A bit of revelation

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 sound nonchalant. "She was so naive to think I'd cherish her like Michael did."

Ambrose's eyes glinted with amusement. "But that's beside the point," I continued. "There's more evidence that Michael and..."

Ambrose's eyes sparkled with excitement as he cut me off. "Oh, wow, let me have it."

I smiled, handing him the camera. Our deal was set; in exchange for my loyalty and help, Ambrose would give me a substantial share of the inheritance and establish a business in my name. I was willing to do whatever it took to ensure Michael was disqualified from the inheritance; even if it meant killing to get it.

Ambrose burst into laughter, pacing triumphantly around the room as he raised the camera like a trophy. "Hahaha! Michael's so stupid! How could he let his guard down in a place like this?" He shook his head, still chuckling. "Kissing Emma... unbelievable."

I smiled, sharing in his amusement. Ambrose's expression turned hypocritical. "You know, I feel bad for Freya. I really do. It's a pity she'll never find anyone to love her again." His voice dripped with insincerity.

Ambrose's words spilled out, and I turned to him, intrigued. There was more to his statement, but I couldn't quite decipher the underlying meaning. What did he mean by that?

Lately, Ambrose had been acting suspiciously. It seemed he knew Freya for along time, but I pushed the thought aside. It wasn't my concern.

My mind returned to Grandpa's will. One condition stood out; Michael needed to get married to secure the inheritance. The phrase echoed in my mind; "No marriage, no inheritance."

"Raymond, good work, but this isn't enough," Ambrose said, scrutinizing the evidence. "This only proves Michael's infidelity, which we'll use later. But we need something concrete, like a contract. I'm convinced his marriage to Freya is a sham, a business arrangement."

Ambrose's words struck a chord. I nodded, thinking deeply. He was right; I needed to dig deeper, uncover more evidence to expose Michael's fake marriage.

"I also need you to do something for me," Ambrose requested, his eyes locked on mine. I nodded obediently, always ready to serve him.

"Find out about Freya's family, her mother, and their whereabouts," he instructed. "Track her movements, learn where she visits, and..."

My curiosity got the better of me, and I interrupted him. "Ambrose, did you perhaps know Freya from somewhere?" I asked, my eyes narrowing slightly.

Ambrose smiled, his eyes shining with confidence. "I'll tell you everything, but first, take care of these tasks. Freya will tell the truth soon."

I grinned, eager to start. "I'll get to work," I said, glancing at Ambrose as he celebrated with the camera. I closed the door and walked away, wondering what would happen next.

****

Freya's POV

A chilling message stared back at me;

[Oh no, dear Freya. Perhaps you haven't seen this photo. You still have a chance to escape this toxic relationship. Whatever you're holding on to, I'll give you everything. Because in the end, you'll only hurt yourself, Freya Rogers. Hold my hand, and together we'll expose the man who cheated on you without a second thought.

Or leave my hand, and watch everyone around you crumble. Your mother and don't forget, I have....your son]

I cried softly in the bathroom, holding my chest tightly as I felt like I was losing everything. I hadn't asked too much of Michael; all I wanted was for him to pretend to be a devoted husband for six months. But now, I was torn apart by pain, and I couldn't pinpoint its source. Was it Ambrose's message or the fact that I had caught Michael kissing Emma?

"Why am I crying?" I whispered, letting the tears fall. "Naomi warned me about this."

The painful truth hit me; I couldn't even rebel against Michael. We weren't committed, and yet I felt utterly disrespected. First, Ambrose's taunts in the hall, and now Michael's betrayal.

I clenched my fists, took a deep breath, and stepped out of the bathroom. Michael stood before me, his eyes searching for mine. My gaze instinctively dropped to his lips, but I quickly looked away, unable to bear the sight. I remained silent, as the tension between us rose.

"Freya," Michael said softly. I closed my eyes, savoring the whisper of my name on his lips, hoping he'd apologize. But instead, he whispered, "I love her."

His words hurt, but I refused to cry. I opened my eyes, clenched my fists, and said, "Okay." I grabbed my bag and turned to leave.

I didn't have much ; just my phone and debit card ,but I needed to get out. Tonight, I'd face my emotions alone. Maybe Naomi's advice would help me. I'd be okay after tonight.

"Where are you going?" Michael asked, his tone feigning concern.

I let out a light, mocking chuckle. "You know, I've had enough for tonight. Your brother humiliating me in the dining hall, and then you...clinging to Emma, kissing her." My voice remained low, but my words dripped with hurt and anger. "Don't you think I deserve a little respect?"

I paused, my eyes locked on his. "What if someone saw you both tonight?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, I added, "Six months...and it'll be done."

"Nevertheless, it's late. I won't let you leave this mansion, Rogers," Michael said, his voice laced with concern about what others might think. "What will everyone say?"

I spun around, anger flashing in my eyes. "Oh, everyone? You never thought of that when you were kissing your ex!"

Michael's smile only fueled my fury. How dare he laugh at a time like this? "Freya Rogers..." he began.

I cut him off, my voice low and menacing. "Don't you dare call me that."

I turned to leave, but Michael's grip on my hand was firm, holding me back as I reached for the doorknob.

"Do we have a problem here? Why are you so sensitive? Besides, you're not my wife. Not really," Michael said, his words cutting deep.

I nodded, acknowledging the truth. "Then let me out, and don't worry about what others will say if your wife isn't present. This was a game from the beginning, but I guess you suck at playing games."

I yanked my hand free from his grip and opened the door, eager to escape. As I walked out of the mansion, I lied to the securities, who finally let me pass. The night air was cool, but I didn't notice. I was too lost in my thoughts.

A message on my phone stopped me in my tracks. Ambrose's words sent a chill down my spine:

[Then let me out and don't think about what others will say if your wife isn't present. This was a game from the beginning but I guess you suck at playing games... I told you Rogers, I'll get to the truth. So do you still wanna hold my hand or be with a man like him?].

My mouth hung open in shock. How did Ambrose repeat my exact words? Had I just exposed the secret behind our marriage?

Another message arrived, making my heart sink:. [Time's ticking.]

I stood frozen in the middle of the road, wishing the ground would swallow me whole.

I began to text, my fingers flying across the screen as I finally found my courage.

[I'll never hold your hand, Ambrose. I'm no longer the Freya who will do anything you say.]

I sent the message, knowing he was still in the mansion. I quickened my steps, fear creeping up my spine.

[Then don't blame me after today. Freya, I gave you a chance.] Ambrose replied, his texts ominous.

I closed my eyes, a newfound determination burning within me. It was time to take a stand and fight back.