Chapter 3: House

I got into my father's limousine. Only his driver picked me up. I sighed. This isn't the first time Dad invited me to their house, but I don't know, after what happened during my last visit—I'm scared. I'm ashamed and I feel sorry for myself.

I feel like I'm intruding in a place where I don't belong.

I've accepted that I have no hope of being accepted by his family. I understand that, I don't invalidate their feelings.

Who would want to see the person who caused the destruction of their family? If I were in their shoes, I'd probably feel the same way.

I can't blame them for their situation and anger towards me because they have reason to feel that way.

I closed my eyes as my eyes stung. It's not my fault that I'm in this situation, none of this is what I wanted. I have no other options but to live the path my parents made for me. I'm just so unlucky.

My heart aches for myself, for the things I have to endure that weren't even my fault.

I feel guilty having those kinds of thoughts. I don't hate my parents for this life. In fact, despite the situation we're in now, I'm grateful to them for bringing me into this world. Maybe I'm just envious.

I envy those people who enjoy their lives.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bitter person. I'm happy that they enjoy their lives in this world. It's just that I always dream about it. I also want to experience those things.

I quickly wiped away the tears from my eyes using the back of my hand when I saw that we were entering the gates of the mansion.

"Miss Diandra, we're here," said the driver, getting out first to open the door for me.

"Thank you."

As I got out, I was greeted by Dad's big smile, which I couldn't reciprocate.

"Hija, how are you?" Dad went to hug me. I just let him hug me, and when he let go, he faced me. He must have noticed my coldness.

"Let's go inside, Andra," he said. Without a word, I followed him.

It's like Dad didn't care about not contacting me for almost two months. Then again, I'm not his only child.

I'm not mad, I just feel nothing but indifference towards him.

When we entered their mansion, we were greeted by their house staff. We went straight to the dining area where his wife and my half-sister were.

"Hija, take a seat," Dad said with a smile. We sat side-by-side, with Dad facing his wife and Elle in front of me.

I ate quietly while they talked about business, sometimes including Elle in their conversation.

"The company is sinking, so make sure you can convince him," said Mrs. Fuego.

I have nothing to do with them, so I chose not to interfere or listen.

Until the conversation turned to Elle.

"Elle is getting married, you should be there, hija," Dad said smiling. I just nodded.

Elle is already 26, she's at the right age, so it's fine. Elle smiled at me. I don't know if it's genuine or not.

I closed my eyes as I realized something. I signed the marriage contract. I'm already married on paper. Hades said we'll be married for two years according to the contract. At first, I hesitated because I didn't know him well and the time he was asking for was too long, but he convinced me.

He also wants to meet my parents. I said I'd talk to them first. He wants to meet them, so I must tell them.

"How about you, hija? Do you have a boyfriend?" Dad asked.

"I'm married, Dad," I calmly said.

They fell silent. After a while, I heard the mother and daughter laughing. I bit my lip in embarrassment.

"What? You're joking? You're so young, Diandra," my father asked seriously and coldly.

I shook my head.

"Guess what? He must be poor, huh?" Elle said, laughing. Her mother laughed too.

My grip on my spoon tightened.

"Stop it," Dad coldly said to his wife and daughter. They fell silent.

"If what you're saying is true, Diandra. You need to introduce this man to me," he said seriously.

Our dinner ended without mentioning my Mom. Dad escort me to the car; his driver will drive me home. He invited me to stay over, but I refused; I have work tomorrow.

Dad also gave me some money, but I refused it too. In the end, he asked me to come back the next day with my husband, and I agreed. I'll talk to Hades first.

When I got home, I immediately went to my room. I showered before going to bed.

I woke up early to visit my Mom in the hospital. I also cooked food that I brought for Yaya Maya, who was taking care of my Mom. 

Mommy is still unconscious and is still being monitored by the doctors.

When I arrived at Hudson Corporation, I went straight to Ma'am Maries' office. She wasn't there yet, so I started working alone. I knew Ma'am Maries was always in a hurry, and time was very valuable to her. That's why it's surprising that she's late today.

While reading the schedule, my phone beeped. I saw Hades' text message.

Hades:

Come here to my office.

What? Ma'am Maries isn't here yet, she might get mad if she arrives and I'm not here. I immediately replied.

Diandra:

Why, sir?

I sat down while waiting for his quick reply.

Hades:

Don't call me that. I'm your husband now.

Gosh, what? My face heated up. Yeah, right! Hmm, so I must pretend already?

Diandra:

Oh, okay. Why did you call me here, hubby?

I waited a while for his message, I thought he wouldn't reply anymore.

Hades:

Come here now.

Humph, fine! I stood up and went to the elevator. When I got to his office, I saw a woman wearing a short skirt and a sleeveless shirt. When she saw me, she raised her eyebrow.

"Who are you? What do you need from Mr. Hudson?" she asked haughtily.

I answered her question in my mind. I'm his wife.

"Hmm, he called me here…" I said calmly.

"And why?" she snapped.

Why is she talking to me like that? I smiled sarcastically at her.

"I need to go now. Let me in," I said and turned the doorknob, but she stopped me.

"I'm Mr. Hudson's secretary. He doesn't just let anyone into his office, so what do you need?" she asked, looking irritated.

Why is this girl so nosy?

"I'm his wife. Please, excuse me," I said coldly. Her jaw dropped, and she forced a laugh, but I could clearly see how her expression changed.

"What? Sir doesn't have a wife, you're delusional! You wait, I'll tell him you're causing trouble here!" she said haughtily and opened the door and slammed it shut.

After a while, she opened the door again. Her face was pale, and when our eyes met, she bowed her head.

I furrowed my brow.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. I didn't know," she said. I ignored her. I went in and went straight to Hades, who was now watching me.

I heard the door close, the secretary had left.

"Why did you call me?" I asked softly. Yesterday, we agreed that we shouldn't be formal with each other.

"From now on, you're not going to work anymore," he said coldly.

My brows furrowed, "I'm an intern," I said.

"And? You're my wife," he said, seemingly not understanding what I said. I sighed heavily.

"Did you eat already?" he asked. I just nodded. I pouted while staring at him.

Why is he so handsome?

"I need to go back to Ma'am Maries' office immediately," I said.

"She got into a car accident last night, she's in a coma," he said seriously.

What? My heart seemed to float. Is she okay? Poor thing.

"You're her intern, so you'll be my assistant for now. But I'm not going to let you work," he said seriously.

What?

"Let's go," he stood up and took my hand.

"Where are we going?" I asked in surprise.

"Our house."