Chapter 1 One

Bustling with happiness and excitement, Astrid prepared her husband's favorite snack. She was informed this morning about his return from the two months business trip he went on.

Her heart was filled with melody as she swayed her hips to the rhythm of the song she was humming.

It was still seven in the morning and the workers were beginning to arrive for work.

The first to return was the head chef, she was surprised to see the madam in the kitchen joyfully preparing a snack.

Once Astrid noticed her presence, she turned around with a beautiful smile.

"Good morning, chef Gladline," she greeted, her voice soft as a Harp . The elderly woman felt blessed by her pretty smile and responded to her greeting happily.

"Good morning, madam."

"Oh, Chef Gladline, how many times have I told you not to call me madam? Just say my name," Astrid playfully reminded her and the chef took corrections.

She continued with her cooking with joy, and letting the chef help her in the preparation.

Astrid was married to the Wade family. One of the most powerful families in Los Angeles, she was like a trophy in the household. She was the beautiful golden madam who flawlessness captured the heart of her employees.

Compared to other women, she was tall and built with qualities that every man wanted.

However, that was not the same for her husband. He was cold hearted and domineering. Never for once has he paid attention to his wife.

Yet, she loved him to the moon and back. There was nothing more joyous than to be married to your childhood crush.

Astrid had fallen for her husband while they were still kids and chased after him until their families planned their engagement.

She was grateful that her husband had not refused her. And promised to put in her best in the marriage.

After finishing up with the baking process, she put the snack into the oven and asked her Chef to look out for it.

Her phone rang and she went out of the kitchen to answer it.

It was her husband's grandmother, the main Madam of the wade family. She doted on her Granddaughter in-law and always filled in the gap her Grandson failed to do.

"Good morning, Grandma," Astrid's cheerful voice ran through the phone once she answered the call.

"Oh, look who is happier than the moon," her Grandma teased her and she giggled like a little teenage girl.

"Why won't I be happier than the moon? Rowan is coming home today and I can't wait to see him," she chimed, blusting with excitement.

"That's so sweet of you my dear daughter. I called to hear your voice and know how you are doing. Also, I sent some new bag collections from Chanel to your house. It will soon arrive," her Grandma said and Astrid gasped in surprise.

"Grandma, you didn't have to. The ones you sent last week, I haven't been able to use any of them yet. You should stop for a while, okay," Astrid requested but her Grandma had her hands double crossed.

"Alright, alright. I will just have to change the gifts to something else," she said.

"Grandma," Astrid groaned defeated. There was no way she could change her mind. The wade family always did whatever they like especially for their loved ones.

"I know, I know. But you are like a daughter to me. The least I can do is shower you with gifts. My son only gave birth to your husband. And now that I have you, all I can do is dot on you. So accept my gifts, okay?" She said and Astrid had no choice but to agree with her this time around.

They discussed a little more before Astrid brought up a topic that has been bothering her for a long time.

"Grandma," she called, biting her lips as she grew a cold feet on what she was about to say.

"Yes, dear."

"There is something that has been bothering me lately. And I don't know how to tell you about it," Astrid said, pausing at the end.

"I am listening, tell me what is bothering my dear granddaughter," she coaxed her with gentle words to give her the courage to speak up.

"Well, it's been three years since I married Rowan. And I have been wondering if he doesn't find me attractive. I...I...I know it is ridiculous to bring up such a matter...but..." Astrid stuttered.

"There is nothing wrong with what you have said. You have every right to question my grandson of his behavior. I can't believe he is also cold in his own marriage. You should have told me about this sooner. I am going to call him right now," her Grandma said and Astrid panicked.

"No, don't. I just wanted to let you know about it because I have been wondering when we will have our own children. Oh please, forget that I ever mentioned this," Astrid covered her face in embarrassment.

She worried of what her husband would think of her if he heard about her complaint. Also, she didn't want it to seem like it was his responsibility to have children with her and make him do what he doesn't want.

In a way, she blames herself for her husband's cold attitude towards her. She tied him down with a marriage he didn't want and he put up with her just because of his grandmother's influence over him.

"Nonsense, Rowan needs a good scolding. How dare him neglect you like this? Does he call you all the time?" Grandma asked and she lied like she always does.

However, that didn't stop her Grandma from putting her Grandson on the line.

"Hello," Rowan's cold and dark voice spoke through the phone.

Astrid froze from his voice and her heart began to skip fast. This was the first time since two months she heard his voice. And it was still as charming and effective as before.

"What do you mean by, hello?" His Grandma barked at him and he sighed.

"Good morning, Grandma," he greeted. She was the only person that moved Rowan. No one except her was able to make him do anything.

"You cold hearted brat! When last did you speak to your wife? Do you not miss her at all? You are such an ungrateful husband. Do you know how it feels to be left alone in a big house with any assurance of comfort," His Grandma scolded him and Astrid nervously listened.

Even after his Grandma had scolded him, he made no attempt to ask about his wife instead he told them that he would return in the evening.

This infuriated his Grandma and she blurted out the question Astrid had begged her not to.

"You block head, when do you intend to get your wife pregnant? When am I going to get my first great Grandchild? I can see that you want me dead before that time comes. The fact that you have been neglecting your wife and prioritizing business matters is absolutely foolish of you. When you get back better fulfill your duties or else..."

"There is no use of you worrying about a great grandchild, Grandma," Rowan suddenly said and the both women were rendered speechless.

"What do you mean by that? Or are you trying to make a joke?" His Grandma asked while Astrid grew nervous about the situation.

"No, Grandma. I have a son." He declared confusing both women at the same time before he went off the call.

The both women thought he was making a joke and decided to push it aside, little did they know that he was telling the truth.