*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 more despicable than I thought.”
I frowned as I opened the bag.I saw a lot of small bottle of pills.I didn’t even know what the pills were,I had to read the label of each to know.
Some were aphrodisiacs,some were made to help with getting pregnant on time while some were potency-enhancing pills.
I swallowed hard.
How did this get into my luggage?
“You are so eagered to birth my child already.Is that your plan?You agreed to marry me because I’m the wealthiest man of the King family.You married me even while you obviously love Andrew.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”I slammed back at him, aggrieved.
“That box should tell you what I’m talking about.The box you had brought into my house,the box of your memories with Andrew.”He sneered.
My heart raced as I approached the box for a clearer view.
I opened it to see that there were a lot photos of me and Andrew,it felt as if we had a beautiful love story when in fact,Andrew and I never went out of a date,not even once.These photos were clearly fabricated,photoshopped!
What was going on?
I looked at more items at the box,there was heart shaped necklaces and a bracelet, there were even love letters.
“Did you seriously take me for a fool?Oh,because you heard I was crippled, you thought I could be easily manipulated,I know women like you,I’ve seen a lot like you and you’re so going to regret having the nerve to become my wife!”
I shakily stared at his cold, dispassionate eyes.
Even if this was a loveless marriage,I knew that this keepsakes was an insult to Marcelo,it was something no man would easily stomach.
“I didn’t bring any of this,I swear.Andrew and I were never…”
I paused knowing that he was never going to believe me.
Any explanation would seem like a lie and feeble excuse.
I swallowed hard and let out.”I’m sorry.”
“You are not going to last long in this house.”With that,he rode his wheelchair away.
I stared at the stuff found in my luggage trying to comprehend how it got there.
And that I recalled the night when I was packing up.
When I was done,I had gone to use the bathroom.But when I came back,I saw Catherine leaving my bedroom.
I hadn’t thought much of it because I was simply glad I was leaving that house.
So this was what she came to do?!
Catherine had always been jealous us me since we were small.
I always wondered what was there to be jealous of.
She had everything while I had nothing.
She was always given everything but once she sees me with the smallest of all things,she would want it as well.
She was not just jealous,she was purely evil to me.
That was why I wasn’t too surprised when I saw her with Andrew.
But she clearly doesn’t want Marcelo!
So why would she do this to me?
I didn’t need to think too much of the answer.She clearly doesn’t want me to live a peaceful life no matter where I go.
She wanted Marcelo to loathe me,to think of me as a gold digger and she had indeed succeeded.
I guess there was no way me and Marcelo would ever get along.
*************
Days passed and I didn’t see Marcelo even if we live in the same house.It was as if he couldn’t stand the sight of me so he did everything not to cross paths with me.
I tried to think of it as the best though.At least, he’s not hurting me,physically.
One morning,my cellphone rang out.
It was Sarah,my closest friend.
“Hey, Sarah.”I began,as I answered the phone.
“Renee,things are not looking good.Catherine sabotaged the projects you were working on.They’ve brought in a new stylist.”As a stylist,I often worked in the same circle as Catherine and she had an habit of messing with my business.
Why can she just leave me alone?!
“I’ll look into you.”
Sarah was quiet for a moment before she drawled.
“So…you haven’t given me any update on your sudden marriage?How are you doing?Is Marcelo King everything the media says he is?”
I sighed,heavily as I walked out of my bedroom.I was still on the phone.I just wanted to go downstairs and get a drink.
“He is and worst.He’s so cruel and a total douche…”I paused on the stairs while I saw someone sitting on a couch in the living room.
My skin was littered with goosebumps when he looked my way.
It was Marcelo.
He was clad in a black suit and he looked so impeccably handsome.
He slung me a cold glance and then looked away.
I swallowed the thick lump in my throat.
Did he hear me insulting him on the phone to someone else?
Oh God.
I shouldn’t be doing anything to make him hate me more than he already does.
“I’ll call you later,”Sarah,sigh that, I hung up.
I thought about explaining myself to him.I could lie and say that I wasn’t talking about him just now.
Just as I was summoning up the courage to face him,I watched him stand up to his feet and headed for the door.
Oh boy,he was so tall and so very handsome.I will never understand why he needs to pretend to be crippled.
I never thought I could find a man’s walk so attractive.
*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
*RENEE*I stared back at Marcelo who was looking angrier by the moment.I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to let me see another man’s crotch.The room fell into a hushed stillness,with everyone too apprehensive to even breathe.Was I perhaps witnessing my final moments of peace?Have I pushed my luck too far?Well,I couldn’t stop now.It felt fun to push him.Afterall, he started this.“Mr King?What do you say?”I eyed him.”Should I continue the game?I’ll follow your decision.”I made sure my voice was laced with a flirtatious softness.I watched as Marcelo’s expression darkened and he finally caved.He moved forward on his wheelchair,picked up a piece of clothing and threw it to Damian.“Get dress!This stupid game’s over.”Marcelo ordered.Damian quickly started to get dressed.Turns out that he had been scared of going completely nude.I smiled,cheerfully,stood and moved to a quieter spot in the room.This was the moment I had been waiting for.Truth is,I didn’t find anything appealing
Although unsure of Marcelo’s intentions, Renee sensed it wasn't going to be favorable at all.Below, music played, and people danced wildly, their movements uninhibited.Some were drinking and dancing, others were intimately entwined.It was a scene of decadence."What are you suggesting?""Dance by that window. If you raise one hundred thousand dollars in bids, I'll persuade Wyatt for you."The Dove Island Club hosted a competition for female dancers every Saturday night, with the most popular dancer receiving a bonus.In this world, popularity often equated to financial gain, especially amongst the wealthy.“Marcelo, you want your woman to dance for others' amusement?" Renee was incredulous.Marcelo clarified, "Mrs. King, you are just my nominal wife, not my woman."Being his nominal wife and being his woman were distinctly different. The former could be a mere title, while the latter implied intimac
*RENEE*"I wasn't on a date with him! Hold on, have you been having me followed?"My eyes widened in disbelief.How else could Marcelo have known about my encounter with Andrew?Suddenly, I felt herself being lifted effortlessly by Marcelo.My world spun, and before I knew it, I was pushed against the sofa.My body twisted uncomfortably, but it was his firm grip on my jaw that truly unsettled me.I felt trapped, like a bird ensnared."You regret marrying me,huh?”His voice was cold, his face dangerously close to mine. "Can't get over him? You felt forced into this marriage? Marrying me only because he betrayed you? Is that it, Renee?""Having me followed?"I was incredulous and furious. "Marcelo, have you no respect for privacy?"Anger filled me, intensifying her frustration.His own anger manifested in chilling calmness. "Upset because you're embarrassed?"“What the fuck..."I scoffed at the absurd
*RENEE*I frowned, "What are you talking about?"“Of course I already know that you aren’t related to Naomi and I also know you take her as your Grandmother.Catherine told her that you tied the knot with Marcelo because of her. After getting married, you became Marcelo’s slave, a laughingstock in the social circuit.Naomi, all anxious, rushed to see you."Andrew’s words slithered in, injecting venom into my heart and squeezing the air out of me.“Renee,the truth is, you hurt Naomi!"Andrew had sought me out for this very reason,he knew what had happened from the start.It was no coincidence that he came driving around KM Group knowing I would come running out and that I would need a ride.Otherwise, how could there have been such a coincidental encounter where I happened to bump into him?My lips quivered as I asked, "How... How could Catherine stoop so low?"Naomi didn’t deserve this!Naomi had also taken good care of Catherine.Even if their ties weren't tight, Catherine shouldn't have
Catherine, who became a well-known figure in the entertainment industry after being recognized as the true daughter of the influential Hudson family, faced intense scrutiny.When news broke that she lost the STAR Jewelry endorsement from KM Group, the media and netizens were quick to react.Netizens mocked her online. "Just two days ago, she boasted about securing the endorsement, and now it's just a dream."“Catherine, the rich heiress, right? Maybe her parents can fix this. Hahaha!""Here's a funny story. Catherine claimed she secured the endorsement of the upscale jewelry brand STAR.""How can Catherine be so shameless? Going so far as pretending to be STAR’s spokesperson?"Reading these comments,Catherine furiously smashed her phone.Her agent let out a resigned sigh, instructed Catherine’s assistant to get a new phone, and tried to console her. "Ignore the comments. The internet's memory is short. They'll move on.""Why don't we suppress these comments?"Catherine asked, frustrate
Catherine was on the brink of losing her composure, hit by two setbacks in quick succession.Despite her best efforts, not only did she fail to undermine Renee but she also lost the endorsement."Renee, you have to stop right there. You..."“Catherine,let it go. Sign the termination agreement," her agent advised, gripping her arm. There was no turning back now. Any emotional outburst from Catherine would only worsen their situation, especially given KM Group's influence.Meanwhile, in the office, Renee reviewed the contract carefully. Satisfied that it was straightforward, she signed it.The legal department representative then informed her, "Miss Hudson, there's an additional requirement. The new co-stylist must meet our president.""This wasn't a requirement before." Renee raised an eyebrow, feeling something was off.The representative offered a lame explanation. "Due to recent complications, we've implemented this new rule."Renee, aware of who occupied the president's office on t
*MARCELO*She seemed serious about wanting to talk to me so I crossed my arms and asked.“What’s this about,Renee?”She moved closer to me and brought out a recording.I frowned as she played the recording.“Congratulations to our first place winner,Renee Hudson…”“Mr Glenn,I’ve agreed to your offer to endorse STAR.I’ll even reduce my fee by three million dollars,on one condition…Renee Hudson must not be your collaborative stylist.”“We announce Alicia Miguel as the selected stylist.Thank you to the other four stylists for participating.”I watched as Renee turned off the recording and then she said to me.“Mr King,KM Group’s policy states that the top scorer in the final interview becomes the co-stylist for your company.Isn’t it irregular for an employee to alter the rules for personal gain?I truly believed that I had a shot at KM Group because it had always prided itself about being fair and giving equal chances to all.This contradicts those values,doesn’t it?”Her stern,business-foc
Jason had a penthouse in Spain.He usually came here for business trips so he got the penthouse a long time ago.Jason and Lena got to his Penthouse at about 2:am.He turned on the lights as they walked in.“You should get some sleep.”He said as they walked into the master bedroom.“I need to take a shower first.”Lena replied.“Okay.”Lena peeled off her dress and bra.Her panties was still in his pocket.He watched her as she undressed.And sir tried not to feel shy about it.He found her so beautiful and she enjoyed his stares.“I’ll join you.”He whispered when she finished undressing.“Okay.”While he started to take off his clothes,Lena walked into the bathroom,she could see two light options.Turning both of them on,she realized one was brighter than the other so she turned off the brighter one.She had been using the bathroom in the other room but Jason wanted them to sleep on the same bedroom tonight.There was a light knock on the door.“Come in.”She whispered.The door opened an
It started out as a one night stand for Milena and Jason.To them being boss and employees and now fuck buddies.They had both tried to keep it professional.Milena had did her best to stop thinking about him sexually.But all it always takes was Jason to look at her,just one look sets her body on fire.A fire that could only be quenched by him.And then,they both came to an agreement.To have sex with each other whenever they wanted.Milena knew that this was risky for her heart and body but she wanted to believe that maybe someday,she’d stop wanting him so much.They were currently on their first business trip together abroad,and so far Milena had been having a great time.Not only was her boss overly good in bed but he was also kind and considerate to go sightseeing with her because it was her first time in Paris.It was her first time ever leaving the country.In moments like this with Jason,Milena always had to remind herself that she couldn’t fall for him.************************
*RENEE*His response cut me off.I watched as he sat stoically on the opposite side of the car, his face an impassive mask, seemingly unaffected by his mother's distressing episode at the sanatorium.My curiosity was usually contained, but Jessica was an exception.In my middle school days, fraught with confusion and helplessness, watching Jessica on TV,learning about her success story,she had come from nothing and made a name for herself,that had encouraged me to pursue my dreams.Sitting up straight,I asserted, "Mr. King, as your lawful wife, I have a right to understand the situation with my mother-in-law."Marcelo turned towards me, noting my serious tone. He rolled down the window, letting in a gust of wind.“Renee, remember, curiosity kills the cat.""Fine," I muttered, my voice low. "But remember, your mother told you not to pick on me. I might just tell her about this next time.”“Go ahead," he said suddenly."What?"I was taken aback, not following his train of thought.Marcel