"Okay, sister… I'll try," Mark blurted, grinning.
I sat there, having my breakfast without a care in the world. "Aurora, will you like to hang out with me today?"
"I'm sorry, Tiwa," I replied gently, dabbing my lips with a napkin. "But I'm a surgeon. I have to go to work. "Wow, you're a surgeon? That's amazing! So… what do you operate on?"
I smiled faintly. "The heart."Proud of you, Aurora," she said warmly. Mark, sitting nearby, gave a low whistle. "So she operates on the heart… that's impressive, though."
I felt his gaze linger. He just sat there, watching me eat, and I didn't even realize he'd been staring so much until I finally looked up and caught his eyes. I arrived at my clinic with a convoy of luxury cars trailing behind me like I was some kind of visiting royalty. It was over the top… and I instantly knew whose doing it was.
I used to think Jake was crazy about security and appearances. But Mark? Mark was ten times worse. Sinking into my office chair, I glanced at the engagement ring Jake had given me. My chest tightened. My fingers traced the cool metal until tears blurred my vision.I miss you so much, Jake… If only you were alive, none of this—this cage I'm in would have happened.
After a long, exhausting day of surgeries and consultations, I packed up to go home. My phone lit up Angel calling. I stared at the screen. My throat tightened. I couldn't… not now. "I'm sorry, bestie," I whispered to the silent phone, "but I can't talk right now."
I walked over to the head of clinic security. "If Angel comes here looking for me, you tell her I'm not around even if I am. Are we clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," he nodded firmly.
Back at the mansion, I was greeted not by silence… but by giggles and loud chatter. I followed the sound into the lounge.There they were Maxwell and Tiwa sitting close together, laughing like old friends."Max!" I called, my heart lifting. I rushed forward to embrace him, but he didn't move. He didn't even look at me.
My smile faltered. I understood… he had every right to be angry with me. I just stood there, my eyes pleading silently. "You two know each other?" Tiwa asked, glancing between us. "Oh, yeah," I began, "he's my—"
"She's my ex," Maxwell cut in coldly.
My eyes widened. What?! Why would he…?
I just stared at him, shocked, my breath caught in my throat. Without a word, I turned and walked away quickly, my vision blurring.
And then… I collided with the one man I didn't want to see my heartless husband. I immediately stepped back and tried to change my route, but his voice cut through the air like a blade. "Do you have any shame at all? Bringing your boyfriend into my house?" I froze. "What…? What nonsense are you talking about?" My voice trembled, part from anger, part from disbelief.But he was relentless.
"Don't play innocent. I should've known better—"That was it. My blood boiled.
"Listen to me, Mr.," I snapped, my voice sharp and trembling. "Just because I'm quiet doesn't mean you can insult me or take me for granted. Who do you think you are? You're callous. Cruel. And I've had enough! I don't want this marriage anymore. Stay away from me! If you can't respect a woman, at least don't try it with me."
His lips curled into a mocking smile. "You should be grateful you're married to me. Women like you are gold diggers. Don't act all innocent. Remember I bought you with my money." I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "A gold digger? You're so funny, Mark."
Pushing past him, I stormed up to my room, slamming the door behind me.Downstairs, I heard him mutter under his breath, "I never knew she had such a big mouth." Later, in the lounge, Max turned to Tiwa. "If you're not comfortable, we can meet somewhere else so you don't have to see her." Inwardly, he thought, I'm sorry, Aurora. I had to say that. I want you to stay away from me and this was the only way. Before he could leave, Mark entered. The two men locked eyes cold, unblinking, deadly before Max walked out without a word.
"Tiwa," Mark said casually.
"Yes, bro? "Do you like him?" She smiled shyly. "Is it that obvious?"Hm. It is. Don't worry I'll make him yours. "Really?" she gasped.Of course. Anything for you, sis."
Her face lit up as she ran into his arms.
It had been two whole weeks since she entered my life… and my house.Two weeks of her ignoring me. Avoiding me. And God help me… it was driving me insane.I hated her.
I wanted her. I hated that I wanted her.
What the hell is wrong with me? I needed to do something anything to get her attention. She couldn't just keep pretending I didn't exist.After all… I bought her with my money.
Gulping down the last of my drink, I went downstairs.She was sitting there in the lounge, chatting happily with Tiwa. They'd grown close, it seemed.Her smile… God, that smile. The most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
My eyes traced every curve of her face until they landed on her lips those soft, perfect lips I was dying to taste.