LOGINShare
Prelude
Last Updated:
2024-12-31 23:25:19The night was cold and raining, but he stood still in front of his house, ignoring the wetness of his clothes. He stared ahead, into the dark, as those sentences from his uncle echoed in his mind.
"Your father is dead."
"As his only son, you know the rule, Matt."
"Our family will help to manage his burial, but you know the time is short. You need to do it as soon as you can. Being single won't help you, so please choose wisely."
"We can talk about this tomorrow. Come to my place at lunch."
He didn't need time to grieve. For God's sake, sadness was the last thing he could ever feel for his father. But that old man was the only reason he had a peaceful life like this. Yet it would be taken from him, sooner or later.
He hated marriage. He truly did. And he knew it would only give those bastards more power to control him.
He exhaled deeply as he ran his fingers through his hair. His uncle was right. The time was short, and he had better start soon.
But for fuck sake, where should he start to look for a bride without being controlled by those shitty people?
*
It was raining tonight, and it seemed like a good time to sleep.
Or so she thought, until her apartment buzzed a few times. Ten, to be exact.
Was it her landlord? Or her neighbor who wouldn't stop promoting her makeup products? Whoever it was, she swore they really sucked at reading the time. She really wanted to ignore it to have some sleep, but the bell kept ringing over and over.
So she got up from her bed, her steps as big as her anger she was about to lash out at anyone in front of her apartment. Yet when she opened the door, the only thing she could do was blink. Of course, she did not expect two big guys in suits to appear.
Did she accidentally piss off a gangster, and now they wanted to make her pay with her life? Because if they asked about money, that was the main problem of her life.
Those big guys stepped aside, revealing another person appeared behind their back. This man with gray hair, though not as big as the previous two, somehow gave her more sense of unease.
"Hello ...." She tried to speak, but her voice trembled.
That man smiled a little. Well, it didn't really help, to be fair, but she smiled back at him. "You're Althea Lewis, right?"
Should she be more concerned that this stranger knew her identity?
She nodded. "Yep, that's me. Althea Lewis in a flesh."
Wrong time for a joke, it seemed. None of them laughed, and the urge to go back to her room was growing every second.
"I know it's already late, but this is an urgent matter. We need you to sign this."
Sign what, now?
That man gave her a brown envelope, the kind she saw in the movies to cover top secret documents or something. It did not make any sense. She was just a normal citizen, a design freelancer who barely earned a minimum wage. So what was this top secret document for?
Her brow arched, full of questions. Now she was looking at the gray-haired man. "I'm sorry, Sir, but ... I don't understand. Am I in debt or something?"
The man laughed. "No, My dear. You are not. In fact, we need you to sign this so you can get the ...." He paused for a while. "A sum of money."
"Money?"
"Well, a will of inheritance, to be precise," he continued. "Your name is in his will, and we need your signature to proceed."
That definitely did not help at all. The first one was already confusing, but now ....
"Sir, I think there is some misunderstanding here," she said carefully. It must be that. She barely knew her parents—and by that she meant not at all. And now, all of a sudden, she was about to inherit something? This sounded like a scam for sure.
She shook her head slowly, afraid that she might piss these people off. But her effort was futile.
"No, it is really you, Miss Althea Lewis. You are the only daughter of Jessen-Keith Lewis. So it's natural for you to inherit all of his belongings." The man said, this time it felt like there was no room for her to refuse. "All you have to do is sign this document, and we will manage everything."
She was totally at lost. At this point, thinking might be useless, so she just did what she was asked to do. She signed the document, feeling fuzzy and confused. Everything felt so surreal and crazy, like she was in some messed up nightmare.
"Welcome to the family, Althea Lewis."
She closed her eyes, and even if she didn't really believe in God anymore, she prayed.
This better be a dream. And when I wake up tomorrow, everything will be just fine and normal.
Yes, it will.
Right ...?
Related chapters
Sunshine and The Beast 1: Our First Meet
AltheaLife has given me lots of surprises since I was born, and I thought it could not surprise me anymore. I’ve already gotten used to it. The first surprise life gave me was the fact that my parents might be a couple of bears, penguins, owls, or I was a failed product of a science research. I never knew who my parents were, or even if I ever had one. Granny always told me that it didn't matter. And it did not.Growing up, I had times when I believed Granny was a fairy godmother, minus the dresses and magic stick. She did not fly, but she held my hand every time I needed her to. Even when she chose to leave me all alone.“Guess what, Thea. I’m dying.” She said that after the doctor diagnosed her with the final stage of cancer. “I guess I’m winning the race.”It was not the first time she kept joking about her dying. I was only 10 back then, and I could barely tell the difference between cancer and a bad cold. Nobody taught me it could take the only person I had in my life.But that
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Sunshine and The Beast 2: Too Much Too Handle
MatthiasIt wasn’t easy to deal with a fool, but it was harder to hear an idiotic conversation happen in front of you.I’ve tried, okay. I tried to keep my mouth shut and let those two bastards spit all the bullshit they could. It wasn’t that surprising to hear how they complimented Jessen while they might be behind his death and my old man’s. But there was a limit of stupid things for me to hear and look at, and the way that girl didn’t even say anything that made sense really agitated me. How long should I watch her stupidity?“Will you say anything, or should I call the security?”I stopped and turned my back, and her gaze already met mine as her head tilted up a bit. “Why does it seem like you’re angrier than me?” she asked once more. “It should’ve been me, right? I’m the one that pulled all of a sudden but someone that I don’t even know.”“So you prefer to sit there all stupid and sound?” I shot back at her. “Do you really like hearing all of that bullshit?”“I don’t like to be
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Sunshine and The Beast 3: I'm Trying, At Least
AltheaThere was a time when I wished I could live in a big mansion, with some maids ready to serve whatever I want, a dress you would notice from miles away, and an expensive wine to accompany me in a luxury bathtub.In my imagination, I could get anything I couldn’t in real life. “If I were born rich, I hope I get an endless supply of wine.” That was what Granny said when I asked her how if we had the chance to become rich. Due to her health, she never had alcohol–at least not on my watch. But that’s what imagination was all about, right? To want things you couldn’t have, to be able to do things you never did. It all came true now, yet I wasn’t sure what to feel. The bathtub was nice, and the wine from my kitchen cabinet was indeed the nicest wine I’ve ever had in my entire life. To be honest, that was my first wine. All of these were nice, but I still felt restless. I hated to admit it, but the last conversation I had with that annoying man kept bothering me.Leonardo and Josh to
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Sunshine and The Beast 4: Again
AltheaI had my notes about a few stores to visit, and a list of things I need to buy to support my looks tonight. I went out and told Deborah, the one that worked for me, to wait. I knew it would be good if I had an extra hand for help, but I might only embarrass myself today, so I preferred to have no one as a witness.“You can manage the house while I’m going out. I have Mr. Lorell with me, so it will be fine,” I said, mentioning my driver. That was another life upgrade of my new life.“Where are we going, Miss Lewis?” Mr. Lorell asked when I got into the car and sat awkwardly in the back.“I want to go to Fifth Avenue,” I answered back. “Is there any fashion outlet that …,” I scratched the back of my head, “maybe the one that my father often visited?”“Mr. Lewis had a private tailor, Miss,” he said. “But if you’re looking for a dress, I might know a place. It’s also on Fifth Avenue.”“Oh, that’s nice. Can you take me there, Mr. Lorell?”He smiled once again while turning his hea
Last Updated : 2024-12-31Sunshine and The Beast 5: A Way Out
AltheaThe amount of experience I’ve had with men was just as much as my experience with business. It was basically nonexistent. Sure, I went on a few dates with some guys, thanks to your nosy dorm mate who was also your best friend. But I didn’t necessarily date them. To have a date wasn’t really in my checklist, considering you need some cash to enjoy it. I skipped my high school promp and my graduation night too. Dancing? I was as good as a statue. So, if I had to describe this night, it must be a night for me to do everything I had never and couldn’t do. Business, socialize, dance. You named it. The only thing I was capable of was holding the hand of someone I didn’t expect to hold.Matthias Cox.Despite I was the one who agreed upon this, it still took me by surprise. As I walked out from his limousine, grabbed his hand so we could walk side by side to the party, I kept wondering if this really was a good idea.Back at Forema Reflections, as much as I hated to admit, he really
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Sunshine and The Beast 6: Another Proposal
MatthiasThere was nothing free in this world. That was the number one lesson the world had taught me.Not air, foods, especially freedom. You got to pay for those things, and the price sometimes couldn’t be paid by money.And that was the price of my freedom.I knew it would not be easy. Fuck, I expected that much, yet it still bothered the hell out of me. The scene from three days before night kept playing in my mind; how Althea froze in her seat, looking beautiful with those red lips that made me think the unthinkable for a second, but then surprised me with a reply.“You must be out of your mind.”I thought about it before. She wasn’t my type at all. She was way too naive and fragile. She wasn’t even ready to deal with this mess. But she was also my safest option. She was new to this, sure. And that was exactly the reason why. Because no one was behind her, controlling her. She’s probably the only one who wasn’t interested in my money. She barely had any interest in me, as much as
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Sunshine and The Beast 7: Deal For Two
AltheaFor more than a week I lived here, I always thought this was too big for me. That was the reason why I preferred my bedroom, where the space fitted me more.Now, with Matthias here, my penthouse seemed to grow smaller. It wasn’t, of course. But his presence filled the whole room as he walked in and sat on the sofa, while I sat across him. Deborah made some tea and brought some slices of cheesecake and pastry, yet none of that was touched.None of us talked as minutes passed by. I sat down with my crossed legs, fully aware of the stares he gave me. Despite his closed lips, those blue eyes of his moved as if it was trying to tell me something. I couldn’t figure it out. He might have been judging me in his head, or cursing and planning other unthinkable things. Whatever he was thinking, it’s hard to ignore the way his eyes fixated on me.‘“Can you say something?”I finally muttered. Matthias raised his eyebrows but remained in his position, relaxed. “I thought you were regretting
Last Updated : 2025-01-06Sunshine and The Beast 8: She Was Pretty
MatthiasThe news about me and Althea were about to marry really spreaded fast. My phone rang nonstop, and I bet Althea was going through the same thing. It was exactly what I wished for. The faster the news expanded , the better. I had to make this as quick as possible.“So what are we going to say? It’s love at the first sight?” Althea looked at me full of judgement as she said it. “It doesn’t make sense. I hated you when we first met.”“And now you don’t?” I smirked.She rolled her eyes. “It doesn’t really matter.”I just wanted to tease her a little, but she was right. It didn't matter if she hated me or not. Our focus should be on what people thought of us. It was common to marry with no love at all. But people loved to see something they wanted to see. And our job was to put on a show, make sense or not.So here was the summary of the script: we fell in love at first sight and while going on a few dates, we decided to hit the marriage button right away.It shouldn’t be surprisi
Last Updated : 2025-01-07
Latest chapter
Sunshine and The Beast 33: Steamy Call Session
MatthiasThe flight took almost 7 hours, and I was tired when I landed in London. Luckily Ren booked the nearest hotel from the airport, so it took only a short drive before I could finally rest. When I opened my phone, I had some messages from Althea.Althea CoxDo you order this?Or should I be worried now that someone sent me some pasta with your name as the recipient?I quickly typed my reply.Matthias CoxMake sure you eat thatAlthea wasn’t that picky, so choosing a food to order was an easy thing to do. I’ve had another person that worked for me to order dinner for her, since in the morning she she had Mrs. Lare to cook for breakfast, eating outside for lunch. I’d make sure she wouldn’t skip any dinner while I was away.Matthias CoxOr do you crave for something else?I’ll order itAlthea CoxI can order it myselfHow can you order something when you’re in London?Matthias CoxYou must haven’t known me that well, wifeyAlthea CoxI don’t know if I should be impressed or
Sunshine and The Beast 32: The New Guy
Matthias“Missing your wife already?”I tried not to throw my iPad to Ren’s head and let him put the wine I’ve requested before on the tray table. “You told her before you went, right?” I rolled my eyes. “You don’t have to tell me that. Of course I did.”It wasn’t my first time going on a business trip abroad.As a network security company with clients all over the world, I often had to fly to various countries. However, this was clearly the first time I traveled with the status of being someone's husband. This time, I had to tell someone that I needed to go.I thought there would not be any different. Whether she said yes or no, I still needed to go.But it did. It felt different. I was hundreds of feet in the air, and someone below was waiting for me. “Just don’t die, okay? I don’t want to be a widow so soon, at least not in a few days.”That sounded better for me than to hear her giving a melodrama show like when a man had to leave his woman. “You better stay alive while I’m away
Sunshine and The Beast 31: Her Mother
AltheaMy mother, he said.There was a time when I wondered what my mother was like and why I ended up with Granny instead of my parents, like most children. These questions went unanswered for years, until I decided to stop thinking about them.“Thinking about someone who isn't there is just a waste of time.” Granny once said. I agreed with her. Whether my mother was there or not, the wheel of my life kept turning. However, Tristan's words this time seemed to freeze time and my ability to think. I stared at him for God knew how long, trying to reciprocate with the fact that someone really knew my mother’s existence.Was it weird to say that I felt a little bit of stab in my chest? Jealousy, perhaps. Or some other feeling I haven’t experienced before. “Mrs. Cox, are you okay?” I blinked fast, then let out a small cough. “Ah, sorry. It’s just a little bit unexpected. I haven’t really talked much about my mother with other people.”And by that I meant not at all. Never. “I’m sorry,
Sunshine and The Beast 30: New Investor
Althea“Morning.”I doubted myself if I already woken up or was it the dream that was getting a little bit too realistic, but the scent of coffee and toast was way too good. It’s just I didn’t expect to hear Matthias greet me the time I stepped out from the bed.Should I call it our bed now?I walked to the kitchen as he put a glass of coffee with two egg toast on a plate. “Mrs. Lare asked for a day off because of her grandson's birthday.”Was it because I haven’t regained my full consciousness, or his cooking seemed quite delicious? I didn’t even know he could cook. “Thanks.” He nodded slightly and sat himself on the other side of the table, facing me. Judging by his look, he already took a bath. Maybe I should've too. His scent was still on me. Not that it was bad, it’s just … well, it wasn’t like I wanted to smell him all over my body forever.We sat there without any conversation going. He was busy with his food, while I had mine. The room was quiet, but that silence felt diffe
Sunshine and The Beast 29: I Want You
AltheaHusband.He said it, right? Or did I hear it wrong?There were some occasions where he claimed to be one, but that required a third, for, or God knew how many spectators. We were a husband and a wife when someone watched. Did someone watch us?I turned my back, scanning our surroundings. The airport was packed with a bunch of people, voices came from here and there. But here, we were only a few people out of many. Those who came here had their own purpose and business rather than to watch a fake marriage plan. No camera or media in sight. So why did he act like this all of a sudden?“No one is watching us,” he said, grabbing my attention back to him. “What are you looking for?”Your sanity. I almost uttered that to him. “So why are you saying that?”“Saying what?”“That I’m avoiding my husband.”He raised his eyebrow. “That is true, though.”“What is–”“I’m your husband, and you’re avoiding me.” He answered that with such confidence–no, it wasn’t like he was proud saying that
Sunshine and The Beast 28: Act in an Act
AltheaArt came with many forms and shapes, and had their own appeal. For me, painting was special because of one thing: because the artist could be anything without showing themself, hiding behind a canvas and a sheet of paper. I could make anything to represent me, while still standing behind the screen.Acting and stage play, on the other hand, was not my thing. Me from 3 months ago definitely wouldn’t have any thoughts about acting, let alone entering an acting school or courses. But these past few days, I was seriously considering it. Maybe I needed it as part of my survival kit afterall. Acting wasn’t that easy. And this time, I was forced to up my game, to act cool and fine not just in front of Ilya, but also Matthias. Both for two entire different reasons.“Morning, Althea.” Ilya's voice greeted me.I turned and saw her already wearing a casual outfit. Today, she had a flight to go back to New Zealand. If I wasn’t mistaken, her ticket was at 2 PM–I remembered that because Mat
Sunshine and The Beast 27: One Night, One Mistake
AltheaToo many things happened out of the plan tonight.It was supposed to be a simple dinner, that was all. There was no making out in the parking lot, getting horny in the car, and went back to our penthouse rather than going back to Ilya.I didn’t expect all of these, yet it did. Did I regret it? I wasn’t really sure. I didn’t want to think about that either. Or to be exact, I couldn’t. My mind was occupied with whatever Matthias did to me. There was no time to think. The moment we arrived and went into our penthouse, Matthias slammed me against the wall, fusing his lips into mine once again. He took no time to dominate me, and all I could do was to succumb to his control.The things we did in the car were hot, but it wasn’t worth mentioning compared to what we were currently doing. This time, his hands were all over me, exploring every inch he hadn’t touched before. My face, my neck, my shoulder, my boobs, even my hips. He slipped his right hand inside my blouse, while the othe
Sunshine and The Beast 26: Distraction
MatthiasAfter all these years, she appeared.Five years have already passed, but she hadn’t not changed much. She was still the same Sloane Floyd I knew back then. Still with that bold look, flirtatious smile, and touchy as ever. She was definitely still with the same mindset too: she thought I was still in her grasp. Meeting her tonight wasn’t on my wishlist, or any other time. She was like a thorn in my body, so small that I didn’t notice, but when she appeared, I remembered the scars she caused. It was still there, burnt, and it needed to be calmed down. I wanted to take my mind from something I’ve thrown away years ago. I needed some distraction.And Althea happened to be with me.Since the start, she had stolen my attention. I didn’t think much of Sloane. She was not the reason why I took Althea with me. It was Althea herself. She took my sole focus with the way she looked at me and Sloane, to the way she stood up and said, “He is mine.”She said it as if she wanted to claim
Sunshine and The Beast 25: Ruined Dinner
AltheaEveryone knew who Matthias Cox was. It wasn’t a new thing for me to hear someone greet him all of a sudden, let it be men or women. This was definitely not my first rodeo. When we were out together on our date before the wedding, people greeted us on our way. Some media outlets openly approached us and asked for photos.But this was different. There was no camera, recorder, or any devices. It was only a woman with red plump lipstick, perfect manicure, and big boobs that came to our table. “You remember me, right?” When I heard it the second time, I felt like something was off. I knew I wasn’t that experienced with people and their personality, but even so I could feel when something was fake. Rather than sweet, I found it annoying. If I was Matthias, I would make the same expression too.Well, maybe not exactly that. I didn’t like it, but hearing it wouldn’t make me stiff and turned into a stone all of a sudden.“There is no way you will forget me,” she said once again, this
