Look into Freya's past

hapter 20

Michael's pov

I 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 composure was short-lived. I suddenly began to feel nervous as I thought about the parcel that would be delivered tonight. It has been the same for the past five years.

The night passed quickly, and I found myself back in the familiar surroundings of my office. Jason entered, his expression serious.

"Boss, I need to talk to you," he said, taking the chair in front of me.

My mind began to wander, imagining what he might say. "Speak up, what's going on?" I prompted.

Jason hesitated before dropping the bombshell. "It's Freya... I'm afraid she never went to the hospital."

My gaze narrowed, suspicion creeping in. But she had told me she wanted to stay at the hospital. Why would she lie?

"Maybe she stayed back home," I suggested, hoping that was the reason. "After everything her mother said, perhaps she couldn't face her."

Jason's expression remained firm. "She wasn't at her place either."

"Are you telling me Freya deliberately lied to get me out of the way, just so she could disappear?" I asked, my voice rising in indignation. "What are you even suggesting? And you didn't even bother to investigate where she went?" I slammed my fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room.

Jason shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Michael, remember I was at the hospital with you when you were alone with her. Besides, I checked the hospital, and her mom thought she might have gone back to your mansion." He spoke calmly, trying to calm me.

"She's my wife! How dare she live so recklessly? Where could she have gone? She wasn't at her place, and she wasn't at the hospital." My mind was racing with possibilities, none of them good.

I took a deep breath, trying to think strategically. "You need to go back to the hospital, Jason. Don't arouse her mother's suspicion, but secretly find out if Freya has any friends she might have spent the night with." I narrowed my eyes, my gaze intense. "I want to know where she is, and I want to know now."

Jason nodded, his expression serious, and stood up to leave.

"Jason, something's been bothering me," I said, my voice low and thoughtful.

Jason paused, turning back to face me. "What is it? Is it about the inheritance?"

I cut him off abruptly. "No, it's far from that. I want you to dig up information about Freya."

Jason's expression turned cautious. "Michael, you agreed not to meddle in each other's personal affairs in the contract. Even if she has someone in her life, just like you do with Emma, it's her privacy. Knowing about her past won't change anything. Besides, it's just a six-month contract."

Jason's tone made it clear he wouldn't budge. But I couldn't shake off my curiosity. I didn't intend to meddle in Freya's personal life, but I needed to anticipate her next move. The contract be damned ; I wanted to know everything about her. For the six months she was bound to me, I wanted to own her and make her abide by my terms

"But we're married," I said, trying to reason with Jason. "Digging up information about her can't be a problem."

Jason's expression remained skeptical. "A fake marriage, Michael, one that will dissolve in six months. Our priority should be finding out where she was last night, and..."

I finished his sentence, "We're saying the same thing. To do that, we need to know more about her past."

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes momentarily before opening them again. A pang of regret hit me, unusual for someone like me who never looked back.

"Maybe I should have left when she asked me to," I said softly. "I feel like if I had gone, she wouldn't have left out of shame."

I wasn't one to dwell on regrets. After Emma left, I had built walls around myself, pushing people away to avoid the pain of losing them again and I never regretted it. But Freya was different. I couldn't shake her off my mind. It wasn't love, I told myself. Maybe it was pity. But whatever it was, it had me hooked.

"Did you lose your temper with her?" Jason asked, but I hesitated to respond. He took my silence as a confirmation. "Come on, she was still reeling from what her mom said. Didn't you think you needed to...?"

"I kissed her" I cut him off, my words tumbling out in a rush.

Jason's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape. "What?! Why? You must have done it because someone was watching, right?"

I shook my head, frustration etched on my face. "Who could have been present at a time like that? Jason, I know I was stupid to have kissed her first. I regret everything. I couldn't even imagine sharing a kiss with someone like her."

Jason's expression turned serious. "Why would you kiss her? You don't want to break the contract's rule, do you?"

"Probably that's why she ran away from everyone," I said, reflecting on my actions. "I shouldn't have kissed her. I'm going to make everything right. I don't love her, and I kissed her because...I just couldn't bear to see her cry."

To me, that was the honest truth. I didn't think I'd ever felt a feeling of love for her.

"That's why I want you to investigate her and find out if she's gone to a friend's place. I need Freya to be here tonight; otherwise, things won't go smoothly," I emphasized, my concern evident.

Jason nodded and walked away abruptly, leaving me to my thoughts. Just then, my phone chimed, breaking the silence. I had almost forgotten ;today was Bella's death anniversary, and I needed to pay my respects at her grave.

Every anniversary of Bella's death, I received a chilling parcel ; a dead bird, wrapped in red and black paper. But yesterday, there was nothing. I suspected the sender was connected to the person behind the threatening messages.

Just then, Ruby, the HR manager, walked in, holding a familiar package. "Boss..." she started.

My gaze locked onto the parcel, and I felt a surge of adrenaline. "Don't!" Jason burst into my office, trying to intervene.

But I was resolute. I took a deep breath. "Hand it to me." Sooner or later, I would uncover the truth.

The package felt lighter than usual. I steeled myself and opened it. Instead of the expected dead bird, I found a handwritten letter.

The content didn't surprise me, but it still sent a chill down my spine:

[It rained that night, Michael. I watched you stab your sister to death. You have to urn yourself in before I expose you].

I exploded in rage, tearing the paper to shreds. "Jason!!! Find the sender of this message NOW!!!"

And then, my mind turned to Freya. "Find her too," I added, my voice firm and commanding.