"Father! Luca cheated on me with Emma! Please do something!" I screamed as I ran into the house with tears streaming down my face. "I already knew, and there's only one thing to do. Instead of marrying Luca, you'll marry Emma's suitor," my father replied calmly as if he didn't just ask to get married to a stranger! Without healing from my heartbreak, I became the bride to Bryon Gray, a middle class man who wasn't doing well financially compared to Luca. At least that's what I thought until I got married to him. It was then that I found out he was no ordinary man, he was a billionaire! That didn't mean I had accepted him into my life though. He showered me with love but I never reciprocated his affection. Perhaps I just wanted to be on my own or maybe I just feared being committed only to get betrayed again. It's most likely the latter. I thought pushing him away would keep him far from me but it only drew me closer to him. If I fall in love with him, will I be able to withstand the trials of love? Or will it destroy me even harder than the last time?
CHAPTER ONE
Sage's POV
Luca Chavez.
The only man I could think of, especially when I was standing in front of his house.
My heart fluttered softly as I curled my hair behind my ears with a small smile on my face.
I was never a fan of surprise visits but Luca had bailed out one too many times on our dates the past week. I had even started thinking he purposely avoided me beneath the excuse of being too busy.
Well, I know he'd be mad but at least I have a good reason to show up at his home uninvited.
Our two year anniversary. "We'd discuss marriage on our next anniversary." My lips turned upwards as Luca's promise replayed in my mind. Even though I had thought about Luca proposing to me many times, I still found no ideal way to react to it.
Will I delay him or hastily nod when I mumble 'yes'?
My lips curved into a smirk as I figured out I'd only smack him on the chest playfully for taking so long to make me his bride.
"I don't want my princess working," His exact words when I opted to continue my writing job but sitting on my hands while a man spoon-fed me with luxury wasn't something I was used to yet I had to accept it.
Our relationship was the perfect definition of bittersweet.
He hurt me often with emotional manipulation but cared for me in the sweetest way after. He showed me how I should be loved, unlike my family.
Mark Lowe, my father who stood a thousand meters away from me when it came to emotional connection. He bred me to act on nothing but his orders and that was all I knew how to do; pleasing him.
When he disapproved of my relationship with Luca, that made it the first time I went against him. He's still my dad so I can't help but show him empathy even when he found it appalling.
I knew he struggled with loneliness since my mom's passing. The same loneliness I saw in his eyes that scared me to my spine yet the only reason I chose to fight for my love, for the fear of being alone.
Emma, my supposed twin sister, despised me to no end. She only became nice to me lately because of the designer bags and clothes Luca got her and even though he'd always make sure to get two pairs of clothes, shoes and jewelry, I still saw the jealousy burning in her eyes whenever she saw me with Luca.
Luca's arms were my only source of comfort and love.
The morning breeze blew in my direction, distracting me from my thoughts as I tightened my fingers around the box in my hand.
Luca had an obsession with Au Reg Móre colognes so it only occurred to me as the second most thoughtful gift to get him on our special day.
The first one was the news of my pregnancy. The thought of it still makes my heart pound heavily but with Luca by my side, everything will work out fine.
My glossy lips parted as a small sigh found its way out, "Now that we're expecting a child, we should get closer," That is, if he stopped being so busy, the little voice in my head replied.
The breeze's momentum grew stronger, as the clouds gathered together, conjuring a gray cast of dark above me.
I paced forward and the blue dress that hugged my upper female frame flew carelessly in the air, in sync with the direction of the wind but opposite to my body.
My eyes darted towards the building standing by Luca's, separated by a small white fence.
"Phew! His window is closed," I muttered softly.
Thankfully, Luca's neighbors weren't home. It would be way too embarrassing trying to look Mr George in the eyes knowing he saw me half nude in a black thong.
A few more steps and I arrived in front of his door, I pressed my finger onto a black button staring at me in the eye. I wondered if Luca placed the button that tall to remind me of my height.
I stifled a laugh at the absurdity.
I hit the button three more times but I don't see the silhouette of my man approaching from the windows.
"What do I do now?," I bit my lips nervously.
My eyes landed on my cell phone resting atop the box but I looked away.
Calling him would ruin the surprise.
I took a peek through the window, the shallow curtains did well to reveal that Luca wasn't anywhere close.
My heart skipped a beat, "What if he isn't home?" I muttered under my breath.
But it was a Saturday. Luca always spent his weekends at home and if he really had to work, he'd do it from home.
Without much thought, I curled my fingers around the door knob, twisting it to open.
I walked in, inhaling the air that enveloped his living room.
It was a mix of scents, Crisp air, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lavender and of course Au Reg Móre.
The chandelier hanging at the center of the living room radiated crystal lights, giving the living room a classy look.
My blue eyes sparkled with delight as I slowly walked around the mansion, examining the picture frames of what Luca considered art.
This mansion was soon going to be my home.
Oh, the thought of it ignites butterflies in my belly!
I soon walked out of the living room, headed for the kitchen as the scent of wine lingered stronger than others.
"He's not here either," My lips pressed together as I made my way out of the dimly lit kitchen.
I caught a glimpse of the dining table. On moving closer, I noticed there were two used dishes and I chuckled softly, "He won't clean up after himself and he won't even reuse the same plate for a second serving."
The cologne box and cell phone stayed on the dining table while I gathered the dishes.
I sauntered up the stairs after tending to the dishes.
"Oh, Luca would be so happy to see me!" I muttered excitedly.
As my left foot joined the other at the last staircase, my ears tingled with distinct sounds.
I proceeded with my walk but my sole landed on something different from the floor.
I jerked back with my eyes falling to the floor, in fear that I had stepped on my most dreaded insect.
Fortunately, it wasn't a roach.
'A red bra?' Picking it up, I scanned the material with narrowed eyes.
'Luca doesn't like red so why is this here?' Doubt seeped into my mind, 'Maybe he wants me to try out something new?' I tried to convince myself and yes, it worked.
Red hue appeared on my cheeks at the thought but I couldn't shake off the feeling that my anniversary gift shouldn't be lying on the floor.
The sounds got louder, sounding familiar as I got closer.
My profile split in confusion together with a tightened chest.
What the hell was going on?
"Christ, I've missed you so much!" A feminine voice exclaimed.
'Was Luca watching porn?' My pulse quickened at the thought.
He wouldn't do something like that or would he? After all, it had been a while since we did it.
"Fuck, keep that going!" A masculine voice demanded.
That husked tone was something I could recognize amongst a hundred others.
It was Luca.
He had a history with women but it all came to an end the day we got engaged.
He couldn't cheat on me, I trusted him completely but I panicked.
My heart rate doubled, inhales became shorter. Hell, is that a bead of sweat rolling down my spine?
"Yes, fuck me like your life depends on it!' A moan followed those shameless words.
'Dear God, let it not be what I think'' A silent plea sprouted from within as I stood outside Luca's room.
My jaws dropped in horror because Luca was thrusting himself into no other woman but my twin sister.