CHAPTER 3

Audrey's Pov 

 I clutched the marriage papers in my hands as I stared at myself in the mirror, looking at my reflection. Xander and I had signed the marriage certificate a few hours ago and it was already time for the engagement party. 

 Sighing, I carefully placed the certificate into the drawer and glanced at the invitation letter on the bed. 

 “The party must have gone into full swing by now.” I muttered to myself, still staring. Then my gaze went to the sleek black dress that was on the bed. Xander had sent it earlier. It was elegant, bold and commanding, all the things I wanted to be tonight. 

 With a sigh, I put it on along with some dark makeup to compliment the dress. There was no room for hesitation now. With a deep breath, I grabbed the invitation to Amelia's engagement party and left. 

 When I arrived, the villa was bustling with conversation. I could see Amelia in the distance along with Zachary and both of them were talking to people. Amelia was with her mother while Zachary was with friends. 

 Amelia's dress sparkled, her hair was styled to perfection, and she was basking in the attention of the guests, until she saw me. The smile on her face froze, her eyes narrowing in disbelief and confusion.

 Her mother, my step mother, standing not far from her, immediately stiffened. The two of them exchanged quick, confused glances before looking back at me. 

 I smiled and stepped forward, that little action of mine made me the center of attention.

 “Hello, Amelia, mother… It's nice to be here.” I greeted, leaning forward to kiss Amelia on the cheek. 

 “Audrey,” She said, her voice sickly sweet but filled with venom, “I wasn't expecting you to my engagement party.” She muttered. 

 Her mother, standing stiffly by her side, gave me a cold, disdainful look, like I was a stain on her otherwise perfect evening, “Audrey.” She said coolly, “I thought you wouldn’t show.”

 “Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm. I looked them both up and down, not even attempting to hide my amusement. 

 “It’s such a special occasion, after all. Family should be here to celebrate and you did invite me here. Although I shouldn't blame you, you didn't think I'd show up to the engagement party between you and my boyfriend. Very shocking isn't it?” I smiled at the gasps that rippled through the crowd around us. 

 Amelia's face paled, her facade slipping away instantly, “Your boyfriend? Audrey, you should stop saying things like that.” She moved closer, placing a hand in my arm and pinching it, “You should really stop saying things like that without context.” 

 “Oh I'm sorry… I only remembered that I just found out that the both of you were sleeping together while I and Zachary were still dating, so out of anger, I stormed off and we hadn't broken up yet. Silly me. However, so you won't become the talk of the century, I'll break up with Zachary right in front of everyone.” 

 Amelia's grip tightened, her eyes growing wide. Her mother, sensing the shift in the room stepped forward with a tense smile, “Audrey dear, you must have had too many drinks. Why don't we…” 

 “Oh, I am just getting started.” I cut her off, pulling my arm away from Amelia, “You see, I wasn't going to make a scene, I was going to the civil but then without why should I, after all, I wasn't the one who betrayed her own sister by sleeping with her boyfriend.” I smiled brightly now that the crowd was watching more intently. 

 “Audrey…” Amelia clenched her fists at the side, her mouth opened harshly. 

 “Oh don't be like this, Amelia. I'm trying to do you a favor, so I can clear this up once and for all. So, right now, I'm going to say this. Zachary, I am breaking up with you, officially. Consider this our final goodbye as partners, though, you'll still have to continue seeing me though, but not as your sister in law. I have moved on to better things.” I turned to face Amelia with a wicked smile. 

 She blinked, her eyes clouding over in confusion, “What are you talking about?” She questioned, fear and panic rising on her face, “Audrey! What are you trying to do?!” 

 I turned towards the doors in anticipation of what was going to come. Right on cue, the doors opened and Xander walked in, commanding and aura filled. He wore the male version of my black dress and walked slowly towards me, the crowd parted for him naturally. 

 Amelia's face twisted in shock as her gaze darted between Xander and me, “No… no, you didn't.” She whispered, barely able to get the word out. But her shock turned into rage and she yelled out, “You didn't!” 

 “Oh, but I did.” I said, my voice filled to the brim with satisfaction. I walked towards Xander, who wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close, “Everyone, I'd like you to meet my husband, Xander Clarkson.” 

 The air in the room was practically charged with tension as I introduced Xander. Amelia looked like she was about to faint while her mother's carefully composed mask slipped. Zachary dropped the drink that he was holding, he looked like a fish that was struggling to breath after jumping out of water. 

 “You… you're married?” Amelia croaked out, “To… To Xander?” Her voice was shaking in disbelief. 

 “That's right,” I replied sweetly, “While you were busy scheming, I was signing a marriage certificate. That's a win for me, right?” I shrugged, going closer to her to whisper, “You should have never messed with me, Amelia. You know exactly the type of person I am. I might have been a lovesick fool, but there is a reason I am the CEO of one of the most famous companies in the world. There is a reason why I am known as the eldest daughter of this family.” 

 I moved back, taking pleasure in her frozen body and angry look. Zachary looked like he was about to say something else when a booming voice sounded from the top of the stairs, “What is happening here?!” 

 And all eyes turned to the person who had come in, it was my father, Eric RedHall. A general even in his old age, a man amongst all men and the one who made me who I was even after my mother died. 

 I smiled at his appearance and rushed to help him down the stairs, “Dad, you are here.” 

 “I am. I heard commotion from where I was and I decided to show myself, but what do I hear? Amelia, I didn't know that you had done something like this. How very shameful of you!” Eric slammed his cane on the ground, his body shaking. 

 “Dad, don't tire yourself out. It's not good for your health.” I said softly and helped him sit down. Once he was seated, Xander came forward and bowed his head in respect. 

 “General Eric, I have heard so much about you. It's nice to finally meet you.” Xander said respectfully. 

 “Ah… So you are my daughter's husband.” Eric mumbled, although he really didn't know who Xander was, I could see approval in his eyes. So before I could even say anything nor ask about the inheritance and how I had fulfilled the conditions, Eric took my hands in his, and declared. 

 “I declare this today and all of you here are my eyewitnesses, my eldest daughter, Audrey RedField will become my heir, everything I have will be given to her. Everything, including control of this household. I will repeat myself again, Audrey RedField is my heir!” 

 “Nooo!”