Swapped: His Dead Wife's Revenge

Chapter 15

June’s Pov

I slipped out of Nikolai’s room and pressed my back against the wall just around the corner. My hands shook as I wiped at my face with the sleeve of my dress. The sticky mess was still there, warm and humiliating. Tears burned behind my eyes again. I wanted to scream. I wanted to run. Instead I just stood there trying to breathe, trying to pull myself together before anyone saw me like this.

“Chloe?”

I jumped at the sound of Mrs. McCoy’s voice. Nikolai’s mother stood a few feet away, watching me with a curious tilt of her head. She looked elegant as always, perfectly put together in a cream blouse and pearls.

“Why did you startle like that?” she asked gently. “Are you doing something wrong? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I stammered, quickly wiping the last traces from my cheek. “Really. I’m okay.”

She studied me for a moment, then smiled. “Good. I would love a word with you. Nothing long. Just a quick talk. Come with me to the balcony. The fresh air will do you good.”

I wanted to say no. I wanted to run back to my room and hide. But refusing felt dangerous. “Sure,” I whispered. “After you.”

She led the way. I followed, still feeling the mess on my skin, the soreness between my legs, the weight of everything that had just happened. We stepped onto the wide balcony overlooking the gardens. The evening breeze was cool and carried the scent of flowers. Mrs. McCoy sat on one of the elegant outdoor chairs and motioned for me to sit opposite her.

I lowered myself carefully, folding my hands in my lap so she wouldn’t see them tremble.

“I’m going to go straight to the point,” she said, voice soft but firm. “I have noticed that you and my son do not share the same bedroom. May I know why?”

My throat felt tight. “I… I think he just wants his own space. Because of work and everything.”

She gave a small, knowing smile. “I know my son. When he was with Diane, they were inseparable. She spent almost every night in his room.” She paused, watching my reaction. “In this family, in our world, when a man and woman marry, they produce children. Heirs. That is how legacies continue. So I am telling you, dear, work harder. Go to his room. Sleep beside him. Make things normal again. Do you understand?”

I felt sick. This woman was talking about me getting pregnant by the man who had murdered my babies. The same man who had just used my mouth like I was nothing. I wanted to scream at her, but I only nodded.

“I will try my best,” I said quietly.

“Good.” She leaned forward a little. “Your father and Nikolai have a very important deal coming up. A multi-billion one. We cannot afford any delays. When are you going to speak with him and finalize everything?”

The pieces clicked into place. This was not a caring mother-daughter talk. This was business dressed up in family clothes.

“I will talk to him,” I promised. “Soon.”

“Today would be perfect,” she said smoothly. “The clock is ticking. We need progress before my husband and I leave. We have our own time together to enjoy.”

The way she said “our own time together” sounded so fake. Like she was reading lines from a script. Their perfect marriage was clearly just for show.

I nodded again. “I understand.”

She stood up, smoothing her blouse. “That would be great. Go today. And Chloe… forget about that cheap girl, Diane. Focus on your future with my son.”

I couldn’t help myself. “Why do you call her cheap?”

Mrs. McCoy looked at me like I had said something ridiculous. “She came from nothing. Nikolai picked her up and gave her family a share of the company. It was a mistake from the beginning. When she died, it broke my son. He became rude even to Betty, and she had to leave for a while. I’m glad she’s back. Now go speak to your father. Make this deal happen.”

She left me standing there on the balcony, the breeze suddenly feeling colder.

I went back inside, my mind spinning. I needed to get out of this house, even if it was just to Chloe’s father’s place. Maybe there I could find real answers about the body swap. I changed into something simple, packed a small bag I didn’t really need, and went downstairs.

One of the drivers approached me politely. “Ma’am, are you going somewhere? The car is ready if you need it.”

“Yes,” I said. “Take me home. To my father’s house.”

He nodded and opened the car door for me.

I was about to step in when a deep voice cut through the air.

“And where do you think you are going?”

I turned. Nikolai was walking toward us, his expression dark.

I swallowed. “I’m going to see my father. I need to discuss some things with him about the deal.”

He stopped a few feet away, eyes narrowing. “You just woke up and decided to do this? Without telling me?”

Oh may I remind you that you f****d my mouth few hours ago??

“I didn’t think I needed permission for everything,” I said instead.

Nikolai’s jaw tightened. “You have been testing my patience all day. I don’t like repeating myself. Share your location with me right now. I want to know exactly where you are at all times. With your history, I wouldn’t put it past you to go out and disgrace me. Maybe you’re heading to some orgy or meeting someone to f**k you. I won’t allow it.”