Chapter 12 Michael's POV I quickly dialed Jason's number, my mind racing with concern. "Jason, it's Freya. We got into a fight, and she just left Grandpa's home. She's heading to the hospital where her mom stays. Keep an eye on her," I said, ending the call abruptly after hearing Jason's reassuring response. I paced around the room, feeling restless and anxious. Finally, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling lifeless and defeated. The weight of my mistakes crushed me. I shouldn't have kissed Emma, no matter how I felt about her. Regret washed over me, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt. Lost in thought, I didn't notice the two gentle knocks on my door. "Michael, are you in there?" Grandpa called out, sounding worried. I took a deep breath and replied, "Grandpa." He entered the room, looking around as if searching for someone. His cane supported him as he walked. "Come to my room," he said gently but firmly.I followed him, thinking of excuses for Freya's absence. In his
Chapter 13Emma's POVI stood there, my fist clenched in anger and pain, as I remembered Michael's passionate declaration of love for that woman. It hurt, especially after our kiss just moments before ; a kiss that came after five years of waiting. He hadn't even hugged me, and now he was telling Ambrose how much he loved Freya, but his eyes told a different story."I want to make her pay," I whispered, my voice trembling with rage. "I want to crush her and make her cry. I want to make her feel miserable." A warm hand on my back interrupted my venomous thoughts, and for a moment, I wished it was Michael, declaring his love for me. But the hand belonged to Ambrose, his eyes filled with a mix of pity and anger as he gazed at me. "Ambrose..." I choked, my voice cracking as tears streamed down my face."I love him," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I love Michael... so much. Why is he defending his marriage to Freya?" I asked, desperately. "You told me it was all a sham, didn't you?" I
Chapter 14Freya's POV"Sweetheart, what's wrong? You look pale and sad. I was expecting your visit yesterday," my mom asked, her voice weak and shaky.Guilt and pain washed over me as I gazed at her frail form, confined to one position. My strong and intelligent mother, who had always been my rock, now lay vulnerable and helpless.I felt a crushing sense of guilt for keeping my marriage a secret. My mother would never have allowed me to make such a choice, not after everything we'd been through. She would have protected me from this mess.I knew I had to save her from the truth, at least for now. She didn't need to know."Mom..." I sobbed, overcome with emotion. My mother's condition wasn't improving. Her weakness was alarming."I'm sorry, Mom. I'm such a bad child. Sorry I couldn't visit," I whispered, wiping away tears as she placed her cold, wet hand on mine. I shuddered at her touch."Mother, are you okay? Aren't the doctors taking care of you?" I burst into tears again, but my m
Chapter 15Freya's POV"I asked a question, Freya," my mom pressed, her voice firm. ''Who is whose husband?"I finally tore my gaze away from Michael, my eyes drifting back to my mom's inquiring face."Mom...it's not what you think...Mom, it's a...," I stammered, struggling to find the right words.But before I could continue, Michael stepped in, his voice smooth and confident."Mrs. Rogers, I ought to have done an official introduction. I'm Freya's husband, Michael Smith," he announced, his eyes locked onto mine.I glared at him, feeling a surge of anger and rage."How dare you butt in?" I snapped, my eyes blazing with irritation. "You have no right to disrespect my mom in this manner."My mom's voice cut through the tension. "Freya, have you been lying to me?"I took a deep breath, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Mom. I just...I needed the money for your health. I had no choice." I whispered, my voice barely audible."You know I'll never keep secrets from you. Besides, our marr
Chapter 16Freya's POVI felt overwhelmed, so I soaked in the tub to calm down. But my emotions ran so deep that I didn't even hear my name being called. It wasn't until I sensed someone nearby that I snapped back to reality, finding myself on the floor.As I struggled to focus, I saw Michael's worried face and felt his hands shaking me. I almost smiled at his frantic efforts, but I was too caught up in my thoughts. I couldn't shake the pain of my mother's actions.I closed my eyes, letting the darkness wash over me. But I couldn't cry anymore. I'd already cried too much."Rogers!" Michael's voice echoed from behind the door, louder this time. I thought he'd already left. I didn't have time for him, not now. My mind was consumed by a single thought; storming into Ambrose's home and revealing myself to my son. I'd stop at nothing to reclaim him."Rogers!" Michael called out again, his voice insistent. I hesitated, then responded, trying to keep my emotions in check."Go away! I'm figur
Chapter 17Freya's POVI slowly lowered the phone, my eyes locked on Michael's piercing gaze. "Mr. Smith, you need to leave," I said wearily, struggling to maintain my composure.He wasn't supposed to know about the call. Ambrose's words still echoed in my mind, and I couldn't let Michael suspect anything.But Michael's expression remained unyielding. "No, you'll come with me to the mansion," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.My demeanor shifted, as anger bubbled inside me. How dare he dictate what I should do? I clenched my fist, a silent prayer whispering through my mind for Waylen's safe return."I refuse to abide by your terms, Mr. Smith," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside.Michael's eyes narrowed. "We had a deal, Rogers. And you will not default. I thought we understood each other." His words hung in the air, heavy with implication.I looked away, swallowing hard, as the weight of my situation threatened to crush me."Mr. Smith, I...I just c
Chapter 18Freya's povI couldn't shake off the feeling; I think I love Michael Smith. But this was wrong; it broke the first rule. I avoided his gaze, unable to face him after Ambrose's call interrupted our moment."Miss Rogers, won't you at least pick up the phone?" Michael asked, his voice surprisingly calm. He didn't seem embarrassed or shy, which only confused me. I thought love was supposed to make you vulnerable and self-conscious."And...we were wrong to have...done this," he said, his voice trailing off. His words cut deep, and I felt a pang of disappointment. Didn't he realize I wasn't angry about what happened? Didn't he see that I wanted more?"Yea, I'm sorry too," I said, meeting his gaze. Our eyes locked, and a sharp pain pierced my chest."Can you...leave me here for tonight?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Michael exhaled a low chuckle, his finger brushing against his lip in a gesture that made him look endearingly sexy."You know, Rogers, it's fine if you d
Chapter 19 Michael's pov I couldn't shake off the memory of that kiss with Freya. It was the same feeling I had expected to experience with Emma, but never did. I was perplexed by my reaction - I wasn't even attracted to Freya, yet her kiss had left me feeling lost. As I recalled her tears, I felt a pang in my chest. It was my first time seeing her so close. Her delicate features, long lashes, and brown irises had touched something within me. And those soft, moist lips... it was as if she had invited me in. "Michael, you're so stupid," I muttered to myself, pushing the thought away. I stood up, grabbed my laptop, and focused on more pressing matters. Our company's annual event was approaching, and I hoped Grandfather would finally announce my official inheritance rights. I decided not to return to my mansion that night. I knew Alexis and Raymond would be lurking around, but I was confident I could handle them. After all, they wouldn't dare misbehave on my own property. Howe
Chapter 140Freya's POV.....Twenty minutes laterRaymond's death felt like the end had come. I couldn't imagine watching the ever-energetic man lying motionless and lifeless with no breath in him. It felt like he was trying to say a word to me when I saw his hand suddenly sliding from my face. "Raymond," I wept slowly, never knowing that I would one day cry for a person like him."My child..." I heard my mom's tender voice as I looked beside her, not finding anyone. "Where's Waylen?" I panicked, my eyes scanning around her and even to the person behind her. "He just fell asleep. He's been taken to his grandpa's home and..." "Mother... we are all leaving as soon as Raymond's funeral arrangement has been made. I wouldn't want my son having anything to do with the Jenkins or the Smiths," I said, my tone measured and cold.Mum wanted to speak but was cut short by the mortuary attendant who came out with some things I couldn't even relate to; it wasn't my fault, I'd never had any reason t
Chapter 139Michael's POVEven as I felt the pain from the shot on my feet, it wasn't comparable to how I felt when Ambrose had taken possession of Freya. A lot of questions kept popping up in my head as I couldn't stop wondering why Freya had held her stomach. But then, my priority was to save her and everyone who had come along with me.When the gate exploded and the cops went in, I knew this would be the greatest opportunity to seize everything Ambrose had held. This was us winning, this was us leaving him to his miserable fate. But then, it wasn't the case here after the gunshot."Nooooo!!!" Freya screamed as a part of me went down immediately. The other person who had assisted me in standing had been shot and was lying in a pool of blood."Drop the gun now or I'll shoot!" Ambrose still threatened, pointing the gun towards one of the cops who didn't slack in his work. As he shot Ambrose's gun, it fell, falling from his hand. But then, I was just too scared to look back at the pers
Chapter 138Freya's POV"Freya, don't. I'm going to have to tell it to Michael if you do." Raymond said to me in a hushed breath. But then, there were a whole lot of people's lives at stake. And besides, the cops were never present in times like these."What on Earth do you know? Tell it to me," Michael asked fiercely, looking at Raymond's direction, whose gaze was fixed on me."Call the priest, everyone here is ready for a ceremony," Ambrose said as he moved closer to Michael, whose face was bruised, and his looks were sending fire. He said something I couldn't quite hear, and not long, I was taken away into the inner room for a quick makeup.It took less than ten minutes, and I was accompanied out by the man who had dolled me up. My mom's face was drowned with tears, and my heart was broken; but that was the only thing I could do at the moment."Wow! Look whose wife is here?" Ambrose teased as he moved towards my direction. I couldn't raise my face nor look towards Michael's directi
Chapter 137Ambrose's POV"You animal!" she fired as she struggled with my hand holding her tightly."Everyone's waiting... just say the damn yes!" My voice echoed as I dragged her towards the direction of a man who was seated quietly, holding a Bible and a cross."Reverend, bless our marriage... she said yes," I said, my voice coming out unsteadily as Freya battled with me to let her go."Let her go, Ambrose. That's enough."I turned around to see Raymond, barely on his feet with his eyes glued to mine."You, I thought my boys shut you up already?" I asked, moving closer to him as I released my grip on Freya."Surrender, Ambrose. The cops will be here and there's no way to avoid this anymore... you have to let go, Ambrose."I laughed loudly, giving him a long stare as I dragged his cheek with my left hand."You're being too nosy. This isn't your fight. Don't you dare act like you're better than I am.""Your son's watching, please..." he begged as I suddenly looked in the direction of
Chapter 136Raymond's POVThe weight of Freya's words kept taking my attention away. I closed my eyes for a while, thinking deeply about whether letting her go alone was the right thing to do. Somehow, I wondered if Jason was right about it all. I rolled my eyes, bringing myself back from the trance."You'll have a whole lot to explain to Michael. He just told me to keep Freya with me, that he was going to settle things with the officers," Jason said, his voice seeming to disrupt the awful silence that grew between us."Are you serious about what you said the other time?" I asked softly as he tried to play dumb. "Come on, Jason, you know what I'm talking about. Did Michael really come visit Freya alone and... the presents?" He nodded his head gently as I took a deep sigh."I mean... Freya had rejected the whole present, thinking it was from her mysterious husband. She even got into a fight with her mom... oh God," I said in deep regret. "But then... Michael only wanted to see her face
Chapter 135 Freya's POV"What did you say?" Raymond asked, his eyeballs suddenly widening as I took a deep breath with my eyes closed. "Wait, did you both..." He paused as I felt so shy about giving him a response. He turned around, trying to go back to Jason, as I grabbed his hand firmly, preventing him from moving."What the hell are you doing?" I asked, my voice shaking. "Of course, we need to tell it to Jason. I can't keep this from him.""What do you mean? Michael's getting married, and I really don't want this baby to... come into his marriage," I said, and somehow, I could see the resignation in his expression."You could hurt the baby, you know?" He whispered as I shook my head, trying to be strong. "I'll be fine. Just go be with Jason and wait," I said as he nodded. "Be careful," he warned before leaving as I wiped away the little tears that had plastered on my face.A few moments later, I found myself in front of a beautiful yet small house. I doubted this was where Ambros
Chapter 134Freya's POVI began to shake as we drove down a lonely bush path. Raymond held my hands in assurance, but it felt like that wasn't enough. I wanted more than just that... I needed Michael's warm embrace, I needed to feel his warm breath on me whispering to me that everything would be okay."Jason," I called as he replied with his eyes still fixed on the road as he drove with his cellphone mounted in front, which guided him with the direction. "Is... is... Michael coming already?" I asked, my voice so low, but I didn't think I needed to appear like I was fine without him. "Yes, Freya... Michael's coming." I nodded as I fixed my eyes on the wristwatch again as a private number appeared again as the caller ID. I picked it up immediately, fully aware that it was Ambrose."Hey... do you really not care about your mother? How aged she is that she can't even withstand the cold on her?" he mocked as he laughed loudly while my hand shook while holding the cellphone, but I tried
Chapter 133Michael's POVI couldn't stop myself from banging the laptop that was placed in front of me aggressively on the office desk, not caring about anything. The thought of seeing Freya so comfortable without me by her side, her sudden closeness with Raymond, and how she didn't even realize that I had stopped her from going out there because I still cared for her. "You're so stupid, so stupid," I muttered, closing my eyes to take a deep breath when Grandpa's call came into my phone. "Grandpa," I finally said after the third ring, as I heard him clear his throat from the receiver end. I wondered why he had called; it was always about the damn marriage."Haven't you seen the news? Where did Ambrose take the little boy and his grandmother to?" he asked, and I detected panic in his voice. "You should hurry over and do something quick," he said, as I let out a low chuckle. How on Earth did he get to know about it? "Grandpa, why do you suddenly care about the Rogers?" I asked, and
Chapter 132 The weight of my words Freya's POV "Yeah, that won't be necessary. I'm here already, and there's no way I'm going to sit back and watch you all go without me," I said, my eyes locking onto Michael's, who didn't say a word but kept his focus on Raymond. "Raymond, we need to get to Grandpa," I said, almost going closer, as Michael stepped in between. His towering height once more intimidated me as he gave me a long, piercing gaze. "I will not let you go on that road in search of them; I won't ever allow that," Michael said authoritatively, as I couldn't stop myself from laughing. "What on earth does he take me for right now?" I thought. I refused to be stupid, not to him nor Ambrose. "Dare me if you can, Mr. Michael Smith Jenkins," I said in gritted teeth as I moved closer to him, like I was daring him for a challenge. "May I have a moment with her, please?" he said softly, as the two nodded about leaving while I moved closer to Raymond, still locking eyes with him. "We