Chapter 5 An Unexpected Twist

Moving into Tristan's house marked a significant milestone for me and my daughter, and I was fully aware of it. As I crossed the threshold of the expansive, stunning mansion, I found myself taken aback by the opulent interior design. It was a pleasant surprise, considering my perception of Tristan as a bit of a playboy. I hadn't anticipated that he would opt for a refined yet exquisite aesthetic for his bachelor pad. Spotting the huge glass staircase in the middle of the room, I stared at Jessica feeling worried because I knew she loved to play a lot.

" From now on, this is where you will be living. Feel free to go anywhere around the house. The kitchen is that way while all the bedrooms are upstairs. I have already arranged everything." Tristan said leading us to the elevator by the dining room.

Heading upstairs to where the rooms were, I expected to see a lot of rooms on the floor where Jessica's room was but there were only four rooms. Following Tristan into the room he prepared for Jessica, I watched as a smile formed on Jessica's face after seeing the room. The walls had been painted in her favorite color, purple and the princess bed was super huge just like her old one. Seeing my daughter's smile come back made me happy.

" Do you like it, sweetheart?" I asked watching as Jessica jumped excitedly heading to lie down on the bed.

" I love it!" Jessica said making me laugh.

" Where is my room?" I asked turning to look at Tristan.

" What are you talking about? Of course, you and I will be staying in the same bedroom. We are husband and wife now." Tristan said with a huge smile on his face making me anxious.

After a few minutes, Tristan and I returned to our room to rest. As I stood by the mirror, running a brush through my hair, I couldn't help but notice Tristan emerging from the shower. Not only was he incredibly handsome, but his physique was undeniably alluring. However, I couldn't ignore the fact that he had a reputation as a playboy. Our marriage was simply a business arrangement, binding us together through inheritance and our company.

" I'm going to bed. Goodnight." I said getting into bed.

Feeling Tristan get into bed with me, I couldn't help but feel anxious since it was my first time sleeping next to a man in a long time. It had always been me and Jessica but now, I had a husband who I didn't even love. Closing my eyes, I tried to fall asleep but it was impossible because I couldn't help but keep thinking about his body which I had seen earlier.

" Can I turn off the lights? They are stopping me from sleeping." I said shifting in bed.

" You can't. I have nyctophobia. Fear of the dark." Tristan said catching my attention as he turned to his side.

Having no other option, I grabbed the blanket and used it to shield my face, hoping to catch some sleep. The next morning, Tristan and I headed out together to drop off Jessica at her school. I was incredibly thankful that Tristan had agreed to join me. Jessica needed to have a stable home, and I was determined to provide that for her. As I stepped out of the car, I wasn't surprised to see Jared waiting at the school gate. Jared was persistent, and that's why I had married Tristan.

" Mr. Cross, what are you doing here? Don't tell me that you have a child attending this kindergarten too." Tristan said wrapping his hand around me as Jared walked over to us.

"Stop with the pretense. Do you think that by getting married, you can convince me that Jessica is not my daughter? Common, Michelle. Although you are now a rich heiress, I still know you. You haven't changed at all." Jared said sparking a flame of anger within me.

" Shut up your mouth. How dare you say you know me? You are nothing but a lowlife and I wish I never met you. Jessica is not your daughter and you should leave us alone." I said angrily before looking down as I felt Tristan's hand touch mine.

" It's okay, darling. You shouldn't get angry. It's not good for your health." Tristan said calming me down before he turned to Jared. "Mr. Cross, do you have proof that Jessica is your daughter? I do. I have proof right here. The DNA test says it all." Tristan said reaching into his jacket and bringing out a piece of paper.

Mesmerized by his craftiness to get a fake DNA test. A wide smile crept across my face as I watched Jared's expression transform into one of disbelief as he read the test results. I silently hoped that this would mark the end of his unwelcome presence in our lives.

Suddenly, a sleek, vibrant red car glided to a stop in front of us, immediately capturing my attention. My eyes widened in shock as I watched a slender, exquisitely beautiful woman step out of the car, her every move graceful and poised. As I gasped in astonishment, I instinctively clenched my hand as memories of that fateful night came rushing back. With a sinking feeling, I realized that the horse tattoo on her arm was undeniably familiar - I could not have been mistaken.

" Jared. Honey, what are you doing here?" She asked making me hold on tight to my daughter.

As I watched her cast a disdainful glance at Jessica, I instinctively moved to shield my daughter from her gaze. It was clear that she was fully aware of the situation between Jared and me. Her beauty was as striking as I remembered from that night: her glossy black hair cascading in waves over her shoulders, her exquisite face resembling that of a goddess. But none of that mattered to me. In my eyes, she was no match for me.

" Who are you?" I heard Jared's wife ask making a small laughter escape from my lips.

" I am Michelle Williams. And who are you?" I asked confidently refusing to back down as I looked at the arrogant woman standing in front of me.

" I am Ashley Cross. Jared's wife." She said smiling.