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 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 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 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 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 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 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
hapter 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 74Freya's POVI had received the message from Ambrose that my mom had regained her consciousness. I closed my eyes in shame after Ambrose ended the call. If only Michael had given me an audience. But then, he even had to go as far as placing a strict order never to let me find a decent job. But then, I still needed to do everything possible right here in Ambrose's apartment.As I walked down the hallway, one of the cooks from his mansion approached me. "You've been lurking around the premises. Boss said you leave immediately you're done with your duties."I cursed her from within, feeling a surge of anger. "I'm... waiting for my son to...""He doesn't even recognize you as his mother. You should be ashamed of yourself as a mother. How dare you run back to the boss the moment Mr. Michael discarded you?" She asked rhetorically, her voice dripping with disdain.I snapped, my anger boiling over. "I don't think I owe you any explanation." I turned to walk away, but she grabbed my
Chapter 73Michael's POVI lost it all in me, hearing Ambrose's words that Freya had returned to him. My heart felt like it was being squeezed out of my chest. I couldn't imagine a world where Freya would give all of her commitment to Ambrose. I couldn't imagine a world where Freya would become Ambrose's ally. The past weeks without her had been so challenging that I'd always drive to her home secretly every night, just to make sure she was okay. But then, she was with Ambrose? I couldn't take in all of Ambrose's insults anymore."What did you say? Who's involved in whose accident?""Have you always been this greedy and self-centered? To think that you'd hurt your family this much?" I fired, my face probably whitened from the annoyance I was feeling at that moment. Ambrose began to laugh, a never-ending laugh that made my inner mind boil with anger and resentment. I'd never thought a day would come when I'd have to resent a member of the family to death."You killed her with your car.
Chapter 72Ambrose's POV"How dare that old freak!" I fired, throwing my phone against the entrance wall as I heard Grandpa's words. Was he really serious about keeping Michael as the beneficiary; after everything I've done to make him unworthy?"Are you okay?" Freya asked, approaching me. I narrowed my gaze, looking deeply into her as I kept wondering what her stay would make me. I have to make use of this moment."Waylen is asleep. He needs to see his mother when he wakes up. I have something urgent to do," I said, taking a few steps as I turned back at her; "Don't you lurk around my home." I warned, walking swiftly without having a look at the broken phone...........It took a few minutes before I stopped at Jason's apartment. I laughed, a deep mocking smile, wondering why Michael would abandon his mansion and rest his head in a small duplex like this. He sure does have low taste."What do you want?" Jason's words came out, opening the gate, and I glared at him with a mixture of a
Chapter 71Freya's POVMy hands shivered as I held onto Naomi's letter firmly. Tears kept falling from my lashes as I was about to open it when my mom's voice caught me off guard."You know, you don't have to force yourself to open it. When you feel it's the right time, you'll definitely see what's contained in it. My child, you need to give yourself a break. You've been in tears since the incident," my mother said, as I nodded slowly, my face fixed on hers as I wondered how I was going to live without her. Ambrose had threatened me with her life."What do you plan to do, my child?" my mother finally asked, as I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath."He's divorcing me already; there's nothing left for me to do, Mother. Michael hates me now," I whispered."Baby, you love him. I know I flared up, realizing the fact that you got into a fake marriage just to save me. But then, my child has found happiness in that man. I can't let you give up now," my mother said."Mother! It's not going t
Chapter 70Ambrose's POV"Oh, my sweet loving Freya. If only you knew how much of your mother's life you have saved. I want you to be more specific, Freya. What do you want to do for your man?" I asked, whispering as I rested behind my car, giving her a full scrutiny."I already asked you. What do you want me to do for you? Cook for you, clean for you? I'll definitely not work my ass for you. I won't be your dog, just like Alexis and the rest of them," she spat, as I laughed. I was surprised by her confidence. For a while, I felt she only became this proud due to Michael's connection with her. But then, she was no longer with Michael. She was more or less a hopeless person; how dare she speak with so much pride?I still had a lot of things to do with Freya. I needed her to explore all of my plans."Do you really want me to beg you?""You have no right to threaten my mother's life, else I'll be forced to report you to the cops," her words made me laugh loudly. I had almost forgotten m
Chapter 69Freya's POVI already had my body covered with eggs as everyone fought to make a video of me. "Fuck you, whore! Gold digger!" they had called me. I couldn't contact anyone through my cellphone as I wandered around the city, looking terrible.The pain I was feeling within was far more than the eggs and objects that were being thrown at me. I could remember the look Michael had given me, and I knew he would never forgive me for everything."Michael," I whispered, as I used the last strength in me to place a knock on the door."My child," my mother called in a broken voice. Her expression probably revealed that she must have heard about everything. But then, I wondered how she knew; my mother never listened to the news nor used a big mobile phone."Mum," I called, forcing a smile, trying to be happy."My child, you can cry it out, baby. I know everything that happened, baby girl.""Mom," I cried, hugging her tightly. "It hurts so much, Mother. Michael... Michael.""Shh... save
Chapter 68Emma's POVI couldn't be happier to see all of my plans working out. The pain and tears in Freya's eyes couldn't be satisfying enough. The fact that Michael felt totally betrayed couldn't stop my whole inside from jubilating with joy.I thanked Naomi for the job well done. But then, the timid girl would probably have been on her way out of the country. Poor Freya."Michael, are you okay?" I asked, watching him drink champagne from the bottle. I felt so torn within me to watch him depressed over what had happened earlier? I thought he once said he'd be fine without Freya."Baby, are you okay? Come on, everyone has left. You should probably leave too. I can drive you home, baby," I said, taking a seat beside him as I placed my hand on his."I don't need you by my side. It's late; you should leave. I can drive myself," he spat, his words coming out like venom.I needed to use this opportunity to stay closer to Michael. I needed Michael to see that I was ten times better than F
Chapter 67Freya's POVThe sudden photos of Ambrose and I left me stunned. They were pictures that I alone had kept in my safe box. I could remember how I wanted to get rid of them countless times, but somehow, my mother had urged me to keep them, in case my son demanded proof before accepting me as his mom.But then, why did the pictures from my closet become revealed to the press? There was no way my mom, Naomi, could do this. But then, I couldn't bear to see Michael this way as I kept mute, not finding suitable words to say."Is Waylen your son?" a reporter asked. And I knew I couldn't run from this question. Waylen was my weakness. I'd always prayed to reveal our relationship to the world, but why did it hurt this way?I could see Michael's trust for me, but then, I couldn't forgive myself for hiding the truth from him this much."Michael, I..." I called,"I trusted you, Freya," he said, as the words cut through my heart."She's a whore," some of the people who had gathered began
Chapter 66Michael's POVI darted my gaze from my phone to Freya. I couldn't believe what I had seen. My grip on the phone tightened, but then I managed to keep my emotions and anger in check. I would never believe anything that hadn't been confirmed by Freya. There was no way she could do this to me."Michael, what's going on?" she asked, as reporters flocked in. I didn't remember inviting these reporters. Someone must have framed Freya and planned it perfectly for today's event."Freya, what's this?" I asked, showing her the pictures containing intimate moments with her and Ambrose, with the headline: [Billionaire Michael Smith, guilty for stealing brother's lover.] Everyone's faces were fixed on Freya and me. I didn't want this precious moment to be ruined this way, but I'm afraid nothing could be done, for Grandpa had also joined the onlookers."Freya?" I asked, hoping she'd defend herself and prove them wrong. There was no way Freya must have met Ambrose."Miss Freya Rogers, do