Nicholas POV.
The office felt empty without Jeremy's bubbling presence.
I found it difficult to focus on work when everything around me reminded me of him.
We've worked together to build the Hall's enterprise for so many years and now, I felt incomplete.
But work has to go on.
His death was something I never considered an accident, it was carefully planned.
But I had no idea who it was that would want my brother dead.
Although his wife was arrested, it didn't sit well with me that she was the killer. The two were happily married and so in love, she wouldn't kill her source of joy.
I didn't know who it was but I knew whoever it was, was really smart with covering their tracks.
While watching the view of the busy city from the window, I heard my phone ring.
I stared at the caller's ID, surprised to see it was from the police station. I recalled leaving my details with the policeman who arrested Reyna in case of an emergency.
My pulse quickened, 'did something happen?' I wondered as I picked up the call.
"Hello, how can I help?" I asked as the phone got connected.
Upon hearing the news passed on to me, my brows pulled together in surprise.
I immediately headed for the police station.
***************
A junior police officer directed me to the room where Reyna was kept.
The room was really dark, with a dimly lit bulb hanging at the center of the room.
I spotted Reyna sitting on a chair, her eyes sunken with dryness, and her skin looked pale. She looked so different from the cheerful, beautiful lady I knew–like her essence disappeared together with my brother.
"Reyna," I called out, her gaze moving toward me.
I moved closer to her, my nose catching a faint lavender scent from her.
"I was informed of your pregnancy." I started, fixing my hands into my pants.
She sighed, "Yes, I just found out too."
"It's sad that my brother's death has landed you here and–"
"I didn't kill him, I promise." She cut me off mid sentence, her eyes sparkling with a silent cry for help.
I frowned, "No one's going to believe you, not even me."
"So why are you here then? To mock me like the other family members?" She questioned, her arms wrapping around her chest.
"I don't believe you did it but I can't argue with the evidence. Do you have an idea on who did this to you?"
She nodded immediately, "Yes, I do."
I rubbed my chin slightly, my gaze never leaving her face.
"I'd give you a chance to prove your innocence to the world, just because it's unsafe for you to birth a child in such an environment." I declared.
"How will you get me out of here?" She asked.
"A contract marriage. You'll become my wife and I'll offer you a name for your child, protection and shelter. All on one condition."
She clasped her hands together, "I'll do anything, tell me I'm listening."
"You'll help me find my brother's true killer."
"I promise to find my husband's killer, no matter how difficult it gets." She stated, her voice low but firm.
"Good. Come with me," I ordered as I turned towards the exit.
"How will I leave here if there's evidence against me?" She questioned, putting me to an abrupt halt.
"My lawyer is helping you get bail that'll last until you've given birth. You have to find the true killer before then or you'd be back here and I'd do nothing about it."
"I'd try my best to find them."
After signing the necessary documents, Reyna got released from prison.
She quickly fell asleep in the car, as if she'd been dying to sleep comfortably.
We arrived at my lawyer's office after some minutes, where we sealed the fate of our marriage.
After signing the marriage certificate, I handed them to Reyna.
"Don't expect love from me. This is nothing but a charade." I reinstated, making it clear that I was not going to be emotionally available.
She was mine only on paper, but in reality she was alone. I was only here to protect my brother's seed.
It was the least I could do for him.
Reyna nodded curtly, putting her signature on the papers as well.
From the lawyer's office, we arrived home.
The gazes of the workers were fixed on Reyna–who hesitated to walk into the mansion.
I held her hand, pulling her along with me as I walked in.
The first person who noticed us walking in was my mother.
"Stop right there!" She demanded, rising up from the couch with a tight frown on her face.
"What the hell is she doing with you Nicholas?" She questioned further, pointing at Reyna.
"She's now my wife, mother." I declared.
My mom covered her mouth with both hands, retreating as if my words pushed her away from me.
"Aren't you ashamed getting married to your brother's wife? This is despicable!" She howled, her voice seething with disappointment.
I was not about to tell her Reyna was pregnant. The hatred my mother harbored for Reyna would increase.
She never found Reyna food enough for the Hall family–just cause she wasn't from an influential family.
To her,Reyna was an opportunist who deceived Jeremy into marriage to enjoy luxury. So she wanted her out by all means, but she never did anything deliberate to kick her out.
So I thought it wise for her to find out about the pregnancy later, not now.
"I understand your annoyance mother but you have to accept her."
My mother scoffed, "Accept this witch?"
Before I could speak further, my mother hit Reyna on the face.