Episode 12

MARKUS

We headed towards the commotion, and I was certain it was her. Jackson, Karl, and the other guys started pulling them away from Christiane, while I took her hand and led her away. I could feel her gripping tightly; she was scared.

We got into the car, and I asked the chauffeur to take us back home. She didn't even turn to look at me. After a while of silence, I couldn't contain myself.

"Don't you even want to look at me?"

"Damn it, why didn't you stay at the house? It was so hard to obey" I hit the seat.

"Do you plan on suing me for it, or do I have to pay compensation for breaking the contract?"

As she said that, staring at me intently, I couldn't believe it. I had forgotten about that. But even though she remembered, she didn't care.

"It's not necessary. There are many ways to punish a offense like this. - We arrived at the house, and she got out, slamming the door.

"Where do you think you're going? We haven't finished.

Before she could climb the stairs, I stopped her.

"Leave me alone.

"I refuse. Right now, I have to go to the office, but tonight, when I come back, we'll discuss how you're going to compensate me for breaking that contract.

I stormed out of there, fuming with anger. On the way, all I could think about was making her pay. Spoiled brat. When I reached the management department, I found Mauricio flirting with one of the employees.

"Hey, what's wrong? You're looking pretty angry. - he asked as we entered my office.

"I clearly told her she couldn't go out today, and you know what the little girl did? She sneakily went out.

"But did she do it just to annoy you, or was there an emergency?

"I don't know... but she will pay, that's for sure.

"You mean compensation for the contract, or do you plan on seeking revenge in another way? - Mauricio looked at me with his idiotic grin.

"Don't you have any work to do? - I said, a bit annoyed.

"Yes, I'm leaving now, but I came to remind you that today is the company anniversary gala.

Mauricio left the office, leaving me deep in thought. How could she repay me? I could charge her after our marriage ended and she received her share of the inheritance. No, I thought, she will be mine again. I wanted to have her writhing beneath me. She challenged me like no other woman, besides her angelic face and exquisite body, she was smart and stubborn. I'd make her mine until I grew tired. I thought about the anniversary celebration of the company. Since everyone knows she is my wife, it would be best if we didn't start appearing together. A smile formed on my face; an idea just occurred to me.

I picked up the phone and called the house.

"Bettina, tell the lady to get ready. We are going to an important event tonight, and she has to accompany me.

"Yes, sir. I will inform her of your demands.

CHRISTIANE

I was in my room, thinking about everything. I shouldn't have run away like that. Those journalists really hurt me with their questions. I can still remember them vividly. Does he really love me? Why haven't we had our honeymoon? Why was he in Italy while I'm here? They called my family fortune into question. Did they think I was blackmailing Mr. Markus with something? I didn't understand anything, but apparently, I wasn't to his liking with all these insinuations. It was obvious they expected Mr. Markus to have the most distinguished woman in the city as his wife. Bettina entered, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Miss Christiane, Mr. Markus asked me to inform you that tonight, we will be attending a very important event, and he expects you to accompany him.

"I won't go anywhere with him.

"But Miss, you made him angry this morning. Please, don't do it again. - She left my room with those final words.

I kept thinking about what Bettina said. She was right. Today, I broke that stupid contract, and Markus would surely make me pay a high price. And if I didn't go with him to that event, he would make me pay double. I got up and decided to search through my things. I didn't know what to wear for the event, so I called Angelika; she would help me. After about an hour, she arrived with some stylist friends.

"Oh my God, this house is enormous, it could accommodate 100 people," one of her friends says excitedly.

"Well, that's exactly what I thought," Angelika says, equally delighted. In fact, she has been here a couple of times before when Markus was still in Italy.

"Let's get to work. Today, you'll leave that arrogant man speechless.

We spent part of the afternoon laughing and teasing each other, because when it came to this kind of thing, Angelika couldn't help herself.

It was getting late and Markus wasn't ready yet. Bettina had informed me an hour ago that he had already arrived and was in his bedroom.

That made me nervous.

"Calm down, friend. If you hadn't been notified so late, you would have been ready by now.

"I just can't help it, you don't know how he gets.

After a while, they finally finished. I looked at myself in the mirror and didn't recognize myself. I looked like someone else, like one of those beauty pageant contestants. I was wearing a long black dress with a very revealing neckline and a high slit that showed off my leg. I had silver stiletto shoes, and my hair was loose with some waves. My makeup wasn't too heavy, with shiny cherry lips.

"Friend, not only will you leave your "husband-to-be" speechless, but also those who don't believe you are on his level," my friend said excitedly.

"Thank you, friend, you all were a great help," I kindly replied.

"Mrs. Markus is ready. Mr. Markus is waiting for you," a staff member said.

"Yes, I'm ready now.

As I descended the stairs, I saw him leaning against the wall, checking his phone. He looked very handsome in a very elegant tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, and matching shoes.

I never imagined I would have such an imposing husband. Without realizing it, I was biting my lip.

He raised his face, our eyes met, and I couldn't look away. I tried to avoid his gaze, but it was impossible.

He seemed fascinated by what he was seeing, and I didn't like it.

Being in front of him felt strange.

"Something is missing," he said.

"Yes, a coat," I said, snapping out of that strange moment. He didn't seem to like my comment.

"No, it's this," he said with a furrowed brow.

It was a red case, and inside, there was a diamond necklace. He took it out and approached me, placing it around my neck. I couldn't even move. I don't understand why he's doing this.

"It goes with your earrings," he mentioned.

I just stood there, watching him, until he raised his hand, asking me to follow. For a moment, I hesitated. This act of chivalry wasn't very common for him, but I know that to find out what he's up to, I must go along with it. I'm sure tonight is going to be a long night.

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