Isabella's POV

Jayden's outburst got to me and I began to question why I thought we were beginning to become friendly with each other just like couples ought to be.

I wanted to ask him who Helena was too but I couldn't because his cold glare made me shut my mouth.

I didn't want him to see me inside the room by the time he came back from the bathroom, so I stepped out, touring both the front and the backyard of the mansion with my arms folded around me and my mind far away.

Who would have thought I would end up being a contracted wife for my boss?

I believe in love and I hold marriages in high esteem but here I am desecrating the vows of marriage.

My desire to see Grandma back on her feet has been achieved but I am still stuck in this marriage for months to come.

I get to the pool and stand watching the calmness of the water, wishing I can have a quiet life like this too.

But I can't.

Getting married to Jayden has taken that quiet life away from me. I can barely go out now without being looked at. I can barely go out without people's attention on me.

I wonder how I am going to cope with going shopping, alone with Jayden's new secretary.

I sigh and leave the pool, intending to go in to take a bath and get ready for Anna's call. The scheduled time for the shopping yesterday was 1 pm and I am sure it will be the same today.

That is the break time at work when I was still working for Jayden and I am sure nothing has changed yet. The break usually lasts for an hour and I'm sure we will be done with the shopping before 2 pm.

I find my way back into the house when I hear a horn from the driveway. Out of curiosity, I stand still by the doorway, the rays of sun on my face blocking me from seeing who just drove in.

Immediately, someone in the driver's seat comes out of the Mercedes Benz and turns to the passenger's side to open up for the guest.

She steps out and I recognize her to be Jayden's Mother, even though she looks completely different today, unlike yesterday.

She is wearing a sleeve knee-length bateau satin Lace and high heels, her long brown hair is packed into a neat bun.

"Hey", she calls out when she sees me. You aren't ready yet?"

She moves closer, walking majestically, examining my sleepwear. Confusion spreads across my face. "Ready? For what?"

She rolls her eyes and hits my arm softly when she is close enough. "Don't tell me you have forgotten all about our shopping. Go get dressed, we are going shopping!"

****

I sit beside her, trying to make an effort to remain calm and not show my nervousness and displeasure at being in the same car as her, going shopping.

I tried to convince her one more time but nothing worked. She asked me to cancel the appointment with Anna and I did so, even though I was really curious to see Jayden's new secretary.

"So", she muttered, snapping her head to look at me.

I flash her a nervous smile, waiting patiently for what it is she wants us to talk about. Apparently, she has some questions to ask me but I hope they have nothing to do with my marriage to her son.

"How did you meet with Jayden?" She asks sharply, her eyes searching mine.

Without putting up any act, my brows furrow. "How do we meet?"

"Yes", she nods, without smiling. "He told us you were his Assistant…"

"I was", I interrupt her sharply. "Jayden and I never met outside the office."

The moment the words come out, I regret it. I shouldn't have said that, this woman will have me figured out within minutes and she is the reason for all of these in the first place.

Jayden told me he is doing this because of her and I really need to make sure that she is convinced that Jayden and I are truly in love even if the whole world doesn't believe our story.

"You never met outside the office?" She questions with her eyes popping out in surprise. "So the romance was brewing in the office?"

"Something like that", I say slowly, darting my eyes away from her. There is no use denying what I said. It is out already.

"Ok. How did you two fall in love?" She demands again, making me crease my brows.

"How did we fall in love?" I repeat and she nods.

Is there a reason to fall in love with someone? I have never been in love but from what I watch on TVs, I know it just happens for no reason.

"Has it been going on for long or it just happened recently and here you are", she points to me and I am beginning to think this woman is suspecting that this marriage isn't real or probably she is suspecting that I am here just for the money.

"It just happened but not recently. We have both been trying to deny it but we couldn't and here we are", I explain and sigh heavily, tired of the questions.

She smiles lightly and looks away. Silence falls between us for a while and I am thinking she is done with the questions.

A sigh of relief escapes my mouth as I lean my head on the leather car seat, looking out of the window and folding my arms around my bosom.

But the comfort is cut short by the sound of her voice again.

"I didn't like you at first when Jayden told me he wants to get married to you. I was against it", our eyes interlocks and she flashes me another smile.

I should have known she doesn't like me. Maybe this is why I am not comfortable with her.

"But when I met you, I liked you instantly. You are a likable person but I can't help but worry about a lot of things. I have come to a conclusion on what to do and I would appreciate it If you cooperate with me", she vocalizes as the car takes the right bend.

My heart beat in fear of the next thing that will come out of her mouth. I don't know what she is talking about but I know it won't be good.

"I have an offer for you", she announces, making my curiosity intensify.

"Offer?" I look as confused as shit. She nods intermittently, facing me squarely.

"If you are here for the money, just tell me whatever you want and I will pay you off", she blurts out without mincing words.

"What?!" I exclaim loudly, dropping my hands and shifting uncomfortably.

Has she figured this out? Is it because of how I behave like a poor lady and she thinks I am here just for the money I will get from Jayden? Is it that obvious that I was not born with a silver spoon? Did she find out that the marriage is fake?

"I will pay you a million dollars to leave Jayden, I know you need money. Deal or no deal?" Her eyes bore into me challenging me to give in to her demands but I can not.

First, I will ruin Jayden's plans and I will be tagged as a gold digger.

Shaking my head intermittently, I pronounce quickly. "No deal!"

****

The next update is going to be on Monday. See you!

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