THE BRIDE HE NEVER CHOSE

Layla's POV

Dominic Foster stared at me, beads of sweat gathered on my forehead. I held my breath, hoping he wouldn't find out who I was.

I could feel his gaze burning through my skin. After a moment, he turned and left. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Then I stood up, ready to start searching for anything that could help me find my sister's whereabouts.

But then, a chill crept down my spine.

"So, you were pretending," his voice laced with anger and disgust.

"N...no," I stuttered.

I cursed inwardly. Why now, of all times, did I have to stutter?

Suddenly, the door flung open.

A woman walked in, "she was elegantly dressed, her styled hair framing her face," and her eyes scanning the room like a predator. I didn't need anyone to tell me. That was Maisie.

I saw a dangerous glint flash through her eyes, and she quickly masked it with a smile.

"Dominic, when did Raina get back?" Maisie's voice rang through the room like honey laced with poison.

My stomach turned; her voice was sugar and venom.

"Hmph, what a white lotus flower," I sneered inwardly. Pretty on the outside, rotten to the core.

I couldn't believe someone like Dominic couldn't see through her.

"A moment ago," he replied. His cold, icy voice..." gave me the shivers."

He took a last glance at me and left.

A dangerous glint flashed through Maisie's eyes, accompanied by an evil smirk.

"I thought the lessons I gave you were enough to make you stay away," She said while staring daggers at me.

"Dominic is mine," an obsessed look flashed through her eyes.

I scoffed, "Take him. I never signed up for damaged goods." I said my heart was pounding, but my face remained calm.

My sarcastic remark made her eyes widen.

She looked at me for a while longer and stormed off.

I waited for a moment, then I began searching the room again. This time, I found her diary.

The first entry stated, "I married the cold, ruthless billionaire, and my life is a living hell."

The second entry stated, "Maisie White tortures me for getting married to Dominic Foster."

The last entry stated, "I have finally fallen in love with the heartless Dominic Foster."

My head was throbbing with pain, although Raina and I never got along, and she always bullied me, but this was plain foolishness; I was caught between the Devil and the deep blue sea.

I paced around "Raina's" room, thinking of what to do next. I decided to go downstairs.

I saw Xander biting his lips and anxiously waiting for someone.

"What's wrong?" I asked, since the way he was walking made me dizzy.

He looked at me, sweating profusely. "Mr. Foster has insomnia and trouble sleeping, the doctor treating him hasn't arrived, and his condition is getting worse."

Who would have thought the great Mr. Foster suffers from insomnia...I thought, clearly amused.

"Well, I can help," I told him resolutely.

"How can u help?" his voice heavy with doubt.

"You will find out when the time comes. Besides, everything comes with a price." The calculation in my voice was evident at that moment, but I didn't care.

We got to his room, and he was sweating profusely and furrowing his brows as if he was having a terrible nightmare.

As I wanted to touch his forehead, he suddenly grabbed my hand.

"What are you doing here?" his icy, hoarse voice made my heart flutter for some reason.

Get yourself together, Layla, you can't let your heart flutter for the person responsible for your sister's disappearance.

I tried to remain as calm as possible, battling with my inner thoughts, and admiring his looks.

Ahem...I coughed.

"Treating you...what else?" I replied with my eyes darting over the room.

"How are you, of all people, going to treat me?" The disgust and disdain in his voice were even evident.

I smirked, silently counting how many hidden identities I had.

I decided to reveal one of them to him.

"Well, I am Mr. Geon," I smirked, internally trying to rub my identity in his face. I am not one to brag, but this guy just pushed my buttons.

"Looks like people just claim to be what they are not these days," he sneered.

"You want proof?" I murmured

I tapped a button, Dominic's private screen across the room, normally used for high-security investors ' meetings, suddenly flashed.

I showed him the transaction under the code name "Geon"

Including our transactions.

I saw his eyes widen in surprise, and then I pulled out a signed black envelope from my coat.

It was a sealed non-disclosed contract, signed with his digital fingerprint, sent months ago, and I quietly tossed it on his bed.

I saw him pick it up, and his hands trembled slightly.

"I never show my face to clients," I said coolly.

"But I made an exception, congratulations I said with a smug smile.

At that moment, my ego soared to new heights.

The look on his face was priceless.

"Why are you helping me?" he snarled

"Well, I have my reasons, and everything comes with a price," I replied, looking at his handsome, cold face.

"You have been living at the Fosters' residence, how come you have never told me about your identity?" Dominic Foster's sudden question threw me off guard.

I panicked, and I tried to hide it, but his eyes looked at me as if he was trying to uncover all the secrets I had.

"Like I said, everything comes with a price; there wasn't any need to, well, until now."

"What are you trying to achieve, Raina Ross? I, Dominic Foster, would never let you have my child." His gaze threw me off guard.

I looked at him and declared, "I, Raina Ross, am not interested in bearing your children, Mr. Foster."

"Why would I bear the children of a man I do not love?"

Layla's POV

I saw his eyes widen with shock.

Was what I said offensive?

Well, I didn't think so, I just spoke my mind.

He looked at Xander, signaling him to come.

"You heard what she just said, right?" he asked Xander.

Xander nodded his head in affirmation.

That's when I remembered, Raina was obsessed with Dominic and would tear any woman apart who dared to come near him, except Maisie.

Maisie was the only woman Raina was scared of.

Well, from now onwards, I will change everyone's perspective of Raina.

I was tired of battling words with Dominic Foster.

"Lie down", I said, my voice mixed with annoyance. He looked at me with a questioning gaze.

"To treat your insomnia," I explained, already exhausted.

I looked straight into his eyes and hypnotized him. Soon he was in a trance, and after on he fell asleep.

Xander kept looking at me like I had done the impossible.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" My annoyed look was visible.

"I'm sorry, it's been so long since the young master had fallen asleep." The joy in his voice was unprecedented.

"Oh, well, my Job here is done, I'll be on my way."

As I was about to leave, Dominic Foster suddenly held me tight.

I could feel my cheeks turn crimson and burning hot.

"Uhm, maybe we should let the young master stay with you," he said, visibly feeling weird with the awkward situation, and hurried out.

I glanced at the time briefly, and it was already midnight.

I let Dominic Foster have his night rest.

The next Morning, I prepared breakfast for myself and headed to court.

I was excited, since being a lawyer had always been my dream. I passed my exams and got admission to a prestigious university, but my dad gave it to Raina instead. I had to go to another university where I learnt hypnosis.

I let out a sigh, remembering my past.

So pitiful, I thought.

In the courtroom, my client, the criminal, was expecting me to defend him. Raina was well-known as a criminal lawyer.

I'm sure I took everyone by surprise, because the gasps and murmurs I was hearing when I was submitting evidence and claiming my client was guilty.

I sure have offended some people; some may even want to take my life.

As I walked out of the courtroom, I felt the stares and whispers.

Was Raina that bad?, I hadn't considered finding out what she had done.

I was exhausted, so I decided to go back to the Fosters' residence.

Later that night

As I entered, I noticed the subtle stares the maids gave me, it made me wonder, what Raina had been up to she was living with Dominic Foster.

As I was about to enter my room, I noticed Maisie using a thick iron rod to mercilessly beat a maid.

"What are you doing?" I asked, visibly shocked.

"None of your business, Raina," she snapped, her eyes darkening the moment she saw me.

"I bet Dominic Foster doesn't know what you do to his employees behind his back," I retorted.

"You think he would believe you over me?" she sneered.

Then she looked at me again, I picked the hem of my clothes, my eyes darting round the spacious room.

"Besides, what changed?" She asked

"You bullied these lowlife servants more than I ever did; now you are defending them."

This time, I was done for, thinking of a solution, I stammered, then I wondered, I was Layla Ross, people tremble beneath me. She wasn't going to make me scared.

"Well, Maisie, people change., I said while looking at the poor maid lying helpless on the floor.

Then, she snapped, a glint of hatred passed through her eyes, and she wanted to hit me.

I caught her hand in time, only to see hurt in her eyes.

I was confused, then she stunned me even more by saying,

"Ouch, Raina, I know you don't like me, but please don't hurt me.

Then I casually glanced over and saw Dominic, his eyes darkened, it was shouting danger.

"What are you doing?" his voice reminded me of how little I looked to him.

"I didn't do anything, she was hitting a maid and I was confronting her." I justified myself.

"Why would you help a maid?" his voice sharp, with disbelief.

I met his gaze without trembling. "Does it matter?"

Well, I didn't care if he believed me or not anyway.

I turned to leave. I wasn't going to waste my breath convincing him. This guy looked smart, but really, he has dust for brains.

Is the almighty Dominic Foster this stupid?

Many questions ran through my mind.

As I was leaving, I caught a glance of his hand heading my way. Before I could avoid it, he caught me and gripped my neck and pinned me against the wall.

"What happened to you?" his voice mixed with doubt and suspicion.

"What do you mean?" I'm good, as always, trying to sound composed as usual.

"Don't try to deceive me, Raina, it never ends well for people who try to deceive me."

I wish he knew what his eyes were doing to my body.

He suddenly leaned in, his hand brushing my smooth skin, making my heart race excitedly., I felt electrified, my eyes burning with desire.

Then, my mind drifted back to reality.

What on earth was I thinking, letting him touch me?

Then I shoved his hand away like he was the most disgusting thing on earth.

"Don't touch me," I screamed with disgust evident in my voice.

"Where is the mark that was on your shoulder?" his sudden question made me flinch.

Layla's POV

I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole at this point, because I was exhausted.

He looked at me, expecting an answer.

I was about to answer, but he tightened his grip around my shoulder and pinched my chin hard.

"Answer me!" he suddenly roared.

I forced back tears that were about to fall.

I looked at him indifferently and scoffed.

"So, I had it removed. Is cosmetic surgery new to you?"

He looked at me, seemingly doubting what I said.

"I don't know what twisted game you are playing, Raina Ross. Don't forget the reason I married you, to make your life a living hell."

I smirked.

He let go of me and started walking away.

"Don't forget who can cure your insomnia," I said smoothly

He abruptly stopped.

"Are you threatening me?" The heat radiating from his body could roast me.

I smiled sweetly, "Nope, just reminding you."

I knew I was playing with fire, but I just couldn't help myself.

He clenched his fists and stormed off.

As he left, I felt the weight of what he said

"To make your life a living hell."

I wasn't going to let that happen

Well, I had a case to attend to.

An hour later, I slipped into a black fitted dress, threw on a coat, headed for the law firm, grabbed my case file and headed to the courtroom.

I walked up to the stand, striding confidently, and the man I was supposed to help gave me a pleading look. I gave him a smirk in return.

Your honor, I started submitting the evidence on the table.

"Let's talk about what my client has been up to, and by that I mean his criminal activities."

I turned and glanced at my client. I felt satisfied seeing his face drenched in color, and he became pale.

He was jailed, and I got out. I felt free, one less criminal on the streets, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

An idea suddenly struck me: if I was going to be Raina Ross, I might as well know how much she was worth.

I headed to the Bank, on my way, I noticed the way people gave me glares, and I was wondering what was wrong. I glanced at my phone and saw the news; all the media outlets talked about was me.

I wondered if I had offended Mother Nature, why me? I cried internally, I was genuinely sad by this.

I silently wondered how Dominic Foster would react to this; it won't affect him, after all, the world doesn't know we are married.

One blog said,

Raina Ross gone Rogue?

I got so distracted by the news, I didn't notice a black van pulling up beside me and dragging me to their van. When I realised what was happening, I was already in the van.

I had been kidnapped. Who was going to come to my rescue?

Dominic Foster wouldn't help me, I bet he will even be delighted.

My hands trembled in fear.

The answer to my question came hitting me like a ton of bricks.

It was him, the guy I first jailed, when I assumed Raina's position.

I shivered and bit my lower lip continuously.

"Raina Ross, you betrayed me after taking $50million."

My eyes widened, and I was beyond shocked.

"You were supposed to be in jail," I said, fear evident in my voice.

"Welcome to the world of the wealthy," he laughed like a lunatic.

I needed to get out of this rat hole.

Dominic Foster better come get me soon, or he could kiss his dreams of curing his insomnia goodbye.

I was desperately looking for how to escape, then I was blindfolded. How was I supposed to use hypnosis? Now, I was at my breaking point.

I was suddenly dragged into a dark, empty room, and I was locked in.

I felt time fly by, then the door slowly creaked open, his footsteps were slow, deliberate and slowly closing in.

He stood there with a smile plastered on his face.

"You should have just stuck to our previous arrangement." He sneered.

I remained indifferent and cold despite my fear and trembling hands; I couldn't show my fear ever again, not now, not ever.

With my new resolve, I looked him in the eye and said, "I don't stick with criminals."

He turned livid, I could have sworn he could kill me at that moment.

"We'll see about that," he laughed menacingly.

I refused to back down, even if it meant getting beaten. With unwavering determination, I was about to hit him in a vital spot, but suddenly, a sound echoed from the hallway.

"Looks like we have company," he said and walked away.

"Could it be Dominic Foster?" I murmured, half believing, half hoping.

I heard footsteps, coming closer, and by now I was petrified.

Then a tall, dark figure appeared

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I left you for a few hours, and you go about causing trouble," Dominic Foster's sarcastic remark made me so glad.

I never thought there would be a day I would be so happy to see him. He came over, removed my blindfolds, and released me.

I was admiring him when his rude voice stopped me in my dream world.

"When you are done eye-rapping me, can we get moving?" his cold, domineering voice angered me once more. I stormed off in annoyance, forgetting he was the one who helped me; at this point, I didn't care.

Then I suddenly remembered something and stopped in my tracks.

"The guy who kidnapped me could be outside." My fear was detectable.

"Don't worry, I have taken care of him, he won't bother you anymore, and let's gets one thing straight, the only reason why I saved you was because you were the only one that could cure my insomnia, don't think I have fallen in love with you or something" the arrogance in his voice was beyond my comprehension.

"Dominic Foster, please understand I am not interested in you," I proudly declared.

"Keep playing hard to get, we'll see how much you can keep that up."

This was it, it was war.

We went downstairs, and all I did was give him glares.

I entered his car, and he was driving. Then his smile suddenly wavered, and he said in a cold voice

"They're here,"