Chapter 9

For a minute, Tatiana lingered at their door, breathing unevenly. Her fist clenched so hard that the ring on her finger almost cut into her palm.

“Ma’am, are you going in?”

Tatiana raised her head. David was standing beside her, his hand already resting on the brass handle of the door.

A faint, brittle smile crossed her lips, followed by a slow nod.

Then David pushed the door open. Tatiana’s feet moved on their own. Her house was the last place she wanted to be but she need to pack.

“Where do you think you’re going, girl?” Tony’s voice sliced through the atmosphere the moment she entered. His temple was twitching violently.

Tatiana halted, taking a glance. They were all there: her uncle, her mother, and her cousin Selena.

Cassandra sat with a glossy magazine, barely looking up. Selena leaned on the couch, her lips curled in a smug smile.

And Tony sat like an angry lion ready to pounce on his prey.

“Oh, uncle,” Selena scoffed bitterly, “what do you expect from a loose girl like her? She probably sold herself to that old man for a space in his grandson’s life. Who would ever want Tatiana? All she’s good for is stripping in front of men.”

Tatiana, didn't say a word. She stood with shoulders firm, her gaze steady ahead with only her side profile facing them.

Tatiana did not flinch at Selena’s words. They were sharp, but hardly the sharpest she had endured.

This was not the worst Selena could say. She had done far more than fling insults; she had stolen everything that once belonged to her.

From the moment Selena stepped into the house, her life had been stripped bare, piece by piece.

Her mother’s love was gone. Her sense of home—shattered. Even her dignity, her right to be seen as more than a shadow, had been trampled beneath Selena’s heels.

She who had twisted her mother’s heart against her, whispering poison until Cassandra could look upon her own daughter with nothing but disdain.

And she was no saint when it came to Tony's schemes.

Tony’s eyes landed on David, and his anger flared, swirling like a storm.

“It’s been four hours since you left this house! And you return with… a bodyguard?” His voice echoed through the room, every word sharp and biting.

Tatiana stood calm, unperturbed. Silence was her answer—her silence sharper than words.

"I am your uncle!” Tony’s voice rose, veins straining at his neck. “I demand respect! Answer me, girl!”

Tatiana silence fueled Tony's anger; he lunged forward, hand outstretched for her arm.

However, David was faster. His grip locked around Tony’s wrist, unyielding, his eyes cold and merciless.

“Don’t.” His voice was low, commanding, deadly. His eyes, drained of warmth, held a warning: try it again and you’ll regret it.

Tony jerked, trying to break free, but David's hold was iron. His lips curled, nostrils flaring. “Who the hell are you?” he spat, shoulders trembling.

David’s expression shifted, forcing a smile though his knuckles betrayed the tension. “Mr. Smith,” he said evenly. “You know who I am.”

“I don’t care who you are!” Tony roared, his chest heaving. “You have no right here!”

David released his hand, standing straight to affirm, “I’m sorry, Mr. Smith. I follow orders. And Mrs. Tatiana is under my protection. No one touches my boss’s wife.”

The room went still.

Cassandra’s magazine slipped soundlessly to the floor. Her mouth jolted open. Selena shot up from the couch, lips trembling as words were trapped behind her teeth.

“W-wife?” Cassandra inhaled sharply.

“Did you just say… wife?” Selena stammered, disbelief twisting her face.

David only smiled faintly, refusing to waste words.

All eyes turned on Tatiana who stood quiet and expressionless.

“Tatiana,” her uncle's face darkened with sweat beading at his temple. “What the hell is this lackey talking about?” his voice low but dangerous.

His glare ignited fear in her—just for a moment. But she composed herself and lifted her chin, unshaken. Slowly, she raised her hand. The golden ring caught the light, small rubies glowing like fire.

“Which one of his words did you not hear correctly?” Her voice cut through the silence like glass. “I am married to Alexander Michelle, uncle. I am now Mrs. Tatiana Alexander Michelle… wife of the owner of Michelle Empire.”

The words finally dropped.

Gasps filled the air.

Her words struck her uncle back into the couch with his trembling fists by his side. Selena’s face twisted green with shock coated with envy.

“No way! It's impossible! You are a— low-class girl—you can’t marry a billionaire...”

“Cousin…"Tatiana shot out the words, composed, like the title she now bears."I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I am now Mrs. Tatiana Alexander Michelle. Daughter-in-law of Jacob Michelle. I'm now the owner of the biggest company in the city. And if you don’t want to believe me, fine, wait for tomorrow’s papers. Maybe then you will finally get some sense!”

The expressions on their faces were quite satisfying.

Selena’s throat bobbed hard; anger flashing in it depth even as her lips quivered.

“Tatiana, my child!” Cassandra suddenly rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Tatiana. “You’ve done the right thing. You’re the pride of this family now—the wife of the Michelle Empire’s heir!”

Tatiana stiffened. Ten years. Ten years without a mother’s arms—and now, for a name, she embraces her. Pathetic!

Slowly, Tatiana pushed her mother's arms away, disgust tightening in her chest.

Cassandra’s smile twitched, strained, but she held it, pretending to be sweet even as her hands gripped Tatiana tighter than comfort.

“You... you must be hungry, my dear,” she turned to Susan, who stood there watching with pity. “Nanny, bring some food for my princess...!”

Tatiana’s stomach turned. Princess? Since when? If she were not married to Xander, would she even remember she existed?

“It’s not needed, Mother,” she said coldly,“My husband is waiting for me.”

The moment her words dropped, Tony’s fists clenched, his rage seething but he could do nothing. Not with David towering around Tatiana.

Selena’s anger burned so brightly her eyes seemed ready to burst as Tatiana walked away.

In her room, Tatiana allowed the mask to shatter. Tears streaked down her cheeks. Marriage? Only in name. Only for seven days.

Love. Just love. That’s all she ever wanted. But now she is married to a man who sees her as nothing but an escort and a gold digger.

BUZZZZZ...

Tatiana's phone buzzed and a notification popped up. For a moment, she thought she saw wrong.

[Notification ID ~ Derrick

Message: I can't keep it in me any longer. Tatty, I feel the flatter whenever I see you.

Let's meet. I need to tell you in person, that I love you Tatiana Richardson. I love you very much.

I’ll be waiting at our usual place, 7 pm prompt. Don’t be late.]

Her hands shook as she held onto her phone.