The roar of the luxury car’s engine stopped right in front of the towering building with the Blackwood Corporation logo clearly displayed. Kimmy stared in awe at the magnificent glass structure. Nervousness immediately washed over her.
“This is your company?” Kimmy murmured softly. “Yes, but it doesn’t belong only to me,” Grayson replied calmly as he opened the car door for her. “Now it belongs to you as well, Kimberly.” Kimmy froze. She stepped out carefully, feeling the eyes of all the employees at the lobby fixed on her. Grayson casually closed the door, then wrapped his arm around Kimmy’s slim waist and led her inside. Kimmy instinctively wanted to pull away, but Grayson’s grip was too strong. “Grayson, don’t do this.” “Why?” Grayson asked flatly. “I want everyone to know you are my wife.” They hadn’t walked far when a shrill female voice rang out. “Grayson!” Kimmy turned in shock. A tall woman with long flowing hair, wearing a tight red dress, hurried toward them. Her face was beautiful, her makeup heavy, and a mocking smile was clearly visible. The woman immediately grabbed Grayson’s arm. “What do you mean by playing with me?” Kimmy froze. Her eyes darted between Grayson and the woman. Grayson turned, his expression completely unchanged. “Let go of my arm!!” “I won’t! A week ago everyone knew you were my lover!” the woman’s voice rose. “And now? You’re holding another woman in public? Am I just your toy?” The employees in the lobby began whispering. Some even held their breath, waiting for their boss’s reaction. Grayson quickly turned, his gaze sharp. “That’s right. You’re just a toy.” The woman was stunned, her face turning pale. “W-what?” Grayson pulled his arm free from Violla’s grip and added coldly, “I never promised you anything. Don’t expect more. You should have realized that from the beginning.” Kimmy froze. The words sounded so cruel that even she shivered hearing them. “Grayson! You can’t treat me like this!” the woman shouted, her eyes brimming with tears. Grayson merely gave a faint smile. With pride, he once again grabbed Kimmy’s waist, pulling her closer. “Look carefully. The only woman worthy to stand by my side is my wife, Kimberly Anastasya Chandra.” Kimmy was startled, her body stiffening. But Grayson didn’t care; he firmly guided her inside, leaving the woman standing frozen in place. As soon as they entered the lobby, the employees bowed in unison. “Welcome, Young Master Blackwood. Welcome, Young Madam.” Kimmy almost stumbled at their words. She wasn’t used to such a grand greeting. But before she could respond, another loud voice echoed. “Young Master Grayson! You must take responsibility for me!” Kimmy turned in shock. Another woman ran toward them, this time in a tight blazer and a mini skirt. Behind her, two more women followed, all with faces full of anger. “You promised to marry me, Grayson!” shouted one. “I’m even pregnant because of you!” cried another dramatically. Kimmy grew more confused. “What is going on now?” she whispered. Grayson stood tall, completely unfazed. He glanced at the bespectacled man standing nearby, his loyal assistant, Alex. “Arthur,” Grayson said coldly. “Drag them out.” Arthur quickly nodded. “Yes, Sir.” Without hesitation, Alex signaled to several security guards. They immediately approached and grabbed the women’s arms forcefully. “Let me go!” one woman screamed. “You’re a liar, Grayson!” another shouted while struggling. But Grayson only stood still, his gaze icy. “I never touched you. You’re only seeking profit. Don’t you dare tarnish the Blackwood name.” Kimmy was stunned. The way Grayson spoke was so firm, full of authority. There wasn’t a trace of pity. Alex and the security guards dragged the women out despite their cries and protests. The lobby fell silent again, the only sound the footsteps of employees resuming their work. Kimmy whispered nervously, “You’re truly cruel!” Grayson turned, his faint smile chilling. “This is nothing.” Kimmy swallowed hard. She was truly aware of how dangerous this man was. The elevator opened, and Grayson brought Kimmy up to the top floor, the CEO’s private office. “From now on, everyone in the company knows you’re my wife. No one is allowed to doubt it,” Grayson said as they stepped into his spacious office. Kimmy sat awkwardly on the leather sofa. “But Grayson, don’t go too far. The whole world already knows I’m your wife. You announced it on our wedding day.” Grayson walked slowly toward the sofa, then sat right beside Kimmy. His movements were calm, but his piercing gaze made her uneasy. Kimmy quickly turned her face away, pretending to look toward the desk. “Why are you looking at me like that?” she murmured softly. Grayson didn’t answer. He simply reached out, gently but firmly taking Kimmy’s chin, forcing her face back toward him. Their eyes finally met. “Because you’re my wife,” Grayson said flatly. “And I have the right to look at you as much as I want.” Kimmy fell silent, her heart pounding wildly. She tried to pull away, but Grayson’s grip only tightened. The man leaned down slowly, his face drawing closer, his warm breath brushing Kimmy’s lips. “Grayson, don’t…” Kimmy whispered shakily. But Grayson didn’t stop. In an instant, Kimmy reflexively raised her hand, and a slap landed on Grayson’s left cheek. The room fell silent. Kimmy herself was shocked, her body trembling. Grayson didn’t react immediately. He closed his eyes briefly, his jaw tightening, his breathing heavier. His left cheek reddened visibly, yet he didn’t move. His anger was clear. Grayson’s eyes slowly opened, their cold, sharp gleam like a blade. His fingers clenched on his thigh, restraining the fury about to explode. Kimmy lowered her head in fear. “I-I didn’t mean to, I just—” “Silence.” Grayson’s voice was low, heavy, restrained. He leaned back on the sofa, trying to steady his breath. But the tension only grew. One hand lifted and struck the sofa’s armrest hard. Bang! The loud thud of wood made Kimmy flinch backward. Grayson’s expression shifted. The look of control nearly vanished, replaced by a dangerously furious expression. Kimmy quickly stood, ready to leave. “I have to go—” But before she could step away, Grayson swiftly grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. Kimmy stumbled into him, her small body pressed against his broad chest. “Let me go, Grayson!” Kimmy struggled, her voice trembling. But Grayson only held her tighter, as if he would never let her go. His breathing was still heavy, but it softened slightly against Kimmy’s ear. “Sorry,” he whispered softly. “I lost control.” Kimmy froze, her body stiff in his embrace. Grayson lowered his head, his forehead resting on Kimmy’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean to scare you… but you must understand, I can’t hold myself back when I’m near you.” Kimmy shut her eyes tightly, tears almost falling. “You already scared me, Grayson…” her voice was faint, trembling. Grayson’s embrace grew tighter. “I know. But I won’t let you go. You’re my wife. Only I have the right to have you.” Kimmy tried to break free, but his grip was too strong. She could only clutch Grayson’s black suit, her body shaking. “Trust me,” Grayson whispered again, softer this time, though his tone still carried dominance. “I will protect you. But never try to leave me.” The room fell silent again, the only sound their heavy breathing. Kimmy said nothing, unable to respond. Deep down, she realized even more how dangerous the man who was now her husband truly was. “This man truly loves Kimberly. She is so lucky. I must remember, Grayson only loves Kimberly, not me. I’m just a replacement. And maybe, sooner or later, Grayson will find out the truth,” Kimmy thought to herself.The bathroom door creaked softly. Kimmy quickly shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. Her heart pounded fast, her ears focused on every step Grayson took.The footsteps drew closer, then stopped right beside the bed. The mattress shifted slightly as Grayson sat down. The fresh scent of soap from his body lingered in the air, making Kimmy even more tense.“Lily…” Grayson’s voice was soft, almost a whisper.Kimmy held her breath, still pretending to sleep.Grayson leaned down, then his lips gently touched his wife’s forehead. “Maybe I should be more patient,” he murmured faintly. “I will not force you to love me.”Kimmy felt the warmth of that kiss linger on her skin. Her body wanted to react, but she forced herself to stay still.A few seconds later, Grayson rose. His footsteps moved away, then the sound of the door opening and closing followed.Kimmy slowly opened her eyes. She stared blankly at the ceiling while her hand touched her own forehead. The warmth of that kiss still linge
At seven in the evening, the Blackwood mansion felt calm. The crystal lights in the main hall glowed softly, casting a warm light. Grayson had just returned from the office.As he passed through the living room, he saw two maids tidying up the table. “Where is Madam?” Grayson asked, his voice calm yet firm.One of the female maids bowed politely. “Madam has not left her room since noon, Sir. She only asked for her dinner to be delivered there.”Grayson’s brow furrowed slightly. Without another word, he immediately went upstairs to the second floor. The master bedroom door was slightly ajar, a dim light spilling from inside.When he pushed the door open, the sight that greeted him slowed his steps. He saw Kimberly sitting on the edge of the bed, her body slightly hunched, her gaze empty on the floor. Her face was pale, clearly lost in her own thoughts.Grayson stood for a few seconds, observing his wife. Something strange stirred in his chest when he saw Kimmy looking frightened, as if
Kimmy sat lifelessly on the sofa with swollen eyes, while the image of Grayson who had just left still lingered in her mind. Her lips still stung from that rough kiss, and her phone shattered on the floor stood as a stark witness to the intensity of her husband’s anger.The door was suddenly knocked lightly. A middle-aged man in a neat suit entered. Kimmy hurriedly wiped her tears, trying to appear normal.“Madam,” the man said while bowing respectfully. “I was instructed by the Young Master. He ordered me to escort you home.”Kimmy nodded slowly, her voice barely audible. “Alright.”Arthur approached, then placed a small box on the table in front of Kimmy. “This is from the Young Master. A new phone, complete with an active number. All important data is already synced.”Kimmy stared at the box with mixed feelings. Her hand hesitated before finally reaching for the new phone. “T-thank you.”Arthur bowed once more. “Shall we, Madam?”With slow steps, Kimmy followed Arthur out of the ro
Grayson slowly loosened his embrace. Kimmy immediately drew a relieved breath though her heart was still pounding wildly. But before she could step away, Grayson bent down and gently kissed the crown of her head. The touch made Kimmy tense again.“Come on,” Grayson said calmly, as if nothing had just happened.Kimmy blinked in confusion. “Where to?”“The boardroom. There are things they need to know.” Grayson stood, then took her hand without giving her a chance to refuse.Kimmy bowed her head in resignation, letting her hand be led. Inside, she was still wrapped in discomfort. Every movement Grayson made felt so dominating, as if she were merely a puppet to be directed at his whim.As soon as the large boardroom door opened, silence fell instantly. Rows of men and women in neat suits were already seated around the long table. All eyes immediately turned to Grayson and to Kimmy walking beside him.“Good morning, Young Master and Young Madam Blackwood,” the directors greeted in unison
The roar of the luxury car’s engine stopped right in front of the towering building with the Blackwood Corporation logo clearly displayed. Kimmy stared in awe at the magnificent glass structure. Nervousness immediately washed over her.“This is your company?” Kimmy murmured softly.“Yes, but it doesn’t belong only to me,” Grayson replied calmly as he opened the car door for her. “Now it belongs to you as well, Kimberly.”Kimmy froze. She stepped out carefully, feeling the eyes of all the employees at the lobby fixed on her. Grayson casually closed the door, then wrapped his arm around Kimmy’s slim waist and led her inside.Kimmy instinctively wanted to pull away, but Grayson’s grip was too strong. “Grayson, don’t do this.”“Why?” Grayson asked flatly. “I want everyone to know you are my wife.”They hadn’t walked far when a shrill female voice rang out.“Grayson!”Kimmy turned in shock. A tall woman with long flowing hair, wearing a tight red dress, hurried toward them. Her face was be
Sunlight pierced the silk curtains, warming the spacious room. Kimmy was still asleep beneath the thick blanket when the sound of the door opening came all at once.“Good morning, Young Madam!” a dozen servants entered in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized.Kimmy woke up instantly; she was truly startled. “What is happening?” She sat up with her hair still messy, eyes widening at the many people in her room.Several servants carried large boxes, some held racks of clothing, and others displayed jewelry, shoes, and bags on a long table.“Young Madam, these are wedding gifts from the Young Master,” one female servant said with a polite smile.Kimmy looked at them, confused. “Gifts? What are all of these for?”Another servant answered, “We are only following orders, Young Madam Kimberly.”Kimmy panicked even more. She glanced at all the luxurious items. Designer dresses, glittering necklaces, bags she had only ever seen in magazines. Everything felt too foreign to her.“Clothes,