Wanda began to feel nervous. Her heart beats faster. She could see the mischievous look in Micheal's eyes but she wasn't sure yet what his intentions were. And then finally she summoned the courage to speak.
"What proposal if I may ask?" Said Wanda with a blurted voice. Her eyes are white as the snow staring at the man beside her.
Micheal bit his lower lips and reached out to a brown envelope. He handed it to Wanda. "Here ..."
Wanda froze for a few seconds, her brow arched upwards in curiosity. "What is in there?" She curiously asked with a thin voice.
Micheal signaled with his head for her to go ahead and check it out. His eyes fixed on hers, keenly observing her body language.
Wanda took the brown envelope and slowly opened it. She brought out some white papers and dropped the envelope on the table beside her. Staring at the paper, Wanda read through the contents with widened eyes, blinking almost twice a second. She raised her head and gave Micheal a blunt look.
"Is this the proposal you have for me!?" She curiously asked, shocked. "You want me to marry you!" She added, slowly closing her eyes and opening it with shock.
Micheal gulped his drink and nodded his head, giving her a blunt look.
"I should have known it. You ..you were all playing me all along. You just want to take advantage of me because ..." Wanda began to speak loudly but Micheal instantly cut her off. "... because you need help..." Said Micheal with a bit calm voice. "...my help." He added.
Micheal leaned comfortably into his sofa, "I have been following your profile for a long time and this was the perfect time to make you the offer."
Wanda went into great shock after hearing those words. "What! How ...what do you mean?" She couldn't process all that she heard. "So it was all planned all along to give me a lift. And also, you coming down to this hotel." She said with a funny tone which she couldn't believe herself. "I can't believe this." She added.
"Look," Micheal spoke, leaning forward from his seat. "I need you to act as my wife for a period of one month only." He said looking at Wanda with a sharp eye.
"I will pay you 5 million dollars, and offer you a job and a house of your own," Micheal said with remorse.
Wanda was taken aback when she heard what Micheal had just offered her. If she agrees to his demands then all that he mentioned will be hers.
"I will pay you half the money now and balance the other half when the contract is complete. Also, you get to start your new job at my company." Micheal sounded positive to Wanda, his tone reassuring her of his good intentions.
Wanda felt as if she was dreaming. Is this all real? What if Micheal is playing a prank on her? Just as she was lost in her thoughts her phone buzzed. She took it from her jeans and unlocked it. It was an alert of 2.5 million dollars from Micheal. Wanda's eyes blew wide in disbelief, her mouth slightly opened.
"What do you say?" Micheal's voice tickled her ear.
"Where do I sign on the paper?" Wanda asked without hesitation. Micheal smiled at her and handed her his pen. Wanda signed the contract and handed it over to him.
"Good, get ready for the marriage marriage." Said Micheal, he stood up and went straight to the bed. "You should take a hot shower before going to bed." He added.
Wanda nodded her head like a little child who was happy to see her lost dull. She held her phone tightly to her belly, smiling profusely.
Anderson woke up to the loud buzz of his alarm. He lazily searched through the table beside his bed to snooze the alarm. Unfortunately, he mistakenly the alarm clock on the floor, and the alarm continues to ring. Finally, Anderson managed to lift himself from the bed reached for the alarm, and off it.
It was past 8 am. The thought of Wanda was the first thing that hit his mind. He sat on his bed with a weak body and buried his face in his palms.
"I am sorry Wanda. Please come back to me." He softly muttered, his voice barely audible.
Anderson raised his head to pick his up phone and his eyes landed on the photo frame of him and Wanda together. She was all bright and smiling. The sight of her smiling broke him more. He traced her lips with his fingers and smiled pretentiously. He soon stood up and went into the bathroom, took his bath, and got dressed up before heading downstairs to the kitchen.
The kitchen is big, large enough that can be turned into a master bedroom. As soon as he stepped into the kitchen, everything reminded him of Wanda, the moments they shared in this kitchen kept repeating itself in his mind. He stood by the door and could see those moments flashed before his eyes.
"I must be the worst human on earth right now," Anderson muttered quietly to himself. He walked towards the refrigerator and took out milk and some pancakes. It was his favorite made by Wanda.
Anderson poured the milk into a cup that she made for him on his birthday last year. And as soon as he took a bite of the pancake, he instantly dropped it. Tears began to fill his eyes. He quickly wiped them off and went out of the kitchen. He lost his appetite instantly.
Anderson was about to step out of the house when his phone rang. He took a look at it and it was Agnes, he hesitantly didn't want to pick up the call but decided to listen to her.
"Hello ..." He answered.
"Are you watching the news, Anderson?" Agnes spoke.
"What news?" He asked curiously. "Wanda, that slut must have gotten what she wants," Agnes said with a harsh tone.
Anderson quickly rushed into the living room and switched on the television. And behold, the news was reported that the famous rich billionaire CEO of Marvin Corporation is set to get married to his bride, Wanda Skyes at the St. James church.
Anderson was shocked to see the photo of Wanda along with Micheal. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Hello, hello..." Agnes tried to get Micheal's attention but he angrily cut the call.
And without hesitation, Anderson rushed out of his house with the speed of light. He quickly boarded his car and drove out of his mansion with speed. He needs to stop the wedding from happening.
At the St James church, Micheal was standing by the altar waiting for Wanda to walk down the aisle and be pronounced husband and wife. Soon, Wanda walked in her white beautiful wedding gown along with Micheal's best friend who held her and walked her down the aisle. Wanda reached the altar and stood before Micheal. The pastor began to recite the vow code to both the couples.
Meanwhile, Anderson was driving speedily towards the venue, with the hope of objecting to the marriage.
The pastor, “Do you, Micheal accept Wanda as your wife in Good Faith?"
"Yes, I do."
The pastor, “Do you, Wanda accept Micheal as your husband in good Faith?"
Wanda paused for a few seconds looking at Micheal nervously. While Anderson is a few meters away from the venue. And in a short time, he was alr
eady at the door. He hurriedly walked into the church but it was too late already.
Chapter FiveAnderson’s heart pounded in his chest as he burst through the grand doors of St. James Church, the heavy oak slamming against the walls with a resonant thud that echoed through the sacred space. Heads turned, startled gasps rippling through the gathered crowd as he stumbled forward, breath ragged and eyes wild. At the altar, Wanda stood in her pristine white gown, a vision of beauty and sadness all at once. Her fingers were intertwined with Michael’s, the two of them locked in an intimate gaze that made Anderson’s stomach churn. The pastor’s voice droned in the background, a solemn recitation of vows that Anderson could barely hear over the roaring in his ears. And then it happened—the final dagger to his heart. Michael leaned in, his lips brushing against Wanda’s in a soft, deliberate kiss. Anderson felt the air rush out of his lungs as if he had been sucker-punched. Time seemed to slow, the scene playing out in painful slow motion: Wanda’s eyes fluttering shut, her br
Chapter Six The car ride was heavy with silence as Agnes drove Anderson back to his house. The city lights blurred past them, casting fleeting shadows that danced across Anderson’s tense face. He stared out the window, his mind replaying the devastating scene at the church: Wanda, in that beautiful gown, exchanging vows and kisses with another man. Each image was like a fresh wound, stinging and unrelenting. Agnes glanced sideways at him, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. She could feel the anger radiating off of Anderson, his body taut like a coiled spring ready to snap. She wanted to say something—anything—to break the oppressive quiet, but words felt useless against the storm brewing inside him. As they pulled up to Anderson’s mansion, he flung the car door open and stormed out without a word, his steps unsteady on the cobblestone path leading to his front door. Agnes hurried after him, her heels clicking loudly against the stone. “Anderson, wait!” she called out, her v
CHAPTER SEVEN Wanda’s breath caught in her throat as she stepped into the lavish cottage house. The entrance was a breathtaking display of opulence, with tall glass walls that offered a panoramic view of the shimmering Las Vegas skyline. The interior was no less stunning: polished marble floors, modern chandeliers dripping with crystals, and plush furnishings in soft, inviting tones. It was the epitome of luxury, a place designed to impress and indulge. Michael followed closely behind, his hand resting lightly on Wanda’s back as he guided her through the sprawling space. “Welcome to paradise,” he murmured, his voice laced with satisfaction as he watched Wanda’s reaction. She glanced around, her eyes wide with awe, but there was a hesitation in her steps—an uncertainty that Michael either didn’t notice or chose to ignore. The cottage was massive, each suite tailored for couples seeking the perfect honeymoon escape. Everything from the soft ambient lighting to the subtle scent of ro
Chapter Eight Anderson groaned as he slowly woke up, his head throbbing with the relentless ache of last night’s drinking. He blinked against the harsh morning light streaming through the half-drawn curtains, his vision blurry and his mind foggy. The events of the previous night were a disjointed mess in his memory, flashes of Agnes, the bar, and his own anger swirling together in a confusing haze. As he shifted on the bed, Anderson froze, the realization dawning painfully slow. He was naked, the sheets tangled around his legs in a disheveled mess. His heart skipped a beat, a sick feeling rising in his stomach as he turned his head and saw Agnes lying beside him. She was half-covered by the bedsheet, her bare shoulders exposed and her hair fanned out across the pillow like a dark halo. “Agnes,” Anderson muttered, his voice thick with disbelief and a tinge of panic. He sat up abruptly, clutching the sheet to his waist as if it could shield him from the reality before him. “What the
Chapter Nine Michael leaned against the plush headboard of the bed, his gaze fixed on Wanda as she sat quietly by the vanity. The tension from Martha’s unexpected visit lingered in the air like an unwelcome guest, casting a shadow over the morning that was supposed to be filled with new beginnings. Michael knew he needed to break the silence, to reclaim the moment that had been lost. “Wanda,” he said softly, moving closer to her. She glanced up, her eyes guarded and distant. “I know this hasn’t been easy. The wedding, the changes, everything… I just want us to be happy. To make this work.” Wanda offered a faint smile, though it wavered at the edges. She could feel the sincerity in Michael’s words, but the images of Anderson, the turmoil of her past, still lingered just beneath the surface. She nodded, trying to push the unease aside. “I’m trying, Michael,” she whispered, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and hesitation. “I really am.” Michael reached out, taking her hand in his.
Chapter Ten Wanda woke with a start, her body drenched in a cold sweat. She sat up quickly, a wave of nausea crashing over her as the room spun around her. Her head pounded, each throb echoing like a drumbeat in her ears. She swallowed hard, trying to keep the bile from rising, but the churning in her stomach wouldn’t be ignored. She stumbled out of bed, her hands trembling as she fumbled for balance. “What is happening to me?” she mumbled to herself, her voice weak and strained. She clutched her stomach, the sick feeling intensifying with each step. Desperation clawed at her as she searched for someone—anyone—who could help, but the suite was empty, Michael long gone. Wanda's breath hitched as another wave of dizziness hit her. She leaned against the cool marble wall, her vision blurring at the edges. She had never felt like this before, her body betraying her with every movement. Panic set in as she realized there was no one nearby; she was alone, and she had to find help before
Chapter ElevenThe resort was alive with music and laughter as the night party got into full swing. Bright lights danced across the manicured lawns, casting vibrant hues over the throngs of guests who swayed to the rhythmic beats. The air was thick with the mingled scents of perfume, cologne, and the lingering aroma of tropical flowers, creating an atmosphere that buzzed with energy and excitement.Wanda stood near the bar, nursing a glass of champagne as she watched the crowd. She had agreed to come to the party with Michael, hoping that a night of dancing and celebration might ease the lingering tension between them. But despite the lively surroundings, she couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in her chest. She glanced around, searching for Michael, but he was nowhere to be seen.Michael, meanwhile, was caught in a different kind of swirl. He moved through the party with a drink in hand, the alcohol loosening his muscles and dulling the edges of his earlier frustrations. He ne
Chapter Twelve Wanda stirred from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open as she felt Michael’s warm touch tracing the curves of her body. He was gentle, his fingertips brushing over her skin with the kind of intimacy that made her heart quicken. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to relax into his embrace, her mind drifting away from the recent tensions and the misunderstandings that had clouded their honeymoon. Michael’s lips pressed against her neck, trailing soft kisses that sent shivers down her spine. Wanda turned to face him, her breath hitching as his hands roamed over her, pulling her closer. There was a hunger in his touch, a need that he was trying to communicate through the delicate caresses and the heat of his skin against hers. Wanda’s body responded instinctively, her own desire flaring as she let Michael guide her. Their movements were slow at first, tentative, as if testing the waters of their fragile connection. But just as things began to heat up, Wanda’s stoma
Chapter Thirty-Two **At Anderson’s House…** Agnes paced back and forth in the lavish living room, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew she had to move quickly if she wanted to secure her position and ensure Anderson remained powerless. Now that she had control of his company, she needed to solidify her hold over him in a more personal way—by making him marry her. It was a risk, but Agnes had always thrived on calculated risks. She glanced at the clock on the wall, noting that Anderson would be home soon. She needed to come up with a plan that would leave him with no choice, a scenario that would push him to the brink and force him to take the only option she offered. An idea formed in her mind—a scenario so unexpected, so perfectly crafted, that Anderson would have no way out. When Anderson finally arrived, his face was drawn, his eyes clouded with exhaustion and disbelief from the recent events. He barely acknowledged Agnes as he tossed his keys on the table and collapsed
Chapter Thirty-One Wanda lay unconscious in the hospital bed, the room filled with the steady beeping of the heart monitor and the quiet hum of the machines keeping her stabilized. The harsh fluorescent lights overhead cast a pale glow across her face, highlighting her closed eyes and the faint bruises on her neck where Michael's hands had been. Michael sat in a chair beside her, his leg bouncing with nervous energy. His eyes were fixed on her face, a mixture of anger and frustration playing across his features. He had expected to feel relieved seeing her alive and breathing, but instead, a seething bitterness welled up inside him. The memory of their fight replayed in his mind, and instead of feeling guilt, he felt a surge of resentment. “Why do you make everything so difficult, Wanda?” he muttered under his breath, his fingers gripping the edge of the chair so tightly that his knuckles turned white. “Why can’t you just do as you’re told
Chapter Thirty Wanda’s heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted through the streets, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She knew she didn’t have much time before Michael realized she was gone. Her mind raced with only one thought—she needed to get back to the house, grab her things, and disappear before he could find her again. She made it to the house in record time, her hands shaking as she fumbled with the door. She slipped inside, listening carefully for any sound that might signal Michael’s return. The house was eerily quiet, the only noise her own breathing, heavy and frantic. She rushed up the stairs to their bedroom, her heart racing as she grabbed a small suitcase from the closet. Wanda quickly threw in a few pieces of clothing, toiletries, and any cash she had hidden away. Her hands moved fast, adrenaline fueling her every motion. She was almost done, almost ready to leave, when she heard the sound of a car door slamming outs
Chapter Twenty-Nine The dim room was silent after the chaotic confrontation. Michael's hand trembled slightly as he let go of Wanda's wrist, his eyes still locked on hers. He could feel the fire of defiance in her gaze, a challenge that both infuriated and intrigued him. Martha’s grip on his arm tightened, trying to pull him back, to calm the storm that was raging inside him. "Michael," Martha whispered, her voice low and steady. "You need to control yourself. This isn't helping." Michael turned sharply to Martha, irritation flickering across his face. "You don’t tell me what to do," he snapped, but his voice lacked its usual conviction. Wanda’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched them. She could feel Michael's conflicted emotions, the tension between his need for control and his uncertainty about what to do next. She knew she had to act quickly before his rage solidified again. “Martha, just leave,” W
Chapter Twenty-Eight The room felt colder than before, the walls closing in on Wanda as she sat on the floor, trying to calm her trembling body. Her mind raced with a thousand thoughts—frantic and jumbled—as she listened to the muffled sounds of Michael’s footsteps outside the door. She knew she couldn’t stay here much longer. The small, windowless room felt like a cage, and Michael was the captor who held the key. She glanced around, looking for anything she could use—a weapon, a tool, something that might give her a fighting chance. Her eyes landed on a broken piece of wood in the corner, part of an old chair that had been left to rot. She crawled over to it, her hands trembling as she picked it up, feeling its weight in her hands. “Stay calm, Wanda,” she whispered to herself. “Stay calm and wait for the right moment.” She knew that Michael wouldn’t leave her alone for long. He thrived on control, on making her feel small
Chapter Twenty-Seven Wanda awoke to the sound of footsteps pacing back and forth outside her bedroom door. Her heart quickened, a familiar dread settling into the pit of her stomach. She knew it was Michael—knew the sound of his agitated steps like the back of her hand. She remained still, her breath shallow, hoping that if she didn’t make a noise, he would pass by and leave her in peace. But the footsteps stopped abruptly, and the door swung open with a sharp creak. Michael stood in the doorway, his expression severe, his eyes hard and scrutinizing. “Get up,” he ordered, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. Wanda swallowed, slowly sitting up. “What’s wrong?” she asked cautiously. Michael didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he walked over to the window, yanking the curtains open to let in a harsh stream of sunlight. “I need you to come with me,” he said finally, his tone brokering no argument. “We have somew
Chapter Twenty-Six The days that followed Wanda’s shocking discovery blurred into one another, each one darker and more oppressive than the last. Michael’s behavior toward her had taken on a new level of cruelty, his tone sharp and his gaze cold whenever they crossed paths in the house. He had always been distant, but now, his indifference had turned into a deliberate attempt to break her spirit. Wanda felt trapped, her growing pregnancy making her more vulnerable with each passing day. She could feel the life growing inside her, a small flutter that reminded her of the tiny heartbeat that would soon be born into a world that seemed increasingly hostile. The baby was supposed to be a source of joy, but now it felt like another chain binding her to Michael’s tyranny. One morning, as Wanda stood by the kitchen counter, trying to prepare breakfast, she heard Michael’s footsteps approaching from behind. Her body tensed, her hands trembling sl
Chapter Twenty-Five **At the Office…** Anderson sat at the head of the conference table, his expression focused and determined. Across from him, the representatives from NovaTech and several other board members were seated, all eyes fixed on the final documents that lay before them. The room buzzed with the tension of the moment, the air thick with anticipation. Agnes sat beside Anderson, her face a picture of poise and confidence. She had guided him to this point with precision, orchestrating every move, every negotiation, to align with her hidden agenda. Now, as the final signatures were set to be made, she felt the thrill of success pulsing through her veins. "Alright," Anderson said, taking a deep breath as he glanced around the room. "I think we’ve covered all the points. If everyone’s in agreement, we can move forward and sign." The NovaTech representative nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "We’re r
Chapter Twenty-Four Michael’s grip on Wanda’s arm was tight as he dragged her out of the car and into the house. His jaw was set in a hard line, his eyes filled with fury as they crossed the threshold. Wanda stumbled slightly, her arm aching from where Michael had held her too tightly, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she tried to keep up with his furious pace. As soon as the front door slammed shut behind them, Michael spun around to face her, his eyes blazing with anger. “What the hell was that, Wanda?” he roared, his voice echoing off the walls. “What were you doing with him? Are you trying to humiliate me?” Wanda flinched at the volume of his voice, her heart pounding in her chest. “Michael, please… I wasn’t doing anything wrong,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over his shouting. “I just ran into Anderson at the hospital. He was being kind… he was only comforting me.” “Comforting you?” Michael sneered, his