Azalea’s Pov
What was I expecting from Dante? Maybe a big hug and kisses on my cheeks when the whole family barely knows me. They are all already blinded by Morris’s facade that they would never find fault in anything he did. Now I know better than to disclose everything I know to any member of the family, they might tell him about my suspicions and aid him in his plans to ruin me along with them. He's that evil and I will make them see him for who he is.
Common sense told me to run far away from men like Dante, but the more I tried, the deeper thoughts of him registered in my mind. Was I expecting some kindness from such a man? Which man wakes up to find himself already married to some strange woman? If I should throw blame, it would be at my father who signed me off without second thoughts. And Leo, who is having the time of his life with Zara.
I had no time to think about all of those as they swam through my head and made me drift from the task at hand many times, but I spent late night burning candles to read through all the documents Gina forwarded to me.
When I dozed off, I had no idea, but I woke up the next morning drooling all over the paper drafts scattered on my desk and my iPad lay awkwardly on my lap. I quickly arranged the whole document in order and got ready for work. I left the house without waiting for breakfast. If anything, my presence seems to be forbidden to everyone who always gathers in the dining room. If only my family were that traditional.
My sister-in-law, Larrisa, was driving in when I was about to enter my car. I didn't want to pause for a greeting since she's one of the people who doesn't hide how much she dislikes me and doesn't think I am suitable for her ever-perfect brother, but she waved at me and I had to lean against the car to wait for her to park properly and come down.
“Hey, morning.” She said with narrowed eyes when she finally came down from her car and started coming towards me.
“I can see the rest of my day is already blessed since you stopped to talk to me, Sister-in-law.” I wore a hopeful smile.
“Don't get used to it.” She stopped in front of me and sighed. “If you missed the signals, I don't like you, but I don't hate you either. I just don't think you're good for my brother.”
She looked serious and her honesty made me smile again. “Judge me if you dare, I looked you up and read about your family. I needed to make sure my brother was in safe hands. He's been through a lot and I am not going to lose him again to some dumbstruck goddess.”
“I'll keep that in mind. We both want what's best for him.” I said, glancing at my wristwatch to remind myself that I should have left a few minutes ago.
“You can run along.” She patted my arm as she stepped aside for me to pass to my car. “Show my brother that you are right; he loves results and not just words, especially when he already believes that my mother made a mistake with you. The company means everything to him and everyone trusts Morris, so you must work harder to prove yourself worthy of handling his business.” She added when I didn't move, she disappeared into the house.
“Thanks,” I mumbled to myself as I entered the passenger seat of the car. Gerald was already filling the driver's seat and he greeted me with a yawn.
“I'm sorry, ma'am. Morning.” He apologized as he turned the key in the ignition and the car whispered to life.
“It's fine. Do you sleep in the car?”
“No. You shouldn't be surprised, if it were Mr Dante, I'd never beat him to the car.” He laughed, enjoying himself with the memories as he pulled out of the driveway.
“He said he'd have my head on a platter if I ever miss driving you to work and back. I don't want to cross the man.” His words came as a surprise, but I wasn't about to relish the idea of the man I met last night being anything but caring and good.
“I need you to take me somewhere first.” I changed the topic, monitoring my phone closely.
I spent the rest of the day in my office, reading what was left of the document Gina sent me while I jotted down every change that needed to be implemented and the issues that must be addressed if the company was to move forward and not stay where Morris had left it.
The whole time, thoughts of my unrelenting husband were a welcome distraction, and that's why I was not surprised when I found myself standing at his door instead of mine. He has made it clear that he doesn't want me, not around him or his space. But I still stood there, even when I saw the doorknob turning until the door opened and his stern eyes fell upon me.
“I'm…I'm so…sorry. I…I…” My heart pounded in my chest, my throat tightened, and I shut up when he suddenly staggered, and his grip on the doorknob loosened.
“Get out.” He muttered, slowly pushing the door closed.
I would have done just that if I hadn't seen how sunken his eyes were and his wavering focus, the man I have come to know would have shut the door on my face more loudly. So when I heard a loud crash, I pushed the door open and wasn't surprised that he left it unlocked. He lay sprawled on the floor now, his hand which had knocked down a few things from his desk while he fell, grasping his phone.
I locked the door, knowing that it would do him no good to call for help. I already know what is wrong with him. Morris’s plan was in motion. Only God knows what type of drug Danielle had prescribed for him to make him feel weaker and faint. I noticed that he had trouble breathing when his eyes glazed over my face.
“Go away.” He said again, probably because he wasn't used to someone seeing him at his lowest or because he didn't expect me to be there.
“Can you…” I swallowed a lump in my throat and tried to help him sit up. He's a big muscular body man so I wouldn't have lifted his hand if he didn't push himself up. “Good. Now let's get you to lie down in your bed.”
“I told you to fucking leave me alone and go away!”
“I'm so–sorry. Once you're in bed, I'll go. Li…lift yourself up a little bit, please?”
Azalea's Pov It wasn't enough that Dante broke our second kiss as if he regretted kissing me, Zara had to call me for the first time since I was married off to him. More like thrown out of my father's house which I never felt like a part of. I don't belong anywhere. I'm always unwanted and chastised. I didn't know she had my number anyway.Whipping my head around to look at him now seated by the bedside, his eyes on me, waiting. I called Zara's name to make sure I heard the caller right, then bit down on my lip where his sharp perfectly white teeth had cut and hissed.“Can you do me a favour, Azalea?” She asked.“A favour?” I frowned, touching my forehead to tamp down my swelling emotions. I looked away from Dante who read my expressions carefully. “Well, it all depends on the favour.”I listened for a while, impatient and edgy.“That is so much money that you are talking about!” I said, wondering why she would ask me for a loan. A huge sum of money at that.“Well, yeah. Bye!” I put
Dante's Pov “Where is the document?” Choosing a secluded spot in the old farmhouse, I watched Morris fetch a document from his suitcase and hand it to a woman in the backseat of a black Range Rover.It was hard for me to leave the house after watching Azalea sleep most of the morning. The only thing I thought about while she was snoring softly with her slightly parted lips was kissing her again. I wanted to feel her lips on mine, my tongue tasting her flavoured mouth, and her soft body pressed against mine as she reciprocated. But I had to leave when I heard Morris' car drive out of the house.I followed him closely in a rental so he wouldn't know who was following him if he noticed. I always leave the house in my jogging tight pants, polo shirt and sports shoes. Although watching my wife sleep delayed my leaving at my usual running hour, everyone would still think I went for a run since it's the only thing I'm allowed to do these days. My wife. That sounds strange, but I am beginn
Azalea's Pov When I woke up the next morning, Dante was still in bed, staring at my face as if he had been waiting for me to open my eyes.“Good morning,” I sat up, frowning at him. “Good heavens, I'm so sorry.” I apologized when I realized that I had drooled on his sheets again.He had seen me sleeping with my mouth open and spitting all over his bed. Maybe even snoring and talking in my sleep. What a shame!“I thought your soul had left your body.” He said, pointing at the wall clock.“Oh, no! Why did you not wake me up!” I jumped off the bed, sprinting to the door. I stopped in my tracks when I heard him laugh.“It is the weekend, wife.” He stood up and left the room, ruffling my hair on his way out. Who is this man in Dante’s body?He laughed. That sound. I felt good hearing it, so I watched him go down the stairs and I realized then that he had come back from jogging before joining me again in bed to probably scare my demons away. I can't believe I slept throughout the night an
Dante's Pov I stood by my window and stared hard at the pill box which I held in between two fingers. I shook it slightly before a car pulling into the driveway caught my attention. I watched as it stopped behind Larrisa’s car; Azalea stepped out and paused to look toward the direction of my window as if she sensed my gaze upon her, and then she walked gracefully into the house.Gerald drove the car toward the underground garage to park the car properly. I caught sight of the rubber gloves he wore when he rolled down the glass and brought his arm out to press the lock button so that the garage door pushed up for him to drive in. That reminded me of the man who was following me in the morning. I had made sure to lose him by juggling between buildings and running faster than I intended before coming back home. When did Gerald start wearing gloves? I must have been in coma longer than I was told because a lot has changed.A wrap on my door made me tear my eyes away from the window to an
Azalea's Pov “People say boys learn how to be men from their fathers. Would your son have wanted to learn from you, Mr. Mason?" I asked, my voice a bit louder than before. I was surprised by how easily the words came out despite my tension“Don't come closer! Don't talk about my son! You've no fuckin’ idea what you're saying!” He yelled, blindly throwing the huge rock he held. Anger surged through him like a wounded cat.Initially, I thought the rock was headed straight for me, but it struck the remnants of the ad screen hanging above the entrance. The impact caused the screen to crack even further, its supporting wire straining dangerously as it tilted unsteadily just inches from where he stood.Panicked, he turned to run, but his legs clipped together, sending him tumbling to the ground. The advertisement screen came crashing down beside him, arousing a collective gasp from the crowd. Reporters rushed toward the scene, their cameras flashing and shutters clicking furiously from eve
Azalea's Pov I woke up with a bright smile spreading across my face, but it diminished immediately when I noticed that I was alone in bed. I can't deny that last night was memorable; I don't think he'd already be awake and in regret for his behaviour last night, left when he woke up.He didn't have to run; this was his room, and he could have simply woken me up and sent me on my way. The thought bugged me as I left the room and closed it quietly before anyone saw me. This was my husband's room and it wouldn't be bad if anyone saw me coming out from his room, but I don't know for sure what they'd say and think in this house.I wasn't so lucky because Danielle chose that moment to come up to his room for his morning medication, but when she saw me lingering by Dante's door, she rolled her eyes and went downstairs again. I do wonder why she doesn't want to have a face-to-face encounter with me. She avoids me by all means, and I do wish her boyfriend would do the same instead of always t