"Miss Rogers, we don't really have to maintain an intimate relationship when we're alone" Michael said,his voice piercing through my thoughts. ............ "Miss Rogers, some rules no longer apply," he continued, his voice now confident and commanding. "My cousins are suspicious of our marriage. Until they leave, we'll share a room and appear together at all time. In that way, you'll save your mother and I'll claim my inheritance" My jaw dropped , and then I wondered, how could I escape without confronting my past demons? Synopsis Sweet and independent Freya Rogers, haunted by a painful past, is forced to marry mysterious and arrogant billionaire Michael smith to save her ailing mother. Their six month arrangement is built on deception, but as they navigate their fake marriage, Freya uncovers the dark secret of Michael's family. Spies infiltrates their home to deem Michael ineligible for the inheritance, fueling the flames of tension. As they grow closer, despite their hatred for each other, the truth about Michael's past begins to unravel. His cruel stepbrother, Ambrose, is revealed to be Freya's ex-lover and the father of her child, whom she was forced to abandon three years ago. Freya's desire for revenge ignites, while Michael's own demons and shocking betrayal by his first love, Emma leave him reeling. As the web of deceit tightens, secrets are exposed and alliances are tested. Their world is turned upside down as Michael discover Freya and Ambrose's relationship. And a shocking revelation looms, forcing Freya and Michael to confront the demons of their past. Will their feelings for each other be able to overcome the darkness of their past? Or will the secrets and lies tear them apart? What will these shocking revelation create in their relationship? Can they emerge victorious, or will their past consume them?
View Morehapter 20Michael's povI couldn't shake off the memory of that kiss with Freya. It was the same feeling I had expected to experience with Emma, but never did. I was perplexed by my reaction - I wasn't even attracted to Freya, yet her kiss had left me feeling lost.As I recalled her tears, I felt a pang in my chest. It was my first time seeing her so close. Her delicate features, long lashes, and brown irises had touched something within me. And those soft, moist lips... it was as if she had invited me in."Michael, you're so stupid," I muttered to myself, pushing the thought away. I stood up, grabbed my laptop, and focused on more pressing matters. Our company's annual event was approaching, and I hoped Grandfather would finally announce my official inheritance rights.I decided not to return to my mansion that night. I knew Alexis and Raymond would be lurking around, but I was confident I could handle them. After all, they wouldn't dare misbehave on my own property.However, my com
Chapter 18Freya's povI couldn't shake off the feeling; I think I love Michael Smith. But this was wrong; it broke the first rule. I avoided his gaze, unable to face him after Ambrose's call interrupted our moment."Miss Rogers, won't you at least pick up the phone?" Michael asked, his voice surprisingly calm. He didn't seem embarrassed or shy, which only confused me. I thought love was supposed to make you vulnerable and self-conscious."And...we were wrong to have...done this," he said, his voice trailing off. His words cut deep, and I felt a pang of disappointment. Didn't he realize I wasn't angry about what happened? Didn't he see that I wanted more?"Yea, I'm sorry too," I said, meeting his gaze. Our eyes locked, and a sharp pain pierced my chest."Can you...leave me here for tonight?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Michael exhaled a low chuckle, his finger brushing against his lip in a gesture that made him look endearingly sexy."You know, Rogers, it's fine if you d
Chapter 17Freya's POVI slowly lowered the phone, my eyes locked on Michael's piercing gaze. "Mr. Smith, you need to leave," I said wearily, struggling to maintain my composure.He wasn't supposed to know about the call. Ambrose's words still echoed in my mind, and I couldn't let Michael suspect anything.But Michael's expression remained unyielding. "No, you'll come with me to the mansion," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.My demeanor shifted, as anger bubbled inside me. How dare he dictate what I should do? I clenched my fist, a silent prayer whispering through my mind for Waylen's safe return."I refuse to abide by your terms, Mr. Smith," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside.Michael's eyes narrowed. "We had a deal, Rogers. And you will not default. I thought we understood each other." His words hung in the air, heavy with implication.I looked away, swallowing hard, as the weight of my situation threatened to crush me."Mr. Smith, I...I just c
Chapter 16Freya's POVI felt overwhelmed, so I soaked in the tub to calm down. But my emotions ran so deep that I didn't even hear my name being called. It wasn't until I sensed someone nearby that I snapped back to reality, finding myself on the floor.As I struggled to focus, I saw Michael's worried face and felt his hands shaking me. I almost smiled at his frantic efforts, but I was too caught up in my thoughts. I couldn't shake the pain of my mother's actions.I closed my eyes, letting the darkness wash over me. But I couldn't cry anymore. I'd already cried too much."Rogers!" Michael's voice echoed from behind the door, louder this time. I thought he'd already left. I didn't have time for him, not now. My mind was consumed by a single thought; storming into Ambrose's home and revealing myself to my son. I'd stop at nothing to reclaim him."Rogers!" Michael called out again, his voice insistent. I hesitated, then responded, trying to keep my emotions in check."Go away! I'm figur
Chapter 15Freya's POV"I asked a question, Freya," my mom pressed, her voice firm. ''Who is whose husband?"I finally tore my gaze away from Michael, my eyes drifting back to my mom's inquiring face."Mom...it's not what you think...Mom, it's a...," I stammered, struggling to find the right words.But before I could continue, Michael stepped in, his voice smooth and confident."Mrs. Rogers, I ought to have done an official introduction. I'm Freya's husband, Michael Smith," he announced, his eyes locked onto mine.I glared at him, feeling a surge of anger and rage."How dare you butt in?" I snapped, my eyes blazing with irritation. "You have no right to disrespect my mom in this manner."My mom's voice cut through the tension. "Freya, have you been lying to me?"I took a deep breath, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Mom. I just...I needed the money for your health. I had no choice." I whispered, my voice barely audible."You know I'll never keep secrets from you. Besides, our marr
Chapter 14Freya's POV"Sweetheart, what's wrong? You look pale and sad. I was expecting your visit yesterday," my mom asked, her voice weak and shaky.Guilt and pain washed over me as I gazed at her frail form, confined to one position. My strong and intelligent mother, who had always been my rock, now lay vulnerable and helpless.I felt a crushing sense of guilt for keeping my marriage a secret. My mother would never have allowed me to make such a choice, not after everything we'd been through. She would have protected me from this mess.I knew I had to save her from the truth, at least for now. She didn't need to know."Mom..." I sobbed, overcome with emotion. My mother's condition wasn't improving. Her weakness was alarming."I'm sorry, Mom. I'm such a bad child. Sorry I couldn't visit," I whispered, wiping away tears as she placed her cold, wet hand on mine. I shuddered at her touch."Mother, are you okay? Aren't the doctors taking care of you?" I burst into tears again, but my m
Chapter 13Emma's POVI stood there, my fist clenched in anger and pain, as I remembered Michael's passionate declaration of love for that woman. It hurt, especially after our kiss just moments before ; a kiss that came after five years of waiting. He hadn't even hugged me, and now he was telling Ambrose how much he loved Freya, but his eyes told a different story."I want to make her pay," I whispered, my voice trembling with rage. "I want to crush her and make her cry. I want to make her feel miserable." A warm hand on my back interrupted my venomous thoughts, and for a moment, I wished it was Michael, declaring his love for me. But the hand belonged to Ambrose, his eyes filled with a mix of pity and anger as he gazed at me. "Ambrose..." I choked, my voice cracking as tears streamed down my face."I love him," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I love Michael... so much. Why is he defending his marriage to Freya?" I asked, desperately. "You told me it was all a sham, didn't you?" I
Chapter 12 Michael's POV I quickly dialed Jason's number, my mind racing with concern. "Jason, it's Freya. We got into a fight, and she just left Grandpa's home. She's heading to the hospital where her mom stays. Keep an eye on her," I said, ending the call abruptly after hearing Jason's reassuring response. I paced around the room, feeling restless and anxious. Finally, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling lifeless and defeated. The weight of my mistakes crushed me. I shouldn't have kissed Emma, no matter how I felt about her. Regret washed over me, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt. Lost in thought, I didn't notice the two gentle knocks on my door. "Michael, are you in there?" Grandpa called out, sounding worried. I took a deep breath and replied, "Grandpa." He entered the room, looking around as if searching for someone. His cane supported him as he walked. "Come to my room," he said gently but firmly.I followed him, thinking of excuses for Freya's absence. In his
Chapter 11 Raymond's POV "Oh my, Michael. I finally got you," I said, exposing a sly smile as my instincts proved true. Michael had left his wife for Emma, and here they were, caught in the act. I savored the moment, my tongue tracing the curve of my lower lip. I leaned in, planting a triumphant kiss on the tiny camera in my hand. With evidence in hand, I made my way to Ambrose's room, ready to unleash the bombshell. "Raymond, you should be keeping your eye on Michael," Ambrose said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Besides, I hope you hid that bug perfectly in his room?" I nodded, aware that Ambrose was plotting something. "I hid it where no one could see it," I said with a sly smile. "Not even Bella's ghost would find it." Ambrose's laughter sent a shiver down my spine. "Look at you," Ambrose said, his voice dripping with malice. "Have you forgotten you were closer to her?" I forced a shallow chuckle, feeling a pang of unease. "I never liked her," I said, trying to so
Chapter 1Freya's POVI stood frozen, my eyes fixed on the grand staircase as my life flashed before me. I had vowed never to get involved with rich and influential men like Michael Smith, the billionaire I had just married. But life had other plans."Miss Rogers, we don't really have to maintain an intimate relationship when we're alone," Michael said, his voice piercing through my thoughts. "The contract doesn't apply except when a third party is involved."I turned to face him, my heart sinking. His words were cold and detached, his eyes devoid of emotion. I forced a reply, trying to keep my tone neutral. "Oh, yes."Michael's gaze swept over me, his eyes lingering on my face before he turned to leave. I watched, feeling a surge of resentment, as he ridiculed me with his towering height."Mr. Smith," I called out, my voice firm but polite. He paused, his back still turned to me."Where's my room?" I asked, trying to keep my tone even. "You didn't show me my room."Michael turned, hi...
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