Alexander’s POVI was suffocating in my own silence. Guilt and rage tearing at my insides like a relentless storm. How did I become this vulnerable? this torn? this touchable? I am Alexander Clifford, the Rebel of Sussex and I always remain unfazed, unbreakable—a brute who could endure anything. But now, sitting alone in the darkness of my bedroom, I realize just how much I am shifting.And then I hear my door open, it’s Olivia, ofcourse it’s Olivia. Here to take advantage of my vulnerability. Giving herself her usual invitation to my bedroom in her usual black skimpy lingerie.“Hey baby….why do you look so torn?” She approached, a smug smile on her face, her voice low and seductive. Her appointment in my bedroom was very clear. “You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I confronted her, my voice trembling with anger and despair.“Oh come on Alexander…,” She threw both arms around me, drawing me closer. “This was all Simon and Catherine and I’m sorry I can’t pretend to be unhappy about my
Olivia’s POV“What are you smirking at old fool?” I shoot at Ophelia who was hosting a smile on her face, mentally cheering Catherine on, I assumed.Her eyes widened, and she stuttered, "N-no, ma'am, I didn't mean it like that.”“Now, tell me. Are you still doing as I instructed with Catherine’s meals?” I dip my voice to a low, stirring my coffee to appear calm, when I am anything but.Ophelia hesitated, visibly nervous. "Y-yes, ma'am, I am," She replied quickly.“Do not lie to me Ophelia, I will not give you one more chance.” I said, my voice firm. “Ye-s, I-I am doing it ma’am.” She responds shakily.“Good, we’ll find out soon enough anyway….” My eyes travel with a brief thought and I return to Ophelia’s trembling frame. “Or maybe sooner.” I say, narrowing my eyes at her. "Double the dose."Ophelia’s face paled, and she shook her head. "What? ma'am, that's too much! It could kill her.” She cried.“I don’t care if she disappears into thin air, you will do as I have said.” I insisted,
Alexander’s POVAs I approached the living room, I heard soft laughter—Catherine's laughter, mingled with a voice I did not recognize. My pace quickened, a knot of unease tightening in my chest. Turning the corner, I stopped dead in my tracks.Catherine was sitting in the couch, her posture relaxed in a way I had not seen her before. Next to her was a man, a man I recognized to be the same man who drove her home the night before. He was seated rather too comfortable in his Oxford shirt and pants, and Catherine, indulging him fully. They were deep in conversation, the kind of easy, intimate exchange that felt like a slap in the face.“And who the fuck is this guy Catherine?" I demanded, striding up to them with my usual arrogance, my voice cutting through the room like a blade.Catherine looked up, surprise stretching across her face before she settled into a cold, defiant gaze. The man rose to his feet, a tall, six feet slim male, who looked like he came from money. His expression ca
Catherine’s POV Fucking Alexander Clifford, in my room, what now! He was standing by the window, his silhouette visible against the dim evening light filtering through the curtains. He did not turn around when I entered, but I could see the tightness in his shoulders, the stiffness in his stance. “I asked you to never speak to him again.” His voice was cold, a sharp edge to it that contaminated the air. I closed the door behind me and walked to the vanity with deliberate slowness. "Not this again Alexander, you have no right to ask me that…the contract allows for me to be as liberal as I want.” Now he turned to face me, his eyes dark. “So you love the contract now," He snapped, finally turning to face me. His eyes were dark, stormy, the anger barely contained. “Not so long ago, you were fighting it at every turn.” I met his gaze, unflinching. “I see now that it was a waste of my time. We both know this isn't a real marriage.” His expression hardened further, nearly frightening
Catherine’s POV Dr. Brown sat at the edge of the sofa, his briefcase placed squarely on his lap. It felt like I could hear the sound of a clock ticking in my head, shivers running down my spine and although it looked like it, I was anything but calm. Why are you tense Catherine, you know the baby is his. I swallowed clutching unto just a dice of confidence. Alexander sat in the opposite sofa, one leg crossed over his knee, rigid, his jaw set, eyes fixed on the briefcase. Then there was Olivia, who seemed a tad bit nervous, occasionally shooting sneaky glances my way. Simon, shifted uncomfortably in his seat, as if he had a weight pressed on to his shoulders. I grimaced hating the fact that my privacy was suddenly made public knowledge. Well if Alexander did not mind, neither did I Dr. Brown finally broke the silence, clearing his throat before he spoke. "Mr. Clifford, as requested, I have the DNA results you've been waiting for." My heart pounded in my chest as if I didn’t know
Alexander’s POV I woke up to the unfamiliar sensation of warmth beside me. Slowly, reality set in—I was not alone. My arm, instinctively draped over her waist, tightened its hold, afraid she might vanish if I let go. She stirred, her eyelashes fluttering as she opened them. “Morning," She whispered, soft. “Morning," I replied, my voice rough. I did not want to move, did not want to lose this feeling of peace I had never felt before. Frightening as it was, I did not want to lose it. She shifted slightly, trying to create some space, but I held on tighter. "Don't move," I murmured, burying my face in her hair, I take a satisfactory sniff of her Cherry scent and I make a pleasant sound. She laughed softly. “We’ve been like this all day Alexander, I’m sure everyone is wondering what’s going on.” “Let them wonder.” I say, securing my arms around her. She giggles softly, the most satisfying sound I have ever heard. “Ophelia would worry.” She continues making her case. “We’ve
Olivia’s POV Pushing open the door, I stepped inside and I saw him waiting. Just the sight of his back view and I was already salivating. My rebel had come to my room and damn! I was mighty pleased. A smile spread across my face. “Alexander," I said, closing the door behind me. "I knew you couldn't stay away." He did not smile back. He had his usual hard, unreadable rake expression that made me want him even more. Walking towards him with a sway in my hips, I say, "I have missed you so much baby.” His eyes flashed with something I could not quite decipher. "It was you, wasn’t it Olivia?" I paused, tilting my head. "Oh? What are you talking about?" He stepped closer, his presence imposing. "I’m talking about Catherine’s underwear. I know it was you," My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly masked my surprise with a laugh. "Are you fucking serious?" “Don't play games with me, Olivia. You sent me to Simon’s closet…you put it there for me to find.” He said his voice ice cold. I tr
Olivia’s POV “Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!” I barked, pacing horrendously in my new apartment. The new apartment was a far cry from the luxurious Manor I had grown accustomed to. As I stood in the living room, the beige walls seemed to be mocking me, the generic furniture seemed to spitting at me, and even the floors seemed to be chastising my feet. The doorbell rang, interrupting my thoughts. Simon came through. I watched as his bewildered eyes scanned the apartment. "I can't believe Alexander would kick you out. You had such a hold on him.” “This is just a temporary setback, a minor hitch.” I clenched my jaw, fury boiling beneath the surface. “What happened Olivia?” His eyes dipped into mine with a slice of concern. “He found out about the underwear. He knows it was a set up.” “How?” “I bet it was the Pigeon. I guess we underestimated her.” I pace biting on my finger nails, an exercise that usually seemed to tame my anger. “Wow….I just can’t believe he would choose her o