The Billionaire’s Bargain Bride

Darkest Secrets

SADIE

“No, no, no. Not today. I can’t take any more truth. My brain would explode.” I was shaking. I was shivering not from the water in the tub but from the uncertain situation I was in. I didn’t know my place anymore—where I fit in.

I was lost. I was still processing those truths that blew in my face. Nothing had sunk in yet. I was on the verge of denial because that was impossible. It couldn’t be.

Cenric couldn’t do that. He was not the kind of man I married months ago. He wouldn’t sacrifice something for the dead woman. He wouldn’t save me. What he said was a lie.

I pulled my knees together as I shook to cry in bed. He came closer to me.

“I wanna be alone.” I stopped him.

“Babe.”

“Please?”

Somehow he did as I requested. He walked away and left the room.

I cried there alone in the dark until I felt I had no tears left. I woke up alone in the same position, tucked under the blanket.

I decided to go down. My stomach kept grumbling. At least, I could still feel something. I wasn’t numb enough. I felt my eyes like they were stung by tons of bees.

Considering I just found out my dysfunctional family was running a criminal organization, I still wanted to live. Life must go on, as they said.

I went to the kitchen and found them there, chatting, except Cenric. The chat suddenly stopped as if they were muted, and they clattered as if it was a fine day.

“Have a seat.” Linden was the first to break the uncomfortable silence. He placed a full breakfast, and it looked mouth-watering. “Just the way you like it.”

Devin placed a cup on the table and poured coffee before returning to his chair. Beck just sat there, drinking his coffee, but I felt like he wanted to say something.

“Don’t hold back, Beck.” I sipped my coffee. Divine. “Go ahead.”

“Just glad you came down.”

“I’m hungry. God, I was so hungry. Unless I will eat soap in the room to fill my hunger.” I dug in, and the two idiots were watching me like a hawk as if I would choke myself.

“Nice to hear your humor is back.”

I glared at Devin and Linden as well. “It’s impolite to watch someone eating.”

“Just slow down.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“I’m starving.” I rose to my feet, picked another toast, and placed it on the plate. I grabbed my plate and my coffee and walked away from scrutinizing stares. I knew Cenric might have told them to keep an eye on me. And they did a fine job.

What was he thinking? After he put my father in jail and sent my brother far away, I would be suicidal? Or I would follow them? I wasn’t happy for what they’d done to me, to my mother, and to the people they had hurt, but I wouldn’t wish for them to be dead as well.

I settled in the entertainment area, turned the tv on, and watched Star Trek Voyager on Netflix. Even if these aliens looked absurd, it was fun to watch.

I noticed someone just join in, then another, then another.

I turned my head and paused the video. “I’m not gonna hang myself or stab my heart with this fork.”

“You’re not dealing well, Sadie,” Beck said.

“Have you ever experienced losing your family, finding out that you’re a subject, a pawn, and that your husband was the cause of all of it? No. Now, give me a break if I am not dealing with my losses.”

He sighed. “He saved you.”

“Yeah, and there is it. The painful freaking truth. Tell him that his property, a. k. a his subject, a charity case is beyond grateful.”

“Will do.” It was Devin who replied.

“Now, if you pleased?” I gestured towards the door. “I’m ready to watch porn. Alone.”

“Your sarcasm is impeccable.” Linden sneered. “And Simon says.”

“That you’re all assholes. I get it, loud and clear.” I played the button. My breakfast was cold, but I cleaned up the plate that I would if I could lick it.

Devin came in with a plate of sliced fruits. “I couldn’t tell you I’m sorry.”

“You were also working with the FBI?”

“No. I just found out yesterday that your husband and Beck were their informants. I knew about your father’s business. I wanted out, but you know I would end up in a body bag if I ever tried. Then I finally found my way out. Five months ago, your husband’s brother contacted me. Then Cenric found out, so he did not give me a choice. That’s why I came almost the same day as you. He already offered something I couldn’t say no. A way out, my sister’s tuition and an internship at his corporation.”

I smiled sadly. “He does that to people he believes can be saved. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you know where my brother is?”

“No. I’m sure boss will tell you.”

After a few episodes, I passed out. I jolted up when I sensed someone was sitting beside me. My hand was in my chest. I didn’t even realize I fell asleep in there and comfortably covered with fleece.

“Sorry if I startled you.” His smell assaulted my nostrils. He always smelled good, and it was nostalgic. I missed those days when just the two of us cuddled while watching movies on the couch.

Today, it didn’t look appealing to me. I felt there was a massive gap between us. The trust was broken. Though Cenric did not precisely lie to my face, he did conceal the truth from me. I guessed that was the disadvantage of being the subject and his property.

“Why are you here?”

He lifted his gaze from the screen of his phone to me. “I thought you might wanna hear something about your brother.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s still traveling. Once he arrived at the location, I gave him. He’ll contact me.”

“What if he won’t?”

He looked at me carefully. “Then I can’t protect him anymore.”

“I don’t wish him any harm.”

“I know.”

Silence stretched between us until it got agonizing. I didn’t know how to break it. What happened to us now that this was over? What happened to me?

“Should I move out?”

His head snapped at my side, glaring at me. “Why?”

I shrugged. “Your job for me is done. You got what you wanted. You don’t need me anymore. I mean, come on, you just took down one of the world’s notorious smugglers and drug lords. You should celebrate. You should add that to your portfolio.”

Pissed off, he shook his head in irritation. “Do you think that was all about?”

“What is the almighty Wollf really want?”

“I get it you’re mad at me.”

“Try sick of everything!”

“Don’t yell into my face, Sadie,” he said sternly.

“Well then, let’s cut the crap.” I rose to my feet, glaring down at him. “When do I get my freedom? I’m sure you won’t get your twenty-five million fucking dollars anymore, but that’s the price to pay for taking down a notorious criminal.”

He glared back. “Why do you care so much for a man who’s the reason why your mother was dead? Why do you care for him so much even if he let your mother die there alone?”

“He’s still my father!”

“That son of a bitch is not your father!”