Rejected by my Ex, Claimed by His Billionaire Boss

Legally, I'm your wife

Renee and Killian watched as Arthur’s car pulled away, the older man’s presence dissipating down the long driveway. As the vehicle disappeared, Renee turned to Killian and remarked lightly, “Your grandfather is so sweet, unlike you.”

Killian responded with a short, humorless chuckle of pure irritation, instantly grasping her wrist with surprising force.

“Ah! What are you doing? Why are you dragging me like this? Killian, my feet are hurting! Just let me go,” Renee protested, scrambling to keep up with his furious strides. He didn't listen to a single word of her complaint.

He shoved her roughly against his car as soon as they reached the isolated parking lot, pinning her there by gripping her arms tightly. His voice, amplified by the sterile echo of the empty space, was a dangerous snarl.

“What did I ask you to say in front of my grandfather? And what the f**k did you say? Did you forget the conditions you’re supposed to follow while being my wife? Huh?” He bore his intense gaze into her, demanding an answer.

“I wanted to tease you,” Renee retorted, refusing to wilt under his anger. “You always show this arrogant attitude in front of me that makes my blood boil.”

Her eyes widened in a sudden surge of fear when his hand shot up and brutally closed around her neck. His grip wasn't immediately crushing, but it was a chilling display of physical dominance.

“You’re forgetting your place, Renee,” he hissed, his breath hot against her face. “I am the one who has given you a roof to live in, food to eat, and clothes to wear. You called me a dog in that fake little story you presented to my grandfather! I don't like joking around in such a manner. Keep in mind not to ever test me like this, or—”

Renee cut him off, her own fear transforming into reckless defiance. Her hands went up to grip his wrist on her neck as she glared back with the same desperate intensity.

“Or what? Will you kick me out?”

“Honey, did you hear the voices of someone arguing?” A distinct voice, coming from nearby, cut through the tense silence of the parking lot.

The sudden sound of a woman caused Killian to instantly release Renee's throat. She stumbled slightly, raising a trembling hand to rub the skin where his fingers had been, tears quickly brimming in her eyes from the pain and shock.

Killian, regaining his composure, swiftly got into the car, expecting her to follow. But to his surprise, she started walking determinedly away from the vehicle.

“Where the f**k is she going now?” Killian muttered under his breath, frustration and annoyance replacing his rage. He quickly got out of the car. “Get in, Renee.” He noticed a couple walking towards their own vehicle nearby, and they were watching the scene with undisguised curiosity.

Renee was walking with a slight, visible limp, a lingering pain from where he’d shoved her against the car. Killian approached her quickly, knowing he couldn't afford a public scene.

He scooped her up from behind in a surprisingly smooth motion, holding her securely against his chest. He spared a quick glance at the couple, they were smiling broadly, clearly mistaking the struggle for a passionate, domestic spat, before they drove away.

“Put me down!” Renee demanded, hitting his shoulder with her fist in futile protest.

“Yeah, I will throw you into the car,” Killian said curtly, fulfilling his promise by opening the passenger's seat door. He didn't literally toss her, but he unceremoniously lowered Renee inside and roughly fastened the seatbelt around her slender body.

Watching how the tears shimmered on the edges of her eyes, ready to spill, Killian felt a peculiar sensation, but he swallowed it down and said nothing. He shut the door firmly before quickly getting into the driver's seat.

Wasting no time, he sped out of the parking lot and drove toward the mansion.

Upon reaching the house, the moment the car stopped, Renee didn't wait. She yanked the seatbelt free and ran inside, not once looking back at him. Her furious, silent rejection was palpable.

Killian went directly to his own room. He pulled the knot of his tie loose with a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. As he began to remove his dress shirt, he heard his bedroom door fly open. Before he could fully turn to check the intruder, a pillow came flying through the air and hit him squarely in the face.

It fell silently to the floor, and Killian’s jaw tightened. He clenched his fists, ready to blast at Renee, who showed the phone to him.

“I'll call Grandpa if you bully me,” Renee said. Earlier, before Arthur left, he made sure Renee would get his number.

“Your threats won't work on me,” Killian said, already dashing to her.

Renee thought he would be scared and in fear, she quickly dialed the number.

“Grandpa!” She spoke, putting the phone on speaker while Killian stopped an inch away from her.

“Oh, Renee, dear. Why did you call me?” Arthur asked from the other side.

Killian shook his head while Renee grinned at him.

“Grandpa, don't you think your grandson is like an angry bird?” Renee asked.

“What?” Arthur exclaimed before laughing aloud. “Well, it's a secret but yes. My grandson becomes angry for every small reason. I am hoping he's not giving you any headache. But if he does, don't hesitate to call me.”

“Killian is quite lovely, Grandpa,” Renee stated. “I called you to ask if you arrived home safely.”

“Yes, I arrived only five minutes ago. I felt good you called me. At least, my granddaughter-in-law cares for me,” Arthur said. “Did you two reach home?”

“Yes, Grandpa. We arrived just a moment ago. It was truly a wonderful evening with you. Good night, Grandpa.”

“Goodnight, dear,” Arthur said before hanging up.

“What was that?” Killian frowned.

“If you bully me, I will tell Grandpa in the future. And you needed me, keep that in mind. That's why you threw a contract marriage on my face,” Renee pronounced. “I will tell the world you're a jerk, who married me but still hugs your ex.”

“What?” Killian arched his brow in annoyance.

“I–I might be desperate, but I won't bear it if you keep humiliating me, Killian Morrison. Legally, I'm your wife for a certain time. Keep that in mind,” Renee said and dashed out of the room.