restaurant for couples—not that I'm expecting Terrence to come in the middle of my meal but because it's more convenient.While eating, I was watching the people on the beach when I sud
Emery's POV"Where are we going?" I asked Terrence when he brought me to a yacht. I don't know why we're here but my heart is already racing to its limit. I feel like this is the moment I've been waiting for but I don't want to expect, although he never disappointed me."We're having a date."I smiled at him. "Why in a yacht?""Because I don't want you to leave."My eyes squinted when I realized he's smirking. He's going back to his old self and it makes me happy."You won't be able to jump and swim from here with your dress."I glanced at my dress, perfectly hugging my body. My back was exposed and my cleavage was visible.I smacked his stomach. "You!"He chuckled and held my hand. He pulled a chair for me as I roamed my eyes around. A delicious smell filled my nose when he removed the cover of the food on the table between us. My eyes landed on the steak in front of me.It's been two years since I last ate food like this. It's not that I don't like it. It's because eating it would r
Emery's POVA week in my work has been peaceful. After Terrence came unannounced and purposely announced that we're together, my coworkers didn't bother me anymore. In fact, they apologize and tried to befriend me but I don't want a scripted friendship.Years ago, I didn't want Terrence's name to affect my social relationship. I don't want the people to treat me good or what just because I'm married to him but now, I realize it's fine. People around me are fake, but at least I'm happy.For a week, I've learned to adjust to the world. I didn't like being ordered around before, but now I'm learning it.The routine was the same. I'll go to work early and Terrence would startle me by bringing snacks or meals but I'm getting used to it. I actually expected him to come yesterday and he did. He truly never disappoints and I swore to make it up to him."Mrs. Gray…"I smiled at the guard. I already know but it's too early."Is Terrence outside, sir?"He shook his head and my smile slowly faded
Emery's POVI massaged my neck and stretched my arms after I finished printing design proposals. On my first day, I was introduced to my team and it turns out the team is busy on a project so I was tasked to print design proposals."Emery, I'm gonna get some coffee. Do you want some?"I looked at the man who asked. I smiled at him. I remember him. He was my classmate during high school and he still remembers me too."Thanks, but you don't really have to."He smirked. "I want to."I watched him leave but my smile faded when I saw the women in our department looking at us. I stood straight and pressed my lips together. Obviously, they don't like me."She just started but she's already flirting."My brow shot up. I don't tolerate such things but this is my first day at work, so I'd avoid making enemies…for today."I think I know her. She's familiar."I heard a sarcastic laugh. "Maybe she's a show girl. You like attending car shows right."I rolled my eyes and finished the last batch of p
Terrence's POVI take back what I said. I don't wanna see her with another man even if she doesn't love him. I want her for myself. I don't want her to coax me anymore. I don't want her to put on so much effort into making up for me. I don't care if she did something bad to me. I don't care if she hurt me before. I want her back and no one and nothing can stop me.I massaged my forehead. My head hurts because of what happened last night. I sighed and shook my head after I remembered what happened.I brought Kreed to a bar. We talked about Emery. He even confessed his feelings and insisted on courting her to get her back but I won't allow him."Did you know…Emery was my first girlfriend?"I looked at Kreed with a creased forehead. He's drunk. Okay, fine! I did it purposely. I poured him drinks continuously so he'd get drunk and he won't be able to show up tomorrow. I'm also a bit tipsy but he's worse. He couldn't even lift his head properly.He pointed at me. "You bastard! Why did you
Emery's POVI was glaring alternately at Terrence and Kreed. They're both sitting in front of me. If I hadn't kicked their legs earlier, they wouldn't have stopped bickering. They fought even in front of Gabriel and it angered me."Why are you here?" Terrence asked Kreed coldly."I should be the one asking you that. Why are you here?"I squeezed my eyes closed and sucked my breath as I massaged my forehead. I love having Terrence here, but they're irritating me."Why don't you leave now?" I asked, keeping my temper."She's telling you to leave." They said in chorus and I looked at them with a grimace."I'm talking to both of you. Leave now or I'd drag you both out."Terrence looked at me. "You're kicking me out?""Yes!"He frowned and looked at me like a bullied kid. I sighed and shook my head.Kreed pulled himself up. "Yeah right. We should leave because we're going to talk, Gray."Terence let out a sarcastic laugh. "I don't talk to ugly people."I gritted my teeth. "Leave, you two!
Emery's POVI stared at Terrence lovingly. I know I looked like a lovesick woman now but I don't care as long as it's Terrence. My heart won't stop racing inside my chest as he stared back into my eyes with emotions I couldn't name. I want to know what's going on inside his mind. I'm curious about what he's thinking but I'm happy right now so I ignored my curiosity."What are you smiling at?" Terrence asked with a creased forehead.I smirked and shook my head. "Nothing.""What's in your head, Emery?"I opened my mouth to answer but my phone in my pocket rang. It was an unregistered number but I answered it immediately."Hello?"[Good afternoon, Miss Craig. This is from Xi Studio. You passed the interview and you can report to the company tomorrow.]I gasped and smiled at Terrence while thanking the staff who called me. "Thank you, sir! Thank you so much."The call ended and I stared at it happily. I can't believe my heart is jumping in happiness and excitement right now."What was tha
Terrence's POVFck! Fck it! I want her to realize that she needs to make it up to me. I want her to feel that she needs me too and I need her, but why does seeing her so down after that simple conversation hurts me?I couldn't move. I'm standing in front of the kitchen counter, staring at the ingredients she chopped. She's still the high-maintenance woman I loved. She still can't cook. Can't even chop ingredients properly. The thought of it makes me happy. She's just so cute and perfect in my eyes. She's glowing and everytime I look at her, she's blinding me with her beauty.I'm still so fcking hopelessly in love but I'm restraining my own feelings because I want her to need me. I want her to realize that I can be hard on her too. That I can resist her because I'm so afraid that if she realized I loved her too much, she'll leave again and come back whenever she wants.I was left twice by the two women I promised forever. Anne hurt me so bad before but I fell in love with Emery without
Emery's POVI was watching Gabriel and Terrence. They're talking about random stuff and Gabriel looked so happy while sitting on Terrence's lap. The latter looked extremely happy too. I remember the happiness in his eyes when he told me he wants a child. It melts my heart knowing he wants to build a family with me. Now it got me thinking, does his offer of spending forever with him still stand? I'm willing to bargain just to achieve the happiness and contentment I've been seeking my whole life."Papa, do you have a papa too?"Terrence chuckled and messed up Gabriel's hair. "Of course, buddy."Gabriel's eyes twinkled. "Can I see him?"Terrence nodded and took his phone out. "Here is my papa's picture. Soon, I'll introduce you to him."I swallowed hard. "They're not blood related but I'm so happy that Terrence is giving him the chance to experience having a father.""He looks like you." Gabriel said innocently."No! I'm more handsome than him."Gabriel laughed happily and innocently. "D
Emery's POVI'm still lost. I thought I managed to free myself from darkness while healing, but I was wrong. I'm still trapped and that's all because I lost my happiness in the process of healing.I squeezed my eyes closed as I remembered the conversation I had with Terrence yesterday. He left after I was rendered speechless by the last words he said.He's still willing to take me back even after what I did to him. Thinking about his sacrifices hurts me and now he's willing to accept me again even after I left him without a word. I don't know if I really deserve him. Can I really make him happy? I can only offer my love and faithfulness to him and I cannot guarantee that I won't hurt him again because I can be stupid anytime. My decisions were reckless but he accepted my flaws. I am confident that he can make me happy, but can I really make him happy?"Momma?"I quickly wiped my tears and smiled at Gabriel. He climbed on the couch and sat on my lap while rubbing his eyes. He just woke