CHAPTER 4

Fiona’s smirk vanished instantly. Her jaw tightened, and she looked as if she wanted to lash out.

And I was glad. For a fleeting moment, my eyes caught Carter staring at me, before he turned away.

We arrived at the large mansion, but then a large company of cars blocked our view.

“Do you have some kind of bigshot in your family, Carter?” Fiona was the first person to ask him.

I couldn’t be bothered as my phone rang with a ding.

It was another text message, accompanied with a picture. I don’t know why I always opened it, but it was compelling.

Did I need more proof to strengthen my resolve? I bit down on my lips.

The picture this time showed Carter’s face in a state of ecstasy with his eyes closed.

A chuckle left my lips, and my eyes went down to the text.

‘I’m the only one who can make him feel this way, Yilena. I’m back and I’m taking my husband back.’

Looking up, Fiona wasn’t on her phone. Did she schedule all these messages in spite of it.

I never replied to these messages but today, I was truly at peace.

“He’s all yours.” I typed, and closed the phone.

My attention was drawn to the cars in front of us.

“They belong to my cousin, Levi.” Carter said, his knuckles tightened as he gripped the steering wheel.

There had to be some sort of beef among them.

“He rejected my company’s proposal, and banned me from applying to any of his other branches.”

“Did he hate you that much?” The words left my mouth before I could stop it.

Carter’s eyes turned to me, “I don’t know, and neither do I care.”

I remained silent.

“He doesn’t deserve you, and let’s not talk about him again.” Fiona said, and her pretence disgusted me.

“Don’t go to him, or talk with him, Yilena. You are my wife, please don’t disgrace me over there.” Carter said, but I was too emotionally tired to give him a response.

He was withholding me from seeing other men, while he went outside to cheat behind my back.

I smoothened my dress as we walked into the house. They never liked me in this place, and previously it would make me gloomy, but now, I was pretty much indifferent.

“Fiona! Oh my goodness. You didn’t tell us you have arrived.”

“It really is Fiona. We missed you so much, my dear.”

“Carter, you could have told us you were bringing her, we could have prepared more.”

Everyone flocked to the golden girl, while they ignored my existence.

It was expected.

On the day before my marriage, Carter had outrightly blamed me for Fiona’s departure, saying I bullied her into leaving.

I was too shocked to speak that day. Fiona had even acted her own part as she cried, saying she would leave Carter just for me.

It was all part of an act by my parents, to give Fiona the chance to study abroad, and I could only bear the effect of the pain.

“Mother, thank you so much for the love.” Fiona moved to Mrs. Stone, giving her a hug. The woman never allowed me to call her even by her name, completely ignoring the fact that I was married to her son.

“Let Fiona rest, Mum. She just got back.” Carter said, his voice had a much softer tone than when he spoke to me.

Tired of standing, I walked to the dining table, and took my seat.

It was a full five minutes, before they all came back to sit down.

And just like every other family gathering, no one sat besides me, not even my husband.

The door of the mansion swung open, and I don’t think it was just me, everyone could feel the sudden chill that arose.

I looked at the door, and it was someone that I had never seen before. The conclusion was easy.

This was Levi, and he was the infamous cousin. I couldn’t be bothered so I turned to the plate of food in front of me. By tomorrow, I would be out of this family, and the divorce papers would be given to Carter by then.

Levi moved forward, and just by walking, he had already made everyone nervous.

Due to my curiosity, I had research on who Levi was.

Owner of the Reinhardt Corporation, master of business and investments. He was an orphan, and he had risen to the top by sheer strength, and hardwork.

It was just like Carter’s rise to wealth, and a quiet part of me wondered if they acted exactly the same, especially to their wives.

“Why isn’t his wife here? Was he too embarrassed to bring her alone?” I muttered, maybe she was being treated exactly as Carter was treating me.

Could it be far worse because Levi was richer than Carter? I was lost in my pool of questions, that I didn’t pay attention to what was going on.

Mr. Stone rushed forward with an eager smile, but Levi raised his hand.

"Don't bother, Uncle" he said with a cold tone as his gaze swept past everyone.

I was merely bored, so I watched the drama.

He didn't acknowledge Carter or Fiona, the golden brat, and it somehow made me happy. His gaze swept past them, locking onto mine across the table. "I'm not here for pleasantries. I'm here on Grandfather's request."

He walked toward the dining table, ignoring the empty seat meant for him, and pulled out the chair directly beside me. He sat, bringing the scent of expensive cologne and power into my personal space.

He turned, his eyes devoid of the judgment I was used to from the rest of the family.

"Yilena, isn't it?" he asked, with a soft smile on his face. "I’ve heard quite a lot about you. It seems I’ve been missing out on meeting the only interesting person in this house."