Chapter Three

Palmer's POV 

For a second I forgot how to breathe, it felt like the world stopped. I could not believe my ears.

My brain seemed to be failing me as I was struggling to process what Claire said.

“What?”

“He was found dead in his apartment, he was electrocuted in his bathtub.” she cried out, her words barely audible.

And just then for the first time since our wedding night Arrow walked into the house. As soon as our eyes met I knew. I knew he was behind it.

I was married to a killer, he had threatened to kill him and he did.

I cut off the call and approached him.

“Why? Why did you do that?” I asked, tears streaming down my eyes.

“Do what?” He asked, giving me a nonchalant look.

“Why do you kill him?” I asked, slamming my hands on his chest.

“I don't know who you are talking about.” He said, but the coy smile on his lips said another.

He was mocking me, he found my pain amusing. He was a psychopath.

“You are insane, he was innocent. We broke up.” I cried as the realisation of Christians death settles in

“This is to teach you and lesson. I am very possessive, palmer. I do not share what belongs to me. I did this so you will know where you belong. I told you that you belong to me. Only me and no one else” he said.

I felt like a property, and that is when I realised that leaving this marriage would not be easy as I had imagined. I was in for a long ride. One I have no idea if I would ever come off from.

****

“Father, the doctor said you need rest.”

His health was seriously deteriorating and it was scaring me. He needed surgery but it was an expensive surgery that I could not afford neither could my father.

The company was doing well now although Arrow owned most of the shares. My father was just a regular employee in a company that he started.  At least he was a board member with a small share. The company now belonged to Arrow but a lot of people got to keep their jobs including Alex who was now working as a Human resources director at the company.

“I will. Now go back to your husband's house, It is getting late,” he joked.

“Are you pursuing me?” I asked, 

“Never my darling,”

But he was right. I needed to go home. Arrow had some rules which I had to follow. I was scared of him, he was a monster but he was my husband. I had no choice.

I quickly said goodbye to my father and walked out of the room. As I walked out I ran into doctor Philip who insisted he must talk to me.

“Your father's health is getting worse. He needs surgery . It is the only way for him to get better. If he does not perform  the surgery soon I cannot guarantee he will see the end of next month.” He warned.

I froze, where was I going to get the money to pay for his bills? I only had one choice, one I never wanted to use.

*****

“Uhmmmm Arrow?” I called his name as gently as I could.

He was seated in his study, looking through some files, his glasses hanging on his nose.

“Yes,” he answered, not sparing me a glance.

“I want to ask you for a favour?” I asked.

I looked up from his file, looking almost surprised. He removed his glasses and dropped his file relaxing on his chair as he stared at me with a smug expression.

“I thought you said you would never talk to me again.” He teased me.

And I meant it. I never wanted to talk to him again, but I was in need of help and he was the only hope I had, so I had to swallow my pride.

“Well, I am here..” I snapped.

He scoffed at my harshness, looking amused. I could not believe I am talking to the killer of my ex boyfriend but I have no choice.

“Feisty today aren't you.  Love it. So, what do you want?” He asked.

“I need some money for my father's surgery, I can't foot the expenses anymore.” I begged.

“Now you need my help? Sorry I can't help.” He replied, putting his glasses back on and picking up the file he was reading, dismissing me.

My mouth hung open in surprise.

“Why?” I asked, my voice trembling as I tried to control the bubbling anger within me.

“Like you said, we are strangers. I don't help strangers except if I am getting something in return.” He replied.

“Gosh, you are despicable.” I sighed in disbelief.

He shrugged, looking unaffected. How can someone be so heartless?

“Not the first nor the last time I will hear that.” He responded, looking unaffected.

“I am your wife for god's sake.” I yelled.

“Oh! Now you are my wife?” He asked. “Gosh you are two faced, can't you pick a side and stay there?” He mocked.

I stared at him, and I knew he meant it. He was not going to help unless I gave him something in return.

“What do you want then?” I asked, feeling defeated.

“Now you are talking.” he said, dropping the file and giving his attention to me once again.

“Perform your duties as my wife, warm my bed, accompany me to events and act as my wife and lover and I will help your father with his hospital bills. I will send him to any country or hospital which can improve his health.”

I could not believe my ears, he wanted me to sleep with him.

“I will never do that.” I said, looking at him in disgust.

“Then leave my study.” He replied, not batting his lashes.

He meant it. This was his proposal. Either I  accept it or watch my father die.