Chapter 4 4

Selina's POV:

I sat there, staring while on the edge of the bed... until now, I still can't believe that my brother Markus could do that to my sister.

Once again, I felt guilty; if only I hadn't let my emotions guide me back then, my sister would be happy with Travis. She wouldn't have met Markus, and she wouldn't be going through this pain.

I used to believe that Markus truly loved her; I witnessed their happy moments, making it difficult to accept that it was all just a lie.

Travis startled me, arriving right after his shower with dripping wet hair.

"I came from your sister earlier," I replied sadly.

"Really? So how is she?" He seemed genuinely interested in my sister.

"Actually, she's facing a problem now... I can't believe Markus could do that to her," I answered. I saw deep concern on Travis's face.

"What do you mean? What did Markus do to Serina!?" he exclaimed, visibly worried.

I bitterly smiled; when it comes to my sister, he reacts quickly.

" Markus is blaming her for his fiancee's death. All those years they've been through were part of his plans... I never thought he could do this to my sister," I sadly revealed.

"F-fiancee's death? H-how come!" he stammered, his expression changing. I noticed him swallowing and sweating, despite the room being cool.

"Yes, and she said his fiancee was 8 months pregnant at the time... Why? Why do you seem surprised? Do you know something?" I asked, curious about his sudden shift in demeanor.

"H-huh? N-nothing like that... I'm just worried about Serina," he replied, avoiding eye contact.

Serina's POV:

I've been pacing back and forth; I can't be at ease as it's late again, and my husband is still not home.

Suddenly, I heard a car, and there he was, getting out of the vehicle. He didn't bring his car earlier because he hitched a ride with Nicky. When I stepped out, Kian, Brian, and Nicky greeted me warmly, while Shane and Markus remained indifferent.

I don't understand why Shane treats me coldly; I haven't done anything wrong to him.

"Hi, Serina!" Kian, Brian, and Nicky greeted me with smiles, but Markus just bid goodbye without much reaction.

"Why are you just standing there? Aren't you going inside?" Markus's cold voice surprised me. His gaze was sharp and piercing.

I lowered my head and followed him inside, closing the old door behind me.

"Bring my favorite brandy to the library; I have something to discuss," he commanded without even looking at me. He proceeded straight to the library.

I nodded slightly, even though I knew he couldn't see it. Heading to the cellar where he stored his expensive wine collection, I knocked softly. When I noticed it wasn't locked, I cautiously opened it.

I found him sitting on a couch made of gold at each end, one foot resting on the other, and one hand propped against his lips, seemingly biting his index finger gently while staring at me seriously.

My heart raced; I was getting scared of Markus even though he hadn't physically harmed me yet.

I cautiously placed his alcohol on the glass table, waiting for him to gesture for me to sit.

"Sit down," he commanded, and I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he'd just talk while I stand.

As I sat, he abruptly placed some papers on the table. I looked at him with curiosity.

"Those are the rules and don'ts you must follow. Every violation of those rules comes with a corresponding punishment," his face remained serious while my knees were trembling. Thankfully, I was seated.

I carefully picked up the papers and silently read their contents. "Rule number one: you are not allowed to go outside my premises unless I tell you to do so. You have to stay here at all costs, or else-" he smirked.

I stared at him, wondering if he planned to keep me confined in his house. "Rule number two: never interfere with anything I do. You don't have the right to..." he smirked again.

I bit my lower lip, struggling to hold back tears. "Rule number three: never enter my room. Who are you anyway?"

I lowered my head, quietly shedding tears. How could he do this to me? "Rule number four: keep your mouth shut in front of my friends and business partners. Don't ever try to put my name to shame, understand?" he continued.

I nodded slowly, even though I resisted his rules inwardly. "Here are my don'ts. First, don't lie to me. I hate liars. Second, I don't want you to join me while eating. It's nauseating. Third, to have a complete meal, you have to work. Be lazy, and I assure you will starve. I've heard some rumors about your intelligence, so I think I made myself clear. You're dismissed," he explained at length.

While the pain in my heart was unbearable, I felt like heaven and earth had collapsed on me. I stood up slowly, still feeling numb, and as he was about to speak again, I turned to leave.

"And one last thing, you may be using my last name since we're married, but I won't consider you as my wife."

Of all he said, that was the most painful. It felt like a thousand knives stabbing my heart. I just nodded and left the room, collapsing against the doorframe, my tears flowing like a waterfall.

Travis' POV:

It's past midnight, but I can't sleep. Worried about Serina, I've done everything to save her. She's innocent and doesn't know everything. I feel guilty, thinking everything was okay. Over two years have passed, and that accident seemed forgotten, but I never expected such a problem to resurface among Ms. Filan's loved ones.

It's all my fault, my stupidity. I can't let Serina suffer because of this.