Chapter 009Reese“What the hell are you doing?!” The piercing sound of Olivia's voice jolted me awake. “You are so stupid! Do you know how much those tablewares cost?""I'm sorry. It was..." Mia's kicking the tray down the stairs cut me off. “Mia, why did you do that?”I gave a slight shake of the head and started to pick up the shards of glass carefully, before I walked down the stairs.“Oh, I'm sorry. It was an accident.” Mia scoffed, walking past me, and trudged her way up the stairs. “Good morning, mom.”“Good morning, baby.” Olivia returned the gesture of greeting her daughter back with a kiss on the cheek, and I remained rooted on my spot when I heard the next words she said. “You should go home early. Your brother will come to see us later.”“Sure, mom!” Mia answered, trudging her way upstairs to collect her bag before leaving for work, while I padded my way towards the kitchen to dispose the glass in the garbage.Troy would visit his mother later, and I had to leave the house
Chapter 010ReeseAs soon as I woke up the next morning, I took a shower and changed into a black dress. It was the same dress that I wore when I attended the funeral of Troy's father. After letting my ginger hair fall down my back, I applied a minimum amount of make-up to my face, and concealer to hide my eyebags. I wore dark lipstick—the lipstick that mom gave me as a gift on my last birthday.I didn't look like an innocent, dumb, and idiotic virgin wife anymore. And I enjoyed my appearance as I stared at myself in the mirror in front of me.I squared myself as I descended the steps, looking around the living room, but there was no one around.I had no idea if my mother-in-law had knowledge about this plan of Troy. Well, I would just follow her instructions to me. Don't divorce her son.Mia's gone to work. Yesterday, she expressed her displeasure at the fact that she had not seen her brother when she got home, and was shocked when Olivia told her that he was with my mother.''What di
Chapter 011ReeseI didn't leave the premises just yet, and instead remained at the side of the building, where I saw a garden that was brimming with different kinds of flowers—different colors of roses, but there was no yellow.I clutched my bag and took a seat on the bench there, looking at the people around me and watching them go in and out of the door. While other people were tossing judgmental glances in my direction. They might've recognized me as the woman who made a scene a few moments ago.They shouldn't judge me, because I was the victim here. I was the one being cheated on!I decided to leave the building and strutted in my heels until I reached the sidewalk.The fighting spirit went out of me as soon as I left the Civil Affairs Bureau.I deflated like a flat tire, and my shoulders sagged.My feet were killing me, and it felt like they were burning. I had no idea why I put on some heels, though. Did I intend to compete with my mother?I shook my head, never! I was better t
Chapter 012Reese“I bought an extra pair in case you don't like the color of this one.” Enzo released my left foot and threw the other shoebox in the back passenger seat. The pair of flat sandals I was wearing were black, while the other one was red.Well, I loved black more. The red color reminded me of my slut mother.After closing the door on my side, Enzo jogged back to the driver's seat, and started driving again.“Where do you want to eat?”The mere thought of eating made my stomach rumble, and it was loud enough for him to hear, resulting in him laughing and throwing his head back. “I knew it. I thought I had gotten you pregnant.”I rolled my eyes at him and looked out the window, a small smile instantly plastered on my lips upon hearing Enzo's words.But still, my mind was swirling from the fact that this man right beside me had managed to see me again. And I doubted that it was anything coincidental. I told him that we're not seeing each other again, but here I was riding in
Chapter 013Reese“No! What the hell is wrong with you!” I yelled back at Nica as I bent down to pick up my bag, but I was kicked down onto the ground. “Nica!” I screamed in rage and quickly got up, pushing her by the shoulders.She didn't expect that I would do that, so she stumbled back, her spine hitting the wall behind her, and she winced in pain.“You bitch!” her piercing scream made me scrunch up my nose. “How dare you say I seduced Troy!”“Oh, weren't you?” I asked, and she glared at me with venom in her eyes. “I caught you a couple of times, Nica. Do you want me to relay everything to you? Okay, first.” I raised my smallest finger. “Your foot was reaching out under the table, making contact with his thigh when you had dinner with us at his mom's house.”I watched as the color drained from her face. She had turned pale.“Second.” I raised my ring finger. “I saw you in the kitchen hugging him from behind, begging for him to kiss you.”“Stop!” she couldn't shout out of humiliatio
Chapter 014ReeseI laid on Enzo's bed feeling a range of emotions—anxiety and excitement, despite the fact that I already had an idea of what he was going to do to me.His rough hands landed on my thighs and spread them apart, exposing my center to him. He made a growling sound, like an animal who was starving, and ran his index up and down to the wetness in front of him, making me suck my breath. When he pulled his finger back, it was sparkling with my juices.He licked his finger while looking at me, causing my cheeks to heat up even further.''You taste so fucking sweet...'' he muttered, making me wriggle around on the bed.He kneeled down on the floor, and I could see his head between my legs. He started kissing my legs up to my thighs very slowly. His wet lips were slowly getting closer to where I wanted to be, and I was holding my breath the entire time. He was driving me so mad with need, hunger, and thirst, and as he got close to my slit, he pulled away before kissing the are
Chapter 015ReeseI fluttered my eyes open, and the first thing that brought to my attention was Enzo's addictive musk and manly scent. The familiar scent filled my senses, and I let the pleasant feeling it produced spread throughout my body, relieving my tensed muscles.I gradually drew away from him and stretched out my limbs, but wincing when my bones screamed back at me, as if telling me that I should keep still, in which I did as I stared at the man beside me.I slept with him again.I couldn't help but feel upset at myself for allowing this to happen again. I raked my fingers over my disheveled hair, and silently cursed myself.The first time we did this was because I wanted to know how it felt to finally become a woman, and of course, I also wanted to believe that by giving up my virginity to another man, I had finally gotten even with my husband.I took a deep breath, clenching my thighs together when memories of last night came back through my mind.Just as I was about to rol
Chapter 016Reese“Don’t accuse me of what your son did to me.” even though I was trying to keep calm, I made sure that my voice sounded very firm. It was only eight in the morning, but I had already lied three times.I was glad Enzo didn’t have to hear my conversation with Olivia, or I couldn't act like this in front of him.I could hear the water dripping from the bathroom, indicating that he was getting a shower.“Then why didn’t you sign back the divorce petition, huh?” she countered, a mocking laugh was followed. “You should come back here immediately, my dear. I know you didn’t sign it because you wanted to stay a little longer with me. Come home. The house is waiting to be cleaned.”And our conversation ended just like that as she hung up the phone.I took a few deep breaths before I slowly took a seat, feeling my knees weakening, my heart thudded loudly against my chest.‘I didn’t sign the divorce because I have plans, Olivia.’The grip on my phone tightened. I came dangerousl
Chapter 116EnzoAfter Reese had fallen asleep, I stepped out of my room and onto the balcony of my house. My heart seemed to be continuously sliced, leaving my soul feeling empty.Even in the darkness, with only the faint glow from the garden lamps, the yellow roses in my garden were visible. They were her favorite, Byers had told me, and I had planted them over the years, just to witness her smile once more upon seeing them.I had been waiting for her return all this time. And finally she was here, and now my beloved wife.Yet, I hurt her once more. I understood her earlier reaction. She had been abducted by Mandy and her lover, and perhaps they had harmed her in some way, which she recalled when I pressured her, and I despised myself for causing her that pain.I compelled her to recall that trauma, and the urge to inflict pain upon myself was overwhelming.Pain constricted my throat, and the solitary tear that dropped onto my cheek took me by surprise. I closed my eyes tightly as a
Chapter 115Reese"You're definitely mistaken...'' I said in a firm tone. "I didn't want that kiss. He forced me to kiss him...''Enzo regarded me with indifference, and I felt as though all the air had been sucked from my lungs, leaving me breathless.Oh my God...He didn't believe me at all.Tears began to gather in my eyes, and I couldn't recall when I had become so vulnerable because of him. Why did his apathy wound me so deeply that I felt on the verge of shattering?Hadn't I grown accustomed to being accused and disbelieved?''Seriously, Enzo?'' I questioned, incredulous. ''Had I intended to cheat, I wouldn't have even mentioned his presence to you. I can't believe it...'' I huffed. ''You're not that blind, aren't you?''He scoffed again, placing his hands on his hips.''Come on, Reese. Me, blind? You knew I would figure it out even if you hadn't told me about it. That's why you texted me, right? So I wouldn't just show up at your workplace like during the pageant...'' Each word
Chapter 114Reese''Marcus...'' I groaned, sending him a glare. I was starting to lose my patience. "What the hell are you doing? What the fuck do you still want from me? Why can't you just leave me alone, Marcus Andretti!?''I had no desire to endure more drama. After his actions, I deserved a distance of a thousand miles from him, just like how I put a space between myself and my ex-husband.Marcus' gaze bore into me, his jaw muscles twitching, fists clenched at his sides. ''Really?'' he smirked, ''You're asking me now what I want from you?'' he rasped, and I could hear his teeth gritting.I met his gaze with a blank expression, utterly clueless of what he wanted from me.''I want to fucking kiss you, hug you, touch you...'' he huffed a breath, before he slowly closed the distance between us, and whispered, ''I want to make you fucking mine again, Riley...''And with that, he cupped my face in between his large hands and kissed me harshly, muffling the sound I was going to make.My
Chapter 113ReeseMarcus arrived on set, warmly greeting the staff members. He hadn't noticed me yet, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was aware of my photoshoot here.What was he doing here? No one had mentioned that he would be at the studio today.The make-up artist, who had just finished enhancing my look, seemed to pick up on the surprise etched across my face. Kara gave me a curious glance.''You seem unaware that Marcus will be joining us for work today. We apologize for not informing you beforehand, Miss Riley. We're featuring him in an article for our next magazine issue, which will span roughly eight pages. That's unbelievable, don't you think?'' she chuckled, continuing to style my hair.If she found that unbelievable, I can't imagine what she would think of my thoughts at this moment. It seemed that fate enjoyed the notion of Marcus and me crossing paths again.However, given that we worked in the same industry, it was highly likely we would meet again.''He wasn't sch
Chapter 112Reese''Enzo...'' I whispered his name, my voice husky. I was aware of what he was doing to me, but my mind was far away from stopping what was going to happen.''I'm sorry...'' he said, running his fingertips on my kissmarks, and my heart skipped a bit when he leaned forward, placing soft kisses on each of them. ''I hope you feel better now...''My thoughts were in disarray as he pressed another kiss onto my collarbone, seemingly healing all the marks he had left.''Enzo, please...'' I pleaded, my hands resting on his shoulders, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away.He stopped, shooting me a playful look. ''Are you scared that Riza will hear you moan and find us?''My cheeks reddened at his words. ''There must be some misunderstanding...'' I countered, turning away from him. ''For your information, I do not moan...''Enzo slightly chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. ''Really? But you just did. Didn't you hear yourself just now?''I shook my head. '
Chapter 111Reese''Now, you're the seeker, Leese!'' Riza laughed as she scampered off to hide.Later that afternoon, following Riza's return from school, we engaged in a game of hide and seek. It was my turn to count, and I pressed my forehead against the living room wall, counting from one to ten, while Riza sought a hiding spot. A subtle smile crept onto my lips.Once my counting ceased, I surveyed the room. Judging by the sounds, Riza hadn't strayed far.''Riza...'' I called out, grinning. ''Where are you, my baby?'' I playfully teased, beginning my search around the living room.Embarking on a hiatus from the limelight to share a life with Lorenzo Carter, I hadn't anticipated the sheer delight my heart would experience, frolicking with such a spirited little one.Feeling grateful for everything that had happened, I was still troubled by the thought of Enzo keeping secrets from me, making me question if marrying him was the right decision.What would Troy think about me marrying h
Chapter 110ReeseBefore I realized it, tears were cascading down my cheeks, and Enzo drew me into a tight embrace. I wept uncontrollably, my face pressed against his chest, my arms wrapped tightly around him.I had never allowed myself to be so vulnerable in front of anyone, and it was ironic that Enzo was the person comforting me right now as I fell apart. My shoulders trembled, and my cries filled the room.I was unaware of how much time had passed as I wept, occasionally fearing Enzo might leave me. Yet, he stayed, holding me closer with each tear I shed.Noticing my depleted strength, he lifted me up and walked towards the bed.He sat down, settling me on his lap, and continued to embrace me as I continued to cry into his chest.And gradually, I began to release my hold.**********This morning's breakfast consisted of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Although they seemed delicious to my mind, my stomach disagreed.In fact, it was my heart that felt uneasy, to the point where I lost my
Chapter 109Enzo''May I attend my daughter's birthday party?'' Vincent implored, his eyes beseeching as he gazed at me.''I'm sorry, Dad, but I've only invited her close friends to surprise her...'' I replied. ''I think she'll be confused if she sees you there again...''I understood my father-in-law's feelings; he simply wanted to be part of Reese's significant life events, just as he was at our wedding. It was I who asked Vincent to walk Reese down the aisle, and he couldn't have been happier.''What if Reese wonders why I'm the one walking her down the aisle?'' I remember Vincent asking me on the day of our wedding, his voice tinged with worry yet laced with excitement.''Don't worry about it...'' I reassured him, patting his shoulder. ''I'll explain that you're the closest elder I have in my life right now...''Thankfully, Reese never questioned it.I also made it clear to Vincent that we couldn't force Reese to remember everything like what the doctor said, and I was relieved he
Chapter 108Enzo''It's true...'' Troy's mouth fell open in shock as he realized Mandy wasn't Reese's biological mother. With each word he read, his frown deepened. ''Mandy isn't her real mother. She even abducted her with her lover...''The thought of Reese suffering at Mandy's and her lover's hands made me clench my fists, and grit my teeth in rage. I couldn't help but hold the man before me responsible for everything that had happened to her.''But why?'' Troy's expression was one of confusion. ''Why would she do that to her?''I had no idea why Mandy had kidnapped Reese. My assumption was that Reese had caught her with her lover, and perhaps threatened to expose them to Troy.''I need your help to put Mandy behind bars...'' I declared to Troy with a commanding tone.Hesitation flickered in his eyes as he met my gaze. He was still in love with Mandy after everything he found out. It was clearly written in his eyes. But I don't care about him. I just wanted to give Reese the justice