Chapter 3
"And you seem like a good fit," Ryan said.
His honesty really caught me off guard.
He just needed a wife.,' I realized.
It felt more like a transaction than anything else.
It worked for me too.
All I was looking for was a way to leave my old life behind.
We both got what we needed. It was a fair trade.
Honestly, it beat being trapped in a one-sided relationship where only one person cared.
The car rolled into the underground garage of a high-end apartment complex.
Tranquil Manor.
I knew this place. It was prime real estate, every inch worth a fortune.
The apartment was on the top floor, a spacious single-level penthouse.
The interior was all black, white, and gray. It was minimalist, cold, and empty, with not a trace of life.
But the place was immaculately maintained, not a single speck of dust seen anywhere.
Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, half the city's vibrant nightlife unfolded in a dazzling panorama.
"Get some rest. I'm going out to pick up a few things," Ryan said.
He set his keys on the console by the door as he spoke.
I nodded.
The door clicked shut, and suddenly, I was alone in the apartment.
I walked over to the massive floor-to-ceiling windows and watched the endless stream of cars below.
For the first time in ages, I finally let myself breathe, releasing all that pent-up tension from my chest in a slow, deep exhale.
Just then, my phone started ringing nonstop.
It was Sean.
Guess he finally woke up.
I just let it ring, didn't pick up.
Eventually, the ringing stopped.
Then a message popped up.
[Sharon, are you done with your drama? Open the door!]
Right after, the doorbell went off, loud and frantic, like someone was about to break the door down.
I frowned.
How did he manage to find me here?
I really didn't want to see him.
But the doorbell kept getting louder, and now Sherry's shrill voice was piercing through the apartment, screaming at the top of her lungs.
Sherry shouted, "Sharon! You bring nothing but bad luck! Get out here!
"Are you hiding some man in there? You shameless woman!"
Afraid they'd disturb the neighbors, I had no choice but to go open the door.
As soon as I opened the door, Sherry's face contorted with fury appeared before me.
She lifted her hand, swinging it at me as if to strike.
"You bitch, how dare you go behind my son's back..." Sherry shrieked.
Her wrist was seized by a stronger hand.
It was Ryan.
I hadn't even noticed him return. He was still holding shopping bags.
He stood in front of me, a solid wall between me and Sherry, shielding me.
His face was cold, his gaze icy.
"Who the hell are you?" Sherry demanded.
She paused for a moment, then went off, ranting like crazy.
"Who am I? I'm her mother-in-law! And who the hell are you?" Sherry shot back.
"Wow, Sharon, look at you! Already found yourself a new man, huh?" she sneered.
Sean was right behind her, and the moment he saw Ryan, his expression shifted instantly.
He stormed in and shoved Sherry out of the way.
"Sharon! What's your deal? What was that message about?" Sean demanded.
He stared me down, his eyes bloodshot, locked on me.
"Who is he?" Sean demanded.
I looked at him, the way he was grilling me, and honestly, it was just ridiculous.
This was the guy who couldn't even bother to wake up for our marriage registration, and now he's got the nerve to interrogate me.
I stepped out from behind Ryan and moved to stand beside him.
I raised my hand, slipped off the diamond ring from Sean on my left ring finger, and flung it at him.
"Sean, we're done," I said.
I hooked my arm around Ryan's, lifted my chin defiantly, and stared right at Sean and Sherry.
Every word came out sharp and clear.
"As for him, He's my husband, Ryan Willard."
My words dropped like a bomb.
The shockwave rippled down the hallway.
Sean's face drained of all color.
He stared at me in disbelief, then at Ryan, with my arm linked through his.
"Husband? Sharon, are you crazy?" Sean blurted out.
"You seriously just grabbed any guy to marry, just to spite me?" he demanded.
Sherry realized what was happening and let out a shrill scream.
She spat, "Married? You two? Where's the marriage certificate?
"Sharon, let me tell you. Don't even think about using some dirty tricks to fool us!
"You're stuck with the Wrights for life! If you think you can mess around with another man, dream on!"
As she ranted, she charged at me, ready to claw at my face.
Ryan stepped forward, blocking her, putting himself between us.
He towered over her, his eyes sharp and icy like knives.
"Get out," Ryan snapped.
His words were simple, blunt, and unmistakable.
He radiated a commanding presence that brooked no resistance.
Sherry, rattled by the force of his aura, just stepped back without thinking.
But then, she straightened up, playing the elder card.
Sherry snapped, "Who the hell do you think you are, telling me to get out?
"This is my son and Sharon's home! You're the one who should get lost, you random guy!"
Ryan just smirked, his lips twisting into a mocking curve.
Without saying a word, he pulled out his phone and, right in front of them, dialed 911.