The Vow I Never Took

Thirteen

Lena Pov

The next morning, I pushed the thoughts of whatever was going on in the Hale's mansion aside. I have a business empire to tend to and not wrapping myself up in these family intrigues.

I don't care whatever was going on in Victoria’s head or even what the f**k Nathan was up to. All I wanted was an escape from this hellish mansion.

After washing up and getting dressed up, I took one last look at my mint green tailored suit paired with a crisp blouse and fitted trousers. I have an important meeting with one of my clients today and I don't want anything to affect my mood.

On my way out of the room, my phone started buzzing. Thinking it was likely Samantha, I picked it up. My hands shook at the name on the screen.

“ Let's see, Lena. I-”

It was from David and he wanted to see me. A shiver ran down my spine as I recalled our last encounter. I quickly blocked his number, not wanting to deal with him right now.

Then I quickly zoomed off to the company.

Less than two hours later, I slumped down at my desk, tired from the back and forth arguments. I picked the cup of coffee on the desk and started sipping slowly.

Samantha walked in with a stack of books in her arms. She wore a grin as she gestured at the items in her hands. With a quizzical look, I stared back at her.

She dropped them on my table with a thud and when my eyes caught the names, I smiled in appreciation.

"Thanks, Sam," I said, running my fingers over the covers.

They were various types of cookbooks.

Samantha smiled back and asked, "Is everything okay, boss? You seem a bit off lately."

I sighed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as I began to vent. Samantha was not just my secretary, she was more like a friend to me too. She had been with me since I started working in the company. I made her my secretary as soon as my father made me the CEO.

"Honestly, Sam, I have no idea what's going on. One minute I'm living my life, and the next, I am married to Nathan. I don't even know how it happened. My life has been turned upside down."

Samantha's expression softened, and she sat down in the chair opposite me. "That sounds horrible. But you can't deny that he is hot, right?”

I almost rolled my eyes at Samantha's dreamy eyes. But instead, that annoyingly gorgeous face popped out and I could feel my face heating up.

“ See? He isn't all that bad…”

I glared at Samantha and that instantly shut her up.“ Sam, are you on my side or Nathan?”

“ Always on your side, boss. Tell me then, what's the hottie like?" she asked, suppressing her grin.

I shook my head at her choice of words. "Hottie? He's a snake. Always trying to manipulate situations and people. And the worst part is, he's trying to make his younger brother, Sebastian, look like the villain."

“ Another hottie? Boss, you really are blessed to enjoy such beauties every day,” Samantha responded.

“ Sam!”

Samantha immediately made a zip up gesture. Then she said, seriously. “That must be really tough for you. Don't trust him, boss. But have you remembered how you guys got married?"

I shook my head. “ Just fragments that the marriage is as real as it could be, even if it was just a contract. He sure is a devil.”

“ And the incident that led to-”

“ No idea whatsoever”

“ Just give it sometime, boss. It will come rushing back,” Samantha advised.

I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief. "You're right. I won't let him get to me."

Just then, Samantha's phone rang, and her expression changed. She looked uneasy, glancing at the screen.

“ Are you okay?” I asked, worriedly.

I watched her trying to plaster a smile on her face. She looked as though she was torn between the devil and the deep blue sea.

“ It's-my aunt, again. I think she had caused yet another trouble,” Samantha said, sighing.

“ Do you need time off?”

“ It's fine. I will just take this call," she said, her voice tight.

I watched as she busied herself with the call, her brow furrowed in concern. When she finished, she made a hasty excuse about it being a call from her aunt demanding money.

I shrugged it off, not wanting to pry. "No worries, Sam. I'll go through these cookbooks while you're free."

After Samantha left, I glanced through the cookbooks for around thirty minutes before immersing myself into those damn office files. I received a call from my parents, inviting me over for the weekend.

It was obviously for the same reason.

I made an excuse. I don't wish to meet with them after their betrayal. I was still angry they chose a stranger over me. Were they desperately trying to marry me off?

“ Just three months and all these charades will stop,” I muttered, flipping through the last of the files.

The rest of the day flew by quickly as I immersed myself in the world of recipes and cooking techniques. Even if it was just a contract marriage, I would never let anyone look down on me.

I was going to show Victoria what I am capable of.

I took a quick glance at my watch and saw it was getting late. Wrapping up my work, I drove back to the Hale's mansion. When I arrived back at the mansion, I spotted Sebastian in the hallway. He was looking rather pitiful.

"Sebastian, I'm so sorry about Nathan's behavior," I said, feeling a pang of guilt. "He's been really hostile towards you."

Sebastian's expression was resigned. "It's okay, Lena. I'm used to it. Nathan's always been like this. I wouldn't blame my brother."

There was something in his tone that caught my attention. He seemed a little different, like the calm before the storm.

"Sebastian, is everything fine?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. It looked like the Hale's were full of surprises.

“ It's fine. I am just counting my losses…” he slurred, a faint smile etched on his face.

I was confused.“ Losses?”

“ Yeah. You are my loss. I wish I met you earlier than my grumpy brother. But I am glad you are my sister in law. That's my consolation,” Sebastian said, pouting.

I could swear he looked so innocent and cute that I couldn't stop myself from bursting into laughter. What consolation? Was he kidding me?

“ You are just too cute, Seb…”

He touched his chin, as if in deep contemplation before wearing a big smile. “ Seb? I love this!”

The way he said it made me laugh even more. I wonder why Nathan could be so mean to such an innocent soul.

His eyes caught mine and his lips moved, yet nothing came out. I know he was trying to tell me something. “ Spill it out, Seb”

He hesitated, glancing around nervously before leaning in close. "Lena, I need to tell you something, but I'm scared. Nathan-"

I urged him to continue, my heart racing with anticipation. After a moment's hesitation, Sebastian whispered something in my ear that made my blood boil.

My face twisted in anger, and I stormed into my room, slamming the door behind me.