The Unwanted Wife

Abi's POV Who am I fooling? Life seems to harbor a deep resentment towards me. First, I lost my parents. Then, I found myself utterly alone. And to top it all off, I'm married to Maverick Turner, for heaven's sake! Don't get me wrong. Maverick is an attractive man, especially when he's dressed in his suit. He exudes a certain magnetic appeal, but he despises my very existence. Before my parents passed away, they made a promise that I would marry their best friend's son once I turned 22. Unfortunately, I lost them when I was only 20, and being their only child, I was left with no one. Yes, you heard it right. No one else is present in my life. No cousins, no grandparents, no aunts or uncles. It's just me. Well, at least, that's what I know. Let me explain why. When my father married my mother, his family vehemently disapproved of her. My paternal grandparents held a strong dislike for my mother, going as far as to oppose their union. When my father defied their wishes and eloped with my mother, they disowned him. Since then, my mother's family has become the only family my father had. Sadly, my maternal grandparents passed away when I was 15. My mother had only one brother, who also passed away at a young age. So, I no longer have an uncle. As for my mother's extended family, well, I'm not aware of their existence. I have never met them or heard my mother mention them, except for her parents and one beloved aunt who passed away many years ago. My mother came from a small family, so technically, I am left with no one. Perhaps one day, I will have the opportunity to meet my mother's relatives or even connect with my paternal grandparents? Only time will tell what the future holds. Fortunately for me, Maverick's parents are incredible, kind-hearted people. I first met them a month before my parents' passing during a family gathering, though they claim I met Maverick when I was younger. Unfortunately, I have no recollection of that encounter. After my parents' demise, Maverick's parents gladly took me under their wing, knowing I had no one else. Brooklyn, Maverick's mother, happens to be an obstetrician who assisted in delivering me into this world. That was the day my parents and Brooklyn's family became friends. Landon, Maverick's father, is a pediatric doctor. You may wonder why Maverick himself isn't a doctor or involved in the medical field. Well, Maverick's grandfather built a successful company and was its CEO until his passing when Maverick was only 16. Due to Landon's medical background, the position was passed down to Maverick. However, Maverick never had a genuine interest in pursuing a medical education. Thus, when he turned 22, he assumed control of the company. Two years after my parents' death, I married Maverick. Let me be honest; it wasn't the wedding I had envisioned. Even though our marriage felt somewhat coerced, I was determined to give it a chance. Unfortunately, Maverick didn't share the same sentiment. He still despises me and barely acknowledges my existence. Our wedding was painfully awkward. He showed no emotion as I walked down the aisle, and his happiness was nowhere to be found. Our first kiss as husband and wife lasted a mere two seconds. We never went on a honeymoon, never experienced any romantic moments together, and don't even sleep in the same room. Two days after our wedding, he returned to work, consumed by his busy schedule. As a mere high school graduate, I couldn't find a job due to my lack of qualifications. Being the CEO's wife is far from easy. Maverick attends numerous events, and I am expected to accompany him as his wife. We attend such functions at least once a week. Publicly, we must act as though we are madly in love, holding hands and sharing kisses, all while he despises every fiber of my being. It has been six months since our wedding, and nothing has managed to break down the impenetrable wall between us. He remains cold and barely spares me a glance. In his eyes, I am practically invisible. I've tried to maintain a civil relationship, to play the role of his wife, but he continues to ignore me. I guess he truly hates me with every ounce of his being, assuming he even possesses a heart. "Move, will you?" Maverick's irritated voice jolted me back to reality as he stood behind me, visibly annoyed that I was blocking his path. Quickly, I stepped aside. "Sorry." He didn't utter a word as he opened the fridge and retrieved a bottle of juice. This was the first time in a while that he had spoken to me. Yes, he had been ignoring me for countless days. I gazed at him, studying his tired and stressed features, likely the result of his demanding work. Yet, I couldn't help but find him captivating. How could someone who appeared so burdened manage to retain such allure? Sensing my gaze upon him, his eyes met mine, and I swiftly averted my gaze. Clearing my throat, I spoke up. "I prepared dinner. Would you like to eat now?" Though our conversations were sparse, I still had a duty to care for him and prepare his meals. After all, I am his wife. "I won't be staying long. I have to leave again," he replied, his gaze avoiding mine. Confusion knitted my brows. "Again? Where are you off to?" "Work," he answered curtly. I sighed and poured myself a glass of juice, taking a sip. It had been four consecutive nights that he hadn't joined me for dinner. "But it's already 7. Don't you want to rest, at least?" I inquired, observing him as he absentmindedly ran his hand through his hair. Despite everything, he looked remarkably handsome. "I have better things to do," I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes. It was the most absurd statement I had ever heard. Who rejects the idea of rest? Well, apparently, he does. "You're overworking yourself. Can't you see how exhausted you look right now? Taking care of your health should take precedence over work," I said, my voice tinged with concern. "I didn't ask for your care," he snapped, annoyance flickering in his eyes as he finally glanced at me. My frown deepened. Despite the sham of a marriage we were in, I did care for him, at least to some extent. After all, he was my husband—the man I was bound to spend my life with. And perhaps, just maybe, I cared for him more than I should. "I won't be returning early tonight. Don't bother waiting for me," he uttered coldly before heading off to work, not even sparing a kiss or a peck on the cheek.

I sighed, watching him leave. This kind of life was incredibly dull. I had nothing to occupy my time, and the house remained eerily quiet despite the presence of four live-in maids. "Are you alright, Ma'am?" Harper, one of the maids, asked as she entered the kitchen. "I'm fine, Harper. And please, call me Abi. I've told you before," I replied with a small smile. She returned the smile and joined me in washing the dishes. Harper, a 46-year-old widow, lost her husband just a year after their marriage—twenty-four years ago. She chose not to remarry, drowning in depression after her husband's death and feeling incapable of providing a stable environment for their child. Harper spent eight months in rehab, slowly regaining stability and remorsefully realizing her mistake in giving up her son for adoption. However, by then, her son had already been adopted by another family, and she had no idea of their whereabouts. The last she heard, they had moved to New York. Harper had never met her son again, burdened with constant self-blame for not being able to raise him. It pained me to witness her agony, and I wished I could help somehow. Harper had become a mother figure to me, caring for me and nursing me back to health whenever I fell ill—unlike Maverick, who displayed no care or concern. "Harper, what time is Bennett coming here tomorrow?" I inquired, breaking the silence. "Around 6, Ma'am. Mr. Turner has to leave for work at 7," she responded. I nodded, contemplating my plans. "Alright. Could you please ask Bennett to drive me into town at 10?" "Of course, Ma'am," she replied, her tone respectful. I let out a sigh. "Harper, please, call me Abi. I'm not accustomed to this formal lifestyle. I want you to see me as your friend, not as your superior." I despised being treated like a superior, especially by someone as kind and wonderful as Harper. She smiled gently. "Abi, you're very different from Mr. Turner' previous wife." I snapped my head towards her, astonishment etched on my face. "Wait, what? He was married before?" Why had I not been informed of this earlier? I had been under the impression that Maverick had never been married. Harper appeared taken aback by my reaction. "Oh, my apologies. I wasn't supposed to mention that." "No, please, tell me. Was he married before me?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued. Harper seemed nervous, her voice shaky. "Not exactly married, but he did have a fiancée, someone who was about to become his wife. However, she..." Her words trailed off as she hesitated to continue. Before Harper could finish her sentence, Maverick walked into the room. "Harper, could you please fetch my phone from my room?" he hurriedly asked. Harper nodded in agreement. "Of course, Sir. I'll be right back." She rushed upstairs, leaving Maverick and me alone. The revelation of Maverick's previous engagement lingered in my mind, leaving me lost in thought. He had been engaged before me, and yet, he hadn't deemed it necessary to inform me? To my knowledge, Brooklyn had insisted that Maverick had never been married. I had spent the past six months of our marriage completely unaware. "What's the matter with you?" Maverick's voice broke through my reverie, his gaze fixed upon me. I snapped out of my thoughts, meeting his gaze. Now he decided to speak to me? "It's nothing that concerns you," I retorted coldly, averting my eyes from his. He thought he was the only one capable of being cold, but he was mistaken. Two could play at that game. "Whatever. I won't be coming back tonight," he declared, delivering a blow that stung me deeply. He wouldn't be coming back tonight? Where would he stay? Would there be another woman by his side? I shouldn't have cared, but he was my husband, and these questions tormented my mind. "Here's your phone, Sir," Harper returned, holding Maverick's phone in her hand before handing it to him. "Thank you, Harper. By the way, I won't be returning tonight, so you can lock up after I leave," Maverick stated, showing no interest in bidding me goodbye. Silence engulfed the room. I had tried to be civil, to care for him, to be a good wife. Yet, he refused to spare me a glance. He despised me, and that would never change. Maverick's POV Exhaustion washed over me as I finally returned home the next morning after a long and chaotic night at work. The desire to sleep overwhelmed me, and I was grateful that it was Saturday and I had no work to attend to. Finally, I could rest and take a break from the demanding job. "Good morning, Mr. Turner. Your breakfast is ready," Harper greeted me as she caught sight of my arrival. "Call Abi and ask her to join me. I'll go shower first," I instructed, making my way upstairs to my room. "I'm sorry, Sir, but Mrs. Turner left earlier this morning," Harper informed me, causing me to pause in my tracks. Left? Where had she gone? I turned around to face Harper. "Do you know where she went?" She shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Sir. She only mentioned that she asked Bennett to drive her to town." I nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright. Call Bennett and inquire about her whereabouts. Let me know once I'm back." "Will do, Sir." I entered my room and began undressing, preparing to take a much-needed shower. As the water cascaded over my body, my thoughts started to wander.

I never imagined finding myself in this situation—forced into a marriage with a stranger to fulfill my parents' wishes. The idea was entirely unreasonable. Two years ago, Abi's parents tragically lost their lives in a horrific accident, and it was on the day of their funeral that I first met her. I must admit, she displayed remarkable resilience. She didn't shed a single tear throughout the funeral proceedings. Instead, she stood stoically by their graves, silently enduring the pain, undoubtedly attempting to maintain composure for the sake of everyone present. My parents, knowing that she had no other family, willingly took her under their care. Our parents had been close friends, and they saw fit to arrange our marriage. I initially protested the idea, unlike Abi, who simply agreed due to her lack of alternatives. And now here we were, bound in matrimony, devoid of any love. We entered into this union solely to please our parents, particularly to honor Abi's deceased parents. I had to come to terms with the fact that I had married a stranger, someone I knew nothing about. She wasn't even my type. She remained a stranger, and that's precisely how it would stay. Abi'S P.O.V "You can start next Monday if you'd like, Mrs. Turner," Weston said after our interview. My face lit up with joy. "Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this job means to me," I expressed my gratitude, relieved that I had finally been accepted. He smiled warmly. "You're very welcome, Mrs. Turner." "Please, just call me Abi," I insisted. He chuckled. "Sure thing, Abi." Weston walked me out of his office, bidding me farewell. I headed toward Bennett, waiting for me in the car. Bennett glanced at me with curiosity. "You seem happy, Ma'am. I'm guessing you got the job?" I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! And guess what? I can start next week!" "Congratulations, Ma'am. You deserve it," he complimented. "Thanks, Bennett!" As we arrived home, I entered the house with a wide grin plastered across my face. Finally, I had secured a job and could break free from the monotony of this place. I couldn't wait to start working on Monday. Passing through the living room, I was taken aback to find Maverick sitting on the couch, watching TV. Shouldn't he be at the office? Well, I didn't really care. I was halfway up the stairs when I heard him call my name. I turned to see him standing near the staircase. "Where were you?" he inquired. "Wandering," I responded curtly. "Where?" "Somewhere." "Where exactly?" Irritation tinged his voice. I furrowed my brows. "Why do you want to know?" "Answer me," he demanded. Rolling my eyes, I retorted, "Why do you care?" He glared at me, clearly tired of my attitude. "If you must know, I went to town to secure a job. And guess what? I got it!" I cheered, intentionally aiming to annoy him further. Continuing my ascent up the stairs, I was called out once again. "A job? Where? And why do you even need a job?" Maverick's questions persisted. I turned to face him. "You ask a lot of questions, don't you?" He groaned and advanced towards me, positioning himself a step higher. "Don't play games with me, Abi. Just answer my questions." Well, hearing my name roll off his tongue sounded surprisingly good. But back to the matter at hand. "Why do you think I need a job? I want to escape this monotonous existence. I want to work and not be confined to this house, doing nothing," I responded, frustration seeping into my tone. "You're not working. Quit your job right now," he ordered before heading to his room. This time, I halted his departure. "Pardon me? I didn't ask for your opinion. My job has nothing to do with you. You're not my boss of mine!" He remained composed, though his eyes emanated a chilling coldness. "I am your husband. I have control over every aspect of your life. Your job is my concern too. Therefore, you're not taking that job." My anger flared. "My husband? Since when? Oh, right, only on paper, considering you don't even value this marriage as an honor to my deceased parents!" I practically yelled at him, surprising not only him but myself as well. He appeared taken aback by my outburst, but he quickly composed himself. I was never one to raise my voice, especially not toward him. However, his mention of our marriage reminded me of my parents. Attempting to calm my anger, I sighed. "I apologize for raising my voice. I didn't mean to yell at you. But please, I truly need this job. I want to work." He remained silent, his gaze locked onto mine. For once, my heart skipped a beat. I wasn't accustomed to him staring at me like this. Finally, he sighed. "Alright, you can work." Excitement flooded my being. "Really?" "But only for six months, initially. We'll reassess the situation afterward," he added, still observing me intently. Six months would suffice. As long as I could escape this suffocating house, I didn't mind. "Now, go before I change my mind," he concluded. Without a second thought, I rushed to my room, bursting with happiness. For the first time in a while, I felt a genuine sense of joy, knowing that something new was about to unfold in my life.

Abi's POV It was my fifth day working at Foster Media, and I could confidently say that I was enjoying my time there. Although I initially struggled, I was getting used to the work. I had also made friends with my coworkers, Addison and Christian. They were in the same department as me and were incredibly nice and friendly. While we were arranging some papers, Reyna, Mr. Foster's PA, approached Addison. "Addison, the boss is asking for you," she informed her. Addison nodded and adjusted her hair. "I'll be right there. Thanks, Reyna." She turned to us. "Gotta go, guys. I'll catch up with you later," she said before leaving with Reyna. Christian rolled his chair closer to mine. "So, what do you think of our boss?" "What about him?" I replied, curious about his line of questioning. "He's quite the catch, isn't he? God, I never get tired of looking at that sexy piece of eye candy," Christian remarked, shaking his head. I raised an eyebrow. "Wait, are you..." He rolled his eyes. "Ugh, I thought it was obvious, Abi! Yes, I'm gay, and I'm proud of it." I burst out laughing, earning a glare from Christian. "I'm sorry, Chris. I'm not laughing at you. It's just... I swear I've seen Danielle drooling over you every time she sees you," I managed to say amid my laughter. Danielle, from the marketing department, had been noticeably infatuated with Christian for the past few days. Anyone who saw her could tell that she had a crush on him. Christian sighed. "I feel bad for her. She confessed her love for me a few months ago, but I told her I'm not interested in women. She thought I was just trying to let her down gently. She never believed me," he explained. Poor girl. During our lunch break, the three of us decided to visit a local coffee shop near the office. After ordering our meals, Christian couldn't resist gushing about how attractive our boss was. I couldn't help but chuckle at his infatuation. Weston Foster was undeniably handsome. As I scanned the area, my eyes fell upon someone sitting on a nearby couch. The person looked oddly familiar. Then, as he turned his gaze toward me, I recognized his face. Wait, that's my husband! What was he doing here? Just luck, our eyes met, and he appeared surprised to see me. He stood up and approached our table. "And I swear I could climb him like a..." Christian continued raving about our boss, unaware that my husband had joined us. "Hey, sweeAbirt. I didn't know you were here," my husband greeted me with a smile, placing a hand on my back. Yes, we pretended to be affectionate in public. It was quite comical, witnessing Maverick play the role of a sweet-talker. Christian stopped mid-sentence and stared at Maverick, his eyes sparkling. Not again! "Hey, honey. Meet my friends, Addison and Christian. Guys, this is my husband, Maverick," I introduced them, playing along with our charade. "Hello," Maverick greeted my friends, then turned to me. "We're going to my parents' house tonight. I'll pick you up at the office." "Oh, okay," I responded. He smiled and gave me a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later," he said before walking away, leaving me pondering his whereabouts. Silence enveloped us. I suspected that my friends, especially Christian, had no idea that I was married. Well, I had never explicitly told them. "What the fuck!" Christian suddenly exclaimed after our period of silence. "You never told me you're married to a fucking sex god. Holy shit, is he good in bed?" I spat out my drink in response to his question, catching him off guard. Christian looked at me, perplexed. If only he knew... "Chris, it's none of your business to ask that," Addison scolded him, playfully hitting his arm. She turned to me. "Abi, you never told us you were married," she added. I cleared my throat. "I'm sorry. It must have slipped my mind." "But seriously, your husband is unbelievably attractive. I think I'm in love with him. It was love at first sight," Christian dreamily confessed. I rolled my eyes. "He's alright, I guess. And no, Chris, you can't love him. He's married to me," I retorted. He let out a dramatic sigh. "Unfortunately. Well, I still have hope for our boss, though," he said, earning a chuckle from me. Christian truly was a funny guy. After lunch, we returned to the office and resumed work. My mind wandered to the evening's plans. It had been a while since I last saw Brooklyn and Landon; I believe it was on our wedding day. I couldn't help but wonder what would transpire tonight. Finally, it was 6 PM, and everyone left the office to go home. I stood in front of the building, waiting for Maverick to pick me up. Usually, Bennett, our driver, would handle the task, but Maverick insisted on picking me up today. 15 minutes had passed, and I was still standing alone in front of the office, waiting for my husband to arrive. Frustration grew within me as I pulled out my phone and dialed his number. After what felt like an eternity, he finally answered my call. "What?" He snapped in an irritated tone. "Hello to you too, dear husband," I sarcastically replied, imagining him rolling his eyes. "What do you want?" "Oh, nothing really. But didn't you promise to pick me up from my office? Where the hell are you? I've been waiting for 15 minutes, and these heels are killing me!" I ranted, letting my frustrations pour out in one breath. "Geez, woman, you talk a lot," he sighed with annoyance. I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out, even though he couldn't see me. "About that, I can't pick you up right now. I'm still busy."

I shook my head in disbelief. "I can't believe you, Maverick. The least you could have done is let me know, so I wouldn't have to wait. Geez, I'll call Bennett to pick me up." "No, you can't. Bennett is with me right now, and he can't leave yet. Just grab a taxi or something," he responded dismissively. I groaned in frustration. "You're impossible, you selfish prick!" I snapped before ending the call. I couldn't believe that he had promised to pick me up and then failed to do so. And I couldn't rely on Bennett either. That selfish asshole. "Abi?" Someone called out my name. I turned around to find my boss standing behind me. "Why are you still here?" "Oh, I was waiting for my husband, but apparently, he's needed for a meeting and can't pick me up now," I explained with a tinge of disappointment. He nodded understandingly. "Okay, let me drive you home." "Oh no, you don't have to. Thank you so much for the offer, but I'll just grab a taxi," I politely declined his offer. He smiled warmly. "Nonsense, taxis can be dangerous sometimes. It would put my mind at ease to know you're safely home with me." That was the sweetest thing someone had ever said to me. "Alright then, if you don't mind," I acquiesced. He simply smiled and led the way to his car. He stopped by my side and opened the door for me. I thanked him and got into the car, and he closed the door before taking his seat. As he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, I couldn't help but feel a little awkward being alone with my boss, especially since I was still new in the office. "So, how do you feel about working in my office? Have you gotten used to it yet?" he asked after a few minutes of silence. "It's been okay. I had some initial struggles, but I'm getting used to it," I replied honestly. He glanced at me, concern evident in his eyes. "Nobody's giving you a hard time, right?" I shook my head. "No, everyone has been really nice and welcoming." He nodded with relief. "Good. I make sure all the employees treat each other like friends, avoiding any unnecessary hardships for newcomers. A harmonious team is crucial for running a successful business." I smiled appreciatively. It was incredibly generous and considerate of him to care about his employees. Initially, I had expected him to be arrogant and cold, but he turned out to be genuinely friendly. "Turn right here; my house is at the corner of this street," I directed as we approached my home. He simply nodded and made the right turn. I pointed out my house, and he parked in front of the fence. Opening the door for me, he stepped out and gestured for me to exit the car. I thanked him again and closed the door. "Thank you so much for the ride, Mr. Foster," I expressed my gratitude. "Please, just call me Weston. Mr. Foster sounds too formal for me," he replied with a warm smile. I nodded in agreement. "Okay, Weston. I'll head inside now. Thank you again for the ride." "No need to thank me. I'll see you at work tomorrow," he said before getting back into the car. Rolling down the window, he waved at me. "Bye, take care," I waved back as he drove away. Sighing, I turned around and pressed the bell on the fence. The security guard, Jordan, opened the gate and appeared surprised to see me. "Mrs. Turner? I-I thought you were with Sir. Mr. Turner just came back not long ago," he said, widening the gate for me to enter. I noticed that the car was already parked in the garage. Asshole. I thought he said he was still busy. I turned to Jordan, addressing him by name. "Well, your master told me to grab a taxi instead." Everyone in our house, the maids, security personnel, and the driver, knew that our marriage was not based on love. They were well aware of how Maverick treated me at home, so I didn't have to pretend to be happy within these walls. Jordan frowned apologetically. "I'm sorry, Abi." "Nah, it's not your fault, Jordan. And by the way, what have I told you about calling me by my name?" I reminded him gently. He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, Abi." "Please remember that. I don't want you to call me 'Mrs.' anymore, understood?" "Okay, Abi." I returned his smile. "Thank you. I'll head inside now. Good night, Jordan." Walking toward the front door, I pressed the bell, and Harper promptly opened it, welcoming me in. I kicked off my painful heels and removed my blazer. "I made some apple juice, Abi. Would you like some?" Harper offered as she took my blazer from my hand. My eyes lit up. "Oh, yes, please! Harper, you know, I love apple juice. You don't even have to ask." She giggled. "I just wanted to tease you, Abi." Chuckling, I followed Harper to the kitchen. As soon as I spotted the apple juice on the table, I grabbed a glass and eagerly took a sip. It was pure bliss. "I don't understand your love for apples, Abi," Harper remarked as I finished my drink in one gulp. "Apples remind me of my mother. She always made me apple juice whenever I came back from school," I shared, a tinge of sadness creeping into my voice. It had been two years since my parents' passing, and the pain still lingered. Harper looked guilty. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to remind you of your parents," she apologized, sensing my longing for them. "It's okay. I'll always miss them. They were my only family, and now I'm all alone," I confessed, tears welling up in my eyes as the realization of my loss hit me. As she spoke those words, I found myself enveloped in a heartfelt hug. "Abi, darling, you are not alone. This is your family. Everyone in this house is your family. Mr. and Mrs. Turner is your family. And you have me too, Abi. We are family." Tears welled up in my eyes as her words sank in. I clung to her tightly, allowing my tears to flow freely. She was right. I wasn't alone. Despite Maverick's animosity towards me, the Turner family was still my family. And Harper, she had become like another mother to me. Suddenly, someone cleared their throat, interrupting our moment. Harper and I hastily pulled away, and I quickly wiped my tears, trying to compose myself. I glanced at my glass, avoiding eye contact with Maverick. "I-erm, I'll take your blazer and purse to your room, Mrs. Turner," Harper stammered, clearly sensing the tension in the room. She promptly left the kitchen, leaving me alone with my so-called husband.

Maverick's POV When I arrived home, Abi was nowhere to be seen. It turned out she hadn't come back home. I closed my eyes and realized I should have never told her to take a taxi. My mother would kill me if she found out. She had specifically instructed me to never let Abi use a taxi, especially at night. My mother loved Abi and was always concerned about her safety. That's just the kind of person my mother was. I had just finished taking a shower when I heard the doorbell ring. That must be Abi, thank God. I quickly put on a white top and black sweatpants before heading downstairs to the kitchen to grab some water. As I descended the stairs, I heard sniffles. I stopped in my tracks and listened to the sound of someone sobbing. "I can never miss them. They were the only family I had, now I'm all alone," I heard Abi's voice, filled with sadness and grief. I don't know why, but hearing her cry pained me. It felt...strange. Perhaps because I was used to her annoying side, not this vulnerable one. Abi always irritated me with her behavior. She pretended to care about me, asking how I was, cooking me dinner even though we had Maria, our chef, waiting for me at night when I came home late, and trying to engage me in conversation. During our initial agreement, I made it clear that our marriage was just a pretense. I made it clear that I didn't want any form of communication with her, unless it was necessary in public. But she continued to pretend to care, and I didn't appreciate it. "Abi, darling, you are not alone. This is your family. Everyone in this house is your family. Mr. and Mrs. Turner is your family. You have me too, Abi. We are family," I heard Harper comforting her. It also pained me to know that she no longer had her own family, aside from mine. I knew she came from a small family, and now that her parents had passed away, I felt sorry for her. However, she never expressed her loss and sadness in this house. She always smiled and appeared happy, which was probably the only positive thing I saw from her. She was strong, there was no denying that. From the moment I saw her at her parents' funeral, I knew she was a resilient girl. But still, she was clingy and annoying. Not wanting to listen to her sobs any longer, I walked into the kitchen and cleared my throat. She immediately pulled away from Harper, who excused herself to take Abi's belongings to her room, leaving me alone with her. She didn't look at me, her gaze fixed on her empty glass. I walked over to the kitchen table and took a seat across from her, grabbing an apple juice that Harper had prepared. "So, you managed to make it home," I initiated a conversation, knowing it would annoy her. Finally, she looked up, her eyes red from crying. "You selfish prick, I could have just gone home earlier instead of waiting for you!" I took a sip of the juice. "I was busy." "Yeah? But you were already home before me, so I'm not sure what you were so busy with," she hissed, crossing her arms. I could have sworn she looked cute when she was angry. Wait, what the fuck did I just think? "Well, you're home now, so there's no need to bitch about it." She rolled her eyes. "Well, thanks to my boss who drove me home," she mumbled to herself, but I could hear her. "Your boss? He drove you home?" I asked sternly, an unexplained unease settling in my chest. I didn't know why, but I didn't like the thought of her being with another man. Perhaps it was my mother's concern for her safety that had influenced me. She raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter? You refused to pick me up, and he happened to be there and offered me a ride." How cliché. "Of course, he offered you a ride. You probably saw him and asked him to drive you home, just like the opportunist you are. I bet you tried to use him for your benefit," I sneered without thinking. Bad words. Bad, bad words. I shouldn't have said those things to her. Her eyes widened, and I swear I saw pain and sadness flicker in her gaze. I expected a sharp retort, but instead, she shook her head in disappointment and turned around, leaving me alone in the kitchen. Abi'S P.O.V. Asshole. How dare he speak to me like that? Just wait for my revenge, dear husband. An hour after that kitchen incident, I got ready to go to my in-laws' place. Maverick hadn't mentioned any parties or special events, so I assumed it would be a simple family dinner. I dressed in a white floral V-neck dress that fell to my mid-thigh. I didn't want to wear too much makeup, opting for a natural look. I left my hair down and slipped on a pair of heels. There was a knock on my door, and I knew it was Maverick. "Are you ready? We'll be leaving in 5 minutes," he said from the other side of the door. I simply hummed in response, still mad at him. "I'll wait downstairs," he added, and I heard his footsteps receding down the stairs. I grabbed my phone and purse, giving myself a final check in the mirror before heading downstairs. As I descended, I spotted Maverick on the phone. "Yeah, we'll be leaving soon... I know, I'm sorry, Mom. Yeah, okay, bye," he said, ending the call. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Harper approached me with a smile. "You look stunning, ma'am." I smiled back. "Thank you, Harper." Maverick, on the other hand, just stared at me for a solid minute. He didn't blink, and I couldn't quite read his expression. "Shall we leave or what?" I snapped. He blinked and cleared his throat. "Let's go," he said, then walked toward the car. That's it? No "you look beautiful" or anything? Well, this was Maverick we were talking about. He wasn't the type to give compliments.

I said goodbye to Harper and got into the car beside Maverick, leaving a wide space between us that could fit another person. We didn't talk much during the drive. In fact, we didn't talk at all. Maverick was engrossed in his phone, always busy with work. I looked out the window and admired the city lights at night. "You look good, by the way," he mumbled so softly, yet I managed to hear it. I turned my gaze towards him, but his eyes remained fixed on his phone screen. Did he just say I looked good? I think he did. "Um, thanks," I quietly replied, feeling a blush warm my cheeks. He didn't say anything more, nor did he look at me. Not long after, we arrived at my in-laws' house. Bennett opened the car door for us, and we both stepped out. Maverick rang the doorbell. We both exited the car, and Maverick pressed the doorbell. "You know what to do," he said, not bothering to look at me. I understood what he meant. Once we stepped into the house, we would have to put on a show, pretending to be a loving couple. The door opened, like the maid, and we entered, heading straight to the living room where my in-laws were already waiting for us. "About time you guys!" Brooklyn exclaimed as soon as she spotted us. She walked over to us and embraced Maverick. "Oh, I've missed my baby so much," she said, planting a kiss on his cheek. He groaned and pulled away. "Ugh, Mom, stop it. I'm not a baby." I quietly laughed, enjoying this side of him when he was around his parents. Brooklyn then shifted her attention to me, pulling me into a tight hug. "Oh, I've missed my daughter too. How have you been, honey? Did my baby Maverick give you a hard time?" she asked with a big smile. I cherished it when she referred to me as her daughter. She had told me herself that she saw me as her own. I chuckled. "I've been okay, Mom. And no, he hasn't given me a hard time." "Good, good. Come on, the food is ready," she said, taking my hand and leading me to the table where the food was set. I took a seat across from her, with Maverick sitting beside me. Landon sat next to his wife. We began eating. Maverick and Landon delved into a conversation about work, while Brooklyn and I talked about fashion. Soon, our in-laws started discussing our married life, and I hated having to lie to them about our happiness. It pained me every time because they were so loving and kind to me. At times, Maverick would hold my hand and gently stroke it with his thumb, probably just for show in front of his parents. I still felt a blush creeping up my cheeks whenever he touched me. I took a sip of water as Brooklyn laughed at something Maverick said. "So, when am I going to have my first grandchild?" Brooklyn abruptly asked, causing me to choke on my water and cough. "Oh dear, are you okay?" "It's too early to be asking for a grandchild, darling," Landon interjected. A hand was placed on my back, rubbing it gently. It was Maverick. "Babe, are you okay?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice that caught me off guard. I wiped my mouth with a napkin. "I'm fine, I'm so sorry. That was so rude of me." "It's okay, honey. Maybe it's too early for me to bring up that topic," Brooklyn said, referring to the "baby" discussion. I glanced at Maverick and could tell that he too felt uneasy about the topic. The idea of having a baby had never crossed our minds. We rarely even talked or connected, let alone discussed starting a family. "Mom, honestly, we haven't discussed that. Abi and I are still getting to know each other. It's only been, what, six months?" Maverick explained, holding my hand for support. "It's true, Mom. We want to take things slow before starting a larger family," I chimed in. Brooklyn sighed and then smiled. "Okay, take your time, babies. But don't take too long! I'm not getting any younger, you know." I forced a smile, feeling the weight of sadness. "We'll try, Mom." This situation was so messed up. Brooklyn wanted a grandchild, but Maverick and I were barely getting along. I wasn't even sure if he desired that kind of intimacy with me, and I had my doubts as well. I hoped she would forget about the topic and not bring it up again anytime soon.

Abi's POV I woke up with a sense of contentment. Last night at my in-laws' house was amazing. We laughed so much, reminiscing about Maverick's childhood. Brooklyn couldn't resist sharing some embarrassing stories about Maverick, which made him groan in annoyance, but it was clear he couldn't stay mad at his mother for long. What shocked me the most was when Brooklyn showed me a picture of me and Maverick when we were kids. It turned out that Maverick and I were friends, which was weird because I didn't remember anything about him. Judging by our appearance in the picture, I was probably only five years old when we first met. I had no recollection whatsoever of our friendship, and Maverick didn't remember me either. "You two only spent time together for a while because your family moved to Geneva a year after that," Brooklyn explained when I mentioned that I didn't remember Maverick. I did recall that my family and I had lived in Geneva for about five years due to my dad's work before we moved back to London. Before Maverick and I left, Brooklyn slipped the childhood picture into my purse and insisted that I keep it. Now I stared at the picture of young Maverick and me in my hand. Honestly, it felt strange. I never would have guessed that we had known each other for so long, yet we had no memories of our past friendship. It was quite comical because, looking at our present situation, we were far from being friends. My phone then vibrated on the bedside table, indicating a call from Christian. I picked it up and answered immediately. "Hey, Chris," I greeted him. "Hey, babe. Hope I'm not interrupting your morning kisses with your hot husband," Chris chuckled on the line. I rolled my eyes, knowing that Maverick and I slept in separate rooms. "Nah, you're not interrupting anything. What do you need?" "Besides wanting to explore your husband's hot body?" I rolled my eyes again. Chris always had a way with words. "Quit talking about my husband, Chris." He laughed. "I'm kidding, babe. Anyway, I'm calling to let you know that the boss is throwing a small gathering for employees at his house, and we're all invited." "A gathering party? How nice. When is it?" "Today, at 1 PM. You'd better get ready because I'll pick you up." I glanced at the clock and saw that it was already 10 AM. "Okay, I'll take a quick shower then. Wait, what should I wear?" "Um, clothes?" "I know, smartass. What I mean is, what kind of clothes? Should I dress formally like I do at the office or something?" Christian could be frustrating to talk to sometimes. "No, just dress casually." "Alright then, I'll text you my address." "Sure thing. Ciao, Addison!" Well, that's Christian for you. I headed to the bathroom to take a shower. As I washed my hair with my favorite vanilla-scented shampoo, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Once I finished, I returned to my room and chose an outfit. Since Christian had mentioned dressing casually, I opted for a rose polka dot shirt and blue jeans, the kind of clothes I enjoyed wearing on a daily basis. I brushed my hair and let it fall naturally, then applied a bit of makeup. Just as I finished, Christian texted me to say he was on his way to the house. I grabbed my phone and my green-army purse, then headed downstairs to the kitchen. Since I would be having lunch outside later, I planned to just have some bread or a small snack. In the kitchen, Harper was washing the dishes while Maria was preparing breakfast. They both turned around when they noticed me. "Good morning, Abi," they greeted in unison. "Morning," I smiled, placing my purse on the kitchen island. "Can I have some bread and a cup of tea, please?" "Don't you want a full breakfast, Abi?" Maria asked, turning off the stove. "I'm sorry, I'll pass on breakfast. I'm in a bit of a hurry," I explained as Harper handed me my tea. "Where are you off to?" "To my boss's house. There's a gathering party for the employees, and I was invited." "Okay, do you want me to tell Bennett to drive you there?" I shook my head, taking a bite of my Nutella bread. "No need, thanks. I already have someone picking me up." Before Harper could say anything else, Maverick walked into the kitchen, looking incredibly attractive with his messy hair. He must have just woken up. "Morning," he greeted, his eyes flickering over my outfit. "Are you going somewhere?" Great. Now, what should I tell him? If I mentioned I was going to my boss's house, he would start saying things. "Yeah, I, um, I'm going out with a friend," I said, avoiding eye contact and focusing on my tea. Maria served a full breakfast plate in front of Maverick, then excused herself along with Harper, leaving me alone with him in the kitchen. "Where to?" He asked, taking a sip of his coffee. Before I could answer, the doorbell rang. That must be Christian. Thank God. "Excuse me," I told Maverick, then left the kitchen to open the door. Standing there was the handsome Christian. "Hey, Chris."

He smiled. "Hey, babe. Are you ready?" I nodded. "Yeah, I just need to grab my purse. Do you want a drink first?" He shook his head. "No, thanks babe. I think we should go now." "Right. I'll be back soon," I told him, then returned to the kitchen to grab my purse. "So, it's a guy, and he calls you 'babe.' I don't recall giving you permission to bring your lover to my house," Maverick stated, his jaw clenched. He must have overheard when Christian called me babe. But why would he care? "He's not my lover," I stated firmly. I didn't feel the need to explain to Maverick that Christian wasn't interested in females and called all his female friends 'babe.' "And it's none of your business whom I'm going with," I snapped before slipping on my heels and leaving him behind to go to my boss's house. "You guys made it," Weston said as Christian and I arrived at his house. "Come in." He opened the door wider and led us inside. He guided us straight to his spacious garden, where everyone from the office had already gathered. I spotted Addison on the sofa and walked over with Christian. "Finally! I almost thought you guys wouldn't come," Addison exclaimed upon seeing us. I took a seat next to her, with Christian on the other side. "I wouldn't miss my boss's gathering party. Who knows, it might be my lucky day today." You already know who said that. Not me, but Christian, for sure. Addison shook her head. "You do know that the boss is married, right?" Christian rolled his eyes. "Nah, I doubt that. Besides, I can make him interested in me." I chuckled. "Chris, you really are something. Have you ever considered looking for another guy?" "I've tried, but no one is as charming as our boss," he grinned, glancing over at our boss from afar. "Okay, let's not talk about our boss now. Anyway, have you guys heard the news?" Addison asked, her tone became serious. Christian sat up straight. "Fuck yes, another gossip! Papa is ready!" I laughed. I couldn't go a minute without laughing at this silly friend of mine. "Enough with the jokes, will you?" Addison glared at him. Christian fell silent, and I struggled to hold back my laughter at his expression. "So, I heard that Reyna has resigned from being our boss's assistant because she's getting married soon and moving to Florida with her husband. Our boss is now looking for a new PA." I furrowed my eyebrows. "What's there to discuss about that?" "I overheard that he was going to choose someone from our department to be the next PA," she announced. Christian squealed. "No fucking way! That is the best news ever! I really hope he picks me." "Chris, you know that's not going to happen. His PA has always been female. We all know that," Addison said, and in a split second, Christian's expression turned sad. Poor guy. "Why do you think he's going to pick someone from our department?" I asked, curious about our boss's thought process. "Technically, our department handles most of what goes on in the office. We're the main department that runs the company, which is why he's likely to choose someone from our team. Reyna, too, was once from our department before becoming his PA," Addison explained. I didn't know much about the company since I had only been working there for a week. "Our department has ten members, six of whom are male, and the rest are female. But Harpert is way too old to catch up as a PA, and Daisy has made a few mistakes. We all know the boss would never pick her." "Hold on, that means—" I began, but Addison beat me to it. "It's either you or me, Abi." BOOM! I shook my head. "No, no way. This can't be happening. I can't be his new PA." "Why not?" "Because I've only been with the company for a week. For God's sake, I know nothing about this company!" "It can't be that bad. You'll get used to it once you start," Addison reassured me. I let out a loud sigh. "God, I really hope he chooses you, Addison. I'm not ready to be his new PA." "We'll see what happens." Since everyone was present, the gathering began with our boss giving a motivational speech about teamwork. It was no secret that everyone loved our boss, Weston, because he was kind and generous, and he genuinely cared about his employees. He even played football with us on the weekends and specifically told us not to see him as just our boss but as a friend. "I want to thank all of you for helping me run this company. Although it's not as big as other TV commercials, I truly appreciate all the help and support. Without you, I wouldn't be able to run this company alone," Weston began, standing in front of everyone. He raised his glass in the air. "So let's make a toast to all of you." Everyone, including me, raised their glasses and cheered. It was genuinely nice to have this kind of gathering. Everyone seemed to be having fun. Excusing myself, I mentioned that I needed to use the bathroom. Addison and Christian just nodded in response, as they were engrossed in a conversation about the latest iPhone. I got up from my seat and headed inside the house. Wow, this house was huge. I had no idea where the bathroom was, and since everyone was in the garden, I followed my instincts to find it. I opened the first door I saw and gasped when I saw Weston in the middle of changing his shirt. "Oh shit, I'm so sorry, Matt," I blurted out, looking away in embarrassment as I immediately closed the door. My heart was pounding so hard. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I should have knocked!