~Abigail's POV~
My chest feels heavy, my head even heavier, as I step out of the shower. I grab Darius's large, coffee-colored robe around my body which smells faintly of mint and sweet citrus from the hanger and slip it on before walking into the room.
The mansion is enormous. Modern royalty in every corner. But this bedroom… This is Darius's. It's stunning in a dark, intimidating way, all deep blood red and black.
It's been hours since I arrived, and I've already had lunch in the bedroom I chose to isolate myself in. Though, to be honest, it doesn't feel much like isolation when the room has everything. A perfect hot shower, a bubble bath, a massive TV. Unfortunately, none of it is mine.
Just my discarded wedding dress lying in the middle of the room.
I sit on the edge of the enormous king-sized bed and check my phone. It's almost 8 p.m. No breaking news about Darius's death, just frantic texts from Alex asking what's going on, and several missed calls from Taro, who's been blowing up my phone since I arrived at the mansion.
Does he really expect me to answer?
A sudden, frantic knock startles me. I'm sure it's Theo again. He's checked on me at least fifteen times already.
He really does seem like a nice guy.
I rise, cross the room, and open the door. Sure enough, Theo stands there, looking even more anxious than before.
"Oh! Mrs. Rassais, we have an emergency. Mr Rassais' mother is arriving at the mansion any minute."
He hands me a shopping bag and another filled with what looks like cosmetics and accessories. "Please prepare."
My lips part. Of course, I'm a little taken aback by the mention of Sofia. Darius's mother.
"Okay then," I tell him simply.
"The maids will attend to you, so it'll be faster," Theo offers, still nervous.
I give him a small smile. "Oh, there's no need for that."
"Alright then, I'll go and supervise dinner," he says with a polite bow before hurrying off.
Once he's gone, I close the door and move toward the vanity to get ready. I pull out a blood-red dress. The kind that makes my pale skin pop just right and brush my hair down, watching my reflection.
I look good. I always look good. But now… I'm a fucking tycoon's wife.
And that tycoon? He's in a hospital right now. Which means I have to act like I'm depressed, widowed, fragile, whatever fits the part.
To be honest, I don't even think I need to act. Not really. But it's something I have to do. I need a clean divorce, not a scene where I break Darius's head open in front of his precious family.
The divorce will give me plenty of what I want. Freedom, money, and a solid reason not to crawl back to my father. Maybe I'll disappear to Hawaii or the Maldives. Somewhere warm, quiet, and far away. Somewhere he won't find me… or even bother trying.
It sounds childish, I know. But the truth is, I would've killed my father if I could. He killed my stepmother. The woman I grew up calling "Mom" right in front of me when I was six. So… yeah.
But, it's not that simple.
A knock comes on the door again, sharper this time. I sigh and head over, pulling it open to find one of the maids standing there with a polite smile.
"Dinner is ready, ma'am. I'm here to escort you," she says.
I nod, letting her lead the way through the long hallways until we reach the dining room. It's elegant of course it is and at the center of it sits Sofia, looking regal even as she eats slowly, her expression serious.
The moment she sees me, though, her eyes light up. She stands quickly, smiling. "Oh, my dear!"
Before I can react, she's hugging me, patting my back like we're old friends. I freeze, unsure if I should return the gesture or just stand there like a statue.
"How are you?" she asks, pulling away but still holding my arms, studying my face like I'm something precious. Then, before I can even open my mouth, she adds, "I heard Darius is in the hospital. Is this true? Theo won't tell me anything and neither will anyone else."
My eyes widen. Wait. She doesn't know about the allergic reaction?
Is Darius hiding it from her? But why?
What should I do... tell her or play along?
Sofia's face tightens with worry at my hesitation. "Is he really in the hospital?"
My lips part. "He—"
"Mom?"
The familiar voice slices through the air, followed by a low groan. Both of us turn toward the doorway.
And there he is. Darius. Looking perfectly fine. Perfectly alive. Dressed in a deep cobalt-blue suit like he didn't almost die hours ago. No hives, no paleness, not even a hint of weakness.
Because of course the bastard would survive.
"Seriously?" He approaches us, voice calm and smooth.
"You didn't tell me you were coming. I had to hear it from Leo," he says, acting completely normal. Like he didn't just spend hours in a hospital bed.
Sofia frowns, releasing me. "I heard from Stefanos that you were in the hospital because of an allergic reaction."
Darius scoffs. "Come on, Mom. Why would I have an allergic reaction when I don't even eat walnuts? Besides, it's my wedding day. Abigail and I have been in our room all day. I was in the bathroom when she came down first."
I can't help but stare at him. What the hell is that lie?
Sofia, however, looks satisfied, relief washing over her face. "I'm so glad you lovebirds are together. That bastard Stefanos scared me for nothing."
She turns to me, taking my hands in hers again. "I'm so sorry for interrupting your wedding day, dear."
I manage a polite smile. "It's okay, really."
She beams. "Well then, let's have dinner together."
"Sure," I say, nodding as she releases my hands and takes her seat again.
I glance at Darius, only to find him already staring at me with those sharp, hypnotic eyes practically shooting daggers.
He's pissed.
And honestly? That makes me happy enough to give him a real smile.