His Trophy Wife (R-18)

Chapter 4

AUDREY'S POV

“Well, well! How does it feel to be married to a man who will never love you, Audrey?” She asked with a sarcastic smile.

Angelie looked at me proudly, as if what she did was something to be proud of. I almost wanted to slap her face and wake her up, but I'd rather not. I hate to waste my time on her; she's not worth a second. I just smiled at her sweetly instead.

“Maybe he doesn't love me now, but what about tomorrow and the next days? You're lucky he doesn't know about your little secret. Tell me, how many rich men have you f****d, again? Enjoy his attention while it lasts,” I smiled when I saw how her expression changed into an angry one.

She tightened her grip on my arm while her nails pierced into my skin making it bleed. Still, I didn't show her I was hurt. My smile widened at her reaction, it was priceless!

“Whatever, Audrey! No matter what you do, Liam will never believe you. Just accept the fact that Liam only married you to secure his company. He doesn’t love you, and he never will. You're nothing to him, nothing but someone he could brag to the world,” she snapped at me.

Every word she spoke cut my heart. Even if I won’t admit it, I know Angelie was right. I’m just someone who ruined Liam’s relationship. He would never learn to love me. How can he, when he despised me the most?

“I am his wife, Angelie. No matter what you say, the fact will remain that you're just his mistress. In any ways, I have all the legal rights to him than you have. Accept it,” I said firmly and walked away.

I was stunned when I saw Liam outside the restroom. His hand hung in midair, as if he was going to knock on the door when I opened it. I ignored him and started walking, but stopped abruptly when I overheard their conversation.

“Honey, what happened to you? Why is your face red? Did Audrey hurt you?” He asked in succession.

When I looked back at them, Liam was hugging her tightly and while comforting her. My heart bled at what I saw, but I had to act like it was nothing. I struggled to move and take a step. I suddenly felt tired again, almost wanting to go home and be with the comfort of my own room. I told myself a lot of times that I’m prepared for the worst, and yet, seeing them together still broke my heart.

“What took you so long?” Chanel asked as soon as I took my seat in front of her.

“Nothing, I just retouched,” I replied.

I hid my arm from her to stop her from questioning, but she's Chanel. You can't keep a secret from her. She stood up and went into my seat while looking at me sharply. She held my arm and looked at the small cuts.

“Really, huh? Then why is your arm bleeding? Don't give another lame excuse or I'll slap you here,” she threatened me.

I drew a deep sigh and looked away. I have no other choice, but to tell her the truth. If there’s someone who will always be on my side, it’s her.

“Angelie and I argued,” I simply said.

“That b***h! The nerve of that woman to act as if she's the legal wife of Liam,” she shuddered in response.

“We both know they’re in a relationship before Liam and I got married. In fact, it was me who ruined them,” I cannot help, but to feel remorse. If it wasn’t for me, Liam would be happy now and he’s probably married to her already.

“Yes, and we both know that b***h is playing around. Poor Liam, if that woman became his wife, he'd be a f*****g laughingstock by now,” she retaliated.

I saved him from being humiliated, and yet he humiliated me. I tried telling him a couple of times, but he would never believe me. He thought I was lying, that I was just making up stories for them to break up. He's so blinded by his love for her. Curse him!

“I guess this is I what I get for forcing myself into him. I had all the best intentions, but not once did he see. Sometimes I wonder, was marrying him the right decision?” I asked, almost whispering.

Chanel looked at me with pity. I am saddened by my situation. People may think I'm living the best out of life for having Liam as a husband, aside from being an heiress to a multi-million business empire, but they'll never know the consequences and pains I have to go through. My life isn’t perfect like how they perceived it. It’s full of lies and pretensions.

“Cheer up! Don't ever think you deserve such treatment. You are Scarlett Audrey McKenzie and people love you. You are worthy to be loved, and if your husband doesn't see that, then it's his loss,” she said as she continued to pat my back.

Chanel went back to her seat as soon as our orders arrived. We started eating and forgot about Liam and Angelie. We were happily eating when Liam suddenly interrupted us and pulled my arm. I winced at the sudden pain, but I didn't say a word.

“We'll talk later, Audrey,” he said then released me and went back to their table.

That little scene caught other people's attention so I had to act like it was nothing. When we were done eating, we went out of the restaurant and headed to the parking lot. I bid goodbye to Chanel and drove back home.

I went directly to our room and took a shower. After changing into my nighties, I found myself standing on the veranda while waiting for Liam to arrive. It will probably be a long night, I know he's mad at me, but I'm also mad at him. I completely understand the fact that he doesn't love me, but to disrespect me in public is a different thing.

I took a deep breath and imagined what might happen when he arrived. From the veranda, I saw Liam's car approaching the house. As soon as he entered the gate and parked his car in the garage, I immediately felt uneasy. I’m confused and angry at the same time.

I sat on the couch and tried to calm myself, there's no sense in panicking. Liam forcefully opened the door and slammed it, causing it to make a hard, loud sound that almost made me jump.

“Why were you there, Audrey? Are you stalking me?” He asked angrily.

“And why would I do that, Liam? If you think I followed you there, then you're wrong. I went there to shop with Chanel and not follow you like a dog!” I shouted in frustration.

“Why did you call Angelie a mistress?” He asked through clenched teeth.

“And why should I not? Isn't she a mistress? You're married for Pete's sake!” I answered.

Liam closed our distance and grabbed my elbow. I winced from the pain, but he doesn't seem to care. He shoved me into the wall and trapped me in between his arms. My heart started beating so fast and I can't seem to focus on everything that's happening around me. My eyes were fixed on his cold gaze and I felt so lost.

“Don't you ever call her a mistress again, Audrey! She came first, she's my love and you can't change that. Even if you're married to me, you're nothing but a trophy, made only to be displayed,” he said and let me go.

He stormed out of the room and I was left standing on the wall. My knees suddenly felt weak and shaken. I sat on the bed while tears pooled from my eyes. I lay down and covered myself with a comforter as I cried myself to sleep. It felt like reality slapped me, it f*****g hurts to hear it from him.

The next day, there was no trace of Liam in the room. I couldn't help, but to think that maybe he spent the night with her again. I felt the familiar pang of pain in my chest as I remember how he comforted her yesterday. I was in that state when I suddenly received a call from my agent.

“Scarlett, dear, I know you're still in honeymoon, but honey, we got an emergency,” I can sense the panic in her voice.

“What is it, Madam Tessa?” I asked.

“One of our models can't make it. She had a family emergency. I was hoping you could come by and replace her?” She asked hopefully.

I decided to grab the opportunity so I can forget about the recent happenings in my life. I just want to enjoy, the way I did when I haven’t married Liam yet.

“Give me the location,” I said.

“I'll send it to you, dear. Thank you,” she sighed in relief.

I immediately drove to the address of the resort. The photo shoot is part of the marketing strategy for the promotion of the said Resort-Hotel. As I walk inside, I couldn't help but to admire the gorgeous interiors and the very relaxing ambiance. It gave a vibe that's so relaxing and pleasing for tourists and vacationists.

I made my way into the beach where everything was already set. I put my bag inside the tent where my agent was staying along with my co-models. They immediately greeted me as I walked inside.

“There you are. Thank you for coming at such a short notice, sweetie. I could really rely on you,” Tessa said and kissed me on the cheeks.

“It's nothing, really. Besides, I'm kind of bored in the house,” I said and laughed nervously.

“Okay, get dressed now. There's the changing room,” she pointed on a small makeshift room to me before she continued, “The shoot will start at ten o'clock. Give it your best, I heard the owners of the hotel will be here,” she finished.

I just nodded and changed into a two-piece bright pink bikini. I applied sunblock to protect my skin from the scorching heat of the sun. I wore a see-through cover up and sat in front of the vanity mirror for my make-up.

A few minutes later, Zara, Shaun, Travis and I went out of the tent and headed towards the beach. There were four models including me. I felt at ease because I've already worked with them and I know how professional they were.

Travis was walking beside me and was cracking some lame jokes which I really found hilarious. I was laughing heartily and punching him on the arm when I felt as though someone was watching me. I was glued to the ground when I saw Liam's dark and dreadful gaze aimed towards me.

I gulped and let go of Travis' hand. Liam stood and walked towards me. I gasped when he suddenly held me on the waist and whispered,

“Don't humiliate me here, Audrey, or I'll f*****g drag you home.”

To be continued...