You're still mine

CHAPTER 4

That evening, immediately after what occurred at the dinner table, I took a ride to my apartment. I didn’t have the heart to stay in that mansion after the last statement Robert made. It hurt more than his mum’s own, and I could tell he wasn’t going to spend the night there either. I was so stupid to think he was standing up for me. I should have known better.

After undressing and getting ready for bed, I suddenly felt sick, coming down with a fever.

I took something to slow the fever and pain and decided to sleep early so I could wake up early for work tomorrow morning. I had a lot on my table this week so I can’t afford to be late or worse, fall sick.

Gently, I wrapped my hands around my belly, shaking off every bad thought and feeling. Shaking off everything Robert’s mum said about me. I wasn’t a barren desert. I was a real woman with no fertility issue, and sooner or later I’ll prove it to her.

That night as I dozed off without knowing, I had a dream. A sweet dream about Robert kissing me and rubbing my swollen belly, comforting me, and telling me he wanted this baby as much as I did. Telling me he didn’t care about the contract terms and that he wanted us to have a family.

I dreamt of my unborn child. I dreamt he was a boy, cute and chubby with his father’s brown ruffled hair and charming dark chocolate eyes. He looked like an angel. I wanted this angel.

Night quickly turned into morning. I woke up early to prepare for work. As I checked my email, I saw a message from the company informing me that I had a presentation later in the day.

The presentation was focused on suggesting a new commercial for a bottling company. The board of directors, including the CEO, Robert and the clients would be in attendance, so the presentation needed to be every inch perfect.

I was stepping into the kitchen to make myself breakfast when I suddenly saw Robert sitting in the living room. My heart nearly flew out of my chest as I thought he was a burglar or a ghost.

“Morning contract wife,” he said cheekily, standing up to adjust his suit.

The suit framed his lean muscular figure elegantly and the navy blue colour complemented his complexion perfectly. He looked as sexy as hell but I tried not to focus on that.

“You think it’s okay to barge into my apartment and scare me like that,” I said, turning red, almost purple with rage. “How did you even come in? I made sure to lock the doors.”

He put a hand into his suit pocket and took out a bunch of keys, dangling them in the air.

“I have the keys to everything you own.”

My mouth fell open as I was left speechless. Just how did he manage to get the keys to my apartment? Just because he was a multi-billionaire and my husband didn’t mean he could control everything in my life. I guess it’s time I changed the locks. But even if I did, he’d still find a way in.

“Why didn’t you sleep at the mansion last night?” He asked and I noticed he was walking around the apartment as if in search of something.

My body tensed up, realizing a shiver of panic.

“Since you weren’t going to spend the night there I didn’t see the need. Moreover, I had a few things to arrange.”

He turned sharply and narrowed his eyes at me like a hawk.

“You’re my wife,” he said sternly. “Whether or not I spend the night at the mansion, you are to stay there and perform your wifely duties. I don’t want you coming here again. Everything you need is at the mansion.”

I grimaced, my brows pinching in as I tried to say something in protest. “But…”

“No buts,” he stopped me. “I have said what I said and you must abide by it.”

Sighing in resignation, I crossed my arms around my chest and looked away defiantly.

But then I noticed he was still walking around the apartment, about to make his way into my bedroom.

I didn’t know what he could be searching for. Perhaps he suspected I had brought someone over last night, maybe thinking I was cheating on him. Whatever the reason, I couldn’t let him inside.

Yesterday after I came back, I kept the pregnancy reports on top of the nightstand. If he should walk into the bedroom right now, he’ll see them. I can’t let that happen.

Alarmed and nervous, I became restless, quickly thinking of something.

“Why exactly are you here?” I asked, trying to hide my restlessness and awakwardness. “And why were you with Scarlett back at the hospital?...”

“That’s none of your business,” he cut me off defensively, turning to look at me.

“You are my husband,” I blurted out in protest. “Of course, it’s my business. She’s fake…she’s no good for you and the company. She’s just taking advantage of you. Can’t you see that?”

His lips curled to a cheeky smirk as he scoffed. “Says the faithful wife who has been flirting around with my half brother.”

Momentarily, I was taken aback by his words. How could he think I was flirting around with his brother? I’d never do that. The relationship I had with his brother was purely familial and platonic, nothing more.

“You think I haven’t been noticing your inappropriate relationship with him as of recently,” he accused, narrowing his eyes at me. “I saw he dropped you off at the mansion yesterday, and you were just full of smiles like you were returning from some kind of secret rendezvous.”

I grimaced in bewilderment and anger, trying to explain myself but he didn’t give me the slightest chance.

“Spare me the details,” he put a hand forward to stop me from speaking further. “I don’t want to know. I’m just here to remind you of what you are – the wife of a multi-billionaire who fucking runs the city. Have some dignity because our marriage is in the public eye, and as such, people will always talk. Not to mention what my family might think. So put yourself together and know what you’re doing. Stay the fuck away from my brother. If I find out you’re cheating on me with him or any other person, believe me, I'll make sure you regret. Remember I’m the only reason you have a good-paying job, a roof over your head and a life. Until this contract ends, you’re still my wife. You’re still mine and you will do as I say,” he walked up to me and whispered coldly to my ear before using the exit, not sparing me another glance as he left me pinned to the spot, my words knotted in my throat.

The moment I heard the door click shut, my defences crumbled. I crumpled to the floor, breaking down in sobs. Why was Robert punishing me like this?