FROM DISCARDED WIFE TO UNTOUCHABLE WOMAN

Payback

Serena's POV

“What should I do?”

His sincere gaze caught me off guard and I found myself staring into his dark, dangerous eyes.

“Can't you see? It's like they're made for each other.” I heard Aunt Rose whisper.

“He agreed to dance? Hell, he really loves her.” Uncle Zeke replied.

I snapped out of it and answered Elliot, “Just follow my lead.”

He took my hands in his and held my waist.

“Don't think of anything else.” I whispered as we moved, “Just think of me, and this moment.”

I had to say it because I could never imagine what it took for him to agree to this knowing that it could ridicule him. Finn did not stop his mockery laughter and even Mr Vance looked pleased.

Jen’s expression was unreadable. I didn't let his hostility get to me and looked away. Soon after, he got up furiously and exited the room. What's with him?

“Keep your eyes on me.” I told Elliot when he tried to turn to Finn. “There's no one else here, just us.”

I was glad he followed suit. It was a surreal feeling having someone like Elliot do as told. The first time I met him, he seemed like a God who took no order from anyone.

I didn't gloat about it, but something unexplainable fluttered within me.

Soon, we ended the dance, coming to a slow stop. Although he had misstepped a few times, the dance flowed smoothly, or should I say his touch sent electrifying waves through my body?

“Kiss me.” I whispered as we came to a slow stop.

He arched his brow. “What?”

“Kiss me,” I repeated and added. “On the head.”

“That's not necessary.” He refused and let go of me as the music stopped. Still, I held his shoulders, propped myself up and planted a kiss on his head.

“Oooooohhhhhhhh….” Uncle Zeke and Aunt Rose giggled like excited high-school lovers as they took a shot.

“Did you take a picture of us?” Elliot was alarmed. He walked up to them. “Delete it immediately.”

But Uncle Zeke took to his heels and although Elliot meant to chase him, I grabbed his arm.

“I feel tired. Please let's leave.”

He tightened his jaw, took my wrist and stopped in front of Mr Vance.

“We'll be leaving now, Dad.”

Mr Vance nodded. “I'm happy for you. It seems you've finally found your match.”

Mr Vance laughed and added, “Don't forget to bring her here in two days time. Until then, your inheritance and wealth is still hanging on a thin thread.”

Elliot said nothing more and began to walk towards the exit, pulling me with him.

He only unleashed his discomfort when the driver rolled the Rolls Royce out of the estate.

“Serena, I already told you to quit kissing if it's not necessary.” He raged, despite his efforts to tone it down, the anger still seeped out.

“Didn't I do a good job?” I asked instead, “There was no doubt that we're in love.”

“That's not what I'm talking about.”

I turned to him, “But that's what you wanted. You should be happy instead of complaining.”

“Besides, it's just a peck on the head. Are you really a saint?” I chuckled. “You don't have to pretend, Elliot. The whole city knows the hotel you frequent with your set of girls.”

Elliot was rendered speechless.

When he found his tongue, he said, “That's different. This isn't real.”

“You don't have to kiss me if you don't want to. If that's where you draw the line, fine.” I paused and added, “But I'll do it when I have to.”

“What?”

“We both have something we need. Your inheritance and my ten million dollars. I'll do what I can to get mine.” I smiled at him and turned my attention back to the window.

I was glad he said nothing more even though I knew he was boiling inside.

“Drop me off at my house, please.” I requested shortly after.

“Why? Are you mad at me?”

“Of course not.” I chuckled. “We're not married yet, are we?”

“Still, I think it's best we stay together for the meantime.” He explained. “Especially on how we can convince them in two days time.”

I bit my lips. That's exactly why I needed to return home, to figure out a way to hide my pregnancy. Staying with him will restrict my movement and I won't be able to do anything.

“You said you already had a plan for that.”

“That was before they decided to check.” He replied.

“So what now?”

“I don't believe you're infertile, Serena.” He said. “You miscarried. That only means with proper care you should be able to carry it to term.”

“Are you saying I can actually carry your child?” I thought aloud.

After a few seconds, he answered, “Is there a problem with that?”

“If I'm to do that, this will have to become real Elliot.” I continued. “I can't leave my child with you after the stipulated time.”

“Didn't you say you'd do what you can for the ten million?”

I turned to him sharply, “You're going to use that to coerce me?”

“Well, like you said, I'm going to do what I can to get my wealth and inheritance back.”

Tears stung my eyes as it dawned on me. “You deceived me.”

The car came to a screeching halt in front of my house. I was too enraged with myself to find the strength to step out.

This was all my fault.

How could I trust a business man like him so blindly? I really believed he wanted his inheritance back and in turn I'll be getting two things, revenge against the Whitmores and enough money to raise my child, but he never cared about my demands.

“Don't think too much about it.” His calm voice came to me. “I'll be giving you fifty million instead of ten million. It's clear you need it, even though I don't know why.”

“I'm breaking this deal.” I said, failing to hold back the tears as they slipped from my eyes. “I won't go forward with this.”

“Then you risk compensating me with twenty million.” He replied.

“What?”

“There's an empty page in the contract I gave to you.” He explained. “An invisible ink was used on it. It should have been visible by now. You should check it out.”

I chuckled despite the tears.

“Count it as payback for soiling my suit.”