“I was betrothed to Mason Jones ever since high school by my father, who saw my life as a means to build his empire. Despite being bound to Mason, I loved him deeply. When I turned twenty, we got married.
At first, he seemed like the perfect husband, fulfilling his responsibilities flawlessly. He was the best man I could have wished for. But after two years, everything changed. It started with him hitting me in the face after I yelled at him. He begged for forgiveness, claiming it was a mistake. However, he continued to hurt me repeatedly.
On the fateful day I discovered I was pregnant, I was overjoyed to share the news with him. But when I confronted him about his gambling addiction and tried to intervene, he retaliated by hitting me again. That night, he didn’t stop until I was bleeding…
I lost my first child, and he showed no remorse. He nearly lost everything-his bank was on the verge of bankruptcy, which affected his company. But he never stopped gambling away all he had. When his father called to inquire about the situation, he lied, claiming that he was by my side, taking care of me while I was ill. He would lock me up in a small room or closet for days without food or water. The only sounds I could hear were my racing heart, and darkness was all I could see. It was terrifying.” Maya paused for a moment, wiping the tears from her face.
She continued, “He only abused my body and sometimes my face whenever he was drunk and angry, as he didn’t want to tarnish his image in front of his followers and admirers. I concealed my bruises with long, thick clothing. For the past nine years, I have been bound to this monstrous man, enduring torture and hatred. I’ve suffered nine miscarriages because of him. The doctor told me I may have internal bleeding, but when he found out, he hit me again. And now, I believe I may already have internal bleeding.
As if that wasn’t enough, just last night, he sold me to a stranger’s bed. Thanks to someone who helped me, I would have-” Maya’s voice broke, her chest heaving as she tried to compose herself. The horrifying memories playing in her mind made it difficult to breathe.
She needed to speak out, following Tatiana’s instructions to exclude her part. This live video wasn’t the end of their plan. She continued.
“I know some of you might be wondering why I endured this pain for so long without taking action. Nine miscarriages and still remaining in the arms of the devil?-” Maya snorted, almost mocking herself. “I’ve tried to end this suffering many times, but Mason Jones always finds me, and the punishment is beyond words. I tried to love and be a good wife, but I have reached my limit. And I hope to get justice.” A painful smile appeared on Maya’s face before the video ended.
Mason’s breathing became erratic, his head spinning with anger and anxiety. She hadn’t just revealed and shared those things with the world.
“What do you mean you couldn’t trace a fucking vulnerable woman?!” Mason yelled at his assistant over the phone.
“Boss, I’ve tried many times, but it wasn’t working. I also couldn’t bring the news down. It seems she has someone backing her up,” his assistant explained.
Realization hit Mason. Last night, the weird dark man who claimed to be the king of cards and offered him ten billion-could he be the one behind these dirty tricks?
Who the fuck is he?
“Keep trying. Don’t stop until you get something.”
The news didn’t only stay in Australia; it went beyond, reaching Mason’s father.
As Mason’s phone rang again, he hesitated, seeing his father’s name flashing on his phone screen.
“Shit!” He cursed, smashing his phone to the ground. “Fuck!!!!!”
Taking a deep breath, he picked up his other phone and made another call.
Nathan, who was simply having his breakfast with Paisley and watching the news, got the call from Mason. He had already expected it and had no intention of picking it up.
He simply switched off his phone and resumed eating.
Paisley, who saw this, asked, “Aren’t you helping him?”
“He built the cross himself; let him carry it,” Nathan responded, and Paisley glanced back at the news.
“It’s Tatiana’s handiwork, isn’t it?” Paisley questioned.
“Who else?” Nathan mumbled.
Paisley sighed. “Are you really not going to do anything? Mason is your friend.”
Nathan stood to leave, knowing Paisley wouldn’t stop talking about Tatiana.
“Mummy, I’m off to school!” Landon’s tiny voice came from the living room.
“Bye, sweetie. The driver will take you there today,” Paisley said and rushed to follow Nathan upstairs, but the man had already shut the door.
Huffing, she left reluctantly.
Nathan overlooked the city before him, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Fifty reporters I paid to humiliate her last night, and they were all banned from the industry.” He mumbled to himself and let out a chuckle.
“What are you doing, Tatiana? Who is backing you up?” He questioned in silence.
__
“In your face, Mason Jones!” Jolene exclaimed, raising her middle fingers at the television as the news played.
“Easy now, Jojo. It’s not over yet,” Tatiana said, adjusting Dylan’s school attire.
“You seem tired, Mom,” Dylan said worriedly, and Tatiana smiled.
“I’m fine; mummy is just busy, sweetie,” she said and kissed his cheek.
“Bye, cute lion!” Jolene waved, and he did the same.
Catelyn was the one taking Dylan to school today.
“Geez! I can imagine his face right now. He must be hitting his head on the wall,” Jolene squealed. She recalled something and faced Tatiana with a small frown. “Tatie?”
“Hm?”
“The reporter said someone already asked him to keep the news as the top search. Strange.”
Tatiana knew the person already. She reached for her phone and called Parker.
“How is she?” Tatiana asked, her voice soft and laced with worry.
“The surgeon is attending to Maya. Fortunately, it isn’t critical, babe. She’ll be fine; I’ll keep you updated.”
“Thanks, Parker. My regards to Stacy.” Tatiana ended the call. “Before the next plan, I’ll need to tell Cassuis about Dylan first. I heard from Hudson, he’ll be attending another function tonight, I’ll meet him there.”
“Sure Tatie,” Jolene grinned. “Go get your man!”
“Jojo!?”