MAEVE’S POV

I sit there in shock while my eyes stay glued to Rocco. Somehow, it still feels like I am stuck in a dream. My only best friend is a Blackwood. How did I never notice? Did Father know? Is that why he let him hang around the house?

Confusion sets in, and I finally look away to answer the Grandfather. His face is wrinkled, and his white hair is trimmed neatly.

“Kaiden never said anything about you, and suddenly, you both are married. Don’t tell me he hired you to fake marry him for the will?” Grandfather Antonio raises his brows.

“Come on, Grandpa. Stop being so negative-minded. Maeve and I are in love. Besides, we like the same things.” He lies and wraps his hand around my waist. The truth, too, shakes me to pay him any heed. I can't help but wonder if they had put Rocco up to it. “Maeve darling.” He pinches me on my waist, and I blink.

“Yes. We are in love.” I lie, and Antonio nods.

“The swearing-in is in a few days. She needs to come and get familiar with our world. I still don’t see why you had to marry someone who knows nothing about our world.” He shows his distaste.

“It doesn't matter, Granny. Grandma was a reporter when you fell in love with her.” Rocco says and laughs. I squeeze my face as I wonder how he can be at ease. The rest of the meal goes by, and I barely eat a thing because I can’t help but feel betrayed.

“I wanted to tell you, Maeve. I promise.” Rocco begs the second Kaiden to escort Antonio to the car.

“And when will that be?” I throw him an angry look.

“Soon. I just…” He runs his fingers through his hair. “I didn't want to hurt your feelings. I didn't want….I feared that you would hate me when you know who I am.” He completes, his eyes filled with remorse, but I can't help but scoff at his excuses.

“I thought we were friends.” There is a slight hurt in my voice. “Does Father know?” I ask, and he nods. “Nice, so I am the only dumb one.”

“No, Maeve. They didn't want to hurt your feelings.”

“Well, they did now. Why did he keep you if you are his enemy’s child? Why did he let you hang around?” I have many questions, but I don’t push them.

“Your Father was a good man, Maeve. He understood me better than anyone else. I am different, Maeve, from them. I wanted nothing with the Blackwood, and your father provided a means of earning a healthy living. I should have told you.” He sounds sincere; his expression and everything makes me want to believe him, but that doesn't change the fact that I am hurt.

“I can't believe you, Rocco, not after this. I want out. This is probably a game to you both.” I inform them and walk away before he can hold me. Kaiden walks in with a smile on his face, and I feel the urge to rip his throat out. “I want a divorce!” I say and watch his lips twitch.

“Why, if I may ask? It’s barely three hours since you said your vows, wifey.” Mockery. I catch hints of mockery, and I let out a frustrated sigh.

“What’s your gain in all of these?” I question and watch him play with his tongue before leaning in.

“Rocco cherishes you, and in case you didn't notice, I don’t necessarily like him. So let’s say you are my payback ticket.”

The moment he explains it, I can’t help but feel wronged and dumb. Kaiden is a devil, but this, this is heartlessness.

“I want a divorce, Kaiden!” I repeat, but it doesn't bother him because he remains as calm as stagnant water.

“Did you even read the document, wifey? I guess you didn't.” He laughs loudly. “It says, and I quote, ‘Till death do us part, wifey’ One of us needs to die for the other to get out. In a simpler term, you are stuck with me forever.” His grin grows wider, and he laughs maniacally.

“You asshole!” Rocco yells behind me and launches forward to grab his shirt. “You will give her what she wants right now?” His voice is firm. This is the first time I will see Rocco angry. He is the type to always have a smile on. He is the happiest human I know.

“And if I don’t?” Kaiden questions.

“I will kill you!” Rocco roars, and I can tell that he means it.

“Well, let’s see you try, brother.” The last word rolls off slowly before he dusts Rocco’s hands off like some sand and walks away.

“Remember, wifey, the swearing-in is in two days. Welcome to my world.” His laugh grows thinner as he leaves, and I clutch onto my dress in anger.

The thought that I just got played. He deceived me. They deceived me, and now it was time to play them too.

“I can get you out, Maeve. Fly you out, and he will never find you. I promise.” Rocco lets out in a rush, holding my hands.

“No, Rocco. I have to do this. I am so close to figuring out everything. I need to know why he killed my family.”

“It’s dangerous, Maeve. You could die.”

“And that I shall gladly do. I don’t need your help, Rocco. Not anymore.” I say, pushing behind the bitter taste in my tongue and walking away from him.

I know the swearing-in is going to consist of dramas. Luckily, I have a document no one knows I do. One that can bring the mightiest men to their knees. With their dirty, dirty secrets. And that is my weapon.