Chapter 6

Azalea’s Pov 

What was I expecting from Dante? Maybe a big hug and kisses on my cheeks when the whole family barely knows me. They are all already blinded by Morris’s facade that they would never find fault in anything he did. Now I know better than to disclose everything I know to any member of the family, they might tell him about my suspicions and aid him in his plans to ruin me along with them. He's that evil and I will make them see him for who he is.

Common sense told me to run far away from men like Dante, but the more I tried, the deeper thoughts of him registered in my mind. Was I expecting some kindness from such a man? Which man wakes up to find himself already married to some strange woman? If I should throw blame, it would be at my father who signed me off without second thoughts. And Leo, who is having the time of his life with Zara.

I had no time to think about all of those as they swam through my head and made me drift from the task at hand many times, but I spent late night burning candles to read through all the documents Gina forwarded to me. 

When I dozed off, I had no idea, but I woke up the next morning drooling all over the paper drafts scattered on my desk and my iPad lay awkwardly on my lap. I quickly arranged the whole document in order and got ready for work. I left the house without waiting for breakfast. If anything, my presence seems to be forbidden to everyone who always gathers in the dining room. If only my family were that traditional.

My sister-in-law, Larrisa, was driving in when I was about to enter my car. I didn't want to pause for a greeting since she's one of the people who doesn't hide how much she dislikes me and doesn't think I am suitable for her ever-perfect brother, but she waved at me and I had to lean against the car to wait for her to park properly and come down.

“Hey, morning.” She said with narrowed eyes when she finally came down from her car and started coming towards me.

“I can see the rest of my day is already blessed since you stopped to talk to me, Sister-in-law.” I wore a hopeful smile.

“Don't get used to it.” She stopped in front of me and sighed. “If you missed the signals, I don't like you, but I don't hate you either. I just don't think you're good for my brother.” 

She looked serious and her honesty made me smile again. “Judge me if you dare, I looked you up and read about your family. I needed to make sure my brother was in safe hands. He's been through a lot and I am not going to lose him again to some dumbstruck goddess.”

“I'll keep that in mind. We both want what's best for him.” I said, glancing at my wristwatch to remind myself that I should have left a few minutes ago.

“You can run along.” She patted my arm as she stepped aside for me to pass to my car. “Show my brother that you are right; he loves results and not just words, especially when he already believes that my mother made a mistake with you. The company means everything to him and everyone trusts Morris, so you must work harder to prove yourself worthy of handling his business.” She added when I didn't move, she disappeared into the house.

“Thanks,” I mumbled to myself as I entered the passenger seat of the car. Gerald was already filling the driver's seat and he greeted me with a yawn.

“I'm sorry, ma'am. Morning.” He apologized as he turned the key in the ignition and the car whispered to life.

“It's fine. Do you sleep in the car?” 

“No. You shouldn't be surprised, if it were Mr Dante, I'd never beat him to the car.” He laughed, enjoying himself with the memories as he pulled out of the driveway.

“He said he'd have my head on a platter if I ever miss driving you to work and back. I don't want to cross the man.” His words came as a surprise, but I wasn't about to relish the idea of the man I met last night being anything but caring and good.

“I need you to take me somewhere first.” I changed the topic, monitoring my phone closely.

I spent the rest of the day in my office, reading what was left of the document Gina sent me while I jotted down every change that needed to be implemented and the issues that must be addressed if the company was to move forward and not stay where Morris had left it.

The whole time, thoughts of my unrelenting husband were a welcome distraction, and that's why I was not surprised when I found myself standing at his door instead of mine. He has made it clear that he doesn't want me, not around him or his space. But I still stood there, even when I saw the doorknob turning until the door opened and his stern eyes fell upon me.

“I'm…I'm so…sorry. I…I…” My heart pounded in my chest, my throat tightened, and I shut up when he suddenly staggered, and his grip on the doorknob loosened.

“Get out.” He muttered, slowly pushing the door closed.

I would have done just that if I hadn't seen how sunken his eyes were and his wavering focus, the man I have come to know would have shut the door on my face more loudly. So when I heard a loud crash, I pushed the door open and wasn't surprised that he left it unlocked. He lay sprawled on the floor now, his hand which had knocked down a few things from his desk while he fell, grasping his phone.

I locked the door, knowing that it would do him no good to call for help. I already know what is wrong with him. Morris’s plan was in motion. Only God knows what type of drug Danielle had prescribed for him to make him feel weaker and faint. I noticed that he had trouble breathing when his eyes glazed over my face.

“Go away.” He said again, probably because he wasn't used to someone seeing him at his lowest or because he didn't expect me to be there.

“Can you…” I swallowed a lump in my throat and tried to help him sit up. He's a big muscular body man so I wouldn't have lifted his hand if he didn't push himself up. “Good. Now let's get you to lie down in your bed.”

“I told you to fucking leave me alone and go away!”

“I'm so–sorry. Once you're in bed, I'll go. Li…lift yourself up a little bit, please?”