The Mistaken Bride

Bound by Power

Julia's point of view

The pain in my head was a lot of pain, but it was nothing compared to the pain I felt after Winston said those harsh words to me.

“You give me two hours to get back home?” I repeated, my voice trembling with disbelief. “Winston, I’ve just been in a car accident.”

His gaze didn’t soften. "You heard me." I’ll have someone bring you some clothes. Don’t be late.

I wanted to argue. I wanted to scream, telling him that I am human, not a machine. But I couldn't. What was the point? This wasn’t a marriage. It wasn’t even a partnership. It was a transaction—a contract. And I had nothing left to give except for what he demanded.

When I arrived back home, my head still spun from the crash and the shock of Winston’s words. But I had to do it. I had to keep up the pretense. If I stopped, even for a second, I wasn’t sure I would be able to keep going.

I dressed quickly, my fingers shaking as I pulled on a dress, something presentable. The makeup I used to hide the exhaustion under my eyes now felt pointless, but I did it anyway. I had no choice. I had no room for weakness.

As I made my way to the office, the entire drive, I kept thinking about Maya, about what I had to do for her. Every step I took, every decision I made, it was for her future. For her health. For her life.

When I reached Johnson Enterprises, I was greeted by the usual polished, perfect facade. People moved with purpose, smiles plastered on their faces as if everything were normal.

I walked into the conference room where Winston was waiting. He didn't even turn his back, he was just staring outside the windows. I wondered if he ever saw anything beyond his empire.

“Good, you’re on time,” he said without turning around. “Take a seat.”

I didn’t hesitate. I walked to the table, sitting down. My heart was racing, but I kept a brave face, forcing myself to focus. In front of me were contracts and documents that I needed to go through.

He was still staring outside the window. I wanted to scream at him for the way he’d treated me early, but I kept my mouth shut. It wasn’t worth it. I couldn’t afford to waste energy on him anymore.

The meeting started, and I forced myself to focus. We went through the usual business discussions, things that didn’t matter to me, but I nodded and contributed when I had to. Winston barely looked at me, speaking to others in the room as if I weren’t even there.

I felt invisible. Again.

When the meeting ended, everyone stood up, ready to leave. Winston didn’t say a word to me. He was about to leave. I was still seated, going through the document in front of me.

“Julia,” Winston’s voice broke through the silence. It was quieter this time, less authoritative.

I looked up, meeting his gaze. There was something different in his eyes. We stared at each other for a moment before I could say a word. He interrupted me.

“You’re not done here,” he said, his voice cold, dismissive.

I blinked. “What do you mean?”

He walked toward me slowly, his expression hardening. “I’m warning you, Julia.” You don’t leave a meeting without my permission again. Do you understand?”

My heart sank. Was he serious?

I opened my mouth to speak, but Winston interrupted and cut me off before I could even say a word.

I don’t care what personal issues you have. I don’t care if you’re tired. You’re here to work. And if you decide to leave again without my say-so, don’t expect me to keep footing your bills. I’ll make sure you have nothing left.

His words were like a slap to my face. I felt my heart racing, and my anger boiled over. I was about to tell him how bad his attitude was, but the words died on my tongue. I couldn’t afford to make things worse. Not yet.

He looked at me, waiting for my response, but I remained silent.

“Good,” he said after a long silence. “Now get back to work.” You’ll start handling the client meetings I’ve assigned to you this week. I expect you to always be present and active. If you miss even a single one, don’t bother coming back.

His voice was harsh. But there was nothing I could do.

I stood up, and walked toward the door. As I reached for the handle, Winston’s voice stopped me again.

“And Julia?” he said.

I turned around, heart pounding. His eyes were darker now, colder.

Don’t forget who you are. You’re here because I allow it,” he said, his gaze fixed on me. “Don’t make me remind you what happens when you forget that.”

I froze, his words cutting through me. The control, the power he had over me—it was suffocating. But I couldn’t show how it affected me. I nodded, keeping my face straight, and walked out of the boardroom.

As I walked out of the boardroom, his words rang in my mind, and I felt the bonding of them pressing down on me, suffocating me with each step. He wanted to remind me of my place, as if I could ever forget.

I tried to push the thoughts aside as I walked down the hall, forcing myself to focus. There was no room.

I reached my car, my hands trembling as I gripped the door handle. I sat for a while, staring at the windshield for a long moment. I had to keep going, no matter how it looks.

As I started my car, my phone rang in my purse. I pulled it out, glancing at the screen.

It was a message from Maya’s doctor.

We need to discuss Maya’s condition. Please call when you can.

I couldn't wait till I got home, so I quickly rushed to the hospital. When I got there I couldn't believe what I saw.