Chapter 085ReeseI had never imagined that Enzo's brain was so impaired that he would dare to invite Marcus to our wedding.What was going through his crazy mind? How could he make such a decision without consulting me first?That was so fucking immature! So irresponsible!Indeed, he knew I would never invite Marcus, which was precisely why he kept it from me.And did I just hear that Marcus was actually here at my wedding?This arrogant bastard was really impossible! I hate him!The sudden knock at the door jolted me awake, and I turned sharply to see the doorknob rattling, indicating that someone was trying to open the door from the other side."Let's go, Riley. The guests are already waiting...'' Jimmy called from behind the door, and I bit my lip nervously as I glanced up at Enzo, who stood beside me. I saw a muscle in his jaw twitch, his gaze fixed on the door.He then looked at me, and I swiftly averted my gaze away from him. "I'll wait for you at the altar...'' he stated, his
Chapter 086ReeseWhen Enzo's and my eyes met, his gaze was so profound and intense that I nearly broke away. Yet, the connection was overpowering, as if he had volumes more to communicate beyond the silence.Damn it! He couldn't seriously intend to fuck me at the altar, could he? That was the only thought I could entertain about his intentions at the moment.My resentment towards him deepened when he made me witness Marcus with another woman just as I was about to enter into a marriage I never desired.It served as a stark reminder of my own turmoil.By the time I reached Enzo and faced him, my rage had eclipsed any sense of despair.Mr. Vincent embraced me, then leaned in to whisper something to Enzo before placing my hand in his.The matrimony began, and I attentively listened as the priest said, "Dear family and friends, we have gathered here together to witness Enzo and Riley, as they exchange their vows of marriage. We rejoice with them in their delight of finding love with each
Chapter 087ReeseFollowing our wedding, I was required to move into Enzo's residence in Manhattan. Despite it being a temporary two-year arrangement, I dreaded the thought of enduring what seemed like an ordeal.As I was set to take a hiatus, Diane and Grace did not accompany me. The absence of my whole team was heart-wrenching, as their support was my solace in tough times, and without them, I felt out of place even before stepping into Enzo's home.To complicate matters, Enzo had his own security detail, eliminating the need for Trevor to constantly follow me. Enzo was not inclined to let someone he didn't fully trust into his home.Nevertheless, Trevor was permitted to guard me whenever I left the premises, which, I assumed, would require Enzo's prior approval.Exhausted from the wedding and burdened with these concerns, I involuntarily succumbed to sleep on Enzo's private jet en route from Los Angeles to Manhattan.At least I wouldn't encounter Enzo in my dreams. That would be pr
Chapter 088ReeseMidway through our journey, Enzo broke the silence. ''You'll meet my niece later...'' he stated, prompting me to turn and face him. "She wanted to be at the wedding yesterday, but illness kept her away...''I furrowed my brows as I looked at him. Niece? That was unexpected. I wasn't aware that Enzo had one. I remembered that my team provided me with information about Enzo during a meeting at my house, mentioning he was the sole heir and successor to the L. Carter companies, with a stepsister from his mother's side. Technically, his stepsister had no current claim to his wealth. The niece he mentioned must be the daughter of his stepsister."Is she getting better now?'' was the first thing that crossed my mind.Enzo nodded slightly, his expression solemn yet lighting up as he spoke of his niece. "She's merely caught a cold...''Curiosity got the better of me, considering I was going to live with them. "Do you live with your stepsister?''He shook his head, a gesture t
Chapter 089Reese''That's how much Riza loves you...'' I heard Enzo say behind me, and I snapped my head to see him smiling widely at me.Again, this was a rare sight. Enzo was smiling. A genuine smile. Not a smirk or a scoff.I swiftly dismissed the thoughts. Perhaps he concealed his devilish side because of Riza. He was really an excellent actor, and I despised him more for that. He was lying in front of his precious niece.The headache returned suddenly as I looked down at Riza, and just from considering how irritating Enzo could be now that we shared the same house.''I'm going to rest for a while first...'' I said, desiring a warm bath to relax my muscles and to lie down after the lengthy journey.''Well then, allow me to show you to your room...'' Enzo offered, and I followed him, offering one last smile to Riza, who was now being held by someone I presumed to be her nanny, before walking away.Enzo guided me to a spacious bedroom with another stunning view of the garden, and I
Chapter 090ReeseRiza's face lit up the moment she saw me, her lips curving into a broad smile, showing her small teeth. That sight lifted my spirits as well, prompting me to return the smile before I took a seat beside her, with Enzo positioned at the head of the table.''Hi, Riza...'' I greeted her, ruffling her hair, and she giggled, greeting me back.Enzo didn't even look at me, and he appeared irritated, possibly due to our recent dispute about sharing our bedroom, and I suddenly felt wrath well up inside me. The smile on my face disappeared in an instant. I didn't want him to spoil my good mood. I decided to avoid looking at him and instead focus on the lovely girl beside me.The loud screech of the chair against the marble floor caught my attention, and I quickly snapped my head toward Enzo, startled by the noise. Riza, too, grimaced at the grating sound he produced.This man is unbelievable! Did he really think I would just sleep with him after we got married?I never signed
Chapter 091ReeseExiting my room in my dark blue satin spaghetti strap nightwear, I found it surprising that Mrs. Martin hadn't roused me for breakfast with Enzo and Riza.I yearned to see the little girl again to apologize and atone for the previous night's events at the dining table. I should have been more considerate of her feelings and refrained from arguing with Enzo.Upon reaching the dining room, I noticed only one plate on the table and breakfast ready, yet Enzo and Riza were nowhere to be found.''They left early because Riza was excited to go to school today...'' Mrs. Martin announced, emerging from the kitchen with a smile that took me by surprise.I glanced at the wall clock, pondering if I had overslept. Then it dawned on me that it had been ages since I last enjoyed the luxury of ample sleep, perhaps indulging a bit too much this time.It felt surreal not having to bolt out of bed in a frenzy, no urgent calls for shows, photoshoots, or rehearsals to heed.With a sigh o
Chapter 092Reese"Come in!" I called out, placing my phone on the bedside table, anticipating the arrival of the person who had knocked.''Mrs. Carter...'' greeted the maid who had organized the packages earlier, as she peeked inside. ''Would you like me to prepare your bath?''They were really treating me like a princess here. ''That's alright--''''Helen. My name is Helen...'' she smiled warmly at me.I acknowledged with a nod. ''That's alright, Helen. No need to bother yourself...''''Okay...'' she replied with a smile, gently closing the door with a soft thud.I reached for my phone once more, but accidentally activated the voice messages, and Flora's voice filled the room as I hit the speaker button. I had ignored all her calls before the wedding, so she might have left several messages. The content of the message instantly made me regret listening.''What the fucking hell are you doing, Riley?'' she spat out angrily. ''Did you really think you could just force me out of my job
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