MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE WITH THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter Ten: Stop Touching My Husband!

April’s POV

I watched with satisfaction as Julian finally stormed out, her misplaced pride wounded. Who would have thought that the manipulative Julian could be easily put in her place by my new but loyal assistant, Vivian?

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of vindication. "Vivian, come with me. Let me show you to one of the guest rooms," I said, leading her downstairs.

As we reached the bottom of the stairs, Marcus walked in, looking tired but still handsome in his usual rugged way. I greeted him briefly before passing by with Vivian.

But something caught my attention - his collar. It was slightly rumpled, and I could see a faint smudge of lipstick on the edge.

My heart sank. Julian was right. Marcus had slept with her in his office. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, and my mind reeled with the implications.

How could he be so reckless? And with Julian, of all people? I immediately brushed aside my emotions, determined to keep my composure. But the image of Marcus and Julian together lingered, burning in my mind like a branding irons.

I turned to leave, but Vivian's gentle touch on my arm stopped me. "Madam?" she said, her voice soft with concerns. “I know that you are angry.”

I faced this dainty but brave brunette, wondering how she'd discerned my emotions. "I'm not angry," I said, attempting to sound composed. "Just disappointed. I thought Marcus had changed, but it seems I was mistaken."

Vivian's expression turned contemplative. "If I may be so bold, madam, it's possible the lipstick was intentionally left there for you to discover. A manipulation tactic, perhaps?"

I raised an eyebrow, considering her words. Could it be true? Was Julian trying to manipulate me into thinking that Marcus slept with her?

Marcus’ POV

I trudged into the master’s bedroom, exhausted and craving solitude. I had hoped April would follow me upstairs instead of giving me that cold look. And how beautiful she was!

I knew Jessica was the one responsible for April’s new look and have left an assistant to help her with running our household. However, I could easily tell that my wife was still seething with anger. The glare she gave me earlier had spoken volumes.

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. I had hurt her, and I knew it. But I had no idea how to make things right between us. For now, I just wanted to see her, to know that she was safe and that we could somehow move forward from this mess.

I lay down, feigning sleep, anticipating April's arrival. But as soon as she entered, I couldn't maintain the charade.

"How was work ?" she asked, her voice soft.

I opened my eyes, locking onto hers. "Baby, I missed you," I whispered, my arms reaching out to pull her down beside me. “I admit, the work was fine but I’m not…”

April's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of wariness in her gaze. "Marcus, we need to talk," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

I gently wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. "Later, baby," I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear. "Right now, I just want to hold you."

April's body remained tense, but she didn't pull away. I took that as a small victory, hoping that I could somehow make things right between us.

After some minutes, she finally edged away from me, creating some distance between us. “Your mom sent Jessica, and I ended up having an assistant. She'll be staying with us," my better half remarked, her tone neutral. “I want you to join me for dinner, if you’re not too tired.” .

I stared at her in surprise. “You want me to have dinner with you?" I asked, my eyes lighting up in delight.

April nodded. "Yes. That is, if it’s alright with you..."

I smile, my fatigue seemingly forgotten. "I'll be right there. Just give me five minutes to freshen up. The private dining room, yeah?"

“Of course, through the connecting door.”

As I headed towards the bathroom, I turned to my wife with a hopeful expression. "Would you like to join me? I've really missed you, April."

April’s POV

My heart skipped a beat. I have missed him too, but I needed to sort out my wounded emotions first. Plus, Marcus needed to settle whatever he had with Julian. I shook my head, my reply firm.

"No husband, I'll be waiting for you at dinner."

With that, I walk out of the suite, leaving Marcus to his thoughts. I didn't look back, my eyes determinedly fixed on the room ahead while my heart was heavy with uncertainty.

Marcus’ POV

My eyes lingered on the empty space where April had sat, a pang of disappointment settling in my chest. I sighed dejectedly, knowing I needed to respect her boundaries.

I quickly showered and dressed, my mind racing with thoughts of my spouse and my lover. I realized that I needed to clear the air with April, to reassure her that my heart belonged to her, now and forever.

Moments later, as I made my way to the connecting door of our bedroom, the aroma of dinner wafted towards me, tantalizing my senses and making me feel my intense hunger. I followed the appetizing scent to our suite’s private dinner room, where April was already seated at the table, decorated by perfumed candles, garlands, fine china and our best silverware.

She looked up, my eyes meeting hers, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. My heart twists as I take in the sight of her. Her beauty and elegance, the table setting, the romantic dinner captivated my attention anew.

"Hey," I whispered softly, breaking the silence.

April smiled, a hint of warmth in her eyes. "Hey…" she echoed.

I took the opposite seat, my eyes fixed on my wife as she poured the wine. The tension between us was palpable, but I was determined to make things right as soon as possible.

As we ate, our conversation was stilted, but I knew better than to push. I accepted the fact that she needed time to process her feelings about what happened this morning.

Just as we were finishing up, a knock at the door broke the silence.

"That must be Vivian," April stated matter of factly as she rose from her seat.

As my wife left to answer the door, Julian stormed into the dining room from the bedroom entrance, her eyes blazing with anger. My mood instantly darkened. Julian held her ground in front of me, her eyes blazing with fury and resentment.

"Well, well, well," she sneered, her gaze flicking between me and April. "Looks like the happy couple is having a lovely romantic evening."

April's eyes flashed, willing to take on the challenge, but I could see the tension in her body. I quickly rose from my seat, my slitted glare locked onto Julian’s. "What business do you have here?" I hissed, his jaw tightening.

Julian's taunting sneer grew wider, her eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, I just wanted to drop by to congratulate you two," she countered, her voice dripped with sarcasm. "After all, you are both so perfect for each other."

My brows furrowed in suspicion. "Thank you, Julian. But, as you can see, we were enjoying a quiet dinner before you arrived. I think it's time for you to leave."

Julian's voice was spiteful as she rudely asked me, "Did April tell you how she embarrassed me today? She instructed the kitchen staff to disobey my orders. And to add insult to injury, she had her assistant order me out of your bedroom." her eyes locked onto Mine, her fingers trailing provocatively over my arm. "Did she tell you, Marcus?

April's eyes raged fiercely as she grabbed Julian's hand, her voice low and menacing. "I've heard enough, Julian. I advise you to stop touching my husband! Or else” April seethed her eyes mere slits.

With one swift motion, my livid wife pulled Julian's hand away from me, her eyes threatening with a silent warning. I turned to April, a slow smile spreading across my face.

Meanwhile, Julian's eyes widened in shock, her face pale with rage. She had expected me to take her side, to defend her against April's perceived slights. After all, I pleaded with her in the office and she was suddenly confused about my change of opinion and how I was reacting to her.

Right now, as this raging redhead looked at me, she saw only a silent, stoic figure, my eyes fixed on April with a look of admiration and approval. Julian's anger boiled over, her voice rising to a shrill pitch.

"Are you really just going to stand there and let her treat me like this?" Julian furiously demanded.

April approached my side, her hand closing around my arm. I could feel her dainty fingers wrapping tightly around my bicep. "Let's go," she told me, her voice low and husky.

Without a word, I allowed April to lead me out of the room and back to our bedroom. We left Julian standing there, her face twisted in an ugly scowl. As we walked away, my poor former mistress’'s anger and humiliation overflowed uncontrollably.

"This isn't over!" she shouted at us, her voice spilling through our connecting door and echoing through the hallways.

But neither of us paid her any mind. We disappeared into the bedroom, the entryway closing softly behind us, leaving Julian to seethe in silence.

+++

Back in the bedroom, April's eyes sparkled with amusement as Marcus smiled at her.

"I love the new Mrs. Blackwood," he enthused, his voice filled with admiration. “I will have to personally thank my mom for recommending Jessica to mentor you, dearest.”

April's cheeks flushed with pleasure, but before she could respond, Marcus turned away from her for a moment. When he faced her again, his expression was serious, his eyes burning with a newfound determination.

"I give you permission to take any action against Julian,” he declared, his voice firm and resolute. “And I will fully support it.’

April's eyes widened in surprise, but then a slow smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Marcus," she answered, her tone bursting with gratitude.

Marcus's brown eyes locked onto her ebony ones, his gaze burning with intensity. "You're my wife, April. And I'll do everything in my power to protect and stand right by you."