Despite how many times I already told Justin that I didn’t want to come with him. He still insisted that I go with him. His persistence over the matter is so dominating that I can’t even make any attempt to insist on what I truly want. In the end, I just settled in letting him drag me along with him.I even remember from earlier that he immediately pulled me off the bed just to push me inside the bathroom to change. Although I knew that he only did that to make sure that I can finally get on the clothes he provided, I still find it rude of him to actually force me. Can he at least wait for me to adjust to the fact that I am actually wearing his clothes. I am not that much of a picky person, however, wearing his clothes would only confirm that I have become his woman.We make our way out of the mansion of the Montefalcos in a very nonchalant manner; however, despite the fact that it appears to be quite simple for Justin, it is actually quite difficult for me. There is a small part of
The long drive didn’t last that much compared to what I had thought. Perhaps it is just me, but I’d like to believe that Justin intentionally asked the driver to make a stop here knowing that I have been acting distant from him despite how many times he made an attempt to interact with me.“When was the last time you went out to bring me with you?” I suddenly asked.“I actually don’t remember but hey, I’m trying to make it up right?” Justin replied and although I should feel some butterflies in my stomach, I simply couldn’t help but still feel some pain along it.It’s not like I don’t even notice it, however, I am just afraid that if I even made another push to divert my focus into him again that I might not actually be able to get away from it again. Justin had this very strong skill for dominating me.It always makes me wonder why I can’t seem to get away from his dominating presence. It’s like I've always been bound to submit myself to him. What makes things more odd is the fact t
I just feel like I want to completely disappear right now. It took me a little while to realize that Justin was the sole owner of the yacht before the thought occurred to me. “You own all of these as well.” What I'm experiencing right now is remarkably close to the sensation of contracting from my current position. “That’s fine, it’s not something to be proud of really. We already had this car twenty years since this place was even born.” Justin replied.Because of how embarrassed I am right now, I don't even have the courage to become irritated with him. I just can't bring myself to do it.Before turning his attention back to me, Justin had been looking at something on his phone. Suddenly, however, he stopped doing that and looked at me. When he looked at me again, I had the sudden sensation that a hot rush of blood was rapidly splashing within the cheeks of my face. It happened as soon as he laid his eyes on me again. Maybe it's because I've been completely embarrassed that I'm
I had to put on an act of laughing right in front of the saleswoman. Although at the back of my head, I was very pleased that he told her I am his wife. A sign of affirmation that Justin may seem oblivious to my feelings. As soon as I realized that the saleswoman seemed to be believing what I said, given the way that she returned what I said with a shy smile, I quickly prodded Justin at the side for making such a comment.His subsequent actions, however, only made matters worse. Justin grabbed my arm and yanked me to his side as he put his arm around my shoulders. He then added, "Make sure that my wife over here will find comfort in the clothes you'll offer," as if to emphasize the absurdity of the situation.” Almost immediately, Justin made it sound as though I was denying him as my partner to the saleswoman, as he emphasized that I am already his wifee two separate times. This gave off the impression that I was the one lying. Now that he brings it up, I suddenly have no idea how I
Usually, I would shrug off these kinds of occurrences as though they were completely nothing. However, looking at them right at this moment made me all of a sudden feel as though something hidden deep within me is about to blow up any second now.When I opened the door to the other dressing room, which was right next to the one where I tried on my dress, my eyes widened in shock as I saw that it was actually Justin and the saleswoman making out inside. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.I usually only see this in movies, and I can honestly say that not once in my entire life have I ever entertained the thought of actually being able to witness it happening in real life. At this point, the only sensation that I could detect within me was one of complete numbness.At the same time, it feels like a bomb is ticking inside of me, and I'm just waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger so that it can finally go off. And it seems as though that trigger has been pulled apparently by
How was I supposed to answer him at all?“Would you please stop this nonsense, Justin?” I immediately protested followed by getting myself off from Justin’s arms.I couldn’t possibly let him continue to mock me in a way that he would use my emotion against me. It was not fair.“Wait, come back here, Marga!” Justin called for me but I paid him no mind. I took the opportunity to go and leave him. He didn’t expect that I was able to move swiftly. I was even trying to still be cautious in a way because I was scared that something might happen with the child inside my belly. Although for some reason, my belly isn’t that much big compared to other pregnant women at this stage.Which was why even though I finally allowed Justin to have his way and sleep with me, he was still unable to distinguish that I was pregnant.“I will not come back. I’d rather go home.” I replied back while not trying to stop my feet from moving. And yet, Justin was eventually able to come after me within seconds pu
Everything around us went quietly awkward for the next few seconds.Only the sound of other footsteps walking not so distant from us was the only thing that we could hear.Justin, who was just staring at me at the moment, leaves me an unbearable decision of wanting to leave him right away, knowing that nothing would simply result from all of this.“And that’s the reason why we don’t have to talk things out because it would be meaningless anyway. I know that there was no way that you would ever want to continue this marriage. A bond that you so much loathe.” I finally mustered up the courage to finally tell him. Otherwise, I knew that it would only make me more miserable than I already was should I even consider staying here for much longer.And as Justin didn’t even seem to bother saying anything anymore, I was forced to struggle getting his grip off my arms and left him behind. As expected, Justin didn’t even bother to chase after me any more.A DAY PAST and it was the day that ever
I had to forcibly pull my arm off from my mother-in-law’s grip as I replied, “There’s no need for you to brush that off to my face, mother. Again, don’t you think it’s unnecessary that you’re doing this to me while everybody might be staring at us?”With a brief moment, I quickly pulled away my arm enough to make her let go of me.“You should be grateful that there was a party going on,” Mother pressed on me. Her voice was trying to contain the animosity she has for me. She doesn’t have to directly tell it, it was already too obvious with her words.“I’m sorry, mother.” Was then the only words I could say. Unfortunately, t
Elise Grant was a woman born into privilege, but privilege came with its own kind of chains. She had spent her life learning how to play the game, but now she was realizing that the rules had changed—and I was the one rewriting them.I watched her disappear into the fog, but I knew she wouldn't be able to walk away from this. Not entirely. People like Elise didn’t just sit back and watch their world collapse—they fought, even when they didn’t know who the real enemy was yet.Leon let out a quiet sigh, his fingers flexing against his side. "She’s going to struggle with this."Dorian smirked. "Good. People make the best decisions when they think they don’t have any other choice."I pulled my coat tighter around me. The air was damp, the salty ocean breeze mixing with the lingering scent of gasoline from the fishing boats docked nearby. "She’s going to reach out again soon."Leon’s gaze flicked to me. "How can you be so sure?""Because she’s smart," I said simply. "And because she’s terr
The wind whipped through my hair as I watched Elise disappear into the night. A thrill ran through me, a mix of victory and anticipation. She had taken the bait, but we weren’t in the clear yet. Not by a long shot.Leon and Dorian flanked me, their expressions unreadable. The three of us stood in silence for a beat, the ocean waves crashing against the wooden pier below us.“She’s scared,” Dorian finally muttered, lighting a cigarette. The flame illuminated his sharp features for a moment before fading into the night. “Which is good. Fear makes people predictable.”Leon’s gaze remained fixed on the path Elise had taken. His jaw clenched, his thoughts miles ahead of us. “Fear also makes people desperate.”I turned to him. “You think she’ll run to her father?”He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he shifted his stance, slipping his hands into the pockets of his coat. “Not immediately. She’s smart enough to know that if she tips him off too soon, she’s collateral damage.”I nodded. “The
The moment Elise Grant’s fingers touched mine, I knew I had her attention. She was a woman who played in circles of power, who measured every interaction with precision. A single misstep could cost her everything.I held onto her hand for just a fraction longer than necessary, letting the weight of my words settle between us. Then, with a small, knowing smile, I withdrew, lifting my champagne flute to my lips.“Margarette,” Elise repeated, as if testing how my name felt on her tongue. “I don’t believe I’ve heard of you before.”I chuckled softly. “That’s the point, isn’t it?”Elise tilted her head, intrigued but guarded. “And what exactly do you do, Margarette?”I swirled the champagne in my glass, watching the golden bubbles rise to the surface. “I help people see things they’ve overlooked.” I lifted my eyes to hers. “Or things they’ve been kept from seeing.”Her smile didn’t waver, but something in her gaze sharpened. “That sounds dangerously close to a threat.”“Not a threat.” I to
The black SUV moved through the city under the cover of darkness, the tension inside as thick as the fog rolling in from the harbor. I sat in the passenger seat, my fingers drumming against my thigh, my gaze fixed on the glittering skyline ahead. Leon drove in silence, his grip tight on the wheel, while Dorian lounged in the backseat, casually checking his watch as if we weren’t about to walk into one of the most dangerous plays of our lives.“Elise Grant won’t be easy to approach,” Dorian mused, breaking the silence. “She’s got bodyguards, a strict schedule, and enough privilege to think she’s untouchable.”“That’s what makes her blind to threats,” Leon countered. “She’s never had a reason to look over her shoulder.”I exhaled slowly, my mind racing through the details of the plan. Elise would be attending a charity gala tonight, hosted at a high-end hotel owned by one of her father’s associates. It was the perfect opportunity to get close, to plant the seeds of doubt in her mind. Th
The cabin felt smaller now. Maybe it was the presence of this new stranger, or maybe it was the way my nerves coiled tighter with every passing second. Either way, the moment Dorian stepped inside, I felt it—the shift in the air.I gripped the revolver tighter, even as I pushed the door shut.Leon emerged from the hallway, still holding his phone, his dark eyes sharp as they flickered between me and Dorian. He didn’t look surprised. If anything, he looked… resigned."Dorian." Leon’s voice was clipped. "You took your time."The stranger—Dorian—chuckled, running a hand through his dark hair. "Traffic," he said, as if that explained everything. His green eyes met mine again, studying me with a mix of curiosity and something I couldn’t quite name.I didn’t trust him."You’re staring," I said flatly, not bothering to hide the irritation in my voice.Dorian grinned, unbothered. "Just making sure you’re as sharp as Leon said.""Flattery isn’t going to make me lower the gun."Leon exhaled, pi
The car ride was silent except for the occasional hum of the tires against the pavement. Lillian sat in the driver’s seat, her hands steady on the wheel, eyes flicking between the road ahead and the rearview mirror. Every so often, I followed her gaze, expecting to catch sight of a shadow trailing behind us.Nothing.Yet the unease in my chest refused to settle.Leon had sent one of his private drivers to pick us up outside of town, just past the tree-lined outskirts where the city lights faded into darkness. The safe house was in an undisclosed location—secluded, heavily secured, and supposedly impenetrable. But after everything that had happened, I wasn’t sure I could believe in impenetrable anymore.Aunt Lou had been hesitant to let me go, but she knew staying behind was too dangerous. Uncle George had slipped a small revolver into my bag before I left, whispering instructions in a firm voice I had never heard from him before."Use it if you have to. Don’t hesitate."Now, as the he
i sat in the dimly lit room, my fingers trembling slightly as I clutched the warm cup of tea Aunt Lou had prepared for me. The fragrant steam curled upward, but even the soothing aroma couldn’t quiet the storm raging in my mind.No matter how tightly I wrapped myself in the comfort of my aunt’s presence, my thoughts remained restless, tangled with fear and uncertainty. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the same thing—Leon, his jaw tight with determination, refusing to back down no matter the danger. His need to uncover the truth had set us on a treacherous path, and with Alexa hidden away for her safety, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.Sleep had been a distant dream for the past few nights. Every creak of the house, every gust of wind against the window, sent my heart racing. I knew I was being watched. Maybe not now, in this moment, but somewhere out there, someone’s eyes were on me.A soft knock at the door shattered my thoughts.Aunt Lou
The room remained silent for a moment, heavy with the weight of what Lillian had just revealed. My mind raced, processing the implications of the forged document. Justin wasn’t just trying to intimidate me—he was trying to erase my claim entirely, to make it look like I had given up willingly.I clenched my fists, my pulse pounding in my ears. “How did you get this?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.Lillian exhaled sharply, pulling out a USB drive from her pocket and placing it on the table. “An informant within Justin’s circle leaked these to me. They overheard him discussing his next steps—he’s preparing to launder the stolen assets and shift everything offshore. If we don’t act now, your parents’ properties will be out of reach forever.”Uncle George muttered another curse under his breath. Aunt Lou, pale and shaken, placed a protective hand over mine. “What do we do now?” she asked, looking at me as if I had the answers.I swallowed hard, then turned to Lillian. “Do we have
I sat in the dimly lit room, my fingers trembling slightly as I held the warm cup of tea Aunt Lou had prepared for me. Despite the comfort of her presence, my thoughts were a storm I couldn't calm.Leon’s determination to clear his name had put us on a dangerous path. With Alexa hidden away for her safety and Justin growing more desperate, the stakes had never been higher. The last few nights had been sleepless ones, filled with anxiety, and a nagging sense that something was about to go terribly wrong.A soft knock at the door snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. Aunt Lou exchanged a quick glance with Uncle George before rising to answer it. My heart pounded as I watched the door creak open, revealing a familiar figure—Claire Donovan.Claire stepped inside with her usual warm smile, but something about her felt different tonight. Her eyes held a sharpness that sent a shiver down my spine. She wasn’t here out of the goodness of her heart. There was an edge to her, and it set me on