Chapter 1

3 YEARS LATER

 She remembered that discussion with her father in his study, this very day three years ago. The discussion that led to a merger and.... marriage. She examined the gold band on her finger. The metal was simple but beautiful and felt cool to touch but it burned her everyday like it had done for the past three years.

 Mrs Milbourne

She had been Mrs Milbourne for three years but only in name. Her husband was only her husband in name, he barely came home and whenever he did, he ignored her.

At first, she tried her best to make the marriage work, to be a good wife but it was of no use. No matter how hard she tried, he didn't love her or care about her. He treated her as if she didn't exist. At first she didn't understand, it hurt her and she cried.

But now she understands everything. Now she doesn't cry and wait for her husband to come up. She doesn't even have to worry about performing her duties as a wife and its all because of her.

Ayana Williams!

The voluptuous brunette with a seductive smile had captured the heart of Oliver Milbourne. A feat she could never achieve.

This wasn't the life she envisioned for herself. Stuck in a hopeless marriage, her mother-in-law, her husband and his mistress against her. The only person who appreciated her worth in the Milbourne family was her father-in-law and Mrs Nelson.

Mrs Nelson was a widow who had spent most of her life working for the Milbourne family. She had started out as a lowly kitchen maid and moved up until she became the General Housekeeper who supervised the other workers. Her husband and only child had been involved in a car accident several years ago. Ever since, she dedicated the rest of her life to serving the Milbourne family.

When Claire first arrived at the Milbourne estate as the new wife of Oliver, she was happy and concerned at the same time. She was happy because Oliver married a young, pretty well mannered young lady but she was also concerned because she knew Oliver was in love with a certain Ayana. She had never liked Ayana but Claire was like a daughter to her. Her concern grew into worry when Oliver and his mother treated her with disdain. She always did her best to make the girl feel at home but she knew the girl's spirit was broken.

The older Milbournes lived in another house in one part of the estate while the young Milbourne had a house all to himself in the same estate. Mrs Nelson was in charge of the two households. She visited the first house everyday but she resided in the second house. She was also present during family gatherings and had witnessed firsthand how they treated Claire. Ayana was also present at such gatherings and always clung to Oliver. The sight sickened her.

She had always had great respect for the young master. He had taken over the family business at a young age and expanded the business. He was a responsible man but his treatment of his wife brought him low in her eyes. Mrs Nelson didn't know the details but was aware that it was a contract marriage between the two parties.

The Older Mr Milbourne loved Claire as his own daughter while Mrs Milbourne hated her. She preferred Ayana to Claire whom she considered basic. She loved her son dearly and due to this fact, she had persuaded her husband to add a clause to the contract which he had agreed to.

Mr Milbourne and Mr Jackson, Claire's father had been friends for a long time. They were both dedicated businessmen. When Jackson's wife died, he lost the will to live and his business crumbled. When he regained himself, it was a bit too late to help his company.

When Mr Milbourne had come with his offer of a marriage merger, he willingly accepted. He didn't think about the effect it would have on his daughter-the last family he had. Mr Curtis Milbourne was happy and hoped Oliver would come to see Claire as he saw her. A wish that never realized.

 "Claire" she turned in the direction of the caller. It was Mrs Nelson standing by the library door. She unfolded her legs and sat upright. 

"Mrs Nelson, are you done for the day?" she asked shutting the book she had been reading.

"A little more and I'll retire. Are you sure you don't want any dinner?" She asked with concern in her voice.

"If you need anything, even if its past midnight, don't hesitate to wake me to get it for you" Claire laughed as she rose from the couch.

"I'm not handicapped, if I need anything, I'll get it myself."

"But I am here to serve...."

"I'll be just fine on my own"

The older lady humped before leaving Claire. Claire looked at the library-where she spent most of her time-one more time before leaving. She moved across the quiet halls to her room. This was another room she spent most of her time.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she sat on the bed. She brought out the photo frame from the drawer in the bedside table. She traced her fingers on the photo before returning it to its place. He wasn't coming home this night. He was with her in the penthouse. Her husband had never spent a dime on her but he had bought an executive penthouse suite for his mistress. For the most part, Claire was glad she didn't have to see Ayana everyday. The few tines she had encountered her, the meetings were not pleasant.

The marriage was like a prison, suffocating and isolating. She was isolated from her friends and the rest of the world, he didn't want anyone to know about his 'wife'.

None of her friends had been present at her wedding. It wasn't a grand wedding with ceremony or celebration. She didn't even get to wear a gown. It was a court proceeding, cold like the rest of the marriage. Oliver didn't show up on time, the magistrate was already getting irritated because he had somewhere else to be.

Oliver showed up late with a scowl in his face. He didn't even look at her twice though that was the first time she even saw him. He hastily signed the papers. The magistrate pronounced them man and wife and Oliver stormed out. The two fathers shook hands as if they had just concluded a business deal, the magistrate gathered his things. No one bothered to look at the new bride. Till date, no one has bothered about her.

Her father called her once in a blue moon to ask her about her welfare. But he spent most of the time talking about how big the business had grown, new deals to close and how he spent his vacation. At the end of the call, he encouraged her to be a good wife to her husband. Claire was annoyed by his attitude and would sometimes 'miss' his calls. Although she loved her father, he was acting foolish.

She wished her mother was here. If her mother was here, she would talk sense into her father and probably smack him. Her mother would have been by her side, encouraging her in all aspects of her life. She would probably be single or married to someone else but she was not here.

However Claire had not been idle. After getting her business degree, she had planned to take over the company when her dad retired. She knew he didn't believe in her capabilities that's why he sold her into marriage and preferred a stranger taking over the business. But she had a card up her sleeve.

Her father didn't know about the additional clause in the contract. She had only found out about the clause after the marriage. Finally fate was on her side after all. She had been able to get her hands on the documents of the Greenyork Estate from her father without his knowledge and she was ready for the inevitable.

She took off her clothes and got into the tub. She had added bathing salts to the bath water so she could relax. After her refreshing bath, she put on her sleeping clothes. The future seemed promising was the final thought on her mind as she drifted off to sleep.

An annoying ringing was disturbing her sleep. She thought it was her alarm clock, stretched her hand but she couldn't feel it on her bedside table.

Oh well! The ringing had stopped. She was drifting off to Dreamland when the ringing began afresh. She dug out her mobile phone and clicked the answer button.

"Hello" she answered groggily.

"Are you so incapable of doing a simple task of picking your phone?" she opened her mouth ready to give this person a piece of her mind.

" Never mind that. Just show up at the address I'll text you at the stated time. Don't be late" the rude caller hung up. She just stared at the phone, it was a strange number. A text appeared on her phone displaying address and time. The rude caller could go jump in a lake for all she cared but she wasn't going anywhere until she was well rested.

An hour later, she woke up fully satisfied with her rest. It wasn't in her nature to sleep for longer than six hours but the recent project she was working on had taken much of her time and she needed a good rest.

She had her bath, ate breakfast prepared by the Chef. She was in a good mood, he noticed her mood and served her a light cheerful breakfast. Pancakes with maple syrup, strawberries and mango juice. She took her time styling her chestnut hair and picking out her outfit. She settled on a short light blue dress with a keyhole neckline. She didn't bother calling her driver, she drove her car instead. It wasn't long before she arrived at the place. It was a law firm. The text directed her to an office which she entered. She found her husband's lawyer inside. She also noticed three cups of coffee but two were untouched.

"Were you the one who called me?" she asked not bothering to exchange pleasantries. The man was made from the same coat as her husband and never liked her.

"No, Mr Milbourne did. He left moments ago with Miss Williams. Apparently Miss Williams was tired of waiting so he took her home." So he was here with his mistress, acting like the loyal pet, his actions increased her disregard for him.

"He wants you to sign the divorce papers" he said setting it out in front of him on the table. She sat on the chair on the other side of the table and brought out a pen.

"The issue of property and business merger...."

"My lawyer is on standby and will discuss everything with you" she said placing the card on the table. She quickly signed the documents and left. Outside she breathed a sigh in relief, she was finally free from that prison. She got into the car and drove off.

Oliver Milbourne was confused. At first he had been angry, his "wife" wasn't picking up his call and had decided to not show up for the meeting. It was the first time he had ever called her. He just wanted to sign the papers and get it over with but his lawyer had insisted on her showing up. They had to discuss the property and the merger. Ayana who had insisted on following him for the proceedings was also annoyed by the long wait and demanded he take her home.

He returned to the law firm to see his "wife" exiting the office with so much joy on her face. He wondered what transpired while he was gone that would make her so happy. This was actually the first time he had ever looked at her and she was.... beautiful.

He shook his head, the first time he had actually looked at his wife and thought she was beautiful was in the parking lot of a law firm. He went to his lawyer's office.

"She just left"

"I saw her leaving. Did she sign it?"

"Yes with much enthusiasm. She said the discussions of the merger will be handled by her lawyer. She is out of your life and you are now a free man." Oliver grinned at that.