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 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
Chapter 100Freya's POV"Death?" I asked, the words slowly escaping my mouth as my heart began to pound. Had they found out that my mom possessed one of the Jenkins' property ? I wondered, my heart beating like a drum."Freya, you have to open this door if you want to see Ambrose die. You have to open this door if you want to save Michael," Raymond's voice echoed as I blinked my eyes twice. Was this another part of his scheme to betray us again? No way!"I don't need your help. Without your help, I'll storm into Ambrose's home and find the evidence I need.""Evidence? You think Ambrose would ever leave any trace at his home? You're not that stupid, Freya," he said as I exhaled a chuckle. I had never mentioned knowing anything about the bracelet to him. Somehow, Ambrose would still have it in his secret room, and..."Ambrose has found a way to eradicate every trace. You can't do this alone, Freya," Raymond interrupted my thoughts as I closed my eyes deeply. I didn't trust him a bit, b
Chapter 99Freya's POV"Billionaire Michael Smith Jenkins: Arrested for Murder of Sister." "Mom, could you read this... or probably my eyes are playing a trick on me?" I stammered, my hand shaking as I managed to keep the phone from falling. "It's been all over the news since yesterday. The country is making a fuss about it. I didn't want to call your attention to it, since all you do is confide in this place without even stepping an inch out," Mom blamed, but I wasn't really in the right mood to argue. I placed my hand on my chest to stop the erratic beating of my heart, at least to calm myself. "Michael is no murderer. There has been some misunderstanding, and I'll prove to everyone that he is not his sister's murderer," I said, determination evident in my voice. I scratched my hair, thinking of possible measures to take."You won't make any irrational moves. This is not your place, Freya. You'll be seen as an accomplice too." "What the hell does that even mean, Mom? Everything
Chapter 98Michael's POV"What!" I exclaimed, looking into Raymond's eyes, my own eyes filled with anger. I didn't think I'd heard everything Raymond had said; probably I must have hurt my ear during the gunshot that killed the gatekeeper."Michael... I... I'm so sorry, I just..." Raymond stammered."You animal!" I fired, my fist connecting with a loud crunch, sending blood gushing from the bridge of his nose."Michael, you have to calm down," Jason intervened, holding my hand to prevent me from throwing another punch as Raymond rolled, groaning in pain.I took a deep breath, easing my anger and wrath. I watched Raymond groan in pain, and somehow, I felt torn within me. I signaled to Jason to call the medical team."I brought you into my home, hoping you'd become useful, and you chose to betray me this way?" I asked, looking closely at him as his knees remained on the floor."My offenses are punishable by law. I have lots of regrets, but I just want you to give me one last chance. I s
Chapter 97Raymond's POVI fumed with rage as I watched Ambrose being interviewed. My anger kept boiling over as I watched him, all smiles, speaking about the success of his business. The same business he had ripped people off to acquire more wealth and fame."All this will end soon," I muttered, looking into my cellphone as news began to pop up. These news caught my attention as I saw Mrs. Cooke's picture and the headline: "Billionaire's Maid Guilty of Manipulation and Harmful Mixture, Wanted for a Fine of $12 Million Dollars." I smiled, knowing fully well that I knew most of the hidden parts where she might have kept her head. No doubt, I was going to acquire all the money Michael had placed on her head.But then, the "harmful mixture" caught my attention as I remembered I had once detected something like that. But then, I couldn't get the weight off my mind; I needed to see Michael again. ........... Few moments later"Get out! To think you have the nerve to come here to his offi
Chapter 96Michael's POVI couldn't wait for Jason to pack the car in the right position after numerous attempts to wake the gatekeeper, who had been dead asleep. I kept wondering why no one ever bothered go lock the gate."How dare she," Jason said, reminding me of the bond Mrs. Cooke and I shared. "You loved and took her as a mother."She was the only one I was close to; I could tolerate her, and somehow, she gave me a motherly feeling. I couldn't figure out why she stabbed me in the back. I had always loved her, and everything was happening like a dream."Jason, I don't know how I'm going to make her face the law. I mean, this is Mrs. Cooke we're talking about...I really don't know what to do," I said, feeling broken. But Jason's face held no emotions as he looked straight into my eyes."You don't care about her anymore. This isn't the time to feel pity for anyone; this is the time to serve justice to whoever needs to be served. Michael," he paused, placing his right hand on my lef
Chapter 95Michael's POV"You were right to drop a mobile phone with her mom," Jason said, breaking the silence as he drove on the highway. "She might want to reach out to you." I didn't say a word, feeling so broken. Even when I turned to leave, Freya never looked back."She still loves you," Jason said. "You said she never said the last words, right?" He asked, as I let out a cold, mirthless laugh. "Love? What if she was right? Maybe I actually forced myself on her too much. I mean, I didn't think I'd ever been rejected in my life."Jason nodded, his eyes fixed on the road. "She'll come around, I promise. Besides, your marriage with her was probably a way for Grandpa to execute one of his hidden plans.""Jason," I called, pausing as I looked at him, even though he had his total attention on the road. "What's bothering you?" he asked."What do you think about Grandpa?" I asked. "Doesn't it ring a bell? What if he knew everything that had happened in the last five years and...?"Jason
Chapter 94Freya's POVOne week later....I could feel the Christmas breeze as I closed my eyes, savoring the air. The snowfall today was quite minimal compared to the past weeks; it had filled the city like a sea. Every night, while I lay there, I couldn't help but think about Michael. I wondered how he was doing, how he was fighting for everything that mattered to him. I wondered if he had found the gatekeeper. But then, this was for the best. If I didn't go away, I didn't think everything would go back to how it was. Somehow, my presence had disrupted a lot of Michael's plans, and besides, the contract would be dissolved in barely two weeks. Michael and I would become nothing but strangers."Don't you want to go to him, or at least go see your son?" Mom asked, her voice breaking the still calmness of my thoughts as I froze."I'm okay," I said, forcing a smile. "At least, he'll get to choose his inheritance now," I said, my voice low."My child," Mom said as she sat beside the littl
Chapter 93Michael's POVI had asked Jason to wait patiently while I washed off the tension that I had experienced earlier. The image of the gatekeeper's head bursting and the sound of the gunshot almost sent me crazy, but I was strong enough to brace myself. I couldn't go over to his family without washing off. There was still a lot to be done, and Grandpa would be happy now, after all, Freya left. One by one, they were all getting everything they wanted; but then, I wouldn't let myself be on the wanting side again. If there was anything to do, it was to protect the only legacy I had.As I stood in front of the mirror, styling my blonde hair into its usual way, I heard the lock on my door turn. "Jason, open up," I said, wondering why he had come over."Michael," Jason said, finally closing the door behind him. "Michael, he's here," he said, his voice low, as I raised an eyebrow. I couldn't quite figure out whom he meant."Do you mean Raymond never left? Is he trying to get on my ner
Chapter 92Michael's POV"Please don't kill me. I swear, I know nothing of what happened five years ago." The gatekeeper said fearfully, and one could detect that something about the way he acted was linked to the past. Had he been threatened by Ambrose? I needed to ask him what connections Mrs. Cooke had with the past. Everything was too difficult for me to understand. After many promises to send him and his crippled child abroad as a way to save him from Ambrose's threats, I could see the gatekeeper's walls breaking, his determination to hide the truth beginning to waver, as he began to weep. "Let's go somewhere safe," he said, his voice low as he scanned everywhere to be sure no one was following. I also kept my eyes on deck.We got to the gatekeeper's home, and I felt the discomfort of residing in a little place like this. The floors weren't tiled, nor were they properly covered against cold and crawling insects. My heart broke, determined to keep the promises I made with him."W