Reyna's POV.

"Make that four extra shots. Bills on me," I heard a deep voice state calmly behind me.

Surprised, I shifted my gaze to the owner voice and saw a tall figure settling on the stool next to me. He flashed a quick breathtaking smile at me, revealing the silver braces he had on his shiny white teeth.

His sharp manly features was complimented with thick brows, dark orbs that sparkled under the multi-colored clubroom as his lips formed a thin line, few wild strands of his silky curly hair ran down his face, making him look like a seductive warlord.

I tore my gaze away, my eyes still lifeless as the bartender slid another shot across the counter and I didn't wait a second to down them one after the other.

My vision turned blurry, and my head spun due to the side effect of the vodka I drank to numb the feeling of heartache In my chest, but it doesn't seem like it was working cause the intimate scene between Alexander and Chloe kept playing fresh in my memory.

'Cant i just forget those betrayers?' I thought, tugging tightly at my hair.

It was even obvious that Alexander didn't give a damn if I walked out of his life and the consistent remembrance of the truth hurt me deeper than ever, the realization that I had been wasting my time on a man who didn't value me and only sees me as a machine that was meant to be tied up in the kitchen doing chores and nothing else other than that!

A part of me had the uprising urge to prove to Alex and everyone else who had looked down on me wrong, to make them see and know that I was worth much more than they thought.

'I promise you, Alexander Cage, you will come begging on your knees for forgiveness but I swear to God, Alexander, I will never forget what you did. I will never forgive you!'

I vowed in my heart as tears unconsciously rolled down my cheek. I was prepared to take out my makeup wipes to wipe the tears off when I felt a finger lightly graze across my cheek, making my breath seize.

I slowly looked to the side and the stranger had his gaze fixed on my salty tear drop on his finger.

I didn't know why he did that, nor did I have the strength to start up a conversation, so I ignored him, returning my focus to the bartender and yelled in a drunken voice as I banged the counter excitedly, "Bring in more shots, Mr. Make that snappy!"

"No more shots." The stranger's words caught me off guard, and I whipped my head to him, giving him a confused look.

"What do you mean?" I questioned, arching an eyebrow.

"Why are you bent on drowning your tears in liquor all because of a man who isn't worthy of you?" He asked, flicking the teardrop away from his finger. "This isn't the right way to control your emotions, and you know that."

"You don't tell me what to do. It's my choice to get drunk and I'm not trying to run away from reality," I scoffed at him, turning my gaze away.

"When did I make mention of you running away from reality?" He asked with a smug face, I palmed my face in embarrassment as the realization hit me that I had unknowingly poured out my reason for getting drunk.

I was indeed trying to escape the reality of things, to stop the pain I feeling and to forget everything, even if it was going to be for one night, especially when I was fully aware that getting drunk wasn't the best way to handle my feelings but I still did it.

"I go by Theo Hudson, but you can call me Theo for short," He said with an outstretched hand, which I gave a glance, then turned my gaze away to the bartender because I was in no mood to hold a conversation.

"Where's the shot I asked from you?!" I demanded, slamming my palm on the counter, but the bartender didn't give as much of a reaction as I expected.

" 'No more shots' says my boss. So, I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't give you that," He apologized, then turned away to attend to other customers.

I shot Theo a hard glare, to which he chuckled while sliding a white document across the counter.

"You know drinking liquor won't help matters neither would it stop your aching heart from bleeding. You'd only bring more harm to yourself if you continue taking more shots of vodka." He warned in a concerned tone then paused before locking his gaze with mine.

"But if you agree to sign these documents and be married to me for three years only, then I promise to treat you better than he has ever treated you," He offered with a sincere look in his eyes, but it sounded like a big joke to my ears as I laughed it off.

"You know what I think of you men?" I asked as I struggled to hold in my laugh. "You men are all the same. They promised you heaven and earth but ended up doing none of the things they promised." My laughter came out more like I was in a traumatic pain.

"But what if this deal comes with a 30% share of my properties into your name once you sign the marriage papers?" He asked and I gave him an unbelievable look. Why the hell would he give me such an offer?! It sounds too good to be true.

"It's clearly stated as a clause in the documents, you can read it if you don't believe me." He suggested it but I didn't want to confirm it yet. What I wanted to know was what he would benefit from all these. I needed to know why he didn't see anyone else to choose but me.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, unable to accept that this could be real. "I mean, there are lots of other girls out there who would jump at this offer but why did you choose me?" I questioned as I smiled bitterly.

"I am just a worthless housewife; I don't have any usefulness in anyone's life except being trapped in the kitchen, doing the dishes and cooking meals every day. I am sorry, Sir. I can't accept this," I rejected, sliding the documents to him.

"He made you believe that shit?" He scoffed, shaking his disappointment before he returned his gaze to my face. His voice was low and he sounded as if he knew the person I was brooding for.

"I am not sorry to say this, but just know that he is a dickhead and you will continue to be seen as someone worthless if you don't accept my offer, Princess," He slid the documents to me again, still refusing to give up and I knew deep down that he was right.

The urge to prove to them that they were wrong began growing within me again and I sighed deeply before looking up at him.

"Fine then." His eyes gleamed at my consent. "But I won't be signing these marriage papers." His lips fell open slightly and I guessed he must be wondering why.

"I can't get married to you because he has refused to divorce me for his self-fish reasons. I can only pretend to be your wife before the eyes of everyone, but you must keep in mind that we are not legally married, and I am doing this because of the clause stated in the documents." My voice was stern and he nodded slightly, wearing a reassuring smile.

"Good. You'd need to make another contract that doesn't include getting married to you and only has the clause in it." I added.

"Sure, that's still fair enough," He chuckled, stretching forth his hand for a handshake. "So is this a deal? Mrs Theo Hudson" He asked and I accepted his hand with a dramatic eye roll.

"Deal."

Alexander Cage's POV.

Three Years Later.

My fingers unconsciously clenched into fists as I listened to my uncle's demanding tone on the other end of the line, and I could not stay silent any longer.

"You can't force me into signing over my company, Uncle Donald. The clause clearly states that I can only transfer ownership if Reyna and I are divorced. But we are still married," I explained, my voice rising in frustration. "We are not divorced. Reyna just disappeared without a word!" I added, struggling to keep my anger in check.

Uncle Donald had been on my nerves for the past three years, threatening legal action if I didn't comply.

It had been three years since I'd last heard from Reyna, and I repeatedly tried to explain that I had no idea where she was or how she was doing. I asked for more time to find her, but Uncle Donald refused to budge.

"It's been three years, Alexander Cage. Three fucking whole years and you are yet to find your wife. I gave you enough time to bring her back home but you can't do such a simple task!" He spoke as if it was easy to track down Reyna.

"It doesn't matter if you guys are still married. What matters is that you let your wife off and you must find her and bring her home. Failure to do that means you must transfer the company to me, or else I will be compelled to take this issue to court," He threatened, and my expression darkened.

"You can't do that. What does the court have to do with this issue when it can be easily resolved between us?!" My grip on my phone tightened as I spoke through gritted teeth.

"Because_One, you are going against the clause stated in your marriage documents which was created by your late father, Douglas Cage, when you were getting married to Reyna. And_Two, you are being irresponsible because what sort of husband would let his wife run off without giving a damn about where she ran off to for the past three years?!" He demanded and I finally lost it!

"Who the fuck is the asshole that said I didn't give a damn about Reyna?" I snapped back. "I do give a damn, and I am doing everything within my power to find out where she is, but it just feels like she vanished into thin air. There's been no news about Reyna, Uncle Donald."

"Then do better! You have just one week, only one week to find Reyna and bring her home at any cost. If you are unable to do so, then this case would either be brought up in court, or you can decide to be wise by giving ownership of the company to me." He threatened then hung up the call on me before I could say anything.

"Fuck your ass, Donald! Fuck you!!" I cussed loudly, about to smash my phone against the tiled ground to lash out my frustration and anger but the double doors leading into the sitting room caught my attention as it was pushed open, and Chloe sauntered into the parlor in a drunken state.

With a creased brow, I strode slowly to where she was and inquired in a demanding tone, "Where were you last night, Chloe?" I asked and she looked at me, but her gray eyes were unfocused due to her intoxicated state.

"Why didn't come home yesterday and did not also pick up my calls all through the night?" I asked and she walked past me in zig zags, heading upstairs as she responded in a drunk voice. "I was out with my girlfriends, dummy head. Where else would I be?"

I grabbed her wrist and turned her to face me, "You lie, Chloe. I called all your friends last night and asked where you were but they all said they had no idea. So tell me right now, where were you? Who the fuck are you seeing behind my back?"

Chloe yanked her hand away from my grip, almost falling to the floor but she managed to regain her balance as she pointed her finger to my face, "You have no right whatsoever to ask such a ridiculous question, Alexander Cage. We are not married, and I have every right in the world to see who I want!" I raised an eyebrow, finding it hard to believe all of what she said.

"I can stay out all night, get drunk and fuck with any man If I must! You hold no place in my life, Alex!" She stated and I watched her storm off into the bedroom upstairs.

I heard a familiar mocking chuckle, and I turned in its direction. There I saw Maddox, walking out of the kitchen with pizza filled in his mouth.

"When the hell did you get your ass into my house?" I questioned, but he continued laughing at me, so I grabbed a pillow from the couch and threw it at him angrily. "Stop laughing, man, and answer my question. What's so funny?"

He dashed to the side, dodging the hit as he continued his mocking chuckle which annoyed me further while he settled on a couch that was far away from me for his safety.

"It's clear that your perfect life has been turned upside down ever since my sweet sister-in-law left you." He said, and I silently slumped on the couch, massaging my temples cause I knew the blabbermouth must've heard everything between me and Uncle Donald. Then there's Chloe too.

"I warned you multiple times, Alex, but you just wouldn't listen. Now look at the mess you're in," he said, shrugging as he took a bite of his pizza. "But hey, 'that's none of my business,' just like you always say. Anyway, I wanted to ask if you're aware of the banquet at the Hudson residence for the billionaires."

"Yeah, I know about it. What's going on? Any problems?" I replied, my tone flat. His eyes lit up unexpectedly.

"I heard the heir of the Hudson family died in a fire a few months ago, and his wife took over his properties and companies. But what's intriguing is that nobody knows who she is. They're holding a banquet party tomorrow to reveal her identity."

"What does that have to do with me?" I scoffed, shutting my eyes.

"Don't tell me you're considering skipping it! Do you have any idea how many tycoons and billionaires will be at that party?" He stood up from the couch, pizza in hand, and took a few steps away from me.

"This is a massive opportunity to network and grow our business, Alex. If you say no, then I might have to agree with Chloe that you are indeed a Dummy head," he added, his tone playful yet provocative.

My eyes flew open at his words, but he was already retreating, knowing all too well the consequences of provoking me.

****

The next day, I reluctantly agreed to attend the Hudson Banquet Party, thanks to the blabbermouth Maddox's relentless persuasion. I hadn't wanted to go at first, but his endless lectures about the importance of being there were unbearable.

When we finally arrived, the party was already in full swing. I realized I had wasted so much time debating whether to go and what outfit to pick that I ended up missing the beginning of the event.

The lights in the hall suddenly went off, and a spotlight was shone on the stage before us the hall went silent, and every gaze was fixed on the stage as an elderly man dressed in a black tuxedo was pushed onto the stage in a wheelchair by his bodyguard.

He was known as Roberto Hudson, one of the richest billionaires in the county before he retired and put his late son as the successor to his company and properties after a tragic accident that held him captive in a wheelchair for years.

"As we all know, my late son, Theo Hudson, who had been running my business and moving it to greater heights ever since I retired, sadly died in a tragic fire outbreak a few months back, which I am yet to recover from the loss of my only son. But I am glad that he left someone worthy enough. A woman with the brains and also the heart to keep the business thriving."

"Yo, man. Here comes the big reveal," Maddox whispered, nudging my shoulder excitedly.

"Shhh, you talk too much," I complained, shooting him a glare. Sometimes Maddox's childish antics left me wondering how we've been friends for so long.

Then I heard it: "So let's welcome on stage my late son's wife and the sole heir of the Hudson properties and companies, Reyna Hudson!" Roberto announced.

My attention was drawn to the stage at the sound of her name, and there she was, walking confidently in a glittering black dress that accentuated her curves perfectly under the spotlight.

Her blue eyes shimmered, her face radiant, looking more breathtaking than I remembered. But I was left bewildered by her last name.

"Reyna Hudson?" Maddox and I whispered in disbelief.

Reyna's POV.

The spotlight shone on me as I walked upstage, a bright confident smile displayed on my lip while making my way to Father Roberto's side as the paparazzi captured and took shots from different angles.

A round of applause resounded in the hall by the guests. They all had the look of amazement, surprise, and admiration on their faces, and I gave appreciation by giving a slight bow before them, and then the lights were turned back on.

"Thank you all for joining me tonight at my banquet. It's a true pleasure to celebrate my success with you. The journey hasn't been easy, but I'm grateful for how far I've come, and I hope to reach greater heights as we get more connections and make more investments." I flashed a dazzling smile at the crowd, about to conclude my speech, but the moment our eyes locked, time seemed to stop, and I forgot how to speak or breathe.

"Alex," I whispered, my voice barely audible, captivated by his striking features. It was those same features that had drawn me to him from the very beginning. His tousled brown hair, soft cherry lips, and deep ocean-blue eyes.

He was already staring at me, confusion etched on his face. My heart raced as I realized he must have been shocked by Father Roberto's announcement of my name-Reyna Hudson.

But why did I feel this surge of anxiety like I was doing something wrong? Why did my suddenly heart beat for him despite all the hurt he had caused me? After enduring pains, derogatory words, and struggles in our marriage just for it to work out, I was left questioning everything I felt and did for him.

He never bothered to check on me or speak to me like a loving husband should. Instead, I had caught him in our bed with my best friend, and he showed no remorse when I demanded an explanation.

He didn't deserve me. Just thinking about him flooded me with rage, disgust, and loathing for Alexander Cage.

I bit my inner cheek, forcing myself to snap out of the trance and regain my composure.

I turned away from his face, feeling the weight of the guests' stares on my skin and I guessed that they must've been wondering why I stopped speaking.

"Sorry for the hindrance, everyone. Something irrelevant caught my attention, but it's all good now," I said with a chuckle to lighten the mood.

"I hope you're all enjoying the evening. More refreshments will be coming as we continue the party. Now, let's keep the party going as the music plays in the background!" I announced, and a round of applause erupted once more.

As I stepped down from the stage, the paparazzi snapped shot after shot, but I lost interest. I didn't want to stay at the party-not with Alexander there. His mere presence ignited a fury and hatred that I had tried time and time again to keep within me.

Biting my lower lip, I balled my fists and hurried out of the hall, my heels clicking on the tiled floor when I felt his looming presence trailing from behind.

I hurried my heels, running past the crowd to head out and get into my car, but I was suddenly grabbed by the wrist and pulled in the direction of the washroom before I could get anywhere.

"What do you want from me, Alex?! What is it that you want? Where are you taking me to, Alexander?" I screamed while struggling with him but he didn't stop for even a second.

"I need to have a word with you," He replied coldly.

"What?! I don't want to speak to you, Alexander Cage! Let go of me or else I will scream, and all my guards will have you beaten to a pulp!" I threatened but he didn't relent, pulling me down the hallway.

Surprising, no one was passing by the direction of the washroom, and there was loud music playing in the hall, but I didn't want to give up yet. I tried screaming for help, but his large palm got pressed against my lip as he wrapped his hand around my waist.

I got pulled into the washroom, and the door slammed behind me before I could manage to escape.

"Alexander," I whispered, my breath shaky as I looked into his eyes, trapped on both sides of his muscular arms like a kitten, unable to escape.

His gaze was intense, and I felt as if I might melt under the weight of it. I was trapped between the door and him, unable to escape.

"Why, Reyna? Why did you have to go to such an extent? What is your reason?!" He questioned. "Why are you so self-fish that you have chosen to ruin me?" He hit his fist against the door and I flinched as it echoed in the washroom.

I stared at him dumbfounded as I tried to process what he meant by his words.

"What do you mean??" I managed to ask as I felt his gaze burning into my skin.

"Why are you answering another man's name while we are still married, Reyna Cage? Who on earth gave you the right to choose another man over me? Who fucking gave you that right, Reyna Gwendolyn Cage?!" He demanded furiously, calling my name in full as his voice boomed in the washroom.

My heart pounded hard against my ribs because what I feared most was finally happening. He caught me and now he wanted to know why I was bearing Mrs Hudson Instead of his last name.

But why should I be scared? He was the one who started it, he was the one who cheated on me while we were still married. And when I asked for a divorce, he refused to give it to me.

Who was he to demand an explanation when he refused to give me one when I caught him in bed with Chloe? He can be furious for all I care but I don't give a damn about him.

"You are coming home with me, Reyna. I don't care to know what would happen afterwards but I can't lose my company to my uncle. So you are coming with me, right now!" He said, about pulling me out of the washroom.

I could not let him handle me the same way he did the last three years. The Reyna present was a far different person compared to who she currently was, so I yanked my hand away from his grip with all the strength I had in me and ran my palm across his face so hard that it left imprints of my fingers on his fucking face!

I furiously pointed my finger at his face, my voice stern as I gave him a serious warning, "You have no right over me anymore, Alexander. So stay within your limits and out of my way. The Hudson residence is my home now, and I have nothing to do with you because I am now happily married to Theo Hudson even though he is late."

Alexander's eyes narrowed at me, more like he was in shock by my audacity to put him in his place and not acting as timid as I used to.

"He is my second love, and I regret why I didn't meet him before I got married to you. Theo cared for me better than you could ever do in the past three years that we've been married. And you know what?" I asked in a whisper, drawing two steps closer to Alex.

"He fucks and kisses me every night, way better than you could ever. We spent a lot of nights making out, and he never failed to check up on me. To know how I was fairing both mentally, physical and emotionally, unlike you who didn't mind if I lived or died!" I spat.

Then, without warning, my back hit the cold wall of the washroom with Alex gradually closing the gap between us, his face stoic as it gradually turned a dark shade, his blue eyes piercing into my soul.

I struggled to find my voice, my breath catching in my lungs as he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close to his chest. The warmth from his body radiated onto my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I bit my lower lip, trying to process the sensations that were overwhelming me.

Then, his low whisper made the hairs on my skin stand tall as goosebumps formed on it, "You can try to deny it, Reyna Cage, but you are mine. I own you. Your mind, body, heart, and soul - I am the only one who has ever had access to them. No one else but me and you are definitely coming home with me, Reyna."

His words were like a possessive and dominant caress, making my skin prickle with goosebumps but he must be dreaming if he thought he still owns me because we were yet to get a divorce. He was a fucking fool to think I'd still be in love with him after everything he had done to me. That's totally IMPOSSIBLE!

I opened my lips to refute his words, but his lips sealed mine in a fierce, breath-stealing kiss. My eyes widened, my pupils dilating as he dominantly kissed me possessively.