Chapter 1

Amelia flinched the moment she heard the car honk outside the mansion, her eyes welling up in despair. She had literally caused a scene at the grocery store earlier today, losing it after the cashier promised a refund under twenty four hours.

Twenty four hours?

That was enough hour to have her killed and buried by Hector. Yes, $90 is as little as a whit, but not with Hector. Not when he had warned her. Not when she knows what he's capable of.

The fear of the unknown consumed her as she thought of the money a man was kind enough to have given her. It was exactly the $90 she had requested.

Amelia had snatched the money in haste and scurried away as the thought of what Hector would have done to her reeled and overrode her mind. She couldn't even remember to thank him.

Neither does she even remember what he looked like. Hector's wrath was all she could think of in all of that moment—the thought of giving Hector the $90 to appease him at least. But she'd only be lucky if he ever allowed her speak.

Footsteps stormed towards them by the kitchen and the shouting of her name sent ripples of fear gripping her like a vice.

"Is that Daddy?" Angel queried at her mother, snapping her out of it as she stood frozen, her hands clamping firmly on the Island edge.

Amelia swallowed, her eyes blinked hastily, her lips trembling as she tried to reply her daughter.

"Ye—Yes, sweetie. Your father's back," a sheepish smile curled up her lips. "You should finish your meal now. You don't want to be late for school tomorrow, do you?"

The kitchen's door finally swung open. The look on the man's face by the door at Amelia and her daughters was a crystal clear indication of what she has been expecting.

Hector walked in, his eyes shuffling between her and their daughters before saying, "I hope my dinner is ready?" he glared hard at Amelia.

"Yes, Hector."

He eyed her scornfully before walking away and for once, she felt glad it wasn't about what had happened earlier today.

But how come he didn't realize that yet? Perhaps, the money has been refunded?

Amelia heaved a sigh after Hector left.

"Mummy, what is wrong with, Daddy?" Aria questioned this time at their mother. She is the quietest, smartest , and best observer among the twins.

And even though the twins are well acquainted with their father 's gestures towards their mom on several occasions, they just couldn't help but wonder why their own father wouldn't want to even associate with them as much as he always does with Nathalie— another child he had with another woman called Ellen..

Amelia chuckled with a smile. "Your father is just having a hard time at work today, sweetie. It's not easy trying to work so hard to see his children go to school, you know. I'm sure he'll feel much better after his meal," she winked at them to throw a playful shade. "Now, hurry with your meal so I can take you both to bed."

~~

As she returned to the kitchen, Amelia blew out hot air as her hands lay over her chest by the island. Her throat bobbed as her eyes clenched. She would definitely be having a sound good night tonight , at least now that the money has been refunded.

She opened her eyes to the meal, her hands, resting over Hector's food tray in front of her. But just as she tried to lift it off the surface to take to his room as usual, her gaze caught the presence of a figure standing by the door with his arms folded.

She froze, her soul almost leaving her body.

"Hect—Hector?" she stuttered.

Hector only watched as she stood still, his gaze sending cold fearful shivers down her spine as he sauntered towards her by the Island. His paces, cold and calculating. That walk isn't foreign to Amelia. It was the kind that spoke of a cruel intention foreboding and Amelia couldn't help but wonder why this act?

Even though, sometimes, Hector would always hit her for no reason at all, she knew how fast he can be with dishing her hot, merciless slaps and punches in his drunkard state but this... this particular one hinted on her being an offender and he obviously wasn't drunk this time.

But what could it be that she's done this time?

Hector abruptly shifted direction, making a beeline for the oven. He cranked the gas knob, igniting the burners with a loud click, and abandoned it, allowing the flames to lick at the air, burning fiercely.

"You... You're here," Amelia kept her cool still, hoping to dispense her duty as his lawfully wedded wife and not letting his action instill fear into her. Her hands began to work on the food tray, "I'll just set the table now for you here. I guess you probably want tea too—"

Before she could finish, Hector was already standing right behind her, his hand stroking gently on her hair from behind, like a maniac about to have an episode. Amelia gasped as Hector's hand suddenly grabbed her by the neck.

"Hec—Hect..." her voice seized as she struggled to break free from his chokehold.

"What did I tell you about trying to always act way too smart with me, Amelia?" his tone was as cold as ice in her ears.

"Hector, please..." she pleaded. "It's not what you... I can't breathe."

"I've always known my money was what drew me to you and was never because you loved me. My fucking God, you have been so smart with your plans you didn't only get to tie me down with those critters you called mine but also approved of my father's marriage to you!" he spat. "How dare you get pregnant and fucking blame me for being responsible when infact I wasn't the only man fucking you."

"You're the only man I've ever been with Hector. I swear on my parents...I can't..." she gasped for air, "I can't breathe!"

"Shut up!" he sneered.

Truly, Amelia had accepted to marrying Hector, but that was after his father pleaded with her to save his honor and that of his family after he got her pregnant. The news of her pregnancy under their roof, according to the late Mr. Ashford White could cause scandal.

"Please, Hector, the kids are asleep..." Amelia managed to plead as she cried. "Please, I'm begging you Hector —"

Hector spun her around, yanking her head back by her hair so her gaze could rise to meet his . The food tray went flying, crashing onto the marble floor with a loud, sharp splatter. Amelia drew in a long breath to recover from the choke, but Hector's mighty and huge hand tend to be restless on pulling her skull out of her head.

Amelia held his hand as she winced in excruciating pain. "Please, Hector. You're hurting me. I'm begging you. Stop please—"

"Shut up you lying whore!" he clapped back, hollering at her face. "I know those kids aren't mine but how you managed to convince everyone including me is what I'm still yet to understand. Now answer me, why is the receipt reading ninety dollars more than the expected amount today at the grocery?"