After greeting grandma, the maid informs us that the food is ready. Alex's mother helps her into her wheelchair, and we all make our way to the dining table. I just can't shake off the feeling that grandma doesn't like me, and I can't understand why. I know I'm not Alex's real wife, but that shouldn't warrant such cold treatment I'm receiving from her. She doesn't even acknowledge my greetings and just keeps talking to Alex's mother…. oh, I forgot, she said I should call her mom, who keeps replying to her with a fake smile. Now I know where Alex got his bad attitude and temper.At the dining table, as everyone takes their seats, I finally count the total number of Alex's family members. Including the kids and in-laws, there are twenty-four of them, plus me, making a total of twenty-five. I sit beside Alex and notice Vivian sitting far away from me. I smile at her, but she avoids making eye contact. Is she upset because I left her alone? I thought she's fine.Different dishes are served
ALEX'S POVI watch Ariel falling down the stairs, and after she lands, I quickly rush to her. Concern is written all over my face, as I'm really scared of losing her right now. Well, I need to fake my emotions and pretend to be crying, but I already know she wouldn't die from the fall, just a small injury. I carry her up and quickly rush her to the hospital while everyone asks me what happened, but I have no time to explain anything to them; I need to save my wife.After taking her to the hospital, the doctor begins the treatment while we all wait outside.“Alex, what exactly happened?” Mom asks me, and I gently raise my head up and give a death stare at Vivian.“She did it,” I say, still fixing my gaze on her. “I saw the two of them arguing about something, so I was about to interfere when she pushed her off the stairs. I tried to save her, but I wasn't able to; she’s already rolling down the stairs before I reached her.” I say as all family turns to Vivian, who is already trembling i
ARIEL'S POV I pace around the room as I find it hard to believe I've ruined someone else's life. She doesn’t deserve this. What am I going to do now? I bury my head in between my knees, feeling lost and unsure of how to save Vivian without revealing the truth that I’m not actually pregnant. My mind is completely blank, and I can't think of anything. Then I suddenly think about my crazy friends; why didn't I think of that sooner?I quickly slip on my slippers and limp outside. I wanted to make use of the wheelchair, but since my leg is not that bad, I decide not to. However, as I open the door, I’m stopped by a giant man with a bald head.Fuck…."Ma'am, we've been instructed not to allow you to leave," he says.I'm shocked and can't believe Alex has placed a guard outside my room to prevent me from leaving. But I think he really underestimates me.“Ouch…Arrrghhh,” I grimace in pain."Is there a problem, ma'am?” the man inquires."I think I'm experiencing severe stomach pain. It's defin
ALEX’S POV I haven't slept a wink since last night because Ariel didn't come home. According to The Intelligence, she's with her friend Emilia, but I’m still worried. She might suddenly decide to confess and call Vivian to spill the truth. I'm darn sure she must be feeling guilty; she's always been so weak.Exhaling deeply, I slightly close my eyes, trying to calm myself. Just then, the doorbell rings, and I hurriedly answer it. There she is, seated in a wheelchair with her friends holding crutches."What's with the wheelchair?" I enquire."Honey, have you forgotten that I fell down the stairs and lost our baby?" she replied, tears welling up in her eyes…….. no, that's definitely a fake tear and I can't foolishly bring myself to believe her for a single second; I am certain she's up to something."We went back to the hospital this morning, and the doctor said her leg will take some time to heal. She shouldn't stress it, so I got her crutches for the stairs," her friend explained. I st
ARIEL'S POV"Welcome to Mayfair Luxury Department Store!" the greeters exclaim as I emerge from the Bugatti Chiron, the newly released car of the year 2017. Despite the lavish car, it belongs to Alex, and I'm simply here with it to shop with my friend. Handing the valet my keys, I make my way inside and find my friend waiting."Oh my God, you look gorgeous!" Katherine compliments, and I swirl around for her to take in my outfit."So, what's the plan here?" she inquires."Actually, my darling husband instructs me to take you out and buy you everything you want. He wants to apologize for not formally meeting you or introducing himself since our marriage. So, I'm here on his behalf to make amends and ease any frustrations you may have," I explain, and they all burst into laughter."With the way she's talking, I think she must have threatened him. Tell me the truth, did you threaten him?" Caroline asks, wearing a mischievous grin. I respond with a sly wink."This girl is even worse than me
ALEX'S POV "Morning, my king," I wake up to the unpleasant sight of her face. "I think it would be best if you always wore makeup because you look terrifying without it. Are you sure you and my wife are from the same parents, or were you adopted, or maybe she was the one who was adopted?" I remark as I move away from her, rise from the bed, and stand up."When you know she is prettier than me, then what exactly am I doing here? You refuse to have sex with me or even let me touch you. So what am I doing here?" she retorts, her voice dripping with anger."Your job is to make her life miserable and frustrated. If you do that perfectly, then I might grant you what you want. Who knows, I might even divorce her sooner and marry you," I say, attempting to deceive her. Why would I marry her when I am not insane? I would rather endure Ariel's company than even think of marrying her.I can see the joy on her face as she hears that. I leave the room to fetch some water from the freezer. "I thi
ALEX'S POV***Three years ago***As I drove the car, everything around me faded in significance compared to the beauty beside me, the only one who held power over my heart. I intertwined my hand with hers, and she flashed me a wide smile that made my heart skip a beat. Raising our joined hands to my lips, I pressed a gentle kiss against her skin and whispered softly, "I love you.""I love you more," she replied, meeting my gaze with eyes filled with love and sincerity. Then, her expression shifted to fear."Alex, watch out!!!" she suddenly shouted.***The present***"Venessa!!!" I scream her name, snapping back to reality. The painful memories feel as fresh as if they just happened yesterday; the pain is still raw, and my body trembles as I struggle to breathe. I spring from the bed, open my drawer, retrieve my pills, and quickly swallow them. Gasping for air, I sink to the ground, leaning against the drawer for support. With a deep breath, I begin to calm down, feeling the effects o
ALEX'S POV The dining table fell silent, making it feels like a graveyard. I focuses on each spoonful of food, but my gaze kept returning to Ariel and Aiden as they exchange love-filled glances, which only irritates me more.Unable to contain my frustration any longer, I burst out, "But I'm curious about something. Why didn't you inform me about him coming here before his arrival?""Did you inform me about her coming here before her arrival?" she shot back."There's a big difference, because last time I checked, this is my house, not yours. Don't forget about the rules and regulations of this house," I countered."Okay, Mr. Landlord. First, we are married, so this house belongs to both of us. Second, I thought we agreed to put all of that behind us, especially when you told me that you would try to be a better husband. Have you already forgotten that? Third, I never actually planned this, but we had a little argument yesterday, and I thought it might be because we are not together, so