Chapter 3 FEELINGS OF THE PAST

GRAYSON

Immediately after the interview, I had my private investigator look into her. I wanted to know why she was so desperate for money when that was why she betrayed me in the first place..

When I heard about her mother's health, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to exact my revenge. I felt bad for her mother because she was sweet to me, and it was also the right opportunity to punish Lillian.

I arranged with a pastor to tie the knots tomorrow morning, and also have my lawyer prepare our marriage documents. I quickly freshen up and head to Rachael's room. I always read her nighttime stories before going to bed. When I open her door, the sight before me makes my blood boil.

"Are you insane? What do you think you're doing?" I say, gritting my teeth together in anger.

Lillian is cuddled up with my daughter, with her nighttime storybook in her hand. What right does she have?

I pull her up angrily and fling her out of the room. She lands on her butt, with a tiny yelp, and I almost feel bad for her.

"I am sorry," she says, still on the floor.

"What right do you think you have to sleep near my daughter?"

"Listen, Grayson, I just want to bond with her since I'll be her mother soon." She says with her head still hanging low.

"Her mother? I never knew you were this dumb." I replied angrily. "Now listen clearly, and I won't repeat myself. You are not her mother. You are going to be my wife in name only. I do not expect you to do anything. And you are no different from a maid. The next time you come in contact with my daughter without seeking my permission first, you will lose your mother." I say harshly, ignoring her struggle to stand on her feet.

"And it is sir to you, not Grayson. You lost the right to call me by my name a long time ago."

"AM. I. CLEAR"? I roar angrily.

"Yes, sir." She mutters softly, but I do not miss the tears that drop from her eyes before she walks away.

This is the third time I am making her cry. I should be happy, but surprisingly, I am not.

*The next morning*

I could not sleep at all last night, although I am marrying her for revenge, the idea of her being mine brought a satisfying feeling to my heart. After freshening up, I head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for my daughter. As I walk down the stairs, I can hear Rachael's laughter, which is weird because she wakes up late on weekends and she has breakfast in bed most of the time.

Lillian is cleaning up, and my princess is sitting on the counter, laughing at something Lillian is saying.

Immediately she spots me, she distances herself from Rachael, and mutters a low 'good morning' before walking out of the kitchen.

"Hello, my princess," I say, grabbing Rachael's attention.

"Hi, Daddy." She says as she hugs me tightly.

"Why are you up early?"

"I wanted to spend time with my new nanny."

"About that, I want to talk to you about something." I realized that I was so caught up in my revenge scheme that I forgot to ask Rachael if she would be comfortable with me marrying Lillian.

"I am getting married to Lillian today, and I need to know if-" I don't complete my sentence before she hugs me tightly.

"I love you, Daddy. And I will be happy if Lily becomes my second mum. Thank you, Daddy." She says, showering me with kisses.

"I need to dress like a princess, Daddy. Will you take Lilly and me shopping?"

"I already asked a personal shopper to come here, princess," I say, lifting her from the counter.

"But I need to get my hair done, Daddy." She says dramatically.

"I will send someone to do everything for you, princess."

She doesn't wait for my response before rushing out of the kitchen.

It feels good to see her happy, but I do not want her to get attached to Lillian because she'll leave eventually. I already arranged for their dresses and everything they need to be delivered. They should be here anytime soon.

I quickly make breakfast and make sure Rachael eats before leaving.

"The stylist should be here anytime soon to fix you up. Try not to look like your condition. My driver will pick you up and bring you to the church." I say to Lillian, before making my way out.

I head to the office to finish my work, and I cannot help but be anxious. That is why I made sure my PA handled everything except picking the rings. No matter how much I hate her, there's a part of me that wants to make the wedding special for Lillian. I can vividly remember her telling me about her dream years back, but she left me because of money when I could've given her whatever she wanted.

I push the thoughts away and drown myself in work. After working nonstop, I get a call from my driver, informing me that he is on his way to pick up Lillian and Rachael. I straighten my suit, pick up my car key, and drive to the church. I suddenly feel like a child who is eager to open his Christmas present.

I park my car, give the keys to my driver, and make my way inside the church alongside my driver and my PA, who is going to be the eyewitness for the marriage. As I take each step, my knees almost give out beneath me. I know I am supposed to get her flowers, but I don't want her to get the wrong idea. The church door opens, and my heart stops.

Standing at the altar is Lillian. Dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress that hugs her curves softly, with a sheer veil resting over her face. Beside her, Rachael smiles proudly, holding her hand and carrying a small bouquet in the other hand. As I walk closer, I feel my heartbeat increase. I keep reminding myself that this is just a deal. A transaction wrapped in white lace and vows neither of us means.

By Lillian.

My Racheal.

Standing side by side, looking pretty. Something shifts in my chest. The kind of shift you try to pretend doesn't matter.

I should hate this.

I should hate her.

But as I near the altar, and she meets my gaze through her veil, no hate comes. Only heat, and a dangerous ache I've buried for eight years. Before I can utter a word, someone bursts into the church.

Who would dare interrupt my wedding? I turn back to meet the gaze of my Ex-wife. How dare she show her face after cheating on me? When we got divorced, I told her I did not want to see them near me.

I was about to instruct my driver to throw her out of the church when another shadow emerged behind her.

What the hell is he doing here?

Jokes on him if he thinks he can stop me from getting married to Lillian.