Confrontation

The following day, she made her way back to the hospital, trading places with her aunt who had stayed overnight to keep an eye on her mother. She carried a fresh set of clothes and some toiletries.

In the afternoon, while feeding her mother, her phone buzzed displaying the name "Aiden" on the screen and her heart skipped a beat at the sight, but she quickly composed herself.

Her mom noticed her reaction and asked, "Tasha? Are you alright? Who is calling?"

Natasha hastily turned off her phone, stashed it in her bag, and answered her mother. "It's no one important, Mom, don't worry about it."

After Aiden's call, Natasha felt like she was no longer herself. Her thoughts wandered and anxiety seeped into her skin, making her palms sweat. She knew why he was calling - he wanted to remind her that she was moving in with him tomorrow.

"Mom, I got a job in town and they're providing accommodation for employees," Natasha said, changing the topic.

Her mother's face lit up with a smile and her eyes sparkled. "Really? That's great news, Tasha! I'm so happy for you. Everything's falling into place," she exclaimed, caressing her daughter's cheeks.

"Yes, Mom. I start tomorrow, so I might not be around for a while, but I'll come to see you often," Natasha reassured her mother, holding her hands for support.

Natasha fought back her tears, as she had lied to her mother for the first time. The truth was, she had no idea what would become of her life now that she was moving in with a stranger who was now her husband.

After feeding her mother, she excused herself to the lobby to return Aiden's call. As soon as he answered, he barked, "Don't you ever dare ignore my calls again, Miss Kings." His voice boomed through the phone.

Natasha frowned at his words and retorted, "I didn't ignore you, I was busy."

"You signed a contract, there's no excuse for not answering your husband's call," Aiden insisted.

Natasha remained silent, but Aiden persisted. "I hope you know what tomorrow is. Don't be a minute late, I'll send a driver to pick you up", and with that, he ended the call.

As Natasha stood in the hospital lobby, she couldn't help but be amazed by Aiden's rude and arrogant behavior over the phone. While she had always known him to possess these traits, this was a new side of him that was unraveling.

The next morning, Natasha was already packed and prepared to leave. She gave Aiden's secretary a false address, located a few blocks away from her street. She dragged her single piece of luggage through the streets, determined to reach her destination before the driver did.

However, as she got closer, she accidentally stepped on a stone, causing the heel of her shoe to break and nearly sending her tumbling to the ground. With quick reflexes, she was able to maintain her balance, saving herself from embarrassment.

Frustrated with how her day was starting, Natasha couldn't help but worry that it may be a bad omen. However, she pushed these thoughts aside and continued her journey, now barefoot, with her heels in hand. As she walked, people passing by couldn't help but glance at her, but she remained unfazed, focused on reaching her destination in time. Only for her to lock eyes with Ophelia, approaching her from a distance.

At that moment, Natasha's body was filled with anger and fury as memories of what she witnessed in Mervick's room flooded her mind.

"That bitch," she muttered under her breath, managing to keep a composed exterior. She clenched her hands into tight fists as Ophelia's sarcastic smirk grew wider as she approached.

Ophelia's eyes immediately went to Natasha's bare feet, further sparking her smirk and provoking Natasha.

"You dare to stand in front of me?" Natasha spat out, her face red with fury.

But Ophelia's expression showed no remorse for her actions, and her eyes quickly shifted to Natasha's luggage, causing her to let out a soft laugh. "Running away already?" Ophelia taunted, crossing her arms and giving Natasha a piercing look. "Well, Tasha, it's only expected."

"Why should I run away from you?" Natasha laughed in disbelief before continuing, "You despicable bitch! You should be hiding your face in shame, you filthy whore!" moving closer to Ophelia.

"You got what was coming to you, Tasha. It must hurt that Mervick chose me over you, but then again, why would anyone want to end up with you?" Ophelia said, letting out another soft laugh.

Natasha gripped Ophelia's hands in anger, she tightened her grip so fiercely that it made her wrist turn red.

"Tasha, let go of me -" Ophelia struggled in pain.

"If you dare to say another word, I'll make sure you never speak again, bitch!" Natasha interrupted, tightening her grip further.

After a few minutes of struggling between the two of them, Natasha released Ophelia's hand and continued with her luggage down the street, realizing she wasn't even worth it, but Ophelia was not willing to accept defeat. She quickened her pace to catch up with Natasha and continue the confrontation.

"Bitch, where did you get the money to pay for your mother's surgery? Did you steal?" Ophelia asked, yanking on Natasha's arm to stop her.

"I know Mervick didn't give you any money, and I know you're broke, a poor excuse of a human being, so you must have robbed a bank," Ophelia taunted.

Shock flooded Natasha's face as she wondered how Ophelia had found out about her mother's surgery. "Who the hell told you that? And why is it any of your business, bitch?" Natasha replied, pulling away from Ophelia's grip.

"I saw your aunt yesterday, and she told me. So tell me, who did you steal from?" Ophelia persisted.

"You have some nerve, asking me such questions—" Ophelia muttered before a sleek midnight-blue Rolls-Royce honked at them from the front.

"Miss Kings, I was instructed to pick you up," the man in the driver's seat stated.

"Yes, yes of course," Natasha replied and the other man in a suit who had been sitting in the passenger seat got out and loaded her luggage into the trunk before she got into the car.

The car zoomed off, leaving a dumbfounded Ophelia standing there.