MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE WITH THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter 4: The Painful Truth

April’s POV

I woke up to a dull ache spreading throughout my body. Sitting up, I realized I was alone in the massive king-size bed and Marcus was nowhere to be found. A wave of shock washed over me as I processed what had happened. He had taken my virginity and then left me, just like that?

I slowly swung my legs over the side of the bed, wincing in pain. Every movement felt like a jolt to my sensitive areas. I needed something to ease the discomfort.

I reached for the phone to order some food and medicine. However, before I could touch the receiver, there was a knock at the door. I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to face anyone. But the knock came again, and I knew I had to answer it.

I slowly got out of bed, trying dismally not to pay any attention to my body’s cry of pain. When I opened the door, Lucy was standing there with a covered tray in her hands. I was taken aback - how did she know I needed something?

"Ma'am, the boss informed me that you might need some… assistance," Lucy timidly remarked, her eyes discreetly avoiding mine.

I felt a flush fill my cheeks as I realized that Marcus must have told her. I was mortified.

"Okay, thank you," I muttered, trying to hide my embarrassment.

"And I'll need to change the bedsheets too," Lucy added, her voice neutral as she placed the tray on the nearest table to her.

I nodded, feeling a surge of humiliation. "I'll just… go to the bathroom, for a bit," I hesitantly stated, trying to escape our present awkwardness.

As I turned to head to the bathroom, Lucy's amber eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of understanding there. Sadly, I just couldn't bear to look at her at the moment. I only hope that wherever Marcus was, he was aware of how I’m feeling right now.

Whatever. I should deal with more important things, though…

Marcus’ POV

As we stepped out of the rented limo and onto the sprawling grounds of my companion’s family mansion in Mexico, I couldn't help but notice the mix of emotions on Julian's face. There was a hint of excitement and joy, but it was overshadowed by the lingering anger and frustration from my response to our earlier encounter.

I knew that Julian had always dreamed of visiting her parents' mansion in Mexico with her fiancé, and I had promised to make that happen. But now, with the persistent tension between us, I wasn't sure if this trip was going to be the ideal romantic getaway that she had envisioned.

I excused myself from the dinner table, citing fatigue as an excuse. As I made my way to the bedroom, I could hear Julian and her sister laughing and chatting in the living room. I didn't bother to join them, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of April.

As soon as I was alone and had locked the door behind me, I took out my mobile and dialed the house my father had assigned as our present marital residence. I needed to hear April's voice, desired to be reassured that she was safe and sound. But when Lucy answered the phone, my heart sank.

"Hello, Sir Marcus, Mrs. Blackwood is not here right now."

My mind began to race. Where could she be? I didn't want to imagine the possibility of her being with another man. The thought sent a sudden, intense surge of jealousy and possessiveness through me.

"Where is April then?" I tersely demanded, trying to keep my tone neutral, yet dreadfully failing.

"I'm not sure, sir. She didn't say where she was going. But she did leave a note saying that she’ll be back soon as possible."

“Let me know the minute she returns,” I sternly ordered as I ended the call, already thinking of a list of who I can call to know my wife’s current location.

Too bad the number of people I could ask were very limited…

April’s POV

I burst into the hospital room, my eyes speedily searching everywhere until they landed on the most beautiful sight: my mom, sitting up in bed, reading a book. I couldn't contain my excitement, and I shouted "Mom!" as I rushed to her side.

I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her tightly as tears of joy streamed down my face. "I miss you so much!" I exclaimed as I held her close.

My mom stroked my hair, her voice filled with love and warmth. "My dear, I miss you too. I heard everything you did to help me get the treatment I needed. I'm so proud of you, sweetie."

As we hugged, my mom asked, "How's your husband? Is he here?" She looked around the room, expecting to see Marcus.

I smiled, feeling a pang of guilt for not telling her about the complicated situation with my marriage. "No, mom, he's not here. He had to go on a business trip, but he'll come visit you soon," I reassured her tenderly.

My mom nodded, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Thankfully, she didn't press the issue. Instead, we spent the rest of the visit catching up, just enjoying each other’s company and laughing together.

Within a quarter of an hour, Doctor Philip walked into the room, a warm smile on his face. "Congratulations on your wedding, Mrs. Blackwood," he greeted me, his brown eyes twinkling with kindness. "It's an honor having the newest addition to the Blackwoods here."

I smiled, still getting used to being addressed as Mrs. Blackwood. But I had to admit, it did have a nice ring to it. And judging by the look on my mom's face, she was thrilled with it, too.

"Your mother will be discharged very soon," Doctor Philip continued. "And her nurses are both ready to accompany her home."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "The nurses?" I repeated incredulously.

Doctor Philip subtly nodded. "Yes, Mr. Reginald Blackwood specifically requested that two nurses be assigned to your mom's care once she leaves here and joins you."

I smiled, impressed by Marcus' father's generosity. "That's very kind of him," I gratefully declared.

Doctor Philip smiled back. "Everything is taken care of, Mrs. Blackwood. You don't need to worry about a thing."

As he excused himself, my mom turned to me with a look of wonder on her face. "Wow, two nurses just for me? This Blackwood family must be very wealthy indeed!"

I feel my lips tighten at the thought of the fact that my mom might get the shock of her life when she finally meets my husband and his mistress.

Speaking of which, dear reader, let’s have a look inside a certain ancient, Spanish-styled villa in Mexico, shall we?

Sophia's dark amber eyes narrowed as she gazed at Julian, her expression a mix of amusement and mockery. "Little sis," she slyly began, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "I thought you said you had him wrapped around your little finger?"

She emphasized the word "little" by rounding her finger, her eyes glinting with mockery. Julian's face flushed as she met Sophia's gaze, but she seemed at a loss for words. Sophia's eyes sparkled with triumph as she pressed on.

"So, what happened? I saw the news, the wedding... and you were even there, smiling like a fool on the sidelines. I thought for a moment that it was all my imagination until I saw that it was being reported in every channel."

Julian's eyes dropped, and she looked away, unable to defend herself. Sophia's voice rose in indignation. "How could you let him get married to someone else? You're the one who's been chasing after him all these years. What happened to your famous 'Julian's got a plan' statement?" Sophia's tone was laced with disdain, and Julian's face grew redder by the second.

The redhead's explanation was laced with conviction as she spoke. "That marriage is just an arranged one, Sophia. Marcus only agreed to do it for his father to let him inherit the Blackwood's company. Once that's settled, he'll divorce her and we'll be married instead."

But Sophia was unimpressed. She let out a derisive snort, her eyes rolling in skepticism.

"Divorce her? And you truly believe he'll do that? After he's gone through all the trouble of marrying her?" Sophia's voice was incredulous, and she took a step closer to Julian, her gaze blazing with intensity. "How can you believe such a ridiculous lie, Julian? You're smarter than that. Marcus is just using you, and you're letting him!"

Julian's face turned red with fury as her older sister's words cut deep. She had had enough of her sister's doubts and criticisms.

"Stop it, big sis! Stop it!" the younger sibling's voice rose an octave, her green eyes flashing with defiance. "I've heard enough! He promised to divorce her, and that's final!"

With that, Julian turned on her heels and walked out of the living room, leaving Sophia standing all by herself, her face a mix of concern and frustration. The mistress’ angry footsteps echoed through the hallway, a testament to the depth of her emotions.

Sophia's eyes blazed angrily, and with sadness as she watched her beloved sister walk away. She felt a deep sense of helplessness, knowing that Julian was blind to the reality of her present situation.

"If he doesn't divorce her," Sophia muttered to herself, her voice low and menacing, "Then I'll make sure that she's gotten rid of."

A cold, calculated glint appeared in the oldest Edelman daughter’s eyes as she contemplated her options. She was determined to protect her sister from the heartbreak that Marcus seemed destined to deliver. And if that meant taking drastic measures, then so be it.

Meanwhile, Julian quietly entered the room, her eyes fixed on Marcus' slumbering form. It was a good thing that the muscular heir unlocked the door before he went to sleep. As the green-eyed lass approached the bed, her movements deliberate and sensual, she reached out to touch him. Marcus stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

"What is it, Julian?" he asked, his voice husky with sleep.

The redhead's gaze locked onto his, her eyes burning with desire. "I want you to make love to me," she eagerly responded, her lusty voice barely audible.

Marcus's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "As in, right now?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

Julian's face was very determined, her eyes flashing with a fierce intensity. "Yes, right now. And don’t hold back," she reiterated, her voice firm. "I want you to f**k me as hot and hard as you can!”

Marcus's eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback by Julian's bold request. For a moment, he just stared at her, his expression unreadable.

Then, a slow smile spread across his face, and he sat up in bed, his eyes never leaving Julian's. "Well, I suppose I can oblige," he said, his voice low and throaty.

Julian's eyes flashed with triumph, and she seductively peeled off her clothes. Marcus watched her, his smoldering stare burning with desire, as she revealed her curvy naked body.

Without a word, Marcus pulled Julian onto the bed, his hands roaming over her skin as he kissed her fiercely. Julian moaned, her body arching into his touch, as they lost themselves in a passionate and all-consuming s****l act.

As Marcus and Julian's intercourse reached its climax, Julian couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph and satisfaction. She had never seen Marcus so passionate, so consumed by desire. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that everything was okay, that nothing had happened between Marcus and April.

But as they lay there in the aftermath, spent and exhausted, Marcus's eyes drifted closed, and he sighed out a single word: "April…"

Julian's heart froze, her eyes widening in horror as she realized that Marcus was still thinking about April, even in the middle of their impassioned encounter.

A cold, hard reality set in, and the long-time lover felt a wave of anger and betrayal wash over her. She lay there, tears streaming down her face. Even as Marcus fell into a deep sleep, oblivious to the devastation that he had just caused by a single word muttered unawares.

As she voicelessly wept, the youngest Edelman sibling made a silent vow to herself: she would destroy April, no matter what it took. The thought burned within Julian, a fierce and unrelenting flame that would consume her very being from that day forth