Chapter 1Freya's POVI 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, hi
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 61Freya's POVIt was the first time Michael ever admitted that I was beautiful. But then, I was still going to wear Bella's dress. I felt honored to see his deceased sister in me. For a moment, I shared in Michael's tears, wishing I had laid my eyes on Bella.Five years ago, when Ambrose and I were happily in love, Michael was crying his eyes out. And then, I wondered. Ambrose never felt moody, nor did he act like he was mourning. He had prevented me from knowing any members of his family. But then, that was the period Bella died, the period he told me he had a business trip with Grandpa but somehow returned saying it was cancelled. Besides, I'd seen Bella's bracelet in his playroom also. And when I heard about the 6 pm schedule of his, I became uneasy since then because, from five years ago, I wondered why he still had a 6 pm schedule that never ended. A schedule no one knew about.Maybe this was going to be a way of getting his weakness and using it against him. Somehow, I
Chapter 60Michael's POV"I love you, Michael," I heard her say, but then I didn't want to annoy her or push her away. After everything that had happened tonight, I knew my feelings for Freya were certain. I felt every part of her body; her sweetness was something I couldn't take my mind off. As I wrapped her petite body in my arms, I didn't hesitate to tell her that I hoped these feelings would never end."Freya, I...""Don't say anything. Don't spoil this moment for me, Michael, please," she whispered, cutting me off abruptly, which somehow put a smile on my face. But then, I knew this was wrong; I mean, Freya and I weren't supposed to have feelings for each other. But then, it was impossible for anyone not to fall for a man like me. Also, Freya was irresistible.I took a deep breath, accepting the fact that I didn't want to lie to myself anymore. Emma wasn't whom I needed, and I realized that days ago during my fight with Freya. Emma was once my life and love, but everything change
Chapter 59 Freya's POVIt's been three days since Ambrose's arrest, and I finally got the chance to hold my boy dearly in my arms. As I gently rocked Waylen to sleep, planting light kisses on his forehead, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. "I can see your love for children is unwavering," Michael said, his voice low and smooth, as he stood at the entrance of my room, watching us with a stare that made my heart skip a beat. "Don't you think you need to get yourself one?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.I froze, never expecting to see him standing there, but then, anything could happen when you leave your door wide open. "Hey," I called out, still feeling a lingering anger from the incident four days ago. Michael had already made it clear to me that I shouldn't expect more than just a contract husband. Then, I didn't think there was any reason to reveal my son's identity to him. After all, we owed each other nothing. In four months' time, everything would go back to
Chapter 58Michael's POVI folded my fists tightly, realizing that Raymond had just saved me. I wondered why he decided to betray Ambrose. Either way, I was going to put my life on the line to ensure everyone who stood by me was safe.Grandpa's face was filled with anger after seeing Ruby's secret message and everything that had happened on her system. "Grandpa, I don't know these men. Do not believe what they said. Besides, Jason gave you his testimony," Ambrose said with a hint of fear, looking at the two men."C'mon, Ambrose. You've gone too far this time," I cut in as Grandpa ended the call with the DPO. I wasn't glad that my brother was going to get taken by the cops, but that was the best for now."For a while, I had thought of changing my mind about the inheritance, but then..." Grandpa started."Oh no, Grandpa. You and I know Michael's the only one you want for it. But then, don't get shocked when you realize that I am right and he might be wrong. I'd prove that to everyone he
Chapter 57Michael's POVAs I watched Freya carry the weight of her frown, a realization hit me. "What if... all I needed was comfort?" I thought deeply, my mind racing with the implications. I wouldn't want to hurt a woman like Freya. She deserved so much better.My mind suddenly shifted to Raymond and his motives. Why was he assisting me in my fight? I couldn't decipher the reason behind the pain in his eyes."Hey, I..." I started, but Freya cut me off."Aren't you supposed to set your car on fire? It's been thirty minutes past the agreed time," Freya asked, her voice filleld with anger and frustration. Her eyes blazed with a fire that made my heart skip a beat. I knew she had every reason to be angry, but maybe all I needed was a little time.Ten minutes later, my brand-new Range Rover was engulfed in flames as Freya and I watched from a distance. I could see the pain in her eyes as she gazed at the burning car. I took two steps closer to her, pulling her into an embrace, but she b
Chapter 56Michael's POVI might have tried to ignore everything when Freya laid motionlessly on the floor. But then, seeing an incoming vehicle from afar brought back the memories and the vivid picture of that fateful night when my brakes had suddenly failed me. The pain and guilt I had carried for so long came flooding back.But then, something shifted inside me. Freya had somehow given me the strength to move on. Meeting Freya was indeed a miracle to me. Her words began to touch vital parts of my soul, awakening emotions I thought I had long buried................Right now, after spending a few minutes with her and sharing feelings together, I couldn't stop wanting to know what her statement meant when she said she didn't want to fall in love again. Although Freya and I were on the same page about not giving our hearts to the opposite sex, I guessed our bodies and feelings had suddenly betrayed us.I wanted to touch her, feel her delicate body in my hands, and then... make love t
Chapter 55Freya's POV"Was he going to watch another woman die again on a rainy day, or do something this time?" I wondered, still lying motionlessly, thinking of several ways to avoid the oncoming car. But somehow, I kept hoping that Michael would come to save me; at least, if I mattered to him like he did to me. "Freya, are you crazy! There's a car coming!" I could hear his voice, but it felt like it was from a distance; he still hid himself inside the car. My mind began to beat faster as the truck had gotten only a few meters away from me before it started honking, and the rain kept pouring down relentlessly. I closed my eyes deeply, thinking of how hurt everything made me; Michael not lifting a hand nor... A lump formed in my throat."How dare you, are you crazy?" Michael's voice came out in a loud and angry tone as I was dragged immediately from the soaked floor. I had my eyes closed, feigning everything perfectly, as I could hear the movement of the vehicle speeding past us.
Chapter 54Emma's POVI couldn't stop thinking that Freya and Ambrose had a history together. I couldn't stop thinking of how he detected her hatred for potatoes the very day we had a family dinner at Grandpa's. And then, he had her phone as his possession. I could remember his facial expressions when he looked into the phone since that day. And then, I'd intentionally mentioned Freya's name a few times in our conversation just to see his expression, and I wasn't disappointed. Something more than a mere coincidence was happening here, and I was going to reveal all hidden secrets."Aunt Emma?" Waylen's voice broke me from my thoughts as I rested my gaze on him, trying to picture something that I couldn't detect. Was there a way Freya would have given birth to a child like Waylen? They didn't look anything similar. I knew this was probably thoughtless of me. Besides, Ambrose wouldn't have looked at a woman like Freya."Oh, my boy, how are you doing? It's raining out there. The weather i
Chapter 53Michael's POVI kept wondering what Raymond was up to. Was it perhaps some kind of trick? Or was it rather some kind of plot? I fixed my gaze on him, multiple feelings swirling up my mind. But then, I could sense from within me that he was hiding some kind of pain, but I didn't mind."What do you want? Why are you here?" I asked, my face firm as Freya slowly walked over to my side, probably as a hiding place. "I can help you take down Ambrose," he said, as I narrowed my eyes, looking deep into his face like I was searching for answers."And why would you want to do that? Have you forgotten I'm Michael, and then, haven't you always wanted my downfall? May I demand why you had the guts to barge into my office, disturbing my beautiful wife and me?" I asked, as I momentarily locked eyes with Freya. I couldn't stop staring at her as I closed my eyes, shaking off the erotic thought that had just popped into my mind."And what exactly do you plan to do this time?" I asked, my word