The old lady placed a gentle hand on her grandson's shoulder, her expression soothing. "That's all in the past, now let's get back to our dinner."Lionel's face twisted in frustration. “How can you be so calm grandma? He's the one who made you loose your shop!”The old lady smiled faintly. "Even if we bring it up dear, what will be done? Will it change anything? or do you believe we could win a court case against Mr. Blackwood?"Lionel's scowl deepened, but he did not say anything else, his fists just quietly clenched by his sides.~AubreyMy attention soon shifted to little Kiya, who excitedly skipped towards me with her doll. "This is Victoria, but I call her Pink Vickie!"I smiled, taking the doll from her. "Pink Vickie? But what's the 'Pink' for?" Kiya giggled, her eyes sparkling. "It's because her hair is pink!"I mouthed an 'O' and smiled. "I see."Just then, Alexander's deep voice cut through the warmth. "Drop the kid and go to bed, you're already carrying one in your tummy, is
The nurse?She was a.. spy?Alexander had planted her as a spy?Conner's whispered words hung in the air, and I stand stiff for a while, unaware of how to react. No wonder he had shut me out twice when I was about to ask him to fake the DNA results.He already suspected the nurse.I nod. "I had no idea, I'll be careful next time."Conner straightened his back with a smile. “There will be no next time Mrs. Blackwood. My business with you is finished. All I await now is a positive response about my charity event."I nod curtly, trying to process everything. For Alexander to actually plant a spy.. does it mean he still does not believe my lie?"Of course." I respon to Conner's statement, my voice flat.As I exited the hospital, the bright sunlight that enveloped me was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. I walked to the car and entered the back seat, the silence between Alexander and I thick with tension.It seems we were not using the chopper to return..I dart my gaze ar
I took a deep breath and finally speak. "I have some conditions." Alexander arched a brow, his expression unreadable. "Conditions?"I nodded, my head held high. "Conditions that you will have to adhere to because of the child."Alexander's gaze lingered on me, he does not say anything but I still speak."Firstly, any event you attend from now onwards, you'll have to take me with you, as your wife.” I stated, my voice firm.Alexander's expression remained blank, but his eyes never left mine. I had no idea why he was neither responding nor giving away an expression, but nonthelesss, I continued."Secondly, at any public events, you'll have to pretend to love and cherish me, get me gifts, be soft, and introduce me to your friends and their wives.”"What for?" He finally speaks.I furrowed my brows. "Huh?"Alexander tilted his head and walked closer, leaving little to no gap between us. I gulp and he spoke. "Why are you listing these?""I.. I want to fix our relationship." I lie."I am mo
Alexander's POVI stormed into the room, slamming the door behind me. The sound echoed through the space, a manifestation of the rage boiling within me. My fists clenched as I paced across the floor, trying to expend some of the pent up frustration.Victoria.How dare she?I have no choice than to accept her conditions, the child she carried changed everything, I couldn't risk losing my heir, my legacy.But how had she gathered the courage to make such demands? The Victoria I once knew was timid, barely able to speak up for herself. What had transformed her into this audacious, calculating woman?The thought fueled my anger, and I swept my arm across the nearby table sending a vase crashing to the floor. "Winston!" I shouted the new butler's name, the door in seconds flung open and the butler entered with his head lowered. "Yes sir?""Keep an eye on Victoria.” I spat, her name tasting bitter on my lips. "I want to know everything she does, everyone she talks to within this household.
"As your wife, shouldn't I share the same room with you and even bed?" I asked with a pout. "I'm not happy sleeping without my hubby, so I'm moving in."The dining room instantly fell silent, the air thickening and the warmth from the candles replaced by an icy chill. Alexander's aura turned indescribably suffocating, his eyes narrowed, piercing me with a glare that sent shivers down my spine.He took some steps towards me, his long legs eating up the distance. His towering figure soon loomed over me, but I stood my ground despite my racing heart."Thank the universe you have that child implanted in you.” He spoke slowly, his tone chilling. "Or else I would have ripped your head out from your body."My throat turned dry, fear gripping me. I knew he meant every word but I refused to back down. I summoned a smile, forcing a hint of amusement into my voice."I see.. I thank the heavens I'm pregnant then.” I said, meeting his gaze. "I get to keep my head."Alexander's expression didn't ch
~Aubrey The Next Morning.. I woke up to an empty bed, Alexander's side of the bed cold. The words he had uttered yesterday night suddenly popped up in my head and my cheeks flush red in anger. That b^stard! How could he have said such a thing with a straight face? I rest my face in my palms, angrier at myself for not doing anything and just facing the opposite direction instead. Finally done drenching myself in my embarrassment, I walk towards my room and take a quick shower. Done, I walk out just to hear Victoria's phone, lying on the dresser, buzz. As I picked it up, I couldn't help but notice that the caller ID’s name had been saved as "Witch" The name making me raise an eyebrow. Who could this be? Nonetheless, I answered and Georgina's voice resounded from the other end of the line. "Victoria?” I immediately burst out laughing, understanding why Victoria had saved the number that way. Georgina arched a brow in displeasure. "Why are you laughing?" I try to stifle my laugh
I rolled my eyes as the honking of the car outside grew louder, time to face Georgina and her cohorts. I took a deep breath, pasted on a fake smile, and walked out of the house. Georgina wound down the window, flashing me a saccharine grin. "Good afternoon dear. You look.. interesting." Her gaze swept over my outfit, her eyes lingering on my clothes. I raised an eyebrow, sensing the criticism. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" "Oh, nothing nothing." Georgina chimed, waving her hand dismissively. "You just look a bit.. underdressed." Her words, unlike before didn't move a hair on my skin, but once I saw the friends she had mentioned situated in the car seat, I clenched my fists, memories of my past life flooding back. The two sisters, Rachel and Danielle, had tormented me, belittled me, and made me feel worthless. It's unfortunate I won't get to repay both back for their generous deeds as Aubrey. "Hey ladies." I said, my gaze lingering on their faces. "It's nice meeting you."
Georgina's eyes widened in fake surprise. "Aubrey, you're the one who stole the ring? How could you? And to think a thief is actually related to us."“I knew she'd only cause trouble if we brought her along.” Janet chimed in, her voice full with disdain."Gina, better tell this stealing whore to return my sister's ring!" Danielle added, her tone venomous. I arched a brow, my expression unwavering. A small, mocking smile played on my lips, but it didn't reach my eyes. "Rachael, your ring went missing all of a sudden, and the first thing you suspect is someone stealing it? Isn't that quite odd?" I asked, my voice laced with amusement. "I mean, it could have fallen off in the dressing room for all we know."The room fell silent, and the staffs and customers began to murmur, they seemed to agree with my logical assessment.Rachael's face reddened, her fists clenched. "Are you saying I'm lying?"I smiled sweetly. "Another bold assumption you've made, Rachael."Georgina soon intervened. "
Aubrey's POVI stood frozen, gazing at the ruined dress on the bed, the fabric shredded beyond repair. Layla's concerned voice soon broke the silence."Ma'am, what should we do?"I raised a hand, my eyes still fixed on the dress. "Give me a moment Layla."Layla nodded and quietly exited the room, leaving me alone. For a few moments, I simply stared at the dress and a small laugh escaped my lips. I should have anticipated this.Georgina thought she'd ruined my day, but she underestimated me.I walked towards the drawer and pulled out a white silk dress. The fabric shimmered in the light, its delicate embroidery showcasing simple elegance. The dress was indeed a masterpiece, sleeveless, with a subtle V-neckline and a delicate silver clasp at the back, little tiny pearls adorned the hem, adding a touch of sophistication.I had bought this spare dress, knowing that Georgina would retaliate after the event that happened with Rebecca at the store. Little did they know, I was once step ahea
Aubrey’s POVI sat on the vanity chair, gazing at my untidy hair in the mirror. Layla had informed me earlier that Alexander had left the house, dressed in a dark suit. I knew where he was headed–the burial. I sighed, knowing he'd purposely gone alone.Taking a deep breath, I turned my attention to the hairdresser, who stood patiently behind me. "What can you do with this mess?" I asked, gesturing to my hair that resembled that of an eagle's nest.Madame Dupont's eyes sparkled. "I can create a subtle yet stunning design, Mrs Blackwood. A braided updo with delicate twists, perfect for the occasion, it'll still be pretty yet not so outward."I nodded, satisfied by the idea. "And how long will it take?""Approximately 25-30 minutes ma'm."And indeed, within the mentioned time, Madame Dupont transformed my hair into a masterpiece. I gazed at my reflection, admiring the design."Beautiful.” I said, smiling curtly.Madame Dupont bowed respectfully. "Thank you ma'am."As she exited, Layla en
Aubrey's POVI narrowed my eyes, my cheeks flushing with annoyance. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I said, my voice laced with sarcasm.Alexander's expression remained stoic, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Immensely."I feigned a sweet smile, trying to conceal my irritation. "Good because this is just the beginning."I adjusted myself on the picnic mat, arranging my dress around me. Alexander's gaze followed my movements, his eyes lingering on my legs. I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I refused to acknowledge it.Jarred soon handed Alexander a glass of lemonade, which he accepted without breaking eye contact with me.I began to serve the food, serving the sandwiches and fruits, still, Alexander's eyes never left mine, his expression, indifferent.As I bit on my sandwich, a group of noisy children ran past, chasing each other. Alexander's gaze flickered towards them, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of something else-perhaps longing for one of his. My heart so
Aubrey's POV I stood frozen, my mind a big mess from the sudden kiss. Alexander's eyes locked onto mine, I'm about to speak but his next words render me speechless."You didn't like it?" He asked, his voice low and husky.I opened my mouth to respond, but words failed me, instead, I settled for a weak retort, my hands unintentionally fumbling with the hem of my top. "You're drunk."Alexander furrowed his brow and then slightly tilted his head. "I'm not drunk."The pungent smell of alcohol and cigarettes waft off him, making my stomach turn. "You reek of it." I countered.He shrugged. "I drank, doesn't mean I'm drunk."I bit the inside of my cheek, my palms curling into fists, his nonchalance infuriated me."By the way." I said, changing the subject. "I planned a picnic for us today."Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You want us to go for a picnic in the middle of the night?"I casually shrugged. "I'm not against the idea, but that was not what I meant. I was saying I had planned for it
Author's Note: [Sorry for the delay guys! I was taken off guard by a sudden cold, had to get myself together, enjoy ^^]~~Aubrey's' POVElise's eyes locked onto mine. "I don't have an appetite, ma'am." She replied, her voice a little shaky.I arched a brow, a sly smile appearing by the corner of my lip."What's wrong Elise? don't you trust Layla's cooking?" I leaned in, fluttering my lashes but my smile, which couldn't even be referred to as one, revealed my true expression.If she had tried to hide her emotions when Layla was about to bring the dish, I would have never suspected that she may have placed something in the meal, unfortunately, she was bad at controlling her expressions.Elise's eyes snapped back to mine, her expression guarded. "No. I'll have a taste.” She replied, her voice strained.I smiled sweetly, my eyes never leaving hers. "Good then, take a spoon." I nudged my head towards the spoon in the bowl before relaxing into the chair.Elise's hesitation was palpable, he
Georgina's eyes widened in fake surprise. "Aubrey, you're the one who stole the ring? How could you? And to think a thief is actually related to us."“I knew she'd only cause trouble if we brought her along.” Janet chimed in, her voice full with disdain."Gina, better tell this stealing whore to return my sister's ring!" Danielle added, her tone venomous. I arched a brow, my expression unwavering. A small, mocking smile played on my lips, but it didn't reach my eyes. "Rachael, your ring went missing all of a sudden, and the first thing you suspect is someone stealing it? Isn't that quite odd?" I asked, my voice laced with amusement. "I mean, it could have fallen off in the dressing room for all we know."The room fell silent, and the staffs and customers began to murmur, they seemed to agree with my logical assessment.Rachael's face reddened, her fists clenched. "Are you saying I'm lying?"I smiled sweetly. "Another bold assumption you've made, Rachael."Georgina soon intervened. "
I rolled my eyes as the honking of the car outside grew louder, time to face Georgina and her cohorts. I took a deep breath, pasted on a fake smile, and walked out of the house. Georgina wound down the window, flashing me a saccharine grin. "Good afternoon dear. You look.. interesting." Her gaze swept over my outfit, her eyes lingering on my clothes. I raised an eyebrow, sensing the criticism. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" "Oh, nothing nothing." Georgina chimed, waving her hand dismissively. "You just look a bit.. underdressed." Her words, unlike before didn't move a hair on my skin, but once I saw the friends she had mentioned situated in the car seat, I clenched my fists, memories of my past life flooding back. The two sisters, Rachel and Danielle, had tormented me, belittled me, and made me feel worthless. It's unfortunate I won't get to repay both back for their generous deeds as Aubrey. "Hey ladies." I said, my gaze lingering on their faces. "It's nice meeting you."
~Aubrey The Next Morning.. I woke up to an empty bed, Alexander's side of the bed cold. The words he had uttered yesterday night suddenly popped up in my head and my cheeks flush red in anger. That b^stard! How could he have said such a thing with a straight face? I rest my face in my palms, angrier at myself for not doing anything and just facing the opposite direction instead. Finally done drenching myself in my embarrassment, I walk towards my room and take a quick shower. Done, I walk out just to hear Victoria's phone, lying on the dresser, buzz. As I picked it up, I couldn't help but notice that the caller ID’s name had been saved as "Witch" The name making me raise an eyebrow. Who could this be? Nonetheless, I answered and Georgina's voice resounded from the other end of the line. "Victoria?” I immediately burst out laughing, understanding why Victoria had saved the number that way. Georgina arched a brow in displeasure. "Why are you laughing?" I try to stifle my laugh
"As your wife, shouldn't I share the same room with you and even bed?" I asked with a pout. "I'm not happy sleeping without my hubby, so I'm moving in."The dining room instantly fell silent, the air thickening and the warmth from the candles replaced by an icy chill. Alexander's aura turned indescribably suffocating, his eyes narrowed, piercing me with a glare that sent shivers down my spine.He took some steps towards me, his long legs eating up the distance. His towering figure soon loomed over me, but I stood my ground despite my racing heart."Thank the universe you have that child implanted in you.” He spoke slowly, his tone chilling. "Or else I would have ripped your head out from your body."My throat turned dry, fear gripping me. I knew he meant every word but I refused to back down. I summoned a smile, forcing a hint of amusement into my voice."I see.. I thank the heavens I'm pregnant then.” I said, meeting his gaze. "I get to keep my head."Alexander's expression didn't ch