Chapter 6

AVERY WINTERS

I had no idea what to do.

I just stood there, staring everywhere but him, playing with my fingers.

“Now that you’re my wife, we need to make it look real, don’t you think?” He said, walking over to a particular drawer and pulling out a small box.

As he moved closer, he opened it and my heart skipped a beat. Inside, was a stunning diamond ring.

It sparkled in the light and shine brightly. It was exquisite, that I couldn’t help but gasp in wonder.

"W-What's this? I mean, is that for me?" I stuttered.

"Who else but you, little kitten?"

I stared at him, bewildered. He had the ring ready?

I gazed down at the ring and it looked beautiful. But I was surprised— how did he know my size?

We hadn’t discussed about it. How did he get it ready so soon?

It had only been one evening since we had met.

He grasped my left hand, pulling me closer, and I gasped in shock. We locked gazes, and weirdly for a moment, my heart raced.

I was captivated by his piercing eyes and chiseled features.

How could someone be this breathtakingly handsome?

He was no Greek God but his features were chiseled to perfection. And he had a charm that was impossible to ignore.

“Okay, we’re done” he said, breaking the spell on me.

He stepped back, and I blinked repeatedly, realizing that the beautiful ring was now on my finger, sparkling in the light.

“My mom and sister will be visiting this evening, and I will be introducing you to them. Get yourself ready” he instructed, his tone firm as he headed out.

“Um... wait!” I called out, stopping him.

“W-what about my room?” I asked, softly, my voice barely above a whisper but loud enough for him to hear.

“Someone will be here to help you with that” he said, his tone cold and hard.

Wow.

Just a moment ago, he was being sweet, and the next, he had transformed into a cold, heartless man again. He didn’t even bother to spare me a glance before slamming the door in my face.

Avery, what are you getting yourself into?

Just as I was snapping out of my daze, a knock at the door broke the silence in the room.

My brows furrowed in confusion, before I told whoever it was to come in.

The door swung open, and two maids I believed, walked in, led by a middle aged woman who looked like she was in her mid 30’s.

They bowed in unison. “Hello, Mrs. Reed.”

The older one greeted me in a gentle, yet firm tone.

“Mr. Reed has assigned a maid to serve you and tend to all your needs. Your room is ready, please let us to escort you,” she said.

“Um, thank you...” I trailed off, waiting for the lady to introduce herself.

She smiled, catching on quickly. “Aubrey... You can call me, Aubrey. And she’s Abigail.”

I nodded, gesturing for her to lead the way.

As we walked into my room, I was struck by its elegance decoration. I gasped in awe. The room was breathtakingly beautiful— well breathtaking. That’s the word I could use to describe it.

“Mrs. Reed, this is your room. Abigail is at your service. She will be here if you need anything.” Aubrey said, a small smile spreading across her face.

I nodded, returning the smile. “Thank you, Aubrey. But I will have to-“

Before I could finish, the door swung open and another set of maids walked in, carrying my luggage.

They bowed and explained they had been instructed to bring my belongings inside.

I nodded, thanked them, and they left.

Aubrey and Abigail arranged my stuffs before heading out, leaving me alone.

I sat on the bed, my gaze wandering around the room as a heavy sigh escaped my lips.

It’s hard to believe, but I’m starting a new life here now— for a year, I will be staying here, living as the legal wife of the powerful mafia leader, Bernard Reed.

A WEEK LATER

It’s been a since I set foot in this mansion, and after meeting with Bernard’s Mom and sister.

It wasn’t easy. It was more like a rollercoaster.

With Bernard’s Mom— it was great.

I used to think no one could top Paisley’s kindness, but meeting Bernard’s mom changed that.

She welcomed me with an open arms, and I was shocked and happy for that.

Though, I felt bad because she believed her son and I were truly in love— that was what Bernard told her.

I couldn’t help but ponder how she would feel if she ever learned the truth.

Bernard, however, wasn’t helping as he kept making things more complicated— acting all loving and charming towards me in the presence of his Mom and sister.

He would kiss me on the cheek or lips whenever he pleases. He was all over me the whole time, playing the doting husband role. Sliding his hand around my waist, and making me feel like a pawn in his game.

I almost got caught up in his act to the point of losing myself.

He made our fake marriage look so real, that no one would ever suspect a thing.

That night, he didn’t just introduce me to his Mom and sister as his legitimate wife, but to his workers too.

Like I was the real deal.

Now, everyone in the mansion treats me with utmost respect- a respect I never received when I was married to my supposed childhood sweetheart, the love of my life whom I spent more than half of my years of existence with.

Funnily, here at Bernard’s mansion, I might not be in a loving relationship with him, but he made sure everyone respects me.... Well, except for HIM.

Then, there’s his sister.

God, it took everything in me to control myself.

She was nothing but an annoying spoilt brat that everyone adored, but hardly got scolded.

FLASHBACK

“Oh, they’re here,” Mrs. Reed said, nodding towards the door.

I turned, and my gaze landed on Bernard, and beside him was a stunning, slender yet curvy lady— probably in her late 20’s.

Their arms linked as they stepped closer.

I smiled, stretching out my hand for a handshake. “Hi, you must be Harper Reed. I’m Avery Winters. Bernard’s wife.”

She sized me up slowly, her face falling slightly in disappointment.

“So, this is the Avery Winters?” She asked, turning to her brother.

The tone was evident— like, this is the trash you had chosen to take as your wife?

A dull ache settled in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

It’s too early for me to have an enemy for goodness sake!

Bernard shot her a stern look, indirectly telling her— compose yourself.

She rolled her eyes, then turned to me, her lips curling into a bright, seemingly innocent smile. “Avery, did you do your research before saying yes to my brother’s proposal?”

My brows furrowed slightly. “What?”

“I mean, if you had done your research, you would have known you look a lot like his ex girlfriend. Did you know? If she hadn’t left him, he wouldn’t have considered marrying you. But I guess you wouldn’t mind. After all, you’re just an ordinary replacement.”

The second those words left her mouth, Bernard’s expression darkened.

END OF FLASHBACK.

•

A week had passed, and I hadn’t set my eyes on Bernard.

Ever since his mom and sister had left that night, he had vanished without a word.

No words from him, and neither has he bothered to check up on me— not that I was expecting anything from him anyway.

Just then, I heard a familiar voice call out, “Mrs. Reed.”

I turned, and my gaze met Mr. Lucas’s.

Finally, he’s here too.

Like boss, like worker, I guess.

His boss had vanished for a week, and so had he.

He bowed, and then added, “I had looked for you inside, but the maid said you were out here.”

I was bored. I had been stuck in my room all day, doing nothing.

It was getting suffocating.

I had no one to talk to, apart from the novel I kept reading. And whenever I tried to strike a conversation with my maid, she would apologize, saying their boss had instructed them to always treat me with utmost respect.

Even when I told her it's fine, she was still scared to face his wrath.

That was the kind of power he wielded.

And here I am, sitting by the pool, feeling the cool breeze, and just lost in thought.

“Hi, Mr. Theodore. What brings you here? And where’s your boss?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Mr. Reed is busy at the moment. I’m here to deliver a message. And please, just call me Lucas. I live here too. I’m Mr. Reed’s personal assistant.”

“I see,” I muttered, briefly.

Funnily, that was all I could say. I had a lot of questions to ask, but words wouldn’t just come out of my mouth.

They felt stuck.

Should I start with— why didn’t he call or text me? And sending his assistant instead.

Oh, I almost forgot.

We don’t even have each other’s contact. Or maybe he does, but I don’t have his.

And I’m supposed to be his wife.

“What’s the message about?” I asked, standing up.

“He wants you to get ready before 2 PM, I will be taking you to the company. He wants to introduce you to the board of directors.”

I nodded curtly, but didn’t utter a word.

I don’t know why, a pang of disappointed suddenly hit me hard.

It’s been a week since we last saw each other. The least he could do was show up himself, playing the part of a devoted loving husband like he had always said.

Did he really need to send his assistant to do his job?

I had no idea how Lucas got to know what was going through my mind, till he said, “You shouldn’t feel bad. He was actually handling an important deal, that’s why he couldn’t make it and sent me here instead.”

I knew he was just covering for him. It’s written all over his face.

What was I thinking?— I thought, mentally scolding myself.

Why was I expecting so much from a man who only sees me as his ex girlfriend replacement?

•

Minutes passed, and the car pulled up at the LS Group Company.

I took a deep breath, and just as I stepped out, my gaze landed on him.

My husband.

He looked charming and sharp in his grey suit, his black leather shoe polished to a perfection.

His eyes were cold though, as if he had just fought with someone.

No excitement, no spark. Just plain.

As if that wasn’t enough, he began to scold me for being late.

I had taken my time to pick this beautiful dress specially for the occasion, to meet up his expectations.

I don’t know what I was thinking, but I was hoping for a compliment.

“I told you to be here by 1:30 PM, it’s 2 PM already. What were you thinking?” He scolded, his face burning with rage.

There we go again.

But what exactly have I done wrong?

Why is he even mad at me for no reason?