Antonio's POV

“Did you find out who sent the assassin after me a week again?“ I asked Jasper as I stepped out of the BMW and walked into the penthouse.

I shouldn't even ask since I could guess the only person who could've done it anyways—the only person who had a lot to gain from my death.

My wife.

Isn't it pathetic? That the woman I married hates me more than death itself.

But I guess I was just hoping that I'd be wrong. That she wasn't as vile as I thought.

“I think it's the Madam,” Jasper said without holding back. “I haven't found the assassin yet but from the statement of her bank account, I saw she made a huge transfer to a paper account exactly a week ago and I think the payment was for your life.“

I let out a bitter smile.

I could see the colour that drained off her face when I walked in through the doors last week. The way her hands trembled slightly as she served me coffee with a fake smile on her face—playing the role of the dutiful wife.

I had confronted her but she denied it vehemently and told me I had no evidence to prove it.

Yes, she's right—I have no evidence. Even the transfer to the paper company is no evidence since it has no account name. But the moment I get evidence?

She would regret ever crossing paths with me.

I’d stormed out after that, told her I was leaving on a business trip overseas — but I came here instead, to the penthouse. The only place I could breathe clearly.

“Keep investigating. I want substantial evidence that would prove her crimes,' I ordered, yanking the tie off.

“Yes sir..“ he answered.

I turned away, my voice quieter now. “What about the girl from that night? Did you find her?“

Since that night, I haven't been able to think about anything else except the lady that saved me.

She was beautiful. Young. Brave. Pure.

She had saved me without asking questions or caring if I was a bad person even though she was struggling herself. She had treated my wounds with gentle hands. She was the only one who showed me any kindness since Emily. She had touched me like I was human.

And when she kissed me, I should have held back, school her on how I was old enough to father her, but then nothing else matters anymore. I just wanted to feel alive. To claim something real.

And when I did, she was pure.

She was real.

And now…. she seems to have bound me with a spell.

I left that morning because the bleeding in my arm started again. I didn’t want to wake her. She looked so tired, sleeping like that. Peaceful.

I left my crumpled card—the only one I found in my pockets on the table—I expected her to have called me but she hadn't.

Did she not see the card?

Or does she just want to forget about that night?

Did everything we shared not mean anything to her, because it meant everything to me?

“We still haven't found her, boss,” Jasper said, breaking through my thoughts. “I have gone to the motel several times, asked around. No one's seen her again.“

“Keep searching,” I ordered.

He gave a curt nod and left.

The moment the door slammed shut behind him, I let a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

I collapsed into the couch and my eyes landed on the photo frame in front of me.

Emily and Jayden.

They died four years ago in a plane crash. I had sent my first wife to take our son on the trip to Europe on his birthday, but they never made it.

A pang of regret and jealousy hit me. I wish…. I hadn't sent them on that trip.

Then Jasper came in some minutes later, with a bag of gift in his hand.

“We are ready to leave for the wedding, sir.“

I wasn't supposed to go to this wedding since I already said I was out of the country but then the groom is my step son, and I should perform my fatherly duties.

“Alright,” I said, standing up.

I straightened my shirt and we left the room together.

Valerie's POV

I didn’t sleep much that night. Everything happened so fast—He cleared all the hospital bills and the surgery was carried out on mother, which was a success but then she was still in coma.

After then I met his mother, Kathy—who made it known from the very first day that I wasn't the best woman for her son. And he talked about meeting his step father later on since he is out of the country for now.

Followed by legal documents, dress fittings, endless arrangements I wasn’t even part of. And now, one week later, I’m about to marry a man I barely know… to save the woman I love most.

I stood on the altar, dressed in a wedding dress that seems more like a shroud with a bouquet in my hands that was heavier than the trays of drinks I carried in the clubhouse.

Murmurs and whispers swirled around me of how I was below him and how I probably seduced him.

“Do you, Valerie Gaston take Mathew Rodriguez as your lawfully wedded husband to love and cherish him until death do you apart?“ the officiating minister asked.

My throat tightened. To love and cherish the man I barely know? I guess there is really no going back now.

A beat passed. Two. The murmurs grew louder.

“Valerie.“ Mathew's sharp voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Yes… I do,” I managed.

Mathew said his own vow too.

“Now… you may now kiss the bride.“

Kiss? My chest tightened.

Mathew leaned in, a smirk spreading across his face. I stiffened when he wrapped his arms around my waist.

Instead of the kiss I feared, he put his left thumb on my lips. “Do you perhaps think I want to kiss you?“ He whispered through gritted teeth. “All I need is for you to act like the perfect Mrs. Rodriguez. Do you understand?“ he asked, his grip around my waist tightening.

I nodded.

“Good. Now, smile. Show everyone how happy you are to be married to me.“

He pulled back, grinning for the cameras.

And I did exactly as he said.

I smiled — and died a little inside.