Family Issues

Raisel – POV

“What?” I asked, surprised. Alaric and I mutually agreed to a divorce, so it was granted by the court just yesterday, which was sooner than the given period. No wonder Alaric must have bribed someone to expedite the divorce.

“Why would he announce his marriage to Davina?” I asked. “What kind of man is Alaric to move on so easily?” I said in tears.

“I know why,” Soren said.

“We are the talk of the town,” Soren said. “I have never dated anyone, and people think I am serious and in love with Raisin. It would backfire on Alaric.”

“Why would it backfire on Alaric?” I asked.

“I will explain later,” Soren said. Hazel and I gave him a suspicious look.

“I need an answer, Soren. I know you asked me to trust you, but you need to let me know what is happening,” I said.

“Fair enough, I can tell you one thing. Investors knew about Alaric’s flings and cheating. They don’t take it lightly because they believe if a man cheats on his wife, he can cheat in business, and those big investors are backing out of a deal from Alaric’s launch of a new mobile model deal,” Soren said.

“Is your business not going to suffer?” I asked.

**Fixed Spelling and Grammatical Errors:**

“I have the biggest investor, my grandfather, who only wants me to date seriously, and by confirming you are my girlfriend to the world,” Soren said.

“Why did you not tell your grandpa about our fake dating? How will I get my revenge?” I said. My name is tarnished. Your bold statement labels me a gold digger. I don’t care about myself, but what about your name?” I asked.

“Do you want Alaric back?” Soren asked, changing the subject swiftly.

“No,” I said. “I want him to suffer.” I snapped.

“Then you and I have a goal. I have to keep my family believing I am dating someone seriously. You can get revenge on Alaric however you want, but be patient as my plan unfolds,” Soren said. I looked at Hazel, who gazed at Soren suspiciously and then sighed at me.

“You should have told Raisel about this,” Hazel said.

“I am sorry,” Soren said, but it felt like he wasn’t; he was right to hide this, and I wondered what else he had to hide from me.

“Anyways, you two need each other; one to show he is dating, and one wants revenge, so you two will work out,” Hazel said, not arguing. Then maybe I am over-cautious after what Alaric did to me, and I am being sensitive again.

“How do I get my revenge?” I said.

“I have plans,” Soren said. “You can choose. Hazel will give ideas as well.”

“Can we at least get drinks?” I said. I drank one after the other, with music playing and people dancing on the floor where I could see the VIP lounge, and I held Soren and Hazel’s hands.

“I want to dance,” I said.

“Are you sure you don’t want to cry?” Hazel asked, to which Soren frowned in response.

“No more crying. That jerk left my life for good; it calls for celebration,” I said and drank more, dancing to the beat. I danced, and Soren, who didn’t like to dance, stood aside with me and Hazel dancing. My heart felt heavy and numb; the thoughts of Alaric, the moments from the first kiss to the last kiss, everything came into my head, but I was no longer a housewife to Alaric, nor did I want to follow what he wanted me to do. I drank until I could only feel the music and my legs and hips swaying to the beat.

Strong arms around my waist pulled me close to him, and I smiled when I saw Soren’s face in my vision. “Where is Hazel?” I asked. He pointed, and I saw Hazel lip-locking with some hunk at the corner of the dance floor.

“Let’s go home if you are done dancing,” he said, whispering in my ear so I could hear him. I drank more and danced.

**Soren – POV**

Raisel passed out from drinking over her limits. I carried her and put her in my car, making sure no paparazzi were around. I didn’t need another rude and slandering article against Raisel. I have made sure all the paparazzi get the lawsuit for defaming cases registered against the articles creating false news.

I have to conduct press conferences tomorrow and set things straight. Raisel is willing to come out and speak with the press; if not, it’s okay. I drove home and got constant texts from my stepmother and dad. My sister and brother also texted, along with Grandpa, who wants to meet Raisel and see if she is the right woman for me.

I carried Raisel, laid her on the bed, and removed her shoes. She looks cute when she sleeps and isn’t crying over that jerk. I tucked in the bedsheet. I wish I could tell her how long I have been waiting to meet her. It’s been almost a month, and it feels good. My feelings for Raisel are only getting stronger; they never seem to sway. I wonder why you hold my mind and heart so much.

“Raisel, you are safe now,” I whispered. “I will make sure to help you get out of it.”

I called my stepmom as soon as she answered. “You crazy asshole, why are you dating that girl? I told you to stay away from her,” she screamed. “Your father had arranged your engagement to a business tycoon’s daughter; you’ve ruined everything. I will ensure you never get any money and sabotage your business.”

“Dearest stepmom, I am ready for anything. I did what you and Dad asked me and made me suffer, too, but not anymore. Oh, by the way, you can’t sabotage me anymore; I am free from the shackles,” I whispered. I smirked. I disconnected the call. I will put Dalton, the tycoon’s business, to its doom.