Sadistic Obsession

Chapter 10

We reached Valtemort, but I never had the courage to even look out the window to see how the city had changed after three years. It wasn't because I feared the sudden change, but because of the fact that this place deemed me as a thief and a gold digger without knowing the truth.

Three years may be long, but I was more than sure the people did not forget what happened in the past. I could not even erase the image of the online articles labelling me as the white ghost gold digger. They mocked my appearance, saying that a freak albino like me shouldn't show her face in public ever again.

"We're here," Kade said upon parking his car.

I slowly lifted my gaze and realized we were at the main estate of the Storm family.

"Why?" I asked, my chest tightening and tears started to flood my eyes. "Are you punishing me?"

Kade wore a pair of black leather gloves before looking me in the eyes.

"You're still my wife. How is it a punishment when I simply brought you to a family gathering?" He vacated the driver's seat and came to open the car door next to me. "We won't be staying too long since I have to go to the office afterwards."

I had no idea if those words were meant to comfort me, but if it were, then it was not effective at all. From the very beginning, Kade's family never approved of me due to my background. After what happened three years ago, it was another reason why they would not like at all.

Kade offered me his glove-covered hand. I had no idea how long I stared at it, but Kade did not rush me.

"Is my attendance really necessary?" I asked without looking at him.

"Yes," he answered without any second thoughts.

"I am not obligated to go inside."

"You are. As Mrs. Storm, it's your responsibility to accompany me in gatherings like this."

This time, I raised my gaze and met his.

"We have long separated, Kade. My duty as your wife–"

He cut me off without blinking.

"Still remains no matter how long we have been apart." He held my hand. "We will simply greet my grandmother and leave immediately."

Kade was not one to give in so I merely sighed before stepping out of the car. He offered his arm, so I hooked my hand around it before we walked towards the entrance. Even if we were still at the staircase leading to the door, the orchestra could already be heard.

I tightened my grip on Kade's arm as the large doors open.

Extravagance.

That was the only word that could perfectly embody the party we just entered into. The grand hall shimmered with the large and tiered chandelier above as the attendees danced. It was like a timetravel back in the days when royalties ruled.

I wished it stayed that way, however, the moment Kade and I walked inside, the gazes of many landed on us. I never dared look at anyone else.

My eyes were simply locked onto the marble floor while we made our way to the table where Kade's grandmother and other family members sat. Each step closer to them felt heavier than the last.

Even though I didn't look them in the eyes, their stares stabbed me.

"I... I can't..." I muttered.

However, Kade wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer to him as if to support me.

I heard a scoff.

"Just when we thought the gold digger has disappeared..." That was Kade's mother. Her voice alone reminded me how unwelcome I was in their lives. "It seems like stealing that billion dollars is not enough that you brazenly came here for–"

"I came as grandmother requested for her birthday," Kade said, not letting his mother finish what she had to say.

He paused and, in all of a sudden, his lips suddenly landed on my cheek.

"And as you all wanted, I brought someone with me," he added.

My cheeks burned. It could be due to embarrassment, shock, or anger or all of the above. This time, I raised my gaze at him while touching my cheek.

He shifted his attention to me with a smile.

"Kade... Is she blackmailing you to do this?"

My head turned in the direction where that familiar voice came from.

Blaire.

Her pair of blue eyes looked innocent and they reflected nothing but worry as she stared at Kade. They even teared up when they landed on me.

"Just how much more do you want, Reyna?" she asked. "How can you even–"

"Who even told you that she's blackmailing me?" Kade cut her off. "If anything, it's the other way around."

The tension in the grand hall grew heavier.

"Kade, how could you still be so blind?" Mrs. Valentina Storm questioned, her piercing gaze directed at me.

She rushed towards my direction.

"And you wretched woman..." Her finger was pointed at me. "How dare you show your face here again after stealing?!"

Kade pulled me behind him to stop his mother from coming any closer.

"How many times must I remind you to watch your tone when speaking with my wife?" His voice was freezingly cold.

"You really dare speak like that to your own mother for that gold digger?"

I could feel the other guests looking my way. It reminded me of what happened three years ago. People all over the internet called me names, cursed me, and wished I could just disappear.

That feeling came back like an avalanche, covering me with prickly cold judgment. I kept my eyes on the floor as tears welled up.

I couldn't even defend myself.

Just then, a flustered gasp left my mouth when I felt myself suddenly lifted off the ground.

"K-Kade..." I stuttered. "W-What are you doing?"

He walked towards the champagne tower and took one glass.

"Grandmother, happy 91st birthday," he greeted, lifting his glass of champagne and downing it in one gulp. "My wife and I have some catching up to do so we will be on our way."

"K-Kade... Put me down. I can walk just fine," I muttered, but he ignored me and simply carried me over his shoulder with one hand. "Kade..."

However, he never listened to what I was saying and simply walked out of the party. He only put me down when we were next to his car.

"See? That was quick, wasn't–”

Before he could finish his sentence, my hand immediately landed on his cheek.