Chapter four

The next morning, Adam made a show of being the perfect family man, volunteering to take Elena to work and little Becky to school. The front door hadn't even finished clicking shut before I bolted for the bathroom.

I turned the shower on, letting the spray soak through my hair and down to my feet. As the steam rose, the memories of yesterday flooded my mind. I leaned against the cold tile, still unable to believe how easily I had let them make a fool of me.

I remembered the day I almost dyed my blonde hair. Adam had offhandedly mentioned he didn't like blondes, claiming they were mostly spoiled brats or gold diggers. To keep from irritating him, I’d resorted to wearing headscarves every day. I couldn't bring myself to change the color.

I dressed quickly, skipping the makeup, and drove straight to my father’s office at Greene Empire.

"You made it," my father said the second I stepped inside.

I looked at him smiled wondering how he'd feel when he learns that the man he had arranged for me to marry had handed me a fake marriage certificate and made me his tool.

"You didn't think I'd come?" I asked.

"I'm just glad you did, princess."

I looked at the mountain of documents on his mahogany desk and felt a wave of dizziness. The old Rebecca would rather be at a spa or shopping with friends than buried in paperwork.

"This isn't child's play, Rebecca. I'm putting everything at stake here," he said, his voice grave. "People will call me foolish, but I believe in you. This is our legacy."

"I won't fail you, Dad. I promise."

He went silent for a moment. I knew how hard this was for him. In the Greene family, women were accessories. known for designer clothes and lavish spending, not boardrooms. Their only duty was to stay home and provide heirs.

Finally, he nodded. "Let us begin then."

He spent hours briefing me on the company's inner workings. It was a massive operation, but I was shocked to learn that half the assets were owned by an anonymous partner. My grandfather had been a reckless gambler who nearly ruined the firm, forcing my father into a desperate partnership with Mr. Anonymous to save the Greene name.

I took notes until my hand ached, fighting the urge to drift off. By the time I headed home, my head was throbbing painfully.

When I walked into the living room, I froze.

Elena was draped across the sofa, her leg resting comfortably in Adam’s lap while he rubbed it gently. They looked exactly like a cozy couple from a romance movie.

I faked a loud cough.

Adam nearly shoved Elena off the cushions in his scramble to get her leg off him. They both looked so disoriented.

"Where do you keep disappearing to lately?" Adam asked, stalking toward me. "I was worried. We came home starving, and Elena hurt her leg trying to fix dinner. I was just trying to help."

I feigned a look of deep concern. "Oh my! I’m so sorry, Elena. You should have waited for me. Now you’ve hurt your beautiful leg."

"It’s nothing, Rebecca," Elena said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Your husband was hungry, and since we’re practically sisters, I thought I’d help. I didn't know you had a stool in the kitchen. Adam was just trying to make the pain go away. He’s so caring."

She flashed him a flirty look. He started to return it, then caught himself and swatted at an invisible fly.

"Why do you think I married him?" I said smoothly. "I knew he was a gentleman from the day we met."

Jealousy flashed in her eyes when Adam actually blushed at my words.

"I couldn't finish the meal, though," she quickly added. "Maybe you could finish making dinner?"

I let out a long yawn. "I’d love to, really. But I’m exhausted, love."

"Exhausted?" Adam snapped, his patience evaporating. "Are you possessed, Rebecca?"

Elena quickly patted his back. "Don’t get worked up. If she’s tired, she’s tired. I’ll just order something."

"I’m doing no such thing! Not when I have a wife at home!" he yelled.

He brushed her hand off his back and grabbed my wrist, dragging me into the kitchen and locking the door behind us.

"What has gotten into you? Where is the woman I married?"

Tears tickled down my cheeks. For three years, I had loved this man. I would have done anything for him, all he had to do was ask.

When he saw me cry, his expression softened slightly. "I’m sorry," he muttered, reaching for my hand. "Did I hurt you?"

I wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand. This was the last time he would ever see me cry. He has one the first round, I'll make sure he never wins again.

"No, I just thought of a story I read. I want to go to my room now."

He blinked, stunned. "Excuse me?"

"I would like to go to my room Adam. can I go?"

"I just asked you to cook, Becky. I’m starving—"

"You asked where I was," I interrupted. "I was at my dad's. He’s not feeling well, and I’ve been taking care of him. We wouldn't want anything happening to him before August, would we? That’s when he’s supposed to hand the company over to you, right?"

I watched him suddenly force a look of concern. "Is it serious? Why didn't anyone tell me? I should have gone with you."

"Leave him to me, love. You just focus on getting ready for the big task ahead."

A slow, greedy smile spread across his face. "I’ve always been ready, and I promise to do my best. That's why I've been working extra hours. I truly want to impress you Rebecca. You're the reason I keep pushing myself further."

"Can I leave now?"

"Of course. I’ll just order food."

Before I could move, he leaned down and kissed me. I had to fight the urge to flinch. His hand moved to my breast, squeezing softly before he finally let me go.

I practically bolted from the kitchen. When I glanced back, he had a strange look on his face, he was finally trying to figure me out.