CHRISTIAN
"Your father canceled your appointment with Mr. Russo," my P.A., Ian, announces.
A muscle ticked in my jaw.
"What do you mean my father canceled my appointment?" I almost snap, my eyes widening.
"Uh… your father wanted you to spend time with your new wife today. He also canceled every schedule for tomorrow."
The phone nearly slipped from my hand.
Really? This is it? Father can just decide to cancel my appointments without notifying me? I knew I should have bought my own company instead of just a share in his.
Wasn't it enough that I agreed to marry Valerie? Why then is he making things so damn difficult?!
I tear the phone from my ear and end the call. Opening WhatsApp, I'm about to click on my father's contact, pinned on the top, only to see that he's typing.
—Behave yourself and take care of your new wife. Forget about your company for a few days, I'm not taking no for an answer!—
He goes offline.
I carry Lizzy in my arms as I get to my feet. I only agreed to this marriage because he had already told the press about it. I was in my villa in San Diego when I saw the news of a marriage I knew nothing about displayed across the screen.
I took the next flight back to Seattle, only for Father to tell me I was marrying Valerie. The news was out, and if the marriage didn't happen, it would ruin both his and my reputation.
He knows how much my reputation means to me. It's the only thing I've ever managed to hold together.
He made a smart move. But I wouldn't be coerced like a child into making this marriage work. Either way, I won't spend the night in the same space with Valerie.
"Drive!" I snap as I get into my car, brittle with the anger I was choking back.
Wilson flinches but starts the engine. As we pull out of the courthouse, I glance into the mirror just to be certain Valerie is in the car. Her gaze is already fixed on me.
"You look in a foul mood," she states the obvious, feigning concern.
My frown deepens. I turn toward the streets, not knowing if she expects a response.
Wilson spins the wheel, taking the left lane instead of the usual right that leads to the estate.
"Where are we going?" Valerie questions.
"Our apartment," I respond, casting a look down at Lizzy as she plays with the flower tucked in my blazer pocket.
I sense another question forming in her head, so I cut her off before she can speak.
"We're married now." I say, my voice flat. "You don't expect us to be living with my family, do you? Or what reason do you think I asked you to pack up your luggage?"
Mother thought I wanted a more intimate time with her, that's why I bought the apartment. I sneer inwardly. Staying at the estate would make this marriage unbearable for me, because Father would be watching.
"So it's going to be just us and Lizzy?"
"Precisely."
I steal a glance to catch her reaction. She's really good at pretending, I'll give her that. Her face remains unfazed, even though deep down I know she's unhappy Father won't be there.
The drive remains silent from then on. When the sun begins to set, Wilson parks in front of the penthouse.
I toss him the keys to take up Valerie's things. I hand a sleepy Lizzy over to her.
"Make sure she doesn't fall asleep on the ground this time. I have work that cannot wait. I'll return when I'm done."
Valerie frowns at me. "But we just got married. You should give yourself a break from work."
"I already missed a meeting because of the wedding. Don't expect me to miss another."
I attempt to turn away, but she grabs my arm. My gaze drops to her hand, my body trembling with fury. How dare she touch me?
"I don't know my way around this place, Christian. You could stay an hour and then leave."
My hot gaze meets hers. She doesn't wilt for a second. Doesn't she realize what she's doing?
"Get your hands off me."
She quickly pulls away. I don't look away as I step forward, engulfing her shorter figure.
I know she must be expecting me to consummate this marriage, but that will never happen. I've practiced celibacy for five years since the first time I caught Tessa cheating, making love is no longer a big deal.
"You can drop Lizzy off at my place and go stay with your father until I return if you have a problem with this place."
Then I see it—a crack in her composure as her teeth grind together for just a fraction of a second.
That arouses the cruel smile on my lips. Leaning down, I place a light kiss on Lizzy's cheek, my gaze still locked on Valerie's upset eyes.
I leave her alone on the porch as I drive to my company. Thirty minutes later, the glowing sign of Turner's Gadgets and Suites greets me, the sun already resigned for the day.
"Congratulations, Mr. Christian!"
My world greets me as I step out of the car. I'm barely halfway to the door when I catch sight of the sleek black Maybach parked nearby, Theodore Turner's name engraved on the plate.
My heart leaps.
"Christian!"
My feet betray my shock. My wide eyes shift to my father by the entrance, glaring at me, my mother standing beside him in stunned silence.