All Chapters of Married To My Nemesis: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Hermione did not want to spend her birthday in her father’s house. Although she had nothing planned, anything was better than spending an evening in the Windsor mansion. And this wasn’t only coming from a place of resentment, it was coming from a place of fear. Robert Windsor was a harsh man and had always been hard on her, nitpicking everything including every decision she made. As much as she resented him for it, his scrutiny had carved something deep into her: a need for his approval that she couldn’t shake. Every choice she made, she still heard his voice. Would he like this? Would he praise or punish her for this? Years and years of self-doubt. Sometimes, she felt incomplete without his verdict. Hermione glanced at the food on her plate, then at her wrist. Even now, she wasn’t sure if she was the right size to stand before him. Over the past few days, she’d eaten more than usual — Evelyn’s doing, mostly. But if she was going to face her father in two weeks, she needed to be

PAST Nine years ago, Rhys tapped his hand on the table, gazing out the window for a glimpse of a blonde girl or the sleek black car that always followed her everywhere. He found neither. He glanced at his watch and muttered, "Is she bailing on me today? Today of all days?" He grumbled under his breath before taking a sip from his mug of hot chocolate. Hermione had never been late for their study session before. He wondered what was keeping her. He was about to pull out his phone and send her a text when he spotted her silhouette running toward him from the direction of the school, still in her uniform. Behind her, a black car crept along slowly, ensuring her safety without ever meddling in her affairs. He found it endearing, the way Robert Windsor always made sure she was protected while still giving her space to be a normal high school girl. He had never met her father properly, but most could tell he loved his daughter.

PRESENT Hermione stared into space in a daze. Last night, she hadn't slept a wink. She couldn't get over the fact that she'd almost let Rhys kiss her voluntarily. She had almost let him have his way with her, not out of spite, but out of desire. She shook her head in denial. This wasn't supposed to happen. She wasn't supposed to desire him. Not him. Not the man who had obviously married her with an ulterior motive. Not the man she was a hundred percent sure wanted to hurt her. She had plans. There was no room in her heart for romance. She couldn't let herself go down that path again, especially because Rhys was just using her. She still remembered her conversation with Evelyn — the talk about Judith, his almost-wife. God knows when she would decide to show up, and he'd leave Hermione for her. Rhys Huxley wasn't trustworthy. She had to remind herself of that. She had to fight his advances. "I have to," she said aloud

The following days were anything but pleasant for Windsor Enterprise. One damning headline followed another. Company files were confiscated, and Robert Windsor was reportedly invited to the station for questioning and investigation.Several investors and partners pulled out all at once. Tax evasion was a serious crime, and no one wanted to be associated with an organization that might go under. Many of them had skeletons of their own, secrets they weren't ready to expose, and being associated with the enterprise put them at risk.Netizens didn't spare the organization either. Wealthy elites dodging taxes? The news infuriated the masses. Boycotts of Windsor's products had already begun, and the company's stocks were plummeting at an alarming rate.At the top of the Enterprise building, Tony sat in his sprawling office. Papers were scattered across his desk, and a bottle of tequila sat atop the messy pile. He took a shot, set the glass down, and

Hermione stood outside the mansion, glancing at the time with a furrowed brow. She was dressed simply but elegantly — a short black dress, her hair down in soft waves, light makeup, and beautiful heels. It was already 5:30 p.m., and the Windsor mansion was an hour's drive away. Dinner usually started by six, so she was already running late, but still she waited, hoping Rhys would show. She sighed when she didn't spot his car in sight, then got into her own vehicle and began driving. The roads were clear, and the drive was fast. An hour later, she pulled up in front of the familiar grand Windsor mansion. It was magnificent, old money dripping from every brick and archway. She stepped out of the car and took a deep breath. It had been a long time since she last set foot in here. Even though she had a few bad memories, it was still her home and a part of her missed it dearly. The real question was, did it miss her? She started toward the entrance. The doors swung open before sh