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.

Jessica's POV

“She's right where she deserves to be,” I said, reminiscing the pale look on Reyna's face.

I'd waited so long to get back at her for stealing Jeremy from me.

Jeremy was my groom from the very beginning, I never liked him but my mother convinced me into the arranged marriage because of his status.

I was in love with someone else, but I wanted to keep Jeremy too, cause he had the power and luxury that my lover didn't have.

But Reyna, out of nowhere told Jeremy about my plans. She ruined my chances with Jeremy and also made Daniel break up with me.

The embarrassment I faced from both men stuck with me for so long, that I found it difficult to show my face in public places, afraid that I'd be recognized by someone who had witnessed the drama that day.

After playing the innocent girl, she snatched Jeremy away from me. And I couldn't do anything about it.

I watched both of them play the perfect couple, leaving me to pretend like I was happy with their alliance.

To think my mother even forced me to help Reyna get dressed for her wedding now made my blood boil.

I wouldn't blame her, she wanted the best for me but I couldn't let Daniel go. I loved him yet I lost him eventually.

I was basking in heartbreak and rejection until Jeremy's sudden death. And I seized the opportunity to punish Reyna for the humiliation she caused me.

What better way than get her arrested for his death? Even though I was aware of how everything played out.

Growing up, she claimed to be so smart. So it made me feel giddy seeing that she can't get herself out of this, I was one step ahead for once!

I tied my hair into a ponytail, adjusting my blue top as I stared at myself in the mirror. I applied some light make-up as I prepared myself to go out.

Just then, my phone rang.

I picked it up, my lips turning up as I stared at the caller's ID.

“Hi boss, funny how I was getting dressed to come see you,” I said.

“That’s cute, I can't wait to have you bent over. Anyways, I called to commend your efforts on the job,” a baritone voice came from the other end.

“I couldn't have done without you, you know,” I smiled at myself while staring at my reflection. 

Accusing Reyna of such a crime wouldn't have been possible without the edited evidence and it was all thanks to my accomplice.

“Right. But there's a problem,” My pulse quickened upon hearing that.

I lifted a brow, curios to know what the problem was.

“What's the issue boss?”

“I think she's been released on bail,” He said.

My fingers curled into fists, “What?! How?!”

“Nicholas Hall. She was with him.”

I turned away from the mirror, my body facing the window.

“Has he lost his mind? She's literally been accused of his brother's death and he released her?” I thundered, not knowing how to express the disappointment I was feeling.

“Calm down Jess. I think he's plotting something, we have to act fast.” His voice dripping with urgency.

A slow hum came out of my lips as my jaws clenched, “You're closer to him than I am, you can figure out what he's plotting. In the mean time, I'd find something to do about Reyna.”

“Great. I'll get back to you soon.” And with that, the call got disconnected.

My heart raced as my mind replayed the news I just received.

Why did he release her? He was supposed to be against her like the rest of the family?

Does this mean he doesn't think she did it? Or he has a love interest for her?

“Ugh, this wretched Reyna just knows how to capture the heart of the rich!” I hissed, throwing my fist in the air.

My body trembled, as my intrusive thoughts kicked in.

‘What if he found out about the conspiracy?’

‘Worse, what if he discovered someone in the family was working with me to ruin Reyna?’

I shook my head in a fit to clear the thoughts, there's no way that could have happened. The boss is too smart to be caught this soon.

But now that it has gotten to this, I might as well play another disturbing card.

My lips curled up into a smirk, “So what if she's now with Nicholas? I'll make sure to ruin whatever is going on between the two.”

I wasn't going to stop.

I didn't plan to stop.

Not until I witness Reyna's downfall.

Reyna's POV.

“I will kill you and your child as well!”

My heart pounded heavily in my chest, I struggled to get out of the wooden chair, but I was tied to it.

Heat crawled up my neck as my face broke into a small frown, accompanied by short breaths.

The figure came closer, the silhouette of the figure displaying a knife in hand.

“Please, don't…don't hurt me,” I pleaded, my voice cracking from the endless screaming.

The next thing I heard was a loud cackle, “Your pleas are of no use, I'll make sure you both die!”

As the figure stepped closer, my nose picked on a familiar pumpkin scent.

I couldn't see the figure's face but I recognized that smell.

Beads of sweat rolled down my back as I tried to move back whilst sitting on the chair.

How did she find out about my baby? I never told her anything.

I couldn't let her kill my child, no matter what.

The closer she got, the nervous I became.

My eyes moistened with tears, and they flowed freely as fear gripped my insides.

“Please..Jessica…please, leave my baby out of this feud, I beg of you!” I implored amidst sobs.

She scoffed, “Oh? But isn't your baby the reason Nicholas married you? I want to end your marriage with him. Just like you made me live without love, you'll also live like that!” She spat, her voice dripping with the desire to devour me.

She lifted the knife above her head, her eyes focused on my belly.

My heart pounded heavily against my chest, I wanted to escape but I couldn't.

With a soft growl, she dragged the knife down in direction of my belly.

I screamed my lungs out, hoping it would stop the terror.

My eyes flew open, my chest rising up and down as I breathed heavily.

“It..it was a dream?” I said softly, my eyes scanning my surroundings.

I wasn't in the dark room anymore, I was in my bedroom.

Still overwhelmed by the nightmare, I tried to sit up but my eyes met the gaze of a man by my bed.

“Don't get up,” he ordered, his voice etched with concern.

I laid back down, and he extended a glass of water towards me.

“Here, you will need this.” He said.

I took the glass from him, and he wrapped a hand around me, setting pillows behind my back to help me sit up properly.

“Are you okay?” He asked, his face only an inch away from mine.

I didn't know if it was the way he asked or the way he cared for me, but my heart felt warm by the gesture. I couldn't explain the feeling but it made me feel at peace.

Which was strange.

“Um.. I'm fine,” I said, gulping down the glass of water in a fit to avoid his gaze.

Nicholas released me from his grip, returning back to his sitting position by my bed.

“For how long have you been here?” I asked, handing him the glass.

“Long enough to see you were having a nightmare,” he replied.

“So you watched me while I was asleep?” I asked, unable to suppress the feeling of being cared for.

He fixed his eyes on me, staring sternly.

“This happened by coincidence, I came to get some files from my table. I didn't come to watch you,” he stated, his voice now sounding cold.

I pressed my lips together, wiping away my sweat with my hands.

Nicholas suddenly grabbed my hand, pulling it down.

I lifted a brow, “what are you-”

He wiped my face with a handkerchief, shutting me up with his actions before I could question him.

His hazel eyes looked dreamy up close, it felt like the more I stared, the more I lost myself.

They reminded me of how Jeremy's crystal eyes.

As soon as he was done, he rose up from the bed.

“I dropped you a dress, I'm attending an event and you're coming with me.” He declared while pacing towards the door.

My lips parted but no words came out. I watched him leave while I wondered how he could be so distant yet act so caring.

****************

“I wonder how you manage to capture my sons!” My mother in law hissed as I walked down the stairs with Nicholas.

“Mother please, she hasn't captured anyone,” Nicholas replied, tightening his hands around me.

His touch felt safe, I couldn't tell why. He was my husband's brother so I shouldn't feel this way yet I felt it.

“She hasn't captured you yet you have your arms wrapped around her? You're even planning to go out without her! Don't you know this will taint the family's image? The people can't accept this kind of relationship!” My mother in law cried out, her voice thickening with disgust.

“Well, she's mine now so the people would have to come to terms with it.” Nicholas replied.

Hearing him say that made me feel good, I wish he meant what he said but I knew this was nothing more than a charade, like he had said.

Following his reply, my mother-in-law kept complaining but her words fell on deaf ears as Nicholas walked out of the mansion with me.

We uttered nothing to each other throughout the drive, and he kept his distance from me in the vehicle.

I occasionally stared at him, but he never spared a glance in my direction.

We soon arrived at a large hall, with golden lights flickering around the exterior.

“Don't say too much. Just follow my lead,” Nicholas said, before plopping out of the car.

My eyes trailed his figure as he turned around the car, opening the door for me.

I stepped out of the car, nervous and anxious, I could barely keep a smile on my face seeing the eyes of the media boring into me.

Nicholas wrapped his arms around me, whispering into my ears.

“I'm here for you. Stay calm,” his words eased out my anxiety and I sighed deeply.

As we walked down the red carpets, flickers of light from the cameras almost took my eyes out.

I had expected to be surrounded by a mob of paparazzi but I soon realized that Nicholas had his bodyguards keep us away from such drama.

The interior of the hall was beautiful, a crystal chandelier hung at the center of the room. The atmosphere screamed luxury and elegance.

A man clad in a green suit soon spotted Nicholas and I, he approached with a small smile.

“So glad you made it!” The man said, shaking hands with Nicholas.

His gaze darted towards me, “Isn't she your brother's wife?”

His question ignited the anxiety inside me, I lowered my head in a fit to avoid the gaze of the people around.

In that moment, I felt my stomach twisting into hard knots.

I couldn't explain if it was the anxiety or this was something more serious.

“How's the project?” Nicholas asked, ignoring the man's question.

“Oh it's great. I've been expecting your part of the project but it seems you've been having fun..” I heard the man say, and I felt embarrassed.

My shoulders slumped in Nicholas’ arms as I bit my lips nervously, the knotty feeling increasing.

“Be careful, Mr Brown.” Nicholas warned, releasing me from his grip as he stepped closer to the man.

My arms wrapped around my stomach as I crouched in pain.

I couldn't explain what I was feeling, it felt like I was being drained from the inside.

“Nicholas,” I managed to breathe, as I held my stomach tighter.

My head started feeling heavy, my heart beat slowing down.

I found myself falling to the floor, but Nicholas grabbed me just in time.

He picked me up, his gaze glistening with affection as he stared.

Before my eyes snapped shut, I saw him press his lips against my forehead as he whispered for me to be calm.

Why was he this affectionate if he claimed this was only a charade?