Forbidden Attraction

The Stud

*Kayla's P.O.V*

I took a deep breath, striving to keep my composure as I brushed away an imaginary speck of dust from the vivid crimson fabric of my dress. With a flick of my wrist, I released my hold on Andrew’s arm momentarily, gathering my long blonde hair into a sleek bun that highlighted the contours of my oval-shaped face.

Rejoining my grip with Andrew, we entered the grand family mansion, every step echoing off the polished marble floors. My gray eyes scanned the opulent sitting room, taking in the extravagant decor and the unmistakable disdain reflected in the gazes that met us. It was as if we were unwelcome intruders.

“What took you so long?” Martha, Andrew's mother, snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through the air like a knife.

Andrew settled into a plush armchair, casually crossing his legs as he replied, “I’m sorry, Mom; something unexpected happened.”

“Can anything be more unexpected than your marriage?” she shot back, directing a venomous glare at me that made it clear I was the object of her disdain.

I knew I was far from welcome, and truthfully, I didn’t want to be here either. My father's actions had undoubtedly cast a shadow over my reputation, but it was unfair that I had to shoulder the consequences of his choices. My gaze drifted toward the other co-wives, their eyes darting eagerly to the door as if they were anticipating the arrival of someone significant.

“Oh, Jade,” I thought to myself, the name echoing in my mind.

Having been part of the Morgan family for two months now, I had yet to lay eyes on Jade, the infamous figure spoken of in hushed voices—a source of dread for everyone within this household. I felt a strange mix of anticipation and apprehension at the thought of meeting her, for I knew all too well what it felt like to be an outcast in a family because of one’s gender.

Just then, a stately elderly woman entered the room, her elegant dress flowing around her like a graceful gown of waves. For a moment, I mistook her for Jade, my heart quickening with curiosity. But then Martha's voice sliced through my thoughts, “Why is that brat of yours keeping everyone waiting?”

Ignoring Martha’s sharp tongue, the woman exchanged a warm gaze with Andrew's father, Daniel Morgan. They shared a silent conversation, the connection palpable in the air, and one could easily see the softness in Mr. Daniel's eyes as they locked in mutual understanding.

She gracefully settled into a secluded two-seater couch, a world apart from the unwelcoming atmosphere around her, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that her presence signaled a turning point in this tense family drama.

The atmosphere in the room thickened with an electric tension as if the air itself held its breath. Everyone exchanged glances laced with disdain, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and expectation, each person inhaling deeply as though readying themselves for a grand performance.

An hour passed in this suffocating silence when the door suddenly swung open, revealing a striking figure that commanded attention: a young woman, towering at 6 feet 2 inches, with skin that seemed to glow under the harsh fluorescent lights. Her features bore an uncanny resemblance to those of a man, and her meticulously styled hair—a side-parted undercut—allowed a rebellious strand to cascade carelessly across her forehead. “Jade,” I breathed, captivated.

She donned a fitted black shirt that ended at her upper arms exposing the tattoos on her left hand that ran from her shoulder to her wrist, expertly tucked into a tailored black side adjuster pants adorned with two button tabs. My pulse quickened as I watched her stride confidently in her black sleek loafers across the room with her tattooed hand in her pants pocket, her cologne—a rich blend of musk and spice—enveloping the space like an intoxicating fog. I had never encountered a woman who exuded such an alluring kind of handsomeness.

Andrew's mother regarded her with icy disdain, scoffing sarcastically, “You sure took your sweet time.” Jade, however, remained unfazed, settling into a seat beside the elderly woman I presumed to be her mother after giving her a warm peg, legs elegantly crossed. As the meeting commenced, my gaze was irresistibly drawn to her, mesmerized as if under a spell, while she seemed entirely unaware of my scrutiny.

Just then, I caught sight of my co-wives, their expressions betraying a heat of yearning as they beheld Jade, engrossed in her presence despite their husbands’ frantic attempts to redirect their attention. With every word that flowed from her lips—both powerful and commanding authority—I felt my heart race, catching the blend of her uniquely hypnotic voice. “Why wouldn’t she look this way?” I silently wished, feeling utterly entranced…

**Jade's Perspective**

As I walked in, I immediately noticed the attention focused on me. I was aware that being late would draw some stares, but this felt different. I caught a glimpse of the newest addition to the family—Andrew’s wife. Since I wasn't close enough with him to attend the wedding, I didn’t know what she looked like. She initially looked at my feet, and I quickly returned the gaze, only to look away just as she was about to meet my eyes. It seemed like her attention lingered on me as I made my way to my mother, and there was something about her gaze that felt more intense than usual scrutiny.

About an hour into our meeting, her gaze hadn’t wavered, and I could sense my other sisters-in-law watching too, something I had become accustomed to.

“The company will soon be signing a significant contract,” Dad announced. “We will need all hands on deck, and your participation is essential, Jade.”

“Dad, I appreciate that, but I have my own business to run and might not be available,” I replied, glancing at Elena, my sister-in-law who was still staring.

Dad leaned forward, determined. “This is a family business, Jade. Your presence is important. We need your expertise.”

Martha chimed in with a dismissive tone, “Who says we need her? She may bring shame to the company because of her personality.”

Instead of engaging with her, I focused on Andrew and calmly said, “Last I checked, your past doesn’t exactly scream ‘prestige.’”

Though he was surprised by my comment, he quickly regained his composure. “What? I haven’t even said anything to you.”

Martha jumped in again, “Real shame lies with your mother, who couldn’t provide a male heir.”

My mother held her ground and responded firmly, “At least my daughter is achieving more than your three sons combined.”

Martha’s eyes widened in disbelief as she tried to respond.

“Enough,” Dad interjected, directing his frustration at Martha. “Why do you always have to instigate a fight?”

Martha retorted, “You should be grateful to me for giving you three sons when she couldn’t have one for four years!”

It was true Dad married Martha since my mom couldn't bear more children, against my mother's wish but he loved my mother more. This drove Martha crazy each time.

I glanced at my watch, feeling the weight of the meeting. “Dad, I have a client meeting to attend. I’m sorry, but I need to leave.”

“That's alright,” Dad replied, his tone softening. “Please think about what I’ve said.” I nodded as I made my way toward the door.

I noticed Andrew's wife looking my way, and when our eyes met, she quickly turned away, which made me chuckle silently.

**Kayla's POV**

As she approached, our eyes locked. Her hazel eyes, accentuated by thick lashes, were so captivating that I found it hard to maintain my gaze, making me look away. Part of me wished she would linger just a moment longer.

A few minutes after Jade exited, the atmosphere in the room grew tense.

“You think you have the upper hand?” Andrew's mother confronted Jade's mother. “You want to disturb my peace.”

“I’m not engaging in this today,” his father said, choosing to leave the sitting room.

“You entered my home uninvited and caused chaos; now you seek peace? That’s not happening,” Jade's mother responded firmly.

“I’ll ensure I deal with you and that daughter of yours,” Martha declared as she prepared to leave.

Jade's mother was undeterred, replying, “Choose your words carefully; I still hold your secret.”

Andrew's mother paused, taken aback by the reply.