Chapter 14

 

ESTELLE’S POV

Watching the way this woman acted around Adonis, it was pretty obvious that they were close. She was really pretty with dark shoulder-length curly hair, wide brown eyes, and a babylike face.

 

A wave of jealousy surged through me as I watched their interaction, my heart twisting every second of it. When she noticed me, her eyes held no judgment or intimidation, just a curious gleam.

 

I opened my mouth, about to answer her question, but Adonis cut in.

 

“She’s Estelle, my wife.”

 

The woman’s eyes widened and she gasped dramatically, her gaze flicking from Adonis to me. Slowly, her shocked expression softened into an excited one.

 

“Finally, Mr. Lonely gets a wife,” she shrieked and pulled me into a hug like we were old-time friends. When she pulled back, she said with a smile, “I’m Genna, Adonis’s cousin.”

 

“Oh.”

 

Relief washed over me like a waterfall. No wonder she was so free with Adonis— she was family.

 

“You didn’t tell me you were coming,” Adonis said, shoving his hands into his pocket and scowling at Genna.

 

“Do I ever tell you anything?”

 

“I’ll tell security not to let you in anymore.”

 

“I dare you to,” she pouted her lips and to my surprise, Adonis’s lips curved slightly.

 

So all it took was family to lighten his gloomy mood. I wondered if I would ever have that effect on him.

It didn't matter anyway. Even if we’re technically married, I don't see our relationship getting past the contract.

 

The only family I had left was my sister.

 

A vague image flashed through my mind. Blood. The darkness. The blinding lights, and her face.

 

My mother.

 

Genna snapped her fingers in my face, startling me, “Earth to Estelle. Let’s go in, I’m starving. We have some catching up to do.”

 

“You just met her, don’t scare her away with your impulsive rambling,” Adonis cut in blankly.

 

“Give it a rest,” she rolled her eyes and turned to me, “Let me go eat first, then we’ll talk.”

 

She ran off immediately, leaving me alone with Adonis. There was a long pause before I broke the awkward silence.

 

“She’s so-”

 

“Immature and hyperactive,” Adonis cut in, watching ahead as Genna slowly disappeared from our sight.

 

“I meant to say friendly. How old is she?”

 

“Eighteen.”

 

“She’s young.”

 

“Yeah. She’s in her first year in college. As talkative as she seems, she’s very intelligent. She only comes here when she needs money.”

 

I chuckled, admiring the way he spoke about her, “I know what it means to have a younger sister.”

 

Silence followed, then Adonis spoke, “I’ve never heard a thing about your mother.”

 

Suddenly, my body went rigid and I began to perspire. I didn’t like to speak about my mother with anyone. I liked people to think she didn't exist.

The images came flooding again, fast and suffocating, making it hard for me to breathe.

 

“Estelle.”

 

I turned to him and he didn't look the least concerned. As much as I tried to calm myself down, I was sure he could see all my emotions plastered on my face.

 

“I don’t like to talk about her,” I managed to mutter as I tried scurrying away.

 

“Why?”

 

Anger rumbled through me and I snapped, “I told you already. Why are you so damn persistent?”

He grabbed my arm and dragged me towards him, while I placed my hands on his chest, trying to keep my distance.

“I want to know about you.”

 

My features contorted in irritation, “Why do you even care? Why are you trying to figure out so much about my life? Why can’t you just leave me alone!”

 

Without saying a word, he let go of my arm and I ran across the field.

 

Tears threatened to run down my eyes, but I pushed them back. I didn’t want to be seen as vulnerable, I didn’t want to show any sign of weakness.

 

When I got indoors, Genna came from the dining room beaming, but when she saw the expression on my face, her smile faded.

 

“Estelle, are you okay?”

 

I nodded, trying to get my emotions under control, “I’m fine.”

 

“Are you sure?” she walked towards me and held my hands in hers, “It’s Adonis, isn't it?”

 

When I didn’t respond, she threw her hands around me and pulled me into a hug. For some reason, I wrapped my arms around her and found comfort in our embrace. Somehow this girl and I had a connection even if this was our first time meeting.

 

“He might be way older than me, but I’ll scold him.”

 

When we pulled apart, she guided me to the dining with her. When we were seated, she slid a cup to me.

 

“Here, it’ll make you feel better, trust me.”

 

I took the cup and the smell of alcohol wafted through my nose. I gave her a questioning look, “Is that alcohol? Are you even old enough to take that?”

 

She pressed a finger to her lip, “Ssh, don’t tell Adonis.”

 

I downed a gulp of the wine, and smiled mischievously, “I won't.”

 

Our conversation started to flow better and soon, I found myself invested in our girl talk as she told me about the boys in her life, friend drama, and whatnot.

I started to wish I was eighteen again.

 

“Adonis is like a brother to me. He took charge of me while my parents were busy touring the world. He’s been a better parent to me than they ever have.”

 

I listened attentively, watching as her expression became one of admiration as she spoke about Adonis.

 

“I’m telling you this because being with him can be draining. He’s the way he is because of what he’s gone through but there’s so much good in him, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.”

 

“I feel you’re a good match for him, so please, be a little patient with him. He doesn’t know what it means to love.”

 

I didn’t know how to tell her that love wasn't involved in our marriage, but I wasn’t going to crush her hope.

 

The entrance door opened, and footsteps headed towards us. I braced myself to face Adonis, but he wasn't the one.

 

Shock rushed through me as I felt all the hairs on my neck stand.

 

“Hello Estelle, I knew I’d find you here.”

 

My mother-in-law stood, watching me with an evil look on her face. This was a woman I had tried to take as a mother figure, but all the while, she felt nothing but hatred towards me.

 

“What are you doing here?” I bit out through a clenched jaw.

 

“I came to see how my daughter-in-law is doing. Is that a crime?”

 

“I’m not your daughter-in-law anymore.”

 

She sat beside me, her eyes narrowed into slits, “Oh but you are. You left Eric for his brother. How pathetic and desperate are you?”

 

I turned to a confused Genna, “Please leave us, Genna. I don’t want you to hear this.”

 

She nodded, then left the dining room in a flash, leaving me with the devil.

 

I turned to her, “Does Adonis know you’re here?”

 

“He doesn’t have to know. I’m his mother.”

 

“Last I checked, he’s your half-son.”

 

“Doesn't matter,” she leaned in, her blue eyes identical to Eric’s glinting mischievously, “What’s your plan? What do you think you’re trying to achieve going after Adonis?”

 

“It’s none of your business,” I spat out, “Your filthy son took everything from me, so forgive me if I want to move on.”

 

“There’s more to it, because I know exactly what you are,” her lips snarled, “A vicious snake that bites everything in her way. What is your plan?”

 

I remembered all the pain I let myself endure in the name of love. But this time, things were different. They couldn’t trample over me like dirt because they had no power over me anymore.

 

I was the one with the power now.

 

“Maybe I have ulterior motives,” a sly smirk played on my lips, “Maybe I want to get back at all of you for what you did to me. Maybe I want to make all of you pay, starting with your retarded snake son.”

 

She sprang off her feet and slapped me on the face, the sound echoing through the hall. My cheek stung but I wasn’t backing down.

 

“Take that as a threat,” I bit out, my voice calm.

 

“You’re playing with fire, child. You’re going to regret it, I swear to you.”

 

I pulled myself off the seat and moved my face close to hers, close enough that I could see a hint of fear in her eyes, “You’re always pampering your son. Getting involved is going to cost you. Do your fucking worse.”

 

“What are you doing here!”

 

We both turned to the direction of where the voice came from. Adonis stood, with Genna at a distance; she must’ve run off to call him. His face was contorted with rage as he glared at Madelyn.

Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at him, and I swear, she shrunk at the sight of him.

 

“Adonis, my child. I just came to visit my daughter-in-law,” her voice came out weak.

“Get out of here before I drag you out myself .”

 

“Adonis-”

 

“Get out,” his voice was calm but his warning sent chills down my spine.

 

Madelyn sprang out of her chair and retreated as he got closer, “I’m here to warn you. She’s not who you think she is, she's a snake.”

 

What happened next all came in a flash. Adonis took the glass of wine on the table and smashed it against the wall, causing it to shatter. We all flinched as I stared at Adonis in shock.

 

“You come here and threaten my wife?” his fist struck the table, “Get out before I snap your neck.”

Madelyn didn’t need to speak again as she dashed out of the room in fear. When she was gone, Adonis and I made eye contact and the fiery look in his eyes made me feel lightheaded.

 

I followed after, leaving for my room without saying a word. For the first time, I felt fear standing in his presence.