Chapter 5 The Terrifying Husband

Ariana struggled frantically, feeling the icy fingers of death closing in, and with a burst of strength, she managed to break free from Theodore's grasp.

Breathing heavily, she took a few steps back, her hand instinctively covering her neck, eyes wide with terror as she looked at Theodore.

Theodore watched Ariana's panic with mild interest, but when his gaze fell on her belly, his demeanor turned cold, a threatening atmosphere filling the room.

"You better hope you don't end up expecting. Whether it's Jasper's or mine, I won't let you bring it to this world!"

Ariana dared not meet Theodore's gaze, a lump forming in her throat, making her cough harshly. She sensed Theodore's genuine intent to harm her just moments ago.

He was every bit as terrifying as Jasper had warned, perhaps even worse!

For the sake of her life, Ariana had to lower her gaze and explain, "Theodore, I've cut ties with Jasper and I haven't... you know... with him..."

"Shut it and get out. Don't show your face to me again!" Theodore's patience wore thin, his expression dark and forbidding as he cut her off.

Ariana knew nothing she said now would make Theodore believe her. She hurried towards the door, accidentally bumping into a man in a suit on her way out.

Apologizing hastily, she didn't dare linger, fleeing Theodore's room as if her life depended on it.

As soon as Horace Silence entered the room, he saw Theodore staring pensively in the direction Ariana had fled.

He cleared his throat and placed a medical report on the bedside table.

"Boss, the doctor says there's nothing serious with your health. Your legs just need a bit more rehab, and they'll be good as new. But he promised that he would claim to the public that your legs are still kaput. The Andersons are buying it hook, line, and sinker!"

A cold smirk played on Theodore's lips. "Very good. Let's watch those sanctimonious fools walk right into the trap!"

Horace nodded, then handed over another document.

"Boss, and here's the information on your new wife, Ariana Edwards."

As a senior assistant, it was his duty to eliminate any risks for his boss. Horace was about to set the document on the bedside table when Theodore reached out and took it.

Horace raised an eyebrow, hesitating to speak. "Actually, Boss, Miss Edwards has had quite a rough ride. She lost her mother when she was thirteen, then her stepmom came in with a girl barely a year younger than her, practically waving the betrayal of her Dad in her face. That rage sent Miss Edwards overseas to study as soon as she hit eighteen, and she couldn't even say goodbye to her Dad before he passed. And to add insult to injury, her stepmother swooped in and snatched her father's fortune before the man's body was even cold. She probably married into this family out of desperation..."

"Horace, I can read, you know. No need to narrate it like I'm blind," Theodore grumbled, his brows knitting together in frustration.

"Sorry, Boss," Horace said, falling silent for a few minutes before he couldn't help himself. "Well, boss, I just think Miss Edwards' situation somehow mirrors yours back when you were a young boy. Both of you were victims of a stepmother's power play, and..."

"Do I need to resort to drastic measures to get you to shut up, Horace?" Theodore asked with a wry smile.

Horace immediately zipped it, understanding the unspoken warning.

Theodore let out a snort, Ariana's fearful expression lingering in his mind, creasing his brow.

...

Exiting Theodore's room, Ariana looked for Judy Kelly, the amiable, plump housekeeper, requesting another room.

Judy, ever the optimist, clasped Ariana's hand, offering reassurance. "Mr. Theodore Anderson is just rousing from his comma, dear. Feelings take time to bloom. Show a little patience and understanding. Things may take a turn for the better soon."

Ariana merely nodded, but inwardly she couldn't help but scoff. Patience and understanding? If she lingered around Theodore, she could as well be signing her death warrant!

Back in her quarters, Ariana finally exhaled, collapsing onto the bed in exhaustion. Sleep claimed her swiftly, her worries momentarily forgotten.

The next morning, Ariana's phone alarm jolted her awake. Blinking against the unfamiliar ceiling, she felt adrift, anxiety gnawing at her.

She had hoped that with her husband's impending demise, she'd secure her place as Mrs. Anderson.

Yet, reality proved cruel. Not only did Theodore stubbornly cling to life, but he also seemed intent on casting her out!

Ariana reached for her phone, silencing the alarm, when a news notification snagged her attention. "Ivebridge's Auction: A Treasure Trove of High-Value Items Up for Grabs!"

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she read the list-her mother's cherished necklace was up first for auction!