Chapter 58: Of all days
It was just her first day on the job, but her world had already spun out of control.
First, she was late because her reliable old car had decided to retire on this day.
Of all days.
Second, as the new assistant, her boss demanded coffee as soon as she walked into the room.
It was cold. He complained.
Too sweet. Not enough milk.
Make it black.
"Fuck, Oliver Morton!" She mumbled under her breath as she made his fourth cup, ensuring to boil the water thoroughly. No milk and no sugar.
Third, Maximus’ arrival. His summon. His proposal.
It was a surprise. A shock. Totally unexpected.
What was that old man thinking, offering his shares to her? What cruel joke was he cooking now?
Fourth, she also had to deal with Aaron, one of the biggest flirts she had ever met. Although she knew he was harmless, it was still a pain to work with him.
It was also clear that her husband didn’t like her spending time with him. For some apparent reason, he seemed jealous.
Last, but not least, Oliver’s ex.
Hazel strode to the office as if she were still Oliver’s wife. Beautiful. Arrogant. Self-entitled.
In her mind, she could already imagine the mayhem that woman was about to unleash as her jealousy oozed out of her eyes. The famous actress suddenly looked like a raging dragon, as steam escaped from her nose and ears.
Then, she noticed the way the other employees whispered and stopped once she walked into the room. It was as if they had a secret they didn’t want to share with her.
"Tessa, what’s going on?" Eventually, she asked Oliver’s secretary, overwhelmed with curiosity.
With a look of guilt etched on her forehead, as if she was about to betray her co-workers, she reluctantly informed her. "Rumors spread that you are the CEO’s wife. Now, everyone wanted confirmation."
That was it. Her plan was to stay anonymous. But it was hardly the end of the day, and her secret was already out.
The plan was to stay out of other people’s radar. It was easier to move around the office if not everyone’s eyes were on her. But she guessed hiding her identity was a futile effort, when her face must have already appeared in every media outlet all over the world.
"That explains why everyone was suddenly very friendly to me." At first, she found it odd that everyone she bumped into had been polite and overly cautious around her, as if they were afraid to offend her.
Too friendly. Too accommodating.
That answered it.
"Ms. Sophia Maddison." The new intern also greeted her with a casual smile, leisurely walking toward her with a confidence that only belonged to a highborn. "I’m Elizabeth Winston."
Her stylish clothes, carefully painted face, limited edition bag, and expensive jewelry already told her what she needed to know about Elizabeth’s background.
The Winston family?
The name immediately registered in her brain. Of course, she had heard of her family. Again, like the Smiths and the Mortons, Elizabeth belonged to the upper classes. To the elites in this society.
"I’m looking forward to working closely with you. I heard so many great things about you." Elizabeth continued with kind words and a courteous smile.
Looking at the spoiled heiress who probably never had to work for anything in her entire life, she doubted whether she would enjoy working with her.
Based on her experience, girls like her would rather rely on their father’s wealth than earn money themselves.
But then again, she might be judging her unfairly. Maybe she was wrong about her. Perhaps, she should give her at least one chance.
"I hope I can live up to your expectations." She replied, but something about the young woman gave her a different vibe. Again, she could not help but sense trouble.
An hour later, she had booked an Uber to take her home, slightly disappointed that she still hadn’t found anything she could use for her revenge story. She knew it would not be easy. Oliver was not stupid. He would not just let evidence lie around.
Still, she knew that every minute she stayed as Oliver’s wife, she was risking being discovered. Then, what would happen to her, especially her plans?
"Hey!" But instead of the hired vehicle, a sleek sports car stopped in the front lobby. Then the tinted window slid down, revealing her husband’s handsome face.
"What are you waiting for?" Oliver asked as he leaned over. When she explained her car’s situation, her husband signaled the security, and the uniformed man automatically opened the passenger side. "Get in, I’m driving you home."
Whether she got in or not, she already knew that anything she did would fuel the ongoing gossip circulating in the office. Literally, there was nothing she could do about it.
True or not. People would be talking about her and her CEO husband. She could already picture the headline by tomorrow morning.
"Before we go home, we need to make one stop," Oliver said once she had settled in her seat and securely buckled her belt.
"Where?" She raised her brow in question, but he only smiled and started the car.
For the first few minutes, he drove in silence. On the other hand, she kept her thoughts to herself as she watched the street, buildings, and people disappear from her view.
Until the car stopped at one of the busiest streets in the business district.
"What are we doing here?" She finally asked when he unbuckled his seatbelt and opened her car door for her.
The street had lined up with the most luxurious brands in the world. From clothes, shoes, bags, and many more.
"There’s a party that we need to attend next week. We’re getting you a new custom design gown." Her husband explained as he ushered her to a boutique that catered only to the rich and famous.
Looking at the racks of designer clothes, cocktail dresses, and long gowns, she could tell that one piece of an outfit in this place must cost more than her one month’s salary.
"I don’t need a new dress. I’m sure I can find something just as good in my closet." If her memories served her correctly, she still had more than a dozen stunning dresses hanging in her cabinet that she barely touched. Actually, the dresses still had their labels attached.
"This is specially ordered by Mom. Unless you want to disappoint her..." His eyes stared at her, daring her to decline.
"Fine!" She muttered in defeat. Of course, she didn’t let him finish. It was futile.
For half an hour, she had her measurements taken, tried several dresses, and discussed her preferences with the designer.
Moments later, the designer promised to deliver the dress in a couple of days. Then, they were back on the road, driving toward home.
"About your father’s shares." She paused, looking down at her fingers entwined on her lap. "You can have it. I don’t want it."
Although those shares were worth a large amount of money, she had no intention of taking them. After all, money was never her reason for marrying him.
"Keep it, Sophia. Dad wouldn’t have given it to you if he didn’t think you deserved it." Oliver kept his eyes on the road, but his hand found its way to her knee, patting her gently before returning them to the wheel.
"Besides, you are now my wife." This time, he finally glanced her way. "I’m serious about what I said."
Again, the car grew quiet. The tension was palpable between them. She knew he was patiently waiting for an answer, but she still debated whether accepting his offer to be his wife would not backfire on her.
This past few days, if she were being honest, she would swear she was starting to soften toward him. The more she saw a glimpse of the man she once loved, the more she remembered the love they shared.
"Why do you want me as your wife? You hardly know me." She finally asked, wondering if he was onto her.
Maybe he already discovered who she was. Now, this was just part of his revenge plot. But every time she looked at him, he appeared to be clueless about her.
"I think I know enough to bet my life and future on you," Oliver didn’t have to look at her for her to realize how much he meant his every word. "What about you? Are you willing to risk everything to be with me?"
For a few minutes, she stayed silent, unable to answer his question.
Honestly, she didn’t know anymore. She knew she had entered this arrangement with the resolve to get revenge for her parents and her child.
But after meeting Dianne, who acted like her mother. And then, being with Caleb, who felt like the son that she had lost.
Revenge had taken the back seat in her plans.
How could she destroy the Morton family if it meant hurting Dianne and Caleb in the process?
What about Oliver?
Initially, she had believed that he had turned into this cold, ruthless monster who had killed the people she loved. But until now, she hadn’t found any proof to support her claim.
On the contrary, the more she spent time with him, the more she believed she might be wrong about him.
That this Oliver was still the same Oliver she had left six years ago.
But was she finally willing to let go of her plans for revenge?
Was she willing to bet her life on him?
Again?
"Yes."
