Chapter 0007

Ximena's POV

"I can help you for a small price," I turned my head towards the person.

Alberto Miles Lucas.

I raised an eyebrow, glaring at him. He was studying me from top to bottom, and the most bothersome part was that he was licking his lips. Oh Lord, what have I gotten myself into?

"What do you mean?" I inquired, standing up.

He reached out his hand and ran it through my hair. He licked his lips and smirked. "How about we put Adeline in her place?" he breathed in my hair. "We can work together, you know?"

"Get your hand of me!" I swatted his hand away from my hair. "Are you intoxicated, Alberto? Do you realize you are speaking with your cousin's wife?" I challenged, shooting daggers at him.

He chuckled. "You and I both know you don't view him as your husband. And it so happens that you two share mutual feelings," he stated.

"Leave my room!" I groaned, pointing at the door.

"Playing hard to get? You and I both know you require me. Just say it. When you come to your senses, you know where to find me," with that, he spun around and left the room.

I collapsed back onto the stool. What the hell is going on?

***

I changed into different attire for a stroll. Stepping out of my room, I was met with Mrs. Adeline Miles Lucas. I stopped, clenching my teeth. She walked past me and entered the room. I sighed and followed her.

"What is it now?" I asked and rolled my eyes.

"When will our agreement come into fruition?" she asked, a triumphant smirk appearing on her face.

"Just clarify something for me, Mrs. Miles. Why do you want to take everything from your son?" I questioned. I honestly don't understand.

"Your responsibility is to carry out the plans, not to ask foolish questions," she replied. She handed me a paper. "Here are instructions on what you must do. You have only thirty days to successfully execute the plan. Understood?"

I lifted the paper to meet our gazes and tore it to shreds. "Do your worst, old woman. Aren't you afraid I'll report you to Hudson?" I asked.

She chuckled and closed the distance between us. We were now mere inches apart. She glared daggers at me, her ruby eyes swirling with malicious magma.

"Go ahead, Ximena Arthur, and I'll ensure your entire lineage is wiped out, starting with you," she threatened.

I could sense the heat of her fury searing my skin. We stood there, glaring bitterly at each other. In that moment, Hudson walked in and our eyes snapped to him as we quickly retreated from each other's space.

"What's happening here?" he questioned, halting in his tracks. His gaze flitted from his mother to me.

"Hello, son," Mrs. Miles greeted warmly, facing him.

"I was just reminding your wife of her place in this household," she added, her eyes darting towards me.

I rolled my eyes and took a seat on the edge of the bed. "Excuse me," she exclaimed and made her exit.

"What was that about, Ximena?" Hudson inquired, his tone tight with tension. I narrowed my eyes at him before lying back on the bed.

***

A week later, I got dressed for a photo shoot. A modeling agency had called me earlier today. I had never been more thrilled when they contacted me. Besides, now that I'm a married woman, Aunt Sadie can't control me anymore. Plus, staying cooped up at home with those lunatics will make me go insane.

"You look lovely, Ximena," I complimented my reflection in the mirror, blowing a kiss at it.

"And where are you off to?" Hudson questioned, entering the bedroom from the bathroom. It was the weekend, so he didn’t go to work.

I turned to face him, furrowing my brow in frustration. "What does my going out have to do with you, Mr. Hudson Miles Lucas?" I retorted, rolling my eyes.

In an instant, he was towering over me. We were now mere inches apart. His hazel eyes were consumed by the anger he radiated. I gulped nervously as his piercing gaze burned into my skin.

"You are my wife, Ximena. I have a right to be informed of your whereabouts, do you understand?" He grumbled.

I stepped back, crossed my arms, and stared back at him.

"You don't seem to get it, Hudson. The mere fact that we are fettered by the ties of a contractual marriage does not grant you superiority. Therefore, I am not obligated to provide any explanation for my actions and movements. Is that clear now?" I asserted, turning to pick up my bag.

Before I could react, he seized my hand with a tight grip. He jerked me to face him and I let out a gasp.

"You are legally bound to me, making you a burden," he grumbled.

His heated breath hit my face. "And I have the final say on whether or not you can leave the house. Do you understand?" With that, he shoved me onto the bed, causing me to grunt in pain. He then turned towards the door.

"Hudson!" I yelled, standing up from the bed.

He halted abruptly and turned to face me, clenching his teeth. I rushed to the vanity table, grabbed my bag and phone.

"If you think I will obey your orders, you are mistaken. Don't try to stop me," I challenged, pushing past him.

I made it downstairs and was met with a piercing stare from Mrs. Miles. I clutched my handbag and glared back at her. She took a step closer.

"And where do you think you are going?" she inquired.

"None of your business," I retorted, rolling my eyes.

She let out an evil chuckle. "You still haven't realized the situation you're in, Ximena. If I were you, I would turn around, return to my room and prepare to resume work on Monday," she sneered.

"Listen here, woman. Your hearing seems to be lacking and I will say it one last time. I will never participate in your wicked schemes. If you even dare to mention this again, I will have no choice but to report you to Hudson. Don't test me," I warned and walked away.