Marla’s POV
“What is it?” Jason asked me seriously, his eyes narrowing as his brows furrowed.
There was tension in his gaze as he looked at me, and I couldn’t help but think, How did it lead to this?
Jason, the mafia lord. The kingpin. A man who owns countless businesses, both legal and illegal. But despite his ruthless nature, a memory suddenly surfaced in my mind—a memory of a time when he was different. When he used to be so sweet to me, as if I were the most precious person in his world.
I remember when my parents died in a car accident. My butler, Matthew, and I moved into Jason’s grand mansion.
Back then, Jason didn’t just protect me—he protected us. We were each other’s refuge, our light in a dark world. I can still picture the way he used to smile at me, the way his eyes held mine like I was the center of his universe.
But all of that shattered when Shane appeared in our lives—sexier, wilder, and undeniably captivating. Her presence changed everything.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I said, “I just wanted you to come with me... to the welfare home I mentioned. Just the two of us.” I bit my lower lip, waiting for his response.
Jason stared at me, his expression unreadable, as if he was lost in deep thought. Then, to my surprise, he smiled. But it wasn’t a sweet or kind smile—it was teasing, playful, almost as if he were joking.
“Why?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “You’re still going to be my husband, Jason. Just do this one thing for me.”
Perhaps I’m still expecting he will change. That he will realize his mistress is tearing us apart. I wanted him to realize that... before I continue with my plan.
His gaze lingered on me, searching my face. After a long moment, he exhaled heavily.
“I know what this is about,” he finally said. “You’re afraid of the wedding, aren’t you? It’s happening in two days, and the thought of it is getting to you. Am I right?”
“No,” I replied firmly, meeting his gaze. “It’s not about that. I just want you to come with me.”
Jason gave me that look again—the kind that made it seem like he was carefully weighing my request. It was starting to make me feel uneasy, as if he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to join me or not.
There it was... the disappointment.
Then, suddenly, his phone rang. He pulled away from me and said coldly, “I need to take this.”
His tone was distant, almost dismissive.
He removed my hand that was holding onto him and added, “I’m quite busy right now. But I’ll think about going with you to the welfare home you mentioned.” He glanced at me briefly before continuing, “Now, will you excuse me? I have to leave. I’m meeting someone.”
I bit my lower lip as I watched him turn away. Suddenly, I couldn’t help but feel sad somehow. I’m a human, after all. I may be angry about what he did to me, but this time... I could feel the weight on my chest.
I wanted to stop him, to reach out and say something that might make him stay.
But I knew there was no turning back now. Everything was already set into motion, and the wedding was fast approaching. The plan I had been carefully keeping to myself would soon unfold.
I forced a small smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. It was a smile meant to hide everything I was feeling inside.
“Okay, I’ll see you at home, Jason,” I said softly.
He didn’t respond. Without a word, he turned his back on me and walked away, his strides hurried, his mind already elsewhere.
To Shane.
