Married To My Sister's Husband
Chapter 10 The Nightmare Begins

'I knew it', Judy thought, someone in the Verc was giving out informations that only she should have knowledge of.

She admits that Markian was a clever young man, and for him to expose the fact that he knows of the Hongkong contract means he wants to make a deal, which also means he's still aware of the length of her authority over the Local and International Market in this region, but he's too proud to make a bargain.

"Are you certain about that? Well, I don't know how you managed to get your hands on one of Verc's top secret contracts but, the Hongkong contract will go to the company with a more liquidize assets" Jude spoke with a poker face, not breaking eye contact with him for once.

Markian

She was intimidating, that fact is not over exaggerated. No wonder she is called Minnesota's business queen. But I'm not one to be easily intimidated by anyone, especially not in business.

She knew that if i decide to push through and run this contract all by myself, i had a high chance of bagging it, but she would not let that happen.

For the sake of her pride and ego she needs to tame me somehow. Castlehill was slowly escaping her clutches, and having a rogue powerful group of companies like mine is not going to help her position at all.

"But I can make exceptions. You are my son-in-law after all, and I care a lot about Castlehill. So I'm willing to compromise for your sake, because believe me or not Castlehill can't do much without my help. So, take my offer. Leave the Winfrey mansion and move into your new home, take my daughter on the honeymoon and let her have a good time. Relax and be rest assured that when you get back the Hongkong contract will be sitting on your desk." Judy said proudly.

I starred straight at her surprised. Minnesota's business queen, Judy Luthel I knew never mixed business with pleasure. So, she's either very desperate right now or she's planning to trap me in-between, somewhere.

She's asking me to relax? It has to be a plot she and her daughter have drafted to try and get me closer to that devious wench.

"Is this some kind of game to you. You trapped me with your daughter, you desecrated my late wife's memories by forcing me to marry your other daughter, and now you want to force me to love her? I thought Livy was the worse but I was wrong, you are. Maybe you haven't noticed but, I don't mix business with pleasure. I'll treat my new wife however way I seem fit. I don't often repeat myself, but I'm saying this for the second time. You would regret your decision of making a mockery out of my emotions. Olivia is dead to me, and the moment she married me was the moment she signed the end of her happiness..." I ranted but was rudely cut off.

"So, you would let your family murder her the same way they did your beloved Sophia? I see... I thought you could redeem yourself if I gave you another chance for repentance... My Sophia was murdered by your parents! Or... I'm I being too farfetched. Maybe you would believe it if I said you killed her instead, Hmm...?" Judy accused vehemently.

I was utterly dumbfounded by her accusation. I wasn't shocked at the fact that what she accused my family may be true or false, I was shocked at the fact that her accusation was the most preposterous thing I've ever heard. Why would my parents want to kill Sophia? And if it's true, wouldn't keeping Ólivia away from me and my family be the right action to take? Could the rumors be true that the shock of losing Sophia must have tampered with Judy's mental health?

"And why would my parents kill Sophia? What could they possibly gain from her death?" I asked sarcastically.

"Complete control of Castlehill? The ungratefulness of your folks, their greed and lack of integrity caused the death of my daughter somehow. I choose to keep things on the low because I hoped that you didn't have a hand in her death, but it seems I might need to start doubting you as well and do the needful." She threatened calmly while looking away from me for the first time today.

"Your threats don't scare me Judy. Sophia's death was an accident and my family had no hand in her death, they are not who you think they are..." I tried to defend but what's the point?

If I continued to defend my family of such outrageous accusation, it mean I'm thinking of the possibility that they mighy have done such a thing, so I kept quiet.

I picked up the gift box and the envelope. "OK. I'll give in for the last time. But from here on out, you would disregard all of your preposterous claims that my family murdered their daughter-in-law. You would not interfere nor would you intervene in my relationship with Livy ever again. You may be the mother of both my wives, but today I cut off all ties with you as regarding being my mother-in-law. We will only meet at the office for official purposes alone, you are not invited to our home and I would like it if you would honor these conditions" I spoke not amiss.

"And in return you would make sure no harm comes to my daughter?" Judy asked barely concerned about the fact that I just told her she's to cut off all ties with her daughter and i.

"Yes!" I replied sturdily.

"Good, very good. Well, do take good care of her then. I still think you deserve to know the truth though, so ask your parents what really happened to your late wife. I'm sure your mother would have an idea. It was really nice seeing you once again Markian" Judy spoke rather relieved. Does she really think my family is responsible for Sophy's death?

Well, at least now she wouldn't spread such rumors and she'd stay far away from me and my family. So if looking after Livy was the price I had to pay for that, then I don't mind.

"I wish I could say the same. I'll take my leave now." I said rudely and left.

My relationship with Judy Luthel have never really being that of a typical mother and son-in-law kind. I disliked her from the very first time I heard she agreed to my parents absurd idea of an arranged marriage between me and Sophy.

But as time went on we both met at a levelled ground. I admired her brutality when it came to business, but the woman had a heart of stone and a fetish of wanting to control everything and everyone around her, so we were never really close. And now, all I feel is anger and detest towards her, and it keeps growing by the day.

I went back to Castlehill and worked myself to fatigue. I didn't want to go back home, because I knew 'my wife' would be there. Since i'd rather eat poison than look at her for even a second, I decided to spend the rest of the evening at Blackout - one of Minnesota's finest bar and club, with Daniel and my driver, Michael.

I drank without caution and danced with random women.

For the first time since Sophy died, I felt a sinking loneliness like gravity pulling me down and I was barely hanging on by a thin thread.

I had my cousin/best friend and these beautiful women around me, but I was still crashing beneath the weight of loneliness. And with every minute that pass it was getting harder and harder to breathe.

I've felt this way before, when I was 13years old. My mom had just passed away the previous year and I had a new mom already.

She was the trophy mom, only took care of me when there were paparazzi around to take pictures and discards me the moment they're gone. I had gone missing for 3 whole days and she didn't even notice, or maybe she did but never wanted me to be found. That was were I met 'her', I didn't know her name and I never asked either, but she pulled me up from the ground and we ran and hid away from the kidnapper who took us. She was the bravest person I had ever met and I learnt how to be strong for myself even when there is no one with me.

People call me obnoxious and self-centered, but I had to be all that if I wanted to survive. I wondered what she would think of me now if she saw me. Would she think I'm self-centered?

I thought I had found her after so many years and made her my wife, only to lose her again forever. Lately, I can't even bring myself to hold any memory of her because I've desecrated them.

But just for a little moment, I wanted her to be close to me again. I needed her to scold me and ask me why I was drinking, or get furious with jealousy that I was dancing with other women. Anything she feels like throwing at me, I wouldn't dodge. i'd gladly let them hit me just because she threw them.

I wanted her to nag all night and refuse to sleep on the same bed with me because she was too upset with me. And in the morning, I'd serve her breakfast in bed and cancel all appointments just so i'd spend the entire day with her, regardless of how busy i'd be the next day. I wouldn't mind doing any of that, I just needed her with me.

Livy

He was brought home around past 3am. I had been worried sick that because of me, he might have decided to spend the night at his penthouse. But I was so wrong. Because of me he drank so recklessly that he reeks of alcohol.

My heart broke just looking at him mumbling on of how awful he was for not properly mourning Sophy.

The guilt crept inside me once again, and I couldn't hold back my tears.

He kept pushing me away as I tried to help him into the bed. I even scraped my elbow on the sharp edge of the drawer beneath Sophy's giant portrait. It started bleeding but I had to get him to bed first before tending to it.

And after so many pushes, shoving and me almost stumbling, we finally made it on the bed. I took off his shoes and tie, I unbuttoned his shirt and undid his belt, just to make him comfortable as he slept. Then I went into the bathroom and cried my eyes out as I tended to my injured elbow.

I wanted to take all his pain away so he doesn't have to suffer anymore, but I couldn't. He hasn't given me the right to do that. I've felt helpless about certain events that have occurred in my life in the past, but this was the height of it.

My elbow tingled as a result of the medicine I put on it, but it was nothing compared to the realization that I may have destroyed the life of my sister's husband.

Markian

I had a beautiful sad dream. I found Sophy by a pond, she was staring down at the water looking at the tiny fishes swimming in the small body of water.

I was so happy to see her that I ran with all my might to get to her but, the faster I ran the farther she got away from me. I soon got tired and fell on the floor shutting my eyes. But when I opened them again, a hand was stretched out to help me up.

I knew whose hand it was, but I still tried to look at her face. The sun was blocking my vision as it glistened behind her, casting a shadow in my vision.

When she pulled in up, I pulled her into an embrace and I felt a calmness in my heart. Finally, she was here with me and I don't have to run to get to her anymore.

She's right her in my arms, I thought. I wanted to hold on to her forever and never let go, I wanted to kiss her so much and let her know just how much I was suffering because I missed her.

But she pulled away from me or I pushed her? I don't know what happened but, I could finally see her face. It was Livy and not 'my Sophy'.

I woke up from my dream only to see the reason for my suffering sitting by my side with a tray of breakfast on one hand and my arm grabbing her other hand.

When I realized how close I had pulled her to my face, I quickly shoved her hand back and pushed her that she almost fell off the bed, spilling a small portion of the soup on the bed.

"What are you doing here? What do you want? Get away from me!." I ordered looking away from her.

She didn't seem to be in a haste to obey my orders, so I thought she might not have understood me the first.

"I said get ou..." I was about to finish when she dropped the tray she held on the nightstand.

She stood up straight and bold as though she wanted to prepare for a battle, with her arms folded across her chest.

"I was about to leave anyway so, please stop yelling. That is a soup for your hangover."

And with that she stomped off but stopped halfway and came back, staring at me with so much intensity.

What was her problem? I was about to asked when the outburst came.

"Why didn't you call to tell me you would be late?! Did you stop to think of how worried everyone would be?! I heard you have a penthouse up Mattle Diamond hotel, so I told everyone you'd be staying there for the night. I lied to them because of you. I almost had a heart attack when I saw your car drive in at that unholy hour. I...i really thought something bad had happened." she spoke with so much authority it was almost cute considering her petite status. I wanted to snap back, but I was too hungover to start a fight so early, so I just sat there motionless.

When she was done ranting, I stretched my hand to open the night stand and brought out the envelope Judy had gifted us. I dropped it on the nightstand and got down from the bed to the bathroom to freshen up.

If I have to go for the honeymoon, then I first have to tidy few things up at the office. Mr Wong's daughter, Rachel Wong who had an attraction towards me had slipped and reviewed the facts including the date of the Hongkong contract her father was handling. She was currently in Minnesota and needed to see me before she went back to Hongkong, so I have to get that settled too.

The Denles Group Hongkong was among the top 10 Long term successful Asia's manufacturing businesses, topping in rank in all of Hongkong.

Rachel is the heiress of the Denles group and has been strictly taught and instructed on how to run the multi-billion dollars company at a very young age. But being young and free-spirited, she gives room to be exploited by professionals in the game like me. I took a long shower and I needed it. This is going to be the longest 2 weeks of my life, but at least over there she and I don't have to see each other all the time, I thought.

I wanted to inform her about the mansion her mother bought for us, but by the time I left the bathroom, she was already gone.

Daniel

Last night was very fulfilling for me, I don't know why but I felt a sense of satisfaction seeing Markian miserable.

I liked how hopeless he was feeling and I liked the fact that he wasn't happy in his marriage with Livy. The rage I had been feeling kept on increasing, but seeing him distressed and disheartened was comforting for me. Sending him home wasn't what I wanted either, but I had to since he refused to stay at his penthouse. Livy must have been sad seeing him that way, but the sooner she realizes she doesn't have a future with him the better for her.

I didn't understand why she was hell bent on marrying him in the first place, and I was a bit too sensitive to have indulged her, that I would regret all my life. But now I had a chance to change both my fate and hers, I won't waste it. First, I'll resign from Castlehill and try to make my come back into the Shanghai group as soon as possible. Because if I have to get Livy away from Markian, I needed to be a worthy rival.

Livy

"I thought this was what you wanted, for your husband to accept you as his wife? I don't understand why you are so surprised at the fact that he wants to go on a honeymoon trip with you." Heather commented rather reluctantly.

It is a surprise to me that Markian would want to go on our honeymoon, so much so I almost collapsed with excitement. I needed to tell someone so I went over to Heather's hotel room to tell her.

Never had I thought that Markian would even think about it let alone want to go with me. My mind was going through a lot of possibilities but none of them made sense.

Was I thinking too much about this? Is there really a possibility that he and I could become a normal couple?

'...I'll never recognize you as my wife' my mind rang back Markian's words two nights ago.

"You don't understand, he isn't someone who would do a thing like this. He told me plainly never to expect anything from our marriage. I'm so confused Heather, please help me out. What do you think is going on in his head?" I requested eagerly. "Whatever he must have said doesn't matter, what matters is that you've been give an opportunity to get closer to your husband. It's your honeymoon sweetie! you have to capture this opportunity and make good use of it." Heather instructed studly. She seemed serious but it's easier said than done. How do I 'capture this opportunity and make good use of it'?

Up till this very point, I haven't successfully spoken or even had a romantic interaction with a guy before, let alone flirt with one.

I'm completely hopeless when it comes to romance, so I have zero faith in my abilities than Heather thinks.

"I don't know how to do any of what you just said..." I report embarrassed.

The look on her face was like she had seeing a monkey that don't

like banana, and it made me even more nervous.

"... You look like it's not normal to see a girl who doesn't know how to... you know?..." I tried in an attempt to make my situation a bit less embarrassing.

"well, that's because it isn't normal. Livy, you are beautiful and sweet but I never knew you were also naive. Fine, I'll help you, but you have to be ready to go all out, no limits." she said encouragingly.

'all out?' what does she mean by that? I may want Markian to love me, but there is still a limit as to how far I'm willing to compromise to see that happen.

"There is a limit. I really do need your help but I have my limits. Would you still help me?" I asked eagerly.

With a sigh she nodded and said, "Of course I will. This is also why I like you, you really are a sweet and innocent girl. I understand so I'll help you as best as I can..." she paused then asked, "...Livy? How close are you to Daniel?"

Well, that was a surprise, though sometimes I tend to forget that they are siblings.

"He and I are friends, and since Markian asked him to help send me away, he is the second person who knows about my predicament- that's all. Why do you ask?" I questioned back.

She seemed serious for a moment, but just as it appeared on her face it disappeared almost immediately.

"Nothing much, I just wanted to know how much he was aware of. He gets easily attached and tends to want to help out his friends in trouble, don't let him. No matter how much you want to accept his help or lean on him, don't, OK?" she requested, but it sounded like a warning.

I can't help but feel like she wasn't telling me what I needed to know. But, I'm sure she wouldn't lie to me, so it'll be better to adhere to her warning.

"OK, I won't, I promise." I said crossing my heart, trying to ease the rising tension and it worked.

Soon we started talking and she told me what I should and shouldn't do, what to take with me and what I shouldn't.

We went shopping and though it felt a bit awkward being tutored on how to flirt with my husband, it seemed so easy.

I just wasn't confident of my abilities to put my lessons into action.