Next morning.

Maxine's Pov:
I woke up the next morning, feeling ecstatic and full of hope, eager for what the day might bring.

I yawned and stretched on the bed, and as I did, the glittering ring on my hand gripped my attention, and I smiled and covered my face with my palms.

Oh my geee!
I'm getting married - to Noah - my super crush!

Although it hurt me a little to know he was only marrying me out of urgency and for the company, I still felt a flicker of pride that he chose me.

I mean...of all the ladies around, he chose me.

I giggled into my palms and just then heard a knock on the door.

"Who's it?" I asked immediately.

"It's Ariana, ma'am. I just came to inform you breakfast has been set and Sir Noah wants you out," she replied from outside, and I raised my brows.

"Okay, then. I'll be there shortly," I replied and heard her leave.

Hmmm.

I took in a deep breath and finally left the bed, going into the bathroom to freshen up.

In a short while, I was done and left for the dining room, where I met Noah already eating.
But he was busy with his phone as well, and I wondered how he managed.

"Hey", he cooed as soon as he saw me.

"Hi. Good morning," I greeted, a little shy, and took a seat facing him.

"How was your night, Maxine?" He asked.

"It was fine. I feel a whole lot better now," I replied, and immediately, a maid came up and started dishing out my meal.

"Um... that reminds me. I'd want you to get ready because...I'll be introducing you to my parents today," he said, and my heart leapt with anticipation.

What?

"Oh!" I muttered.

"Yeah - I need to tell them about it. So, we'll be going for dinner," he explained, and my anxiety increased.

Oh my God! We'll be going to see his parents?? For real?

Holy Christ! This is working out.

"Um...okay then. I'll definitely be free by then,"  I replied, and he smiled and focused on his meal.

The maid dished out mine, and I also started eating.

But not long after, I was interrupted.

"Ma'am, there are two ladies out there requesting to see you", the maid said with a bow as she stood in front of me.

"Two ladies? What're their names?" Noah asked.

"They didn't reply but only said it's important", she replied, and I arched my brows.

Hm. Why do I have a feeling I already know who it is?

"Don't worry, I'll check it out", I said to Noah as I stood up, but he also stood up with me and followed me out.

Out of curiosity and a flicker of unease, I stepped outside and immediately recognised the visitors-Tammy and Ruby- standing there with uncertain expressions, confirming my suspicion.

Hm. Turned out my guess was right after all.

Tammy and Ruby.

"And who do we have here?" I said with a smirk as I drew closer to them.
Geez! They were both looking like beaten cats.

"Are these the daughters of my enemies? Or is it someone else? Please, I hope you don't slap me for this", I concluded with a chuckle and folded my hands.

Noah was standing behind me, leaning on the door.

"Maxine", Ruby called feebly.
"We just want to know why you took possession of our house and locked us out".

"Your house?" I scoffed.
"The same house that was bought with my parents' wealth?"

"We didn't kill your parents, Maxine. Whatever differences you have, it should be sorted out with our parents, not us," Tammy snapped.
Can you imagine?

"Well, that's exactly what I'm tryna do", I replied.
"The house doesn't belong to you, but your parents. So, I have no business with you".

"Maxine, please", Ruby said calmly.
"Just hand the keys to us. We don't have anywhere to go".

"You're just wasting your time. Both of you - you deserve to rot in hell," I stated angrily and returned to the house.

Rushing into my room, I stared at my reflection, tears blurring my vision as I fought to hold back the storm of pain and anger threatening to overwhelm me.

I didn't want to do this. I didn't want to be this cruel. 

But recalling everything they did to me - all the pains they made me go through - it makes me hunger for vengeance and just want to see them suffer.

I hate them so much and want to see them suffer.

Noah came in not long after, and I turned to look at him - the tears still streaming down my cheeks.

"Hey", he cooed, and I rushed into his arms, seeking solace. 

"Come on, Maxine. It's okay. It's okay," he consoled me and rubbed my back.
*
*
Rex's Pov:
I whistled and twirled around the house and met Mum in the kitchen, busy with the rest of the maids.

"Hey momma", I beamed and wrapped my hands around her, and she looked at me, surprised.

"Rex. Are you okay? What's up with you?" She asked with furrowed brows, and I chuckled.

"Come on, Mum. I'm happy for the same reason you're happy. My brother's coming home with a wife," I beamed, and she scoffed.

"Really? That's the reason you're happy?"

"Of course! I have a sweet surprise for him".

"What surprise?"

"Don't worry, mother. It's a surprise".

She looked at me and shook her head.

"Anyway, come with me. I need you to help me out with something," she said and started walking out, and I smiled and followed her.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I locked the necklace around my neck and gave myself one final stare in front of the mirror before leaving the room with my purse.

I got out to the sitting room and met Noah already waiting, keeping himself busy with his phone.

Gosh! He was looking so cute - perfect in the red long-sleeve he was putting on.

"You done?" He asked, and I nodded, and he stood up with his phone afterwards.

"Come on", he said lowly and proffered his hand to me.

Huh?

I cringed a little and accepted the offer, wrapping my hand around his, and we walked out of the house.

Oh, boy! I'll need to get used to this.

The thing is, I've never been in a relationship or dreamt of being in one anytime soon, and that's because I'm scared of heartbreak.

Well, with the look of things, I don't think I'll be getting one anytime soon, right? I mean, Noah seems serious about it, and I don't think there'll be any complications.

We got to the parking lot, used one of his cars, and were on our way in a short while.
*
*
Noah's Pov:
Her nervousness was so funny, but I tried not to laugh out loud. I couldn't believe she had to think twice before holding my hand.

I chuckled, and she turned to look at me, but I made sure not to return the stare.

I focused on my phone, and we didn't say anything to each other. After a while, we finally arrived at our destination.

The driver parked in the garage and I opened the door and stepped out with Maxine.

I made her hold me again, and we walked into the house.

Hmm. Finally.

I wonder what mum and dad's reaction would be. And that Rex....I just hope he stays out of my way.

With our arms still entwined, we walked into the sitting room, and I froze at the door immediately when I saw the sight in front of me.

Maxine also stopped walking since we were both holding hands, and she looked at me, surprised.

What the hell?

There was a lady right there in the sitting room. And I felt my heart give a mighty leap as I stared at her.

"Audrey?" I called out in shock.