My father flew into a rage and threatened to cut all ties with me. He didn’t even show up at the wedding.
But within just half a year of marrying Reese, I had stabilized the company, crushed a few power-hungry relatives, and fired her scheming uncle.
Who would’ve thought he’d hold such a vicious grudge? Fueled by resentment and aided by her eldest uncle, he hired a hitman to take Reese’s life.
The moment the trigger was pulled, I threw myself in front of her. The bullet tore through my lower abdomen, damaging my pancreas beyond repair and leaving me forever unable to have children.
That day, Reese clung to me, sobbing uncontrollably. Her vows were tear-soaked, trembling as she promised she would love only me for the rest of her life, that she would never leave me, no matter what.
Later, her uncle was thrown behind bars, and her eldest uncle resigned on his own. The entire Ellison family business has been in our hands since that day.
Reese, your vows still echoed in my ears. How could you treat me like this now?
Was your so-called love nothing more than pity? A transaction?
I didn’t know when I had dozed off on the couch. When I opened my eyes again, morning light poured through the window. My head was heavy, my nose stuffy, and I must’ve caught a chill after sleeping in the cold all night.
Suddenly, Reese opened the bedroom door, her voice bright and cheerful as she answered a call.
"Yes, yes, just follow the location I sent. Four cleaners right away; the sooner, the better. I’ve got relatives arriving this morning. I can pay extra if needed."
Relatives? I stared at her in confusion. Most of her relatives had already severed ties with us, and mine had long been out of the picture.
A strange unease crept into my chest, coiling tighter with each passing second.
No, it couldn’t be. She had just said yesterday that the white guy wouldn’t be coming to the U.S.
She promised she wouldn’t stir up our lives.
Watching Reese bustle around, light on her feet and humming softly, I asked, my voice laced with doubt, "Reese, who’s coming over?"
She froze for a beat as if only just remembering I was still there. Then, with an awkward smile, she walked over and spoke in a soft, careful tone.
"Matteo, I’m sorry. Evander suddenly decided to come with the kids last night. He only told me after boarding the plane. I couldn’t stop him."
"You know how he is, impulsive and emotional. Don’t be mad, okay?"
She slipped her arm around me, her touch light as she patted my back.
"Don’t worry. They’ll only stay a couple of days. I’ll send him back right away, alright?"
"Don’t be upset. I’ve got so much to prepare, rooms, supplies for the kids, so many things..."
She paused, then added casually, "Oh, right, Evander wants to try some American specialty liquors. Could you run to the supermarket and grab a few types? He also wants to try some local food, so get those too. I really can’t spare the time."
"And pick up the best pajamas and toiletries for them," she added with a wave of her hand as if it were no big deal.
As she spoke, she directed the cleaners, organizing them to freshen up our bedroom, changing the sheets and carpets.
My eyes widened as I watched them start moving my things out of the master bedroom and into the guest room downstairs.
I couldn’t hold it in any longer. The words exploded out of me.
"Reese, what the hell do you mean by this? You’re letting him stay in our bedroom?"
She didn’t even hesitate.
"You can sleep anywhere, can’t you? The master bedroom is bigger, and Evander has two kids. It’ll be more comfortable for them."
I met her gaze, my voice colder than I intended.
"So you want me to sleep downstairs while my wife sleeps upstairs with her ex-lover and their illegitimate children?"
Reese froze for a moment, her eyes flashing with fury. Then, her expression twisted, sharp, and angry.
"Matteo, when did you become so cruel? Illegitimate children? Ex-lover? I’ve told you, they’re my family too. Evander came all the way here overnight. That means he’s accepted you."
"He’s not jealous or trying to kick you out. And you’re making a fuss over one bedroom? When did you become so petty and narrow-minded?"
I stood there, stunned, the words ringing in my ears.
So this was how she saw me?
Two men, and she couldn’t even tell who truly came first.
