*RENEE*
The guards pushed me out the door and slammed the door on my face.
“Marcelo…Marcelo!”I called,knocking hard on the door.”Marcelo,I am your wife.You can’t treat me like this!Open the door!”I yelled.
Seeing that wasn’t working,I decided to beg.
“Marcelo,please.I know this seem pretty sudden to you but we can work things out.Just let me in,I’m begging...”I paused when I heard barking sounds.
I recalled that he had told the guards to release the dogs.
What dogs?
I looked towards the direction of the sound to see two dogs running towards me.
If I hadn’t previously heard that they were dogs,I would’ve called them wolves, big ferocious wolves.
I broke into a run,running as fast as my legs could take me.
No.
I wasn’t ready to die.
I was just twenty-two.
My life might’ve taken different twists and turns that I never wanted.
Still,I didn’t want to die.
I believe that there could still be brighter days ahead of me.
I ran to the courtyard of the house.I could still hear them barking and charging towards me.
It seemed as if they’d rip me to pieces if they caught sight of me.
I saw what looked like a small cottage not far away and I ran into it and slammed the door shut.
I quickly ran to the windows and closed it.
To my dismay,there was a push on the door as if the dogs were trying to break in.
Seriously?
Were they trained to murder people?
Panic filled me as I looked around and saw a table.
I hurried towards it and pushed it in front of the door.
The barking continued outside while I sat on the floor,trying to catch my breath.
I was trembling and I felt so scared.
I was in a dark room.This place was dirty as if it was abandoned.
The windows were old and I was scared that the dogs might break through it.
I moved against the wall and hugged my knees.As I sat there,I tried to murmur encouraging words to myself.
I would survive. I have to.
I have no idea how much time had passed but the barking stopped.I didn’t know if the dogs were still outside of if they had been sent to their cages.
But I didn’t want to find out so I continued sitting there.
I flinched when I heard a knock on the door.
Are dogs able to knock now?
I swallowed and said nothing.
“I know you’re in there,Mrs King.”
My eyes widened.
It was the butler’s voice.
Had he come to send me?
“Are the dogs gone?”I asked,anxiously.
“Mr King wants me to take you home now.”
I frowned.”Home?”
“To your parents’ house.”
He was sending me back?
Back to the Hudsons?
I imagined what that was going to be like.
Grace and Rocco were going to more than abuse me for failing to stay married to Marcelo.
And Nana.
Oh Nana.
I had been the one begging them and being super obedient to them so they could continue with her treatment.
But if I go back home now,they would instantly stop it.
Lord knows what they are going to do to me now.
I didn’t want to go back.
“What if I don’t want to go back?
“You have to.You can not possibly spend the night in there,ma’am.It gets really cold at night in this part of the estate.Also,Mr King said it’s either you go home right now and he’ll keep the dogs out all night.”
I swallowed.
I guess I was spending the night in here.
But was I really ready for this kind of life?
This man literally has no heart.
He released wild dogs on me while knowing that they could hurt me.
What if he does worse things to me if I stubbornly insist to stay married to him?
I sat back down.
What choice do I even have?
I guess I just have to try not to get killed by that mysterious and dangerous man.
“I am Mrs King,Chad.I’m going nowhere.”I replied,loudly.
And that was how I spend the night in that dark room,shivering all through.
***********
I have no idea when I finally managed to sleep through the unbearable cold of that night but I awoke to the door opening.
I quickly stood up to my feet,alarmed when I saw two men pushing the table aside.
Were they bringing the dogs in here?
I frowned when I saw a wheelchair roll in and sitting on it was Marcelo.
I felt like punching him.
He looked relaxed as he gazed at me.
“Were you expecting a corpse,Mr King,sorry to disappoint you.”I snapped.
He smirked.”Hmm,what am I going to do with you?”
I walked closer to him.”Well,I can give you an idea.Start treating me as your wife!You said you would if I survive the night.”I reminded.
I was acting tough but I was genuinely terrified of him and scared that he might stand up and kill me himself.
But I felt acting tough would reduce the chances of me being killed.
He rubbed his temper.”Are you that desperate to be my wife,Renee?It’s amusing.”
I looked away from him.
“Well then,I am a man of my words so I won’t take it back but I hope you are in tune with everything that has to do with being my wife.I especially would like to see how my wife performs in bird.”
I swallowed.
In bed?
That was part of the duties of a wife,wasn’t it?
I shouldn’t be so shocked but I was.
I was upset about having my first time with this man.
Damn it!
That guy at the club should have just taken me instead of insulting me!
“In bed,you’ll be in control,given my disability.”He continued.
My lips parted as I eyed him.
Disability indeed.
Why was he even pretending to be crippled?
And he seemed to be really good at him.
“You’re not answering?Does that mean you do not want to be my wife anymore?”There was mockery in his tone.
I swallowed.”I would do anything you want,Mr King.”
He scoffed.”Anything?You’re more despicable than I thought.”
It was at the tip of my tongue to insult him too but I held myself back.
I do not want to be put in that terrifying situation as last night.
“So…does this mean you would not send me back to my parents’ house?”I asked,tentatively.
I needed to be sure.
“We’ll see about that.”Anf then,he wheeled away.
I walked out of the room and suddenly felt dizzy.
I bent down a bit trying to get a hold of myself but I felt so weak.
Was it the scare of last night?
I felt really hungry too.
I lost my equilibrium and fell to the ground and then,darkness envelop me.
************
When my eyes opened again,I found myself lying on a bed.I closed my eyes for a moment feeling so confused.
When I opened them again,I looked around to see that I was in the room Chad had brought me to yesterday.
An IV drip was connected to my hand.I realized that I had fainted earlier.
Sighing,I flung the blankets aside because I was sweating profusing.
I took a deep calming breath trying to think of the way forward for me.I had no idea what the future held for me or what being married to Marcelo would do to me but I knew I had to be careful.
I couldn’t afford to offend him so I had to ignore his disability.I had to pretend he was really disabled and not ask any questions.Curiosity kills the cat and it might kill me if I do not thread with caution around him.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Are you awake,Mrs King?”
It was Chad.
“Yes.”I croaked out.
“Mr King wants to see you.”
Oh God.
What now?
*RENEE*“Do I really need to go see him?I’m on an IV drip.”I let out.“I think the drip bag should be empty now.”Chad replied as he walked into the room.I sighed as he confirmed that it was indeed empty.Chad disconnected it and repeated.“Mr King wants to see you urgently.”Taking a deep breath,I sat up.It’s not like I could avoid him anytime I wanted to.He was my husband.I got off the bed and followed Chad downstairs.I found Marcelo seated on his wheel chair.The luggage I had come with was in the center of the living room and my stuff were scattered all over the ground.I hadn’t had time to unpack but what was this?“Why did you go through my things?”I asked him.Chad moved closer to me and explained.“Mr King is not used to people around him,as you might’ve noticed,he is very skeptical about as you were previously engaged to his cousin so we had to search your things and…”Before Chad could complete that,Marcelo threw something at me.It was a small bag.“You really are even mo
*RENEE*I tried not to worry about explaining myself to Marcelo anymore.Since he didn’t berate me for that,I was going to pretend that maybe he didn’t hear what I said.Sighing,I got the drink I wanted and got back to my bedroom.I brought out my laptop and logged into my emails.My eyes dilated when I saw that seven collaborative projects I had nearly secured had withdrawn opting for a more suitable stylist.How could I lose seven business offers in one day?My phone beeped and I saw that Sarah had sent me a link.I clicked on the link and frowned,greatly at the headline.“Catherine Hudson shines in a 10 million dollars haute couture gown at the grandeur gala.She is truly a goddess.”I was stunned to recognize the dress.That was my dress!I made that dress!How dare Catherine talk my clients against working with me and then have the nerves to rock my dress?!She didn’t even give any credit to me!I was enraged.I quickly changed and rushed to the Hudson’s family house.It wasn’t as if
*RENEE*“A cripple is better than me?Seriously,Renee?Can he stand up for you?”Andrew asked and burst into laughter then he walked closer to me.“You’ll in regrets for the rest of your life,Renee.He can’t even make you feel like a woman.Come back to me and I’ll…”“Did I tell you that my husband doesn’t make me feel like a woman?Or would you like to hear stories about our consummation?”I saw Andrew’s eyes widened.“Stop joking.”“How will I joke about how good my husband is in bed?Having shared his bed,I should know best,don’t you think?”I held back my laughter seeing the pure disbelief in Andrew’s face.I will never give him or anyone the satisfaction of knowing how living with Marcelo is really like.“You…Marcelo?!”I saw Andrew looking pass me in just.Did he just say Marcelo?I turned away to see Marcelo just few feet away.He was seated on his wheelchair,an imposing figure despite appearing crippled.His bodyguard stood beside him.What was he doing here?!Seeing the glare on his
Catherine stared up at Andrew.She couldn’t lose him.Andrew had a position in King Group and she was sure that he would be the one who would inherit the entire King’s family empire someday and not that cripple.So Andrew was still a better match for her.She couldn’t lose him.“Drew.”Catherine called,lovingly as she stood in front of him and held his hands.“Drew,you really are over Renee,right?You won’t leave me for her,right?You two were together for almost a year,I’m scared that you might want her back.”Catherine pouted trying to make herself look cute and irresistible.Andrew stared down at her.Catherine was pretty but she couldn’t be compared to Renee.Renee had a kind of beauty that one could describe as angelic and it irked him so much that he didn’t get to bed her.He had so badly wanted to have a taste of her and he still wanted to.But he fight Catherine was more suitable for him since she was the Hudson’s real daughter and Renee was a nobody.He felt he needed a strong stance
*RENEE*Was-was Marcelo kissing me right now?My eyes were wide open unable to believe what was happening.As just as I was about to get sucked into his kiss,he pulled away from me and suddenly ordered Luke.“Stop the car!”Luke immediately stopped the car by the side of the road.“Get down,Renee.”Marcelo said to me.I frowned,confused.”Why?”“Get down!”He ordered again.“You…you just kissed me and you’re asking me to get down in the middle of nowhere?”This man was confusing the heck out of me.“Get down!Do not make me repeat myself again.”I felt like punching him.And I got so angry at his attitude that I didn’t want to spend another second sitting beside him.I got down from the car and lashed out at me.”You’re so annoying!”Then I slammed the door hard.The car drove off,immediately.Ugh!I stood there for a second trying to calm down.Why did he kiss me?I decided not to think too much about it so I wouldn’t go crazy.Well,considering what I had done to him in front of Andrew,I de
*RENEE*The following day,I was busy coming up with different ideas for the next set of dresses that I’d be making.As darkness enveloped the city,I got dress to meet up with Sarah.I had no idea that Sarah had chosen Venus bar.I only got to know when I met her at the location.I sighed staring at the casual outfit I was wearing.I could only hope that I do not look out of place.This bar was a renowned,exclusive club in the city which was frequented by the high societal folks.Membership at Venus Bar was a symbol of status and wealth.I made my way to a private room upstairs which Sarah had booked.***********MARCELO*“Stop!”I ordered Luke as soon as I caught sight of something.“Is something wrong,sir?”He asked as he stopped pushing my wheelchair.My eyes followed the woman who was clad in a simple shirt and jeans,a baseball cap concealed most of her face but I couldn’t fail to recognize her.My wife!What was she doing here?What could a woman be doing a such a bar?Was she secretl
*RENEE*Even if I was surprised at Marcelo’s presence at the bar,I tried to play it cool.I didn’t do anything wrong this time,did I?“Marcelo,this is Sarah,my best friend.Sarah,Marcelo, my husband.”I introduced.Being a private figure in social circles,Marcelo was clearly no stranger to Sarah,plus I had told her a lot about him.But I didn’t want him to know that I was the co-owner of this bar.Sarah and I exchanged knowing looks then she turned to face Marcelo.“Mr King,I’ve heard so much about you.I hope it’s still okay to spend time with my best friend.You certainly can’t be stingy with her.”Sarah teased.I don’t think Marcelo would believe that Sarah and I were simply hanging out in Venus Bar because this bar was known to be frequented by wealthy men who hooked up with different women.I stared at Marcelo who was still giving me a cold look.“Come here.”He ordered me.I glanced at Sarah.”You…you should head back first.”I suggested,aware of Marcelo’s unpredictable temperament and
*MARCELO*I stared up at Renee who was looking quite displeased at me.Yeah,that’s what you get for lying to me!It was actually laughable that she had said she came here with her best friend.Am I supposed to believe that?“Mr King,Can I leave now?”She leaned down a bit and asked me.Despite myself,I was momentarily captivated by her scent.She smelled sweet and milky and her warm breath tickle my ear,triggering a shiver through my entire body.I swallowed recalling how hot he feels to kiss her.“So now that Marcelo is here,can we get on to what we have planned for tonight!”Someone announced,breaking me out of my trance.I looked away from Renee and took a sip of my whiskey,then I said,casually to Renee.“What would you like Miss Hudson to join you in?”I asked,careful not to address her as Mrs King yet.“I said I was leaving.”Renee reminded me.“Sit down!”I ordered her loudly and she couldn’t dare refuse.She reluctantly sat adjacent to me.“Marcelo,I’m your wife,you can’t keep treat
Marcelo woke up the following morning with Renee in his arms.He sighed in content as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.She was still asleep.His cellphone rang and he quickly reached for it not wanting to wake Renee up.It was Luke.“We have a problem,sir.Paul has passed away.”Luke informed him.Marcelo grimaced and slowly got out of the bed,careful not to wake Renee.As soon as he walked out of the bedroom,he said.“Talk to me.”“The hidden cameras caught Gary bringing him coffee,he drank it and it led to his death.He also said some incriminating words that meant he poisoned the coffee if we were to use it in court.But there’s more.He sent his men out there to look for a perfect chance to kidnap Renee.”And that made Marcelo’s fingers clenched around his cellphone.This was the last straw!For so many years,he had thought his father’s death was just an accident but after the accident that claimed his brother’s life as well.He became certain that someone wanted to eliminate his who
I know.I could feel every bit of it.“I love you.”He said again and leaned over to kiss me.His kiss was deep, slow and sensual.He moved one of his hand down and guided the tip of his shaft inside me.And I came immediately,my own body taking me by surprise.A wave of sensual electricity jolted me from my core.My body shuddered from my toes to the top of my head and the contractions in the core of my body filled me with incredible pleasure.After it was all over,I opened my eyes,I saw Marcelo looking down at me with a grin.“You came already?”He teased.”That was just the tip.”I blushed a deep red.I haven’t come this fast before since I started having sex with him but tonight I was incredibly turned on more than ever,by his words, by the way he kissed me,by the way he touched me so just the slightest bit of his cock was enough to send me over the edge.I pouted.”I…I love you so much,that’s why.”He stared at me for a while as if processing what he had just heard.I placed my hand o
As soon as Marcelo walked into the house that day,Renee ran up to him and hugged him.He smiled as he stroke her hair.“Did you watch the press conference?”She nodded.“I’m sorry that I didn’t inform you about announcing our marriage to the public first…I…”She lifted up her head to stare at his face.“I’m not upset.I’m glad that everyone knows I’m your wife.”Marcelo beamed at her.”And I am glad that everyone knows that this incredible woman is mine.”She smiled,broadly.“I was thinking,maybe we could have a wedding ceremony.”He suggested.She bit her lower lip.”I’d like to walk down the aisle to you.”He leaned down and kissed her deeply.“I’m curious about something.”She suddenly let out.“About what?”He asked.“Were you disappointed or happy when Wyatt confirmed I wasn’t pregnant?”“Disappointed.”He replied,honestly.“Really?”“Yeah. I always thought I didn’t want marriage or children but Renee,I want everything with you.I want to experience everything only with you.”Renee giggl
That night,Gary couldn’t sleep.He paced to and fro thinking about the fact that Marcelo just keeps surprising them recently.Firstly,from thinking he was a disabled loser to finding out he owned the most powerful company in the country.And now,he wasn’t disabled!That nephew of his deceived him!Back then,that accident was meant to kill both Sebastian and Marcelo.But Marcelo had survived.Gary had wanted to make another attempt on his life but finding out that he was disabled made him feel that there was no need.Now,looking back,he felt enraged.Marcelo had deceived him!Marcelo had made him think that he was a disabled loser while he secretly made moves.Gary felt like tearing down the whole house.He needed to go see his father.They needed to talk about how to eliminate Marcelo once and for all!They couldn’t let Marcelo get more powerful than this.As Gary went up to Paul’s study, he was about to knock when he heard Paul’s voice.“I am not getting any younger.And it pains me to r
My love?Those words reeled through her head and she slowly pulled away from him and stared into his eyes.It wasn’t the first time he was calling her that but it made her heart ache as she wondered if he knew what that meant.“Do you even know what that means?”She asked,her voice hoarse from crying so much.Marcelo was confused.“What are you talking about?”“You shouldn’t call me your love.People don’t just randomly call people that.”She turned away from him as tears threatened again.“Renee,I’m not randomly calling you that.I called you that because…”“Why did you help her?”He blinked,surprised by her question again.“Help who?”“Stop playing dumb already.”She yelled as she stood up to her feet.“Do you know how hard she tried to ruin me?!She was aiming at ruining my career and I did my best,getting the jewelries and…and running around making sure everything went smoothly,do you have any idea how tired I was when I played the piano.Even if I was looking composed,doing so much that
“No, it wasn't me!"Catherine blurted out in a knee-jerk reaction. But as she realized the undeniable truth in the surveillance footage, she quickly shifted her story. "I just lost my balance. It was an accident. I didn't mean to hit the table!"Renee was unaware of Catherine’s presence near the champagne tower since she was out of her line of sight. Now, she was convinced that Catherine had intended the incident.Marcelo, however, was uninterested in Catherine’s excuses.“I'm giving you a chance to apologize," he said sternly. He pointed to another champagne tower and instructed Catherine, "Go stand there and pull the table yourself."His demand wasn't unreasonable. He wanted Catherine to understand the potential harm she had nearly caused Renee.“No, I can't!"Catherine refused, shaking her head in terror and shielding her face.She feared the glass could cut her, potentially scarring her face. She then tried to shift the blame to Renee. "You weren't even hurt. You can't do this to me
"A marriage alliance..." Vivian muttered, her voice trailing off.The news had caught her completely off guard.Catherine’s satisfied grin grew wider as she saw the shock etched on Vivian’s face.“Miss Lambert, do you still see yourself as the other woman? Are you ready to be outplayed by someone so cunning?"“Why are you telling me this?" Vivian quickly regained her composure. "You're with Andrew. We both understand his connection to Marcelo. If I marry into the King family, the Lamberts will support Marcelo. That can't be good for you."It didn't make sense for Catherine to be helping her.Catherine just shrugged. "I can't stand watching that Renee enjoy a good life. Isn't that reason enough?"************The birthday ceremony then began. Paul had two sons and a daughter. Today, his daughter was notably absent. She was the family's outcast, having married young and moved abroad with her husband. She had almost cut all ties with the Kings.Renee vaguely recalled that she had been cl
Renee watched Vivian with a knowing smile.Vivian, unable to utter the words, bit her silver teeth and continued to gaze at Marcelo, silently begging for his help.Considering her relationship with his brother, Marcelo reassured, "It's okay not to call her that."If his brother were still alive and married to Vivian, they would have referred to Vivian as "sister-in-law."Renee’s smile stiffened slightly, but it didn't matter to her. She didn't need Vivian’s acknowledgment as "sister-in-law," and the thought of it even disgusted her.She didn’t want Marcelo and Vivian to be seen as siblings.She wanted Vivian to have nothing to do with her husband.Was that too much to ask?Meanwhile,Jessica showed a keen interest in the piece Renee had composed and started discussing it with her.Finding the conversation uninteresting, Marcelo decided to step out to the balcony for a smoke. Seizing the opportunity, Vivian followed him.“Marcelo, are you angry with me for siding with your father today?"
Feeling a pit in her stomach,Renee was about to relinquish her hold when Marcelo spoke.“No, thank you." He refused Vivian directly.Marcelo waved in the direction of Damian, who was standing nearby. "Damian will keep you company.”Vivian and Damian were already acquainted.“Huh? Oh, sure. I'll take it from here,"Damian replied.He was startled at first, and then bewildered by the sudden task that was thrown in his face. But he didn't want Marcelo to leave Renee alone and go with another woman, so he agreed without a second thought.The smile froze on Vivian’s face, and her eyes darkened. She swallowed and quickly composed herself. "Well," she said, forcing another smile at Damian. "I'm afraid I will have to trouble you in the meantime."Damian paid no mind to her strained expression and carried on as he would with an old friend.“It's no trouble at all. We were just about to play dice, do you care to join us?Renee is quite good at it. Why don't you give it a try?"Damian offered.Wyat