Chapter 008NicoleI noticed that another car was following us, and we had been driving in silence for an hour already. "How far is your house?" I asked, but Nathan ignored me as he took out his phone and typed something. "Why is another car following us?"Again, he didn't pay attention to me, and I huffed as I leaned back against my seat, crossing my arms over my chest.A few minutes later, I felt the car stop. I sighed when we finally reached a rather desolate house. I peered out the window, scanning the property, and realized not only was it remote, but the lawn looked like it hadn’t been mowed in a decade.The thought of snakes and different kinds of insects possibly lurking in the overgrown grass sent chills down my spine. But what truly frightened me was the idea of Nathan and me starting our life together in this eerie house as husband and wife.“We're here. Get out of the car,” He said in a chilly tone. Those two words nearly made me choke, and my eyes grew wide.Me, stepping
Chapter 009NicoleThe next morning, I woke up to sunlight pouring in through the curtains, almost blinding me. I sat up quickly and felt a bit lost, not quite sure where I was. Then it hit me—I had just gotten married the day before, and my husband had left me all alone in this creepy, empty house, which only made me more annoyed with him.It's not that I wanted to be in the same house with him. However, did he not consider the possibility that I could be in danger while alone? What if an intruder, such as a murderer or a burglar, were to invade his home? Or, even more terrifying, a rapist?A chill ran down my spine when those things crossed my mind. While the presence of a thief would be concerning, I could endure the loss of possessions that weren't mine as long as I remained unharmed. I can't die yet. My niece still needed me.I was about to stand up from the bed when I winced as I felt sudden pain in my limbs, prompting me to stretch them, during which I heard the sound of my bon
Chapter 010NicoleI accompanied Andrea to the restroom, and as we made our way back to the ward, I noticed her letting out a deep sigh.''What's the problem, Andrea?'' I gently asked, kissing her hair.She shook her head, avoiding my gaze.''Come on, share it with me. No secrets, right?'' I said with a smile, trying to brighten up her mood. ''Aunt Nicole is here to listen. Do you want something to eat? I can get it for you...''Again, she shook her head.I carefully placed her on the bed and took a seat beside her. I reached out to smooth back some loose strands of her dark hair, tucking them behind her ear. She really bore a striking resemblance to Camille."I just want to know if it's going to require a significant amount of money to treat me.'' Andrea said, fiddling her fingers on her lap as she lowered her head. ''I don't want to see you suffer because of me. You're out of money, right? Mommy didn't leave you anything. And grandma Sylvia is forcing you to work to pay them. Maybe
Chapter 011NicoleMy stepmother's sharp voice cut through my thoughts. "Hey, you filthy pauper! What are you doing here in my house? And how dare you touch my husband! Take your dirty hand away from him! You're damaging his expensive suit!""Yeah, right! And you're tarnishing the elegance of our house," Kendra added, her tone dripping with disdain. "Did you know that we don't accept guests who are poorly dressed?'' She continued to mock my husband as she raked her eyes over him from head to toe. "I can tell that your clothes are not from any high-end brand. You should consider your dressing etiquette when you visit here. This is not a thrift store or a fast-food establishment. We are a respectable and classy family!"Upon hearing Kendra's remarks, Nathan's hand slowly released my father's wrist, and he cast his gaze downward with a deep sigh.Without hesitation, I rushed to his side, pulling him away from my father, and then sent Kendra a deathly glare. "Don't you ever insult my husb
Chapter 012Nicole"What the fuck have you done to my house?" I was taken aback by Nathan's furious voice as he roamed his eyes around the garden brimming with an array of beautiful wildflowers. His face was a clear canvas of disapproval as he paced around outside, his eyes narrowed in displeasure."Why? Are you telling me that you favor the wooded and grassy lawn, along with the potentially snake-infested garden, over the improvements I made? I made your garden beautiful, yet you seem unable to recognize or appreciate it!'' I retorted, showing no signs of intimidation. "I transformed your haunted house into a welcoming home. I trimmed the lawn and even cleaned your entire house! Yet here you are, barking and complaining about my efforts. You're unbelievable.""I never told you to touch anything in my house!" he shouted as he approached the entrance, his agitation intensifying when he opened the door to find that the thin white sheets covering his furniture had vanished. "What the hel
Chapter 013NicoleI was sitting in front of my vanity mirror, staring at my reflection. Having just completed the styling of my hair into long, smooth curls and applied a light layer of makeup, I found myself feeling anxious about the upcoming dinner party at Monroe's residence."Are you ready?" I heard Nathan's loud knock on my door, prompting me to rise swiftly and open it. I saw how his gaze swept over me, assessing my appearance from head to toe, his brows furrowed, which made me hold my breath.In the weeks that had passed, I found it increasingly difficult to keep pace with Nathan. Every morning, he had already left for work by the time I woke up, and by nightfall, I was usually asleep, only stirred by the sound of his car arriving in the garage."Yeah, I'm ready. Is my outfit okay for the occasion?'' I asked, wanting to hear his comment as I glanced down, smoothing my sweaty palm over my simple white dress. When my sister was still alive, she often purchased beautiful dresses
Chapter 014Nicole"I said, you... fucking... shut... up!" Kendra's hand clenched, and I knew she was itching to slap me."Well, I want you to know that I'm enjoying my life at my husband's house..." I said, although that wasn't entirely accurate because I wasn't really enjoying myself at Nathan's house, but I wasn't that lonely either. I was still navigating my existence alongside him while deepening my understanding of who Nathan really was.Kendra stood motionless, her expression one of disbelief. "I don't believe you...'' she then scoffed. "Look at you, he can't even buy you a new dress. What's that? Your old dress from your high school prom?''I took a deep sigh, trying to calm myself. “He's not rich, but he treats me like a princess. Despite his limited financial resources, we're happy being together…” I continued, offering her a sweet smile.Her grip on her purse tightened, her knuckles turning pale. She was expecting that my life with Nathan would devolve into misery. I refuse
Chapter 015Nicole"Nathan, please. Just ignore him..." I tugged Nathan's sleeve when I felt him flinch after hearing what Homer had said, and I noticed the muscles on his jaw twisted, an indication that he was provoked. "He's just teasing you. Please don't give in."And as a consequence of Homer's behavior, I found myself overwhelmed with anger. Nathan had arrived empty-handed, a fact that Homer had previously observed. What compelled him to publicly humiliate Nathan in front of so many people?The smug expression on my ex-boyfriend's face disappeared the moment our gazes met, and my eyes narrowed in response. Nevertheless, he merely shrugged his shoulders and resumed his seat next to Kendra, who was smirking in victory.I shifted my attention back to Nathan, and I could sense that he was eager to overcome Homer's provocation."Please, listen to me. Your father won't like it if you argue with my family in front of him...'' I almost begged, tightening my grip on his arm to prevent him
Chapter 029NicoleI stood calmly in front of the doors, a nervous smile fixed on my face as I waited for the elevator to reach the tenth floor, where I had previously been interviewed. The guy who helped me earlier was standing on my right, a middle-aged man in between us. I turned to look at him, and I noticed that he was busy typing on his phone.The elevator dinged, and the doors opened on the ninth floor. The handsome guy stepped out, not even glancing at my side. I opened my mouth to thank him again, but the doors slid closed after three more people got out.Upon reaching the tenth floor, I exited and immediately spotted Cara at her desk. "Good morning, Miss Cara," I greeted her, and when she looked up, I noticed her eyes sparkled, a clear sign that she remembered me. "I'm Nicole Summers, the newly hired employee. It's my first day today.""Oh, hello, Miss Summers," she greeted, her smile radiating more warmth than when we first met. "I'm really pleased that the HR department re
Chapter 028Nicole"N-Nathan, what are you doing?" I tried to move away from him again, but his hold tightened on my chin."I said, stay still...'' he murmured, and I felt as though my heart almost stopped when his gaze darted on my lips, and I absentmindedly licked the bottom with my tongue, and I saw how his Adam's apple bobbed up and down.I flickered my eyes, and I met his gaze, captivated by the depth of his striking blue eyes. It was incomprehensible to me how a man of such remarkable appearance could be subjected to ridicule and scorn by those who were only interested in the amount he was hiding in his pocket. And how could someone like him be rejected by his own father?"Have you..." he paused, moved away, and cleared his throat before he went on. "Have you secured a job?" he asked, letting out a breath.I nodded, diverting my gaze from his in an effort to steady my racing heart."Well, the Maxwell Group contacted me again earlier, and they informed me that I actually passed t
Chapter 027Nicole"Please, you two, stop! I don't even know what you're talking about," I said, trying to stay calm. "We both know I'm innocent of the accusations you are making. So, please..."As I stepped away from them, I wiped the corner of my mouth with my thumb."Don't pretend that you know nothing, Nicole!" Sylvia growled as she attempted to grab my arm again, but I quickly yanked it away, sending her a deathly glare, but the look she was sending me was more intense. "You stole Homer from her! He left Kendra, and she lost her baby because of it! This is all your fault!"What?I tilted my head to look at Kendra, who was still sobbing loudly next to her. I glanced down at her belly with narrowed eyes. So, it was indeed true that she was pregnant.But what exactly happened? What caused her miscarriage?What was the reason Homer left her?It couldn't be me. I haven't seen him since that dinner party at Monroe's residence."What now? Cat got your tongue?" Sylvia scoffed. "You can't
Chapter 026NicoleI sighed as I exited the Woolworth Group building. I had just completed an interview with them, but I wasn't sure if they were interested in having me join their company. I did my best to answer all the questions, but they informed me to wait for their call to know the result.I had interviews with several companies earlier, but none offered a salary that aligned with my needs. It wasn't about being picky; I just needed a higher income right now to cover the costs of Andrea's treatment. I had withdrawn all my savings and now need to begin saving again.I used to think I could take any job, but I've come to realize that it was not that simple. A modest paycheck would barely cover my food expenses, let alone my other bills. I also have to consider bus fare, toiletries, and, of course, Andrea's needs.If only I had landed a position at Maxwell Group, I wouldn't be facing this predicament.With another deep sigh, I continued my walk to the bus stop. I planned to visit A
Chapter 025NathanMy thoughts were consumed by the image of Nicole pressed against the bathroom wall, her legs lifted and wrapped around my waist. I imagined holding her close as she softly moaned in my ear, reminiscent of that unforgettable night we shared. I longed to kiss the beautiful skin of her neck, savoring every moment.Fuck it!Why couldn't I control these thoughts? My mind relentlessly fixated on the desires I had for her and the things I wanted to do to her again.A cold shower was what I needed right now, so I turned the shower on, but warm water came out, which cascaded over my hair, my face, and my entire body, hitting me with a force that was almost overwhelming, invigorating my muscles.Yet, my thoughts still lingered on my wife.The mere idea of her ignited a rush of desire within me. As the water streamed down my bare skin, I felt an undeniable arousal.I pressed my forehead against the wall, allowing the water to trickle down my back. Memories of my wife and her e
Chapter 024NicoleI felt a smile spread across my face as I envisioned Nathan in my dream. We were at the beach, and he was playfully chasing after me while I tried to evade him. I paused, preparing for him to catch me, raising my hands high as I turned to face him. However, my expression shifted to one of shock when I noticed he was carrying another woman—the one in red from the dinner party.I gasped and opened my eyes, my brows furrowing as I recalled Nathan with that woman in my dream. Why the hell did that man appear in my dream?I yawned and stretched my arms while gently sitting up, only to realize that this was not my bed. My eyes widened in disbelief as I scanned the expansive room around me.Wait, expansive room?My mind began to piece together about what happened yesterday. I had been utterly exhausted after returning home from my interview and had fallen asleep on the couch without even having a meal.But what happened after that?Suddenly, his voice echoed in my mind, so
Chapter 023Nicole"Nathan!" I called out to him, but he had already gotten in the car. "Nathan!"My eyes widened as the vehicle began to pull away. I contemplated pursuing it, but then I felt my phone vibrate in my bag. Diverting my attention from Nathan, I hesitantly answered the call as I watched the car disappear from my sight. "Hello…?""Is this Miss Nicole Summers?" the woman from the other end asked."Yes, what can I do for you?""Well, I am reaching out on behalf of Wellington Group. I am pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed our screening process, and we would like to invite you for an interview today," the woman at the other end of the line informed me.Oh, another interview? Great!Even though I was still grappling with disappointment from my previous interview, and my body was slightly trembling, I think I had to attend this one."Thank you for informing me. I will head there shortly," I responded before ending the call. With a sigh, I shoved my phone bac
Chapter 022NicoleA fleeting wave of dizziness washed over me, and my palms were slick with perspiration, and I swallowed hard upon noticing four individuals seated behind a long table just as I stepped inside."Good morning..." I greeted them with a respectful bow, and the three of them gazed at me intently, while the fourth, who was positioned at the far end, barely acknowledged me—his head lowered, eyes fixed on the documents before him. I couldn't get a clear view of him, yet he seemed familiar, or maybe I was only imagining it.I diverted my gaze from that person and forced a smile onto my face. "Please take a seat, Miss..." The middle-aged man in a grey suit gestured for me to sit on the chair positioned in front of them.I complied politely, striving to manage my anxiety. There was a brief moment of silence before the first interviewer broke it. "What's your name?""I'm Nicole Summers..." I replied softly, struggling to recognize my own voice. I hoped they could hear me and th
Chapter 021NicoleI glanced down at my wristwatch, and my eyes widened when I saw that it was only five minutes before nine. I raced down the street as quickly as my legs could muster.I was already behind schedule for my job interview, and I could not afford to miss this rare opportunity. Securing a position at the Maxwell Group would be an excellent choice for my career. In fact, it was the ideal place for me. They were certainly in a position to offer a competitive salary—one that would provide for my needs and assist in covering Andrea's treatment expenses."Excuse me..." I said politely as I inadvertently bumped into several people along the way. I was trying to compensate for lost time, yet it seemed I was hindered by a few individuals who were ambling along at a leisurely pace in front of me.This was entirely Nathan’s fault! If he hadn’t offered to drive me earlier, I would have arrived on time!"Are you heading out?" Nathan asked as I rushed down the stairs this morning befo