Chapter 1
Freya's POV I 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, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Miss Rogers, based on our agreement and contract, I don't think it was included to choose a room for you." His words were laced with disdain, and I felt a sting. But I bit back my retort, reminding myself that I needed him. He had cleared my family's debt and saved me from the cruel claws of our creditors. Michael's blue eyes seemed to bore into my brown ones, as if daring me to challenge him. Then, he turned and continued up the stairs, leaving me standing alone in the foyer. I clenched my fists, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. But I knew I couldn't antagonize him. Not yet. I needed his money to save my mother, who had been diagnosed with kidney failure. The memory of Michael's words echoed in my mind: "How on earth would you have been able to repay your debts if I hadn't swooped in?" His voice had dripped with malice, and I knew I was bound to him for six months. I took a deep breath, letting my gaze wander around the opulent foyer. I was trapped in this gilded cage, forced to play the role of Michael's wife. But I vowed to keep my distance, to protect myself from his cold, calculating heart. *** I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion seeping into my bones as I gazed around the smallest room in the mansion. The opulent space, though small compared to the rest of the estate, still dwarfed the largest room in my family's humble home. As I began to undress, my eyes wandered to the numerous scars etched into my skin. Each mark told a story of pain and suffering, a constant reminder of my ex-boss's brutal treatment. Memories of his cruelty flooded my mind, and I felt the familiar ache in my chest. The man I had once trusted, the one I had given my heart and soul to, had shattered me completely. His betrayal had left me with emotional wounds that still lingered, a constant reminder of the fragility of trust and the destructive power of love turned sour. As I lay my head to sleep after a night shower, laughter echoed down the hallway. My curiosity got the better of me, I followed the sound as two familiar faces from the wedding came into view. "Hi, we've met before," Alexis said, her bright smile warm and inviting. But I detected a hint of insincerity, a glimmer of something more sinister lurking behind the surface. "I'm Alexis, and this is my cousin, Raymond." My eyes narrowed slightly, my mind racing. Why were they here on my first day of marriage? "Alexis, Raymond," I replied, my tone measured. "What brings you both to...our home?" Raymond's eyes sparkled with amusement. "We're here to welcome you to the family, Freya. Michael's been...ahem...less than forthcoming about his new bride." Alexis shot Raymond a warning glance before turning back to me. "We wanted to get to know you better. You're now part of our family, after all." I forced a smile as Raymond's teasing words cut through my composure. "Where's your husband? Aren't you both supposed to be lovey-dovey?" "I think he's having a bath," I replied, my eyes darting toward the hallway. "Make yourself at home while I go get him." As I excused myself, discomfort grew. I paused outside Michael's door, collecting my thoughts before knocking.The first two knocks went unanswered. On the third, Michael's voice growled, "It isn't up to an hour, and you've already broken the terms and agreement." I rolled my eyes, frustration etched on my face. "Look, I'm not here for this...there's a problem," I said firmly, butmy heart kept racing. Michael emerged, shutting the door behind him. His eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" I took a deep breath. "Your relatives, Alexis and Raymond, are here." Michael's gaze intensified. "Why are they here? You didn't invite them, did you?" My hands spread in exasperation. "Can you listen to yourself, Mr. Smith? Why on earth would I?" Just then, Alexis's voice drifted from the hallway. "Hey, lovers' talk!" Michael froze, his eyes locked on mine before turning toward Alexis and Raymond. His expression darkened. "What do you both want?" Michael's voice was icy. Raymond approached,a charming smile plastered on his face. "To congratulate and see how you're doing, cousin." Michael's laughter sent shivers down my spine . It was cold and mirthless. "Congratulate? You did that at the hall. Besides, it's our first day as a married couple.My beautiful wife and I need all the privacy in the world." Our eyes met, mine narrowing at his sudden display of affection. His smile, the first I'd seen, made my heart skip a beat. I looked away, reminding myself it was just an act. Alexis chimed in, "Of course, you need privacy, but who are we to defy Grandpa's wishes?" Michael's fists clenched, jaw tightening. "What do you mean?" Raymond's grin widened. "Grandpa wants us to stay and keep Freya company. He thinks she might get lonely." Michael's eyes locked onto mine, shock mirrored in my expression. My jaw dropped. Michael's expression turned cold. "That won't be necessary. Leave!" His baritone voice grew louder,and I knew something had to be done, anything. I intervened, attempting to diffuse tension. "C'mon, honey, they're family. If they want to stay, sweetheart, don't you think it's okay for them to?" I entwined our hands, gazing into his piercing blue eyes, as tension radiated from his rigid posture. "Sweetheart, what do you think?" I whispered, my head tilted, allowing my long brown hair to Cascade down my back like waterfalls. Michael avoided my gaze. "Fine, do whatever you wanna do. I don't care." He said to the cousins, walking briskly as I heaved a sigh of relief. "Make yourselves at home," I said, my eyes fixed on the two "I need to speak with my husband in his room." As I turned to leave, I caught a bit of their conversation. "Michael's doomed... Did you hear Freya's last words? 'His room,'" Alexis whispered. My heart trembled. Had I made a mistake by saying "his" instead of "our"? Gathering courage, I approached Michael's room. He sat, engrossed in his laptop. "Michael's marriage is a sham. We'll make them believe we're following Grandpa's will, but we'll strike unexpectedly," he voiced out looking at me as I froze, fear creeping in. What was happening? I took a quick glance at his laptop and it revealed a surveillance footage of his cousins. He stood, towering over me, his piercing blue eyes locking onto my brown ones. " Those are the words from my cousins," he said as my mouth suddenly opened. As he spoke, his gaze drifted, and I glimpsed a flicker of pain. What had happened to him, and why did he abstain from all members of his family? I wondered. "What I mean is... some rules no longer apply," Michael continued, his voice, now confident and commanding. "My cousins are suspicious of our marriage.We have an audience now. Until they leave, Miss Rogers, you must pretend to be my wife.... fully. We'll share a room and appear together at all times." My jaw dropped, and then I wondered,How could I escape without confronting my past demons?Chapter 2Freya's pov"I have to apologize for my cousins' unannounced visit which contradicted our initial arrangement," he said. " But don't worry, I'll find a way to let them out and everything can go back to how it was".There was something about his eyes; sad and lonely, but I guess my pain and misery were greater. My gaze rested on the portrait of a beautiful woman in Michael's room. He did have a woman in his heart, I wondered. Why were they apart? Was that the reason behind his loneliness and sadness?." Miss Rogers," he called, bringing me from my trance. " My cousins won't come here without an ulterior motive. I know it's going to be difficult, addressing me like a husband publicly, but we have to stick to it. That way, we both get to save the only thing that mattered to us," he paused , but I was unable to say a word, " so in the meantime, you have to stay in my room. I assure you, they'll both leave when they don't get what they want""Pretending to be a happy couple, you
Chapter 3 Michael's POV [You're a murderer. You think no one knows, but I do. You're a murderer, Michael. You remember five years ago? The world will know about you now!] Horror gripped me, my mind racing with Emma's sudden return and its connection to the ominous message. Memories of that fateful night five years ago flooded back. I knew someone else probably knew about the incident of five years ago. Someone aside Emma and I knew about Bella's death. Bella; my little sister. Who on Earth would send this message? The weight of guilt still crushed me, refusing to lift its oppressive grip. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was responsible for Bella's death. The pain of losing her was worsened by the fact that I never got to say goodbye, never got to hold her one last time. The worst part was not being able to find her body. She was buried before I even regained consciousness, leaving me with a gaping hole in my heart. The thought of her being laid to rest without me being there
Chaoter 4Freya's POV"This isn't good. How did my ex-boss end up as Mr. Smith's stepbrother?" I thought, feeling uneasy. Michael seemed to sense my tension, but before he could say anything, my worst fear stood before me. Ambrose was too engrossed in giving Michael a deep look to notice me."Enough of me, Meet Freya Rogers, my wife," his introduction hung in the air like a challenge, and I felt a surge of anxiety. I coughed suddenly, the sound forced and awkward. It was now or never; I had to face this."Hi, I'm... Freya..." I started, but Ambrose cut me off."What! Is this your wife, Michael?" His eyes widened in shock, clearly stunned to see me among all the women he could have met. He might have controlled me and my body in the past. I might have loved him foolishly. But this time, I was no longer the naive and lovesick Freya. I was a desperate woman fighting to save my mother."C'mon, why the look?" Michael asked, oblivious to the tension. "I should be the one surprised; everyon
Chapter 5Freya's POVWhat has rain got to do with driving? I wondered, watching Emma's hand on Michael's arm. There was no reason to watch from afar; it wouldn't be a problem to walk over. I wiped away the tears that had mingled with the rainfall as I walked over, with Emma noticing my presence and clinging more tightly to Michael's body. I cared less, after all; there was nothing special between us, and Michael loved her."Sweetheart, like I said, I have to drive you," Emma said, reaching for the front seat, when Michael caught her hand, making her stop. "I'm fine... Emma, my wife will drive me," he said with a cold face, staring intensely at her. I closed my eyes, wincing inwardly as I watched them. Michael didn't have to be so hard on himself."Drive? She doesn't even look like one who's ever owned a car. Come on, Michael. You wouldn't want to repeat..." Emma's voice trailed off, but Michael's stern tone cut her off."Emma!" Michael's warning was sharp, and Emma's eyes flashed wit
Chapter 6 Ambrose's POV I gripped the wine cup with ferocious intensity, my teeth clenched in rage. The cup shattered in my hand, shards piercing my skin. The pain was nothing compared to the fury burning within me. Freya's audacity to raise her hand at me, simply because she was with Michael, was infuriating.A sly smile spread across my face as I wondered how they had met. "I'll crush you both," I whispered, my voice barely audible.Just then, I heard the soft sound of footsteps. Composing myself, I plastered a smile on my face. After all, the host of a party shouldn't appear irritated. "Ambrose," a familiar voice called out. I turned to see Emma, her eyes red and puffy from crying. I had never liked Emma, but at that moment, I preferred to see her with Michael than Freya. "The party's over, Emma. Why are you still here?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. Emma approached me, her mascara-smudged face showing how much she had cried. "Have you been crying?" I asked, already
Chapter 7 Freya's POV I opened my eyes, hoping that everything that had happened would be just a dream, and I'd find myself back home. I missed my mom terribly and couldn't wait to visit her again. "Waylen," I called, a smile spreading across my face. My son was adorable, inheriting his blonde hair from his father. I still couldn't pinpoint which trait he got from me. As I stood up, I realized I was wearing a completely different outfit. Confused, I glanced around the room. My gaze landed on the familiar portrait, confirming that I was indeed in Michael's room. But I wondered, had he changed my clothes? I pushed the thought aside, knowing he wasn't capable of such behavior. "Finally, she wakes," Michael said, emerging from the bathroom. My gaze, settlling on the droplet of water clinging to his chest. I felt a flutter, which I quickly suppressed, reminding myself that Ambrose was the only man who had ever held my attention. I looked away, my eyes fixed on the floor. "Did..
Chapter 8 Michael's POV "Why the shock?" I asked, observing Jason's dazed expression. I knew the truth was hard to swallow, but it was the only way for me to claim my inheritance ; the last thing I had left, at least until Emma's unexpected return. Jason's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in concern. "What if Grandpa demands a legitimate heir before handing everything over to you? What if he doesn't approve of your six-month divorce plan?" I let out a low, mirthless chuckle. "Enough of the what ifs," I said, my fingers drumming a restless rhythm on my thigh. "Do you think Grandpa bought the fabricated story about my marriage to Freya? I'm certain he saw right through it, even if he's pretending otherwise." Jason's expression turned thoughtful. "Why be so hard on yourself, then? And who knows, you might actually fall for this woman." He said as I burst out laughing at the absurdity of the suggestion. The idea was almost too ridiculous to consider. "Fall in love? Have I ever
Chapter 9 Michael's POV As soon as I read Grandpa's message, I sent a text to Jason. Given that everyone would be busy preparing for dinner, there was no need to track Ambrose today. That task would have to wait until tomorrow. I waited for what felt like an eternity before Freya finally walked into the house. I couldn't help but wonder where she had gone without a car. I gazed out the window, catching a glimpse of her face, they weren't the usual face she carried. I looked away as I glanced at my phone [7:49]. I still couldn't get my mind off the name she had called that night. If I could think correctly, she was calling the name in her sleep with tears in her eyes. "Mr. Smith," I heard her voice, which snapped me out of my thoughts as she knocked on the door before entering. My gaze rested on the short denim skirt she wore, and that was definitely the first time I saw her dressed that way. Well, I wouldn't call it attractive ; at least, not to me. "Where on Earth have yo
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