Chapter Three

Nate

I wait until it is almost dark before we leave. Since she signed the papers, she had curled up into a ball on one side of the room. Occasionally, her shoulders would shake like she was crying but I didn’t care.

Ever since Zion announced his marriage to her, I wondered why and kept a close watch. He wanted the Henderson deal. A deal to help him expand the franchise into the political scene. But the founders needed something to come with the deal. An Old Money name, because it speaks trust.

It wasn’t hard to get White Ashton to do some shady business with me, especially after finding out he has lost almost all his family wealth because of his gambling addiction. My plan was in motion, and soon, Zion will lose everything including his precious company.

I knew she would be easy to break from the moment I saw her. That need to put her family first and make decisions that are best for them, would be her demise and my victory.

“It’s time to go, get up” I tell her. She stands up but doesn’t look at me. I can see a streak of dried tears on her chin and it makes me wonder what Zion saw in her. She was weak, and the Scots doesn’t do weak.

The commotion at her house was exactly what I needed. It would make headlines. Zion would be portrayed as weak, a man who couldn’t keep his bride and he will feed on it.

“You silly girl, where have you been? Her father scolded, the minute she walked into the garden.

Some of the guests were still present, thinking the bride had escaped. They were in for a good show.

“Hello, Mr Ashton” I stretched my hand out for a handshake.

He looks at me, wide eyed.

“Nate, what are you doing here?”

“Only to bring my wife home” I smiled.

Where was Zion? It wasn’t like him to take the insult of an eloped wife and leave.

Ah, there he is. He walks up to us, dolled up in his perfectly tailored suit, one made for a groom. His eyes were filled with hate. His hair a disheveled mess from having run his fingers through it countless times. I’m lucky we look nothing alike.

“What did you say?” He seethe

“Get your things” I throw at Simone.

“Do not move an inch” Zion orders.

“I’d be careful how you talk to my wife” I was smiling. This shit was funny.

Zion took a step forward, his face fighting to keep his emotions intact. It was obvious he was losing control, just like he always did as a child.

“What is this, Nate?” White Ashton asks me.

“Simone and I are married. And I have papers to prove that”

“Simone is mine” Zion shouts, his hands moving to smack my face. I step away and his hand slashes the air.

The guests are whispering, bringing out cameras and typing away on their phones. Good, I didn’t even have to lift a finger.

“GO GET YOUR THINGS” this time, I wasn’t nice about it.

Simone scurries off, leaving the men to handle this.

“Get these people out” Zion orders, realizing his mistake. Only, he is too late. By now, there are rumors spreading out on social media, one he would need to address.

By the time the garden is cleared, Zion is on his third glass of wine. I couldn’t blame him, his need for possession and control could be overwhelming.

“There is nothing to explain” I say calmly.

“Simone and I are married, and will remain so”

“Youu” Zion points a finger at me. “You had no right”

“Oh but I do. I mean I love to play with your little feelings”

“Is this your plan for revenge?” He laughed.

“Marry a girl I’m barely interested in? You’re a joke”

“Exactly why I married her. You need a reputable name. You need the old money name to get you places. Now, I have her, you will have to fight for it”

“Oh please, I could get that anywhere. I was merely helping them clear their debts and keep their family’s fortune”

“Well, let’s see you get that then.” I say, turning to walk away. “How do you think the family’s fortune declined?” I asked

Colour drained from White Ashton’s face as he remembers all the bad deals he made because of certain pushes. Pushes that came from me.

“I’ve been watching you Zion. I’ve been watching you watch her, and I’ve been watching you plan. You need her and you know it. “

“I will kill you” Zion seethes. His face was red from anger and all the wine he has been drinking.

“You already tried that. Look how it turned out” I turned to White who is still visibly shaken.

“Tell my wife to meet me at the garage.” He leaves, too stunned to speak.

“I will raise hell on you, and you will wish you stayed dead” Zion threatens.

“I look forward to that” I respond, walking away to the place where I first met my wife.