CHAPTER FIVE
1257 Words
CHERRY’S POV
I stared at my reflection after the makeup artist finished. For a moment, I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. The gown hugged my body perfectly, and the shimmer of the fabric made me look… regal.
Then his voice shattered the moment. “Meet me downstairs in ten minutes.”
My patience frayed. When will I ever be free from this devil?
I went downstairs, forcing composure. A compliment would have been nice, but he didn’t even glance at me. I told myself I didn’t need his validation, but deep down, the silence burned.
Not long after, we arrived at the banquet.
As I reached for the car door, Kris’s voice cut sharply through the air.
“Respect yourself. Remember the contract. We must behave like a couple.”
I rolled my eyes but allowed him to take my hand. His touch sent a cold shiver up my arm.
Inside, the room glittered with chandeliers, soft music, and elegant laughter. Kris moved among them like he belonged there, while I followed like a stranger in his world.
“Nice meeting you,” I murmured, forcing a smile, my throat dry.
When the food was served, he leaned close, his voice low and cutting.
“Must you show your poor background? Do you have to drool over every dish? You’ve never eaten food like this, have you?”
My cheeks burned. Don’t let them see you break, I told myself.
I excused myself quickly, my heels clicking too loudly against the marble as I headed to the washroom, hands shaking—not from fear, but from fury.
---
KRIS’S POV
I watched her storm away, a faint smirk tugging at my lips.
Then I saw them, Jason and Cassy, walking toward me.
I’d done enough digging to recognize them by their faces alone.
“Hi, sir,” Jason greeted, extending his hand. His voice oozed fake politeness. The girl beside him gave a smug wink. Disgust twisted in my gut.
“It’s an honor to be at the same banquet with you,” Jason said again, hand still outstretched.
I ignored it. “Go straight to the point.”
“I’d like you to partner with my company,” he said. “It’s on the verge of collapse.”
I studied him. So this is the man Cherry wasted her tears on?
“I’ll need to ask my wife first,” I said coolly.
“You’re married?” the girl asked, eyes wide.
“Wait for my wife. If she approves, the deal goes through,” I said, my tone final.
---
CHERRY’S POV
I stepped forward, blood boiling. As soon as I saw their faces, every memory of betrayal and humiliation slammed back into me.
“Nice to meet you again,” I said coldly.
Jason and Cassy froze.
“You fool! What are you doing here? Who let you in?” Cassy hissed.
Jason sneered. “Why are you everywhere? I told you I don’t want you anymore!”
A bitter laugh escaped me. I looked at them as they paraded their foolishness.
Kris’s voice cut through the tension. “She is my wife.”
For a heartbeat, everything stilled. His wife. For the first time, pride bloomed inside me like fire.
“What?!” Jason and Cassy stammered, their faces pale.
“I’m… sorry,” Jason muttered.
“I’m sorry, sister,” Cassy added weakly.
“They want a deal. I need your approval,” Kris said.
A surge of power coursed through me. “You’ll have a deal… but on one condition.”
Jason and Cassy’s faces brightened.
“First—kneel.”
The word cracked through the hall like thunder.
Cassy’s face drained of color. “P-please…” she whispered.
Jason’s jaw tightened, then he grabbed her shoulders and forced her down. The sound of their knees hitting the marble echoed sharp and final.
Kris stood still, calm and commanding. “Security,” he said. “Escort these two out. They’re thieves.”
Cassy’s scream broke the silence. “No! That’s not true!”
Her tears streaked her cheeks, ruining her flawless makeup. Jason’s shoulders slumped as guards dragged them out.
Whispers rose like waves around the room.
“Did you hear?”
“They stole?”
I watched them go, my heart pounding with dark satisfaction. A slow smile curved my lips.
“This is only the beginning,” I whispered. “One by one… you’ll all kneel.”
---
CHERRY’S POV
When we got home, I kicked off my heels and twirled, laughing softly. Victory tasted sweet.
“Thank you for today,” I said when Kris walked in, my voice warm for once.
He gave me a long, unreadable look. “You really have low taste. How did you end up with a scumbag like him?”
My smile faltered.
“You should respect me for changing your life,” he added coldly.
The joy in my chest crumbled. I swallowed my pride, forcing a nod.
“Oh, lost your tongue already?” he mocked. “Keep that gown safe. Your entire net worth couldn’t buy it.”
That was it.
“Oh, please,” I snapped. “You should be grateful I’m doing you a favor. Who would want to be with a gay?”
His eyes darkened instantly. “Listen to me,” he snapped, stepping closer. “I’m not gay. Shut your mouth. Have you ever seen me in a weird position with a man?”
I smirked. “Well, you look like one.”
His jaw tightened, fury flashing in his eyes. I met his gaze, unflinching. Good, I thought. Let the regret sink in.
---
KRIS’S POV
I walked into my room and stared at my reflection. My own face suddenly felt unfamiliar.
“Do I really look gay?” I muttered. No, I didn’t. But her words clung to me like poison.
Then I remembered that Cherry never slept with the lights off. She was scared of the dark.
Interesting.
I reached over and turned off the power. Almost immediately, her scream shattered the silence.
I grabbed my flashlight and walked into her room. She was curled up on the bed, trembling like a frightened child.
“Oh, the almighty Cherry, scared of the dark?” I teased.
She didn’t answer. Her lips quivered.
“Please,” she whispered. “Turn on the light. I’m begging you.”
Seeing her so desperate sent a thrill down my spine. “Fine,” I said. “But if you want it on, you’ll do as I say.”
Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
I raised my phone, recording. “Kneel and say, ‘Kris is not gay.’”
“No way!” she snapped.
“Then stay in the dark.”
Her breath hitched. “Okay… fine! Kris is not gay!”
“Good,” I said smoothly. “Now say, ‘It’s an honor to be your wife.’”
“What?” she gasped.
I turned, pretending to leave.
“Wait!” she cried. “It’s… it’s an honor to be your wife.”
I stopped the recording, satisfaction curling in my chest. “Perfect. Any day you try to run that sharp mouth of yours, I’ll use thi
s.”
I turned to leave, letting the darkness swallow her whole.
“I hate you!” she screamed behind me.
A smile tugged at my lips as I nudged the door shut. “Good. Fear suits you.”
- Writer
