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.

REYNA'S POV.

The sounds coming from the party were faint since the washroom was a bit far away. It was like we were in a different world.

Never in my wildest imagination would I have imagined this sufferable man would have kissed me. Alex was so fucking annoying, and those sharp blue eyes that felt like he was seeing through were dumb and smart at the same time.

What was wrong with me? My brain was shut down and still lagging because why haven't I shoved him away up till now? I hate him; his touch should disgust me, remembering everything he did to me, but yet I let him control me with his scorching lips that dominate me, forcing me to melt under him, forgetting every sense of reasoning.

His hand snuck around my waist to pull me close, giving him more access to my mouth, and I foolishly let him. Was it because I missed the taste of his lips that I was letting him kiss me?

The kiss became hungrier. He was a greedy bastard who wanted an entire arm after a finger was given. Alex nibbled on my lips, his teeth digging deep until I winced in pain. The pain was not enough to snap me out of this delusion. This was all wrong, ' You should not be doing this.' a little voice whispered in my ears. It was the sane part of my head.

My lips parted to wince in pain and he used the opportunity to slip his sly tongue inside my mouth to explore. A little purr escapes my mouth. "Alex," I said, half moaning, making him groan in satisfaction.

That was when reality slapped me, I was indulging the bastard. Using every fibre in my body, I kicked him in the ball and then shoved him off; he wasn't expecting it, so he stumbled a few steps back. Next, the sound of skin striking against each other echoed in the washroom.

Alex was stunned, his blue eyes wide in disbelief as he held the cheek I had just slapped. I was seething in anger and too mad at everyone. At myself the most for making a fool out of myself. The disgust I felt for my behaviour made my chest heave in anger.

"Never touch ever again, you disgust me!" I spat in a hurried state.

Using the advantage of his dumbfounded state I stormed out of the washroom to run for my life to preserve what little dignity I had left.

That's if the devil would let me, Alex ran after me grabbing my hand and yanking me backwards. He did not care that we were outside the restroom where onlookers might see us. What am I thinking? He was a jerk who never cared about me in the first place.

"Why are you fighting it? We both know you want me so damn bad that you can't even look me in the eyes." He backed me against the wall, his face consumed by rage.

"I'd rather fuck a pig than want anything from you, Alex. Yes, I can't look you in the eyes because I am disgusted at myself for being married to a man worse than a beast." I spat my saliva literally on his face as my free hand reached to scratch that face of his that tricked me for years.

His blue eyes stormed, and he let go; he was lost for words. Alex chuckled, "A man worse than a beast." He snickered at me, his face getting uglier. He didn't even bother cleaning the spit.

"The more you glare, the uglier your face gets, Alex; the best thing that happened to me was leaving you. My life with my dear second hubby was heaven. Do you call what you just did a kiss?" I chuckled, enjoying the way I was pissing him off, driving him to the edge. He made me loathe myself and doubt my worth.

"Reyna, please stop; that's enough drama for the day. I can forgive you for making a fool of me these past few years just stop this rubbish." He said through his gritted teeth trying his best to keep his anger at bay.

"If anyone should drop, it is you, Alex. You think too highly of yourself. You have nothing to do with me again. You can't even kiss properly. I wonder what Chloe saw in you, but I guess trash is attracted to trash." I sneered at him, putting him in his place. Who the hell did he think he was to burst into my life?

My ears caught the sounds of approaching footsteps; glancing over my shoulders, I saw it was a couple of guards. How incompetent they were. I had to talk to this jerk for so long.

"Ma'am, is there an issue here?" One asked me immediately sensing the tension between us.

I turned, walking away from Alex, "Escort Mr Cage out of the premises. If he resists, feel free to get the police involved." I instructed, not sparing a glance at Alex.

The guards surrounded Alex, urging him to leave, "Please, sir, we need you to vacate the premises." The guard requested Alex trying to act civil, but some people are animals through and through.

Alex broke out of their restraints, trying to grab my fleeting figure, but was held down before he could touch a strand of my hair. He groaned as his body was held down on the floor.

"Let go of me, I just want to talk to my wife." He barked, attempting to break free; realizing there was no way to reach me, he screamed out instead. "If you are disgusted by me why didn't you shove me away from the start?"

My fingers curled into a fist but I didn't stop walking. That was the same question on my mind; it was because my dumb heart still held some affection for him, but those feelings would follow me to my grave.

"What are you waiting for? Get rid of this trash. He is messing up the atmosphere, and contact my lawyers to get a restraining order while you are at it." I instructed, ignoring his previous question. This was our end.