Chapter 0006

Ximena's POV

"Excuse me," I exclaimed, urgently trailing after Harper as we finished breakfast. She turned, her cheerful smile still plastered on her face.

"Hello there. Is there something you need?" she inquired.

"Um, may I ask you a question?" I hesitantly inquired. I hope this isn't a mistake.

"Of course, what is it?"

I quickly scanned our surroundings, feeling like a criminal on the run. I stepped closer to her, whispering in her ear, "Could we talk in private, in my room?"

"Okay, that's fine," she agreed, leading the way as if she owned the place. I followed suit and we shut the door behind us.

"I realize this may seem like a far-fetched inquiry, but I'm simply curious," I stumbled through my words awkwardly. She simply shrugged, giving me permission to continue. "So, um, were you coerced into marrying Alberto?" I finally blurted out.

Her brow furrowed in a frown, her smile disappearing from her face. I knew this was a bad idea.

"Um, never mind. Please forget I asked, I understand," I quickly backtracked, trying to cover up my blunder.

"It's okay," she stepped away from her spot, standing in front of the vanity table. I turned to face her. "My relationship with Alberto has had its share of conflicts over the years, but I was never forced to marrying him," she faced me again. "We truly love each other, Ximena," she declared, but her eyes revealed more than her words.

In her gaze, I saw concealed pain, a yearning for comfort, and perhaps, a glimmer of hope for love. But why was she lying? Something is amiss with everyone. And more importantly, when did I become an emotional mind-reader?

"I'm genuinely happy for you," I managed to say, forcing a chuckle. "Now, can you tell me about Hudson? Has he ever been married?" I inquired, raising the most pressing question on my mind.

"But he has a daughter, doesn't that suggest he was previously married?" my inner voice reminded me. But not everyone with a child chooses to marry.

"Yes, he was married," Harper confirmed, snapping me out of my thoughts. "I must go now, Ximena. My yoga class starts in a few minutes," she added and hurried out, leaving me to ponder on her words.

Hudson had been married, yet I have not stumbled upon any photograph of his wife or their wedding. Unbeknownst to me, I am now his second wife and a stepmother. Blast! Why did no one inform me before I signed my life away?

***

"We must have a discussion," the voice next to me startled me.

My heart leaped to my throat and I turned to face the owner of the voice - my so-called mother-in-law. She was holding a document. Taking a deep breath, I regained my composure. She closed the door behind her and approached me.

"I would like to hear your plans regarding our agreement," she stated.

Furrowing my brow in confusion, I replied, "I am unaware of what you are referring to, Mrs. Miles?" I edged away from her, crossing my arms and gazing at her intently.

"Here, I believe you can read," she handed me the document.

I hesitated, squinting at her before accepting the paper. I quickly skimmed the contents and my eyes bulged in shock. Moving the paper closer to my face, I double-checked that I was correctly interpreting the words. "Good Lord! What in the name of all things holy is this?" I asked in disbelief, turning my gaze back to Mrs. Miles.

"I assumed you were capable of reading," she snatched the paper from me. "What were you thinking, Ximena? Did you believe that the money you received was solely for marrying my son and enjoying the wealth of the Miles family? Tsk. Your reasoning skills are lacking, Ximena," she rebuked.

"Let's just entertain the possibility that you imbibed a bit too much earlier. Do you not realize the person in question is your own son?" I calmly inquired.

"Be mindful of how you speak to me, Ximena Arthur!" she yelled, shooting me a venomous glare. "Disclose your plans for our agreement or you will regret it," she threatened.

"Go to hell, old woman!" I retorted, prompting her to slap me across the face, the sound echoing through the room. I immediately clutched my stinging cheek.

"Watch your tongue, young lady. I will not tolerate being disrespected in my own home," she scolded.

My chest rising and falling rapidly, I slowly lowered my hand from my cheek, glaring at her with my now red eyes.

"I will not indulge in your wicked schemes, Mrs. Adeline Miles Lucas," I snapped, attempting to walk away. But she grabbed my arm, halting my escape.

"Do not dare walk out on me," she seethed. "Do you really wish to witness the destruction of your only family? Perhaps a bullet to your cousin's skull would sway your decision?" Her threat left me stunned. She would truly kill my sister for this?

"You will not lay a hand on my family!" I freed myself from her grasp. "If even a single member of my family is harmed, I will end you," I declared boldly.

"Let us see, my dear," she sneered, a devilish glint in her eyes as she stormed out of the room.

I collapsed onto the bed, my face in my hands. This is worse than I could have imagined.

I couldn't sit still, my body pacing back and forth. "There must be a way out of this. Why didn't I read the entire agreement before signing?" I grumbled through clenched teeth.

In frustration, I slammed my fist on the vanity table and sank onto the stool. I am capable of many things, but not this. I cannot be a malicious woman, destroying someone else's life. But my family...how can I protect them? I will not allow this to happen.

"I can help you for a small price," a voice suddenly spoke, snapping my head up.