Chapter 10

Tatiana descended the stairs like a ghost. Her mind was in a dilemma. She was married now, for survival. And just when she thought her life was finally in focus, Derrick’s message had to come.

“My dear,” Cassandra's voice reverberated, “are you leaving already?”

Tatiana didn’t blink at her mother. Her plastered smile was too sweet to be real. She knew better now. That concern, that sudden love, was nothing but a thorn waiting to pierce her when she fell from grace.

Grace?

Her life was far from it. Maybe disgrace was what awaited her.

“I’m leaving,” she said without a stare, neither care nor an ounce of love in her voice.

“Tiana, my dear, I thought… I thought you were going to stay for the night. I even prepared food for you myself. Why don’t you stay and eat something? Let’s eat as a family.”

Cassandra lied through her teeth. Cook? Unless she wanted to poison her. The last thing her mother knew how to do was prepare a proper meal.

Tatiana knew her tactics well — taking glory from someone else’s hard work. No surprise her cousin acted the same. How did she end up in a family like this?

“Dear, are you going to visit?” Cassandra spoke with utter warmth. She expected Tatiana to pause, soften, or at least hesitate.

She had almost reached the door when Cassandra called again.

Tatiana’s heart stung at the fake tone. Ten years, and never once had she given her love. But now, has love suddenly grown wings and flown to her?

“This is the last time I will set foot in this house, Mother.”

Cassandra's face became pale. She wasn’t expecting such firmness from her daughter.

“Tatiana, dear… I’m your mother. At least think of me. I’m your family. " Her mask began to slip.

"And think of how the Michelles can better our lifes. At least have an ounce of pity at your mother. I suffered taking care of you." Her voice was soft, almost shaky, but dripping with manipulation.

Tatiana scoffed in disbelief. For a second, she had thought maybe her mother was softening. But no — it was all about money.

“I remember you sold me to the old man. He gave you money right?"

"My dear, that money... That money..." She stuttered unsure of what to say, "it's was for your father's hospital bills. Yes, it was for that."

Tatiana gritted her teeth in anger. Her father's bills?

"Whatever you did with the money, I don't care anymore. But my husband will not spend a dime on this family.

Remember this mother, you are just a mother whobgave birth to me, not my mum. For my father—” her voice held no warmth as she paused, staring coldly at her mother, “I will visit him in the hospital. I hope you will allow me to see him this time, Mother?!”

Cassandra’s words had all vanished. She searched Tatiana’s eyes, expecting tears or a small emotional slip she could use against her. But Tiana looked at her, emotionless.

Her eyes darted quickly to Tony, silently begging him to step in.

But strangely, he sat there calm, one leg crossed over the other. No rage. No shouting. Just silence.

Wasn’t he the one who had raged before, demanding she stay? Tatiana frowned. Or had he already accepted defeat?

“Tony, aren’t you going to stop your niece from leaving like this?”

“What’s the point in pursuing her when I know she will be back soon?” Tony’s voice cut through the air. His tone was firm, confident, almost as if he knew the marriage was just for seven days.

Tatiana’s stomach turned at his confidence, but she no longer cared. At least, for the next seven days, he would have no control over her. He could not touch her. And certainly not Alexander. If he tried, it would be his downfall.

Without another word, Tatiana opened the door and walked out.

---

The black SUV waited by the gate. David stood by the front. He quickly opened the door for her. Tatiana slid inside, her heart pounding, but lighter than it had felt in years.

As the car pulled out of the Richardson house, she pressed her head back against the seat. A tear slipped down her cheek.

David glanced into the rearview mirror and saw Tatiana—not the cold, distant woman they painted her to be, not even the one Xander thought he had figured out. He saw something else—fragile, wounded, and tired.

“Ma’am, do you want to stop by anywhere?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Tatiana gave a faint smile and shook her head.

“Can you roll down the window for me?” she pleaded softly.

David nodded, and the driver rolled down the window. The evening breeze rushed in, cool and refreshing, brushing against her face.

Tatiana closed her eyes, breathing it in. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she could breathe.

****

Soon, the Michele mansion came into view. It grand towers stood like a fortress. The car rolled to a stop at the front steps.

The driver opened the door and Tatiana stepped out slowly.

"This ma'am," David politely address her leading her into he hall.

The hall stretched out in front of her, vast and commanding. Golden chandeliers hung above, their soft light reflecting off polished floors. Heavy curtains framed tall windows.

Then the Michelle family came into view, standing. At first she thought it was a welcome ceremony until she beheld their faces.

The air was thick, the silence heavy. And Tatiana, though her heart still trembled, lifted her chin and walked forward.

Only one person sat: Xander.

“Grandfather,” Xander’s voice rang out, each word like a blade, “may I introduce to you all Mrs. Tatiana Alexander Michelle—my wife.”