Chapteri
The day I returned home, my husband had promised to pick me up at the airport. But at the last minute, he sent someone else in his
place.
Instead of a warm welcome, I was blocked at the gate by a woman who looked me up and down with arrogance.
“So you’re that so–called buddy of William’s everyone keeps mentioning?” she sneered.
I didn’t have time for games. “Oakridge Manor Estate. Take me home, now.”
This morning, the butler, James Whitaker, called to say my grandfather, Mr. Carter, had taken a turn for the worse.
But these women didn’t move an inch. They stood like a wall in front of the exit, glaring at me with open hostility.
“You homewrecking slut,” one of them spat. “Let’s see if you can walk away in one piece today!”
A sharp slap landed across my face before I could react, and then fists and feet came raining down.
Fortunately, I knew a bit of self–defense. With a quick reversal, I threw several of them onto the ground.
“Are you insane? Is this really how my husband arranged for you to meet me?”
Olivia Scott scrambled back up, her face red with humiliation. Her voice cut like a blade:
“You’re nothing more than his so–called childhood friend! And yet you dare to claim you’re his wife?”
She yanked a few iron rods from behind her, clearly prepared.
“Today I’ll teach you how to keep your distance from a married man!”
I caught her arm, holding her down with effort. My patience wore thin.
“We can’t be talking about the same person. I despise cheaters. Why would I ever break up someone’s marriage?”
By now, a curious crowd had gathered around us, blocking the way. The road home was vanishing before my eyes. I softened my tone, trying to reason with her.
“Miss, if you have demands, take them to my lawyer. Right now, I need to get home to see a sick family member. I don’t have time for
this circus.”
I shoved past, aiming for the edge of the crowd.
But then she whipped out a photo, William and me, arm in arm.
“That’s me and my husband,” I blurted without thinking.
Her temper exploded.
“William always said you were just his childhood buddy. Yet in front of everyone you dare call him your husband?”
“Oh, I see! Playing the role of a brother in public, but sneaking around as his mistress in private!”
The crowd, which had started to disperse, swarmed back in, their eyes narrowing with suspicion. To them, I already looked guilty.
Olivia raised her rod high, triumphant, and swung it toward me.
Pressed by the crowd, I couldn’t dodge in time. A few brutal strikes landed.
Pain seared down my arm, leaving it numb and useless.
My voice turned cold. “My grandfather is gravely ill. I don’t have the luxury of wasting time with you. Move, or you’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
I was Grandpa’s only granddaughter. He had always doted on me, even handing me full control of the company he had built from
Chapter1
10.00%
ere was no way I could be late and be lan-
i, spitting venom in front of everyone! at everyone
ame is Olivia Scott, William’s legal wife!“‘s slipped
hind the word brother to travel abroad with him, to take wedding portraits, to meet his family! You’amily! You’ve
don’t beat you to death today, I’ll take your last name instead!” me instead!”
and the rods behind her came down in a flurry.ringer
a sharp breath
ge at betrayal, if that were truly the case, ther
heartbreak.
hands, eyes narrowing as I gave her one final warning maliwang
10
