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2023-11-17 05:12:39Rhys walked into Roderigo's abode, his emotions on the edge.
The betrayal of his wife was freshly on his mind. Part of me believes that nothing is going on with Natalie and Alec.
She'll never do that to him, or would she?
His mind believes the possibilities of that happening but his heart is blinded by the love he has for her.
Rhys decides to go for the latter by trusting his wife, hoping that he doesn't get slapped in the face by the truth after confronting her.
What he and Natalie share is more than that. There's trust, love and respect.
"Rhys, good to see you" Teresa the housekeeper of the Roderigo greeted.
Forcing a slight smile, I give her a curt nod "You too Teresa" he mumbles barely above a whisper.
Teresa stepped aside making space for him to walk in before shutting the door.
"Where is she?" Rhys inquires his face returning to the scowl it had in a blink.
"Oh. Natalie is at the guest parlor waiting for you" She responds.
Rhys nods, taking calm and precise steps to the parlor with his thoughts and emotions running haywire.
His body went stiff after sighting her. The things Natalie made him feel are an understatement. No matter how much she had hurt him these past few days, his heart never missed a beat when he saw her onyx eyes.
He walked in clearing his throat to announce his presence.
She turned away from the portrait photo she was staring at, drawing her attention back to Rhys with a displeasing look.
"Where have you been? What's the matter with you?" She spat with barely contained annoyance.
Rhys remains composed, not sure what to say to her.
Although he was angered he didn't want to be harsh with her. Natalie is a short tempered woman most times the cause of their fights is her but Rhys never gives her a reason to think that, always ready to take the blame.
All because of the love he has for her.
"I'm talking to you, or are you deaf?" Her pitch is getting higher.
"Good to see you too Natalie" Rhys says, erasing the distance between them.
She raised her hand forward, "Stop! Don't come any closer. Don't you dare" she sneered.
Rhys's steps soon took a halt, his scowl hardening soon turning to displeasure as Natalie was speaking to him.
Very unlike her. What's happening to her? To them? They've never had a fight that lasted more than a day yet surprisingly It's three days since their fight
What's wrong with starting a family? Ever since he made mention of having kids, Natalie had begun acting oddly different which led to the fight they had three days back.
"I was with Nonna" he answered her question, cutting the silence between them.
"And you didn't think to inform me? I'm your wife for goodness sake. You need to start treating me like one and quiet being--"
Rhys cut her halfway his anger evident, "I called you some hours back, I fucking did" he roared.
He's beginning to lose his cool and it has everything to do with his emotions that are on the edge.
The death of nonna was still fresh in his mind and Natalie here instead of her to be doing what all partners are to be doing she's doing otherwise.
"You don't get to yell at me" She defends.
Rhys's hands balled into a fist his chiseled jawline hardened with a mix of immense rage and pain.
No. He needed to get a hold of himself, he couldn't let his anger cloud his judgment. He has been able to maintain his cool for all these years he could do that for the remaining time being.
Huffing out a breath, "She's gone" he whispered well enough for Natalie to hear.
"Huh?" She inquires confused as to what he means.
"Nonna," he says, "She passed away in the morning"
Natalie sucked in a harsh breath, her palms soon reaching her mouth as a sob escaped.
"No! You're lying to me" She cried out a strand of tears slipping from her eyes.
He shakes his head, "You don't need to pretend, 'cause you cared you would have listened to what I have to say when I called" he spoke his tune a bit higher.
More tears slipped from her eyes, "I'm sorry, I didn't know." She says in between tears
Natalie is fond of Nonna, and the duo's bond is incomparable. Nonna was always fond of having Natalie around, their usual conversation during tea time.
They get along so well, that the news of her death hits Natalie harder than she thought.
"Rhys believe--"
He cut her off, "Don't you dare lie to me" he sparked by pulling out his phone from the pocket, unlocking it and pushing the phone in front of her face.
"In a meeting? Is this what you called a meeting? You choose to be in the arms of another man rather than rushing down to the hospital to have a final say with her before she passes away" Rhys spoke as calm as he could but inwardly burning with rage and betrayal.
"A few minutes after her death, I find out that you have been having an affair with Alex Freeman. Seriously?" His tune dripped with pain, "I thought we were better than this."
More tears gushed out from Natalie, tongued tied to spew any word.
"Speak up! Why are you quiet huh?" Rhys ushers.
He just wanted her to look him in the eye and tell him that the publication was a lie. That she loved him and would never think of doing something absurd.
That's all he wanted.
"It's not what you think. I promise you" she begins, "That headline is a total lie. You're the only one I love Rhys and you know that"
"I don't know anymore Natalie, I don't"
She grips a hold of his hand, "No. Please don't say that baby, our love is better than this"
Rhys tries to wiggle his hold of her so as not to give in.
"I promise you--"
Her words were cut short when a paper from the center table slipped to the ground gaining Rhy's attention.
His brows scrunched as his eyes narrowed, his sight falling on the boldly written information on the paper.
DIVORCE AGREEMENT.
He read his heart dropping.
Natalie's hold on him let loose. Rhys turned and walked to it, picking it up and roaming his stare around it flipping through the pages till he got to the last one that had all of Natalie's signature on the desired spot.
Reality came crashing down to him as every piece of his heart crumbled down to pieces.
"Rhys--" Natalie tries to explain but he waves her off.
Rhys extended his hands, "Give me a pen" he said Instead.
"No. Hear me--"
"FUCKING GIVE ME A PEN!" he roared his voice echoing in the silent walls
She hesitantly grabbed one and handed it over to him.
Rhys wasted no time in signing the papers as well; his heart broke with each signature.
Been done, he handed her over the papers, "I respect your decision Natalie... I hope you have a better life" and with that, he walked away.
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Vindictive Dr Rhys 3. A Fair Warning.
Rhys paused as Mr and Mrs Roderigo walked in, not just behind them was no one other than Alec Freeman; the man his wife chose over him.Oh wait, he's ex-wife now.So Natalie isn't his anymore? Rhys has never imagined that a day would come when he had to give her up. All this while he has been living in deceit. "You" Mrs Roderigo sneered, sparing him a disgusting look along with her husband brushing past him.His jawline tightened as his eyes fell on Alec who had a smirk darting on his lips. "Natalie, what is this poor deceitful man doing in our home?" Mrs. Roderigo questions. Rhys turned to face the family that never really liked him or the relationship he shared with Natalie. They always mocked and insulted him at how incompetent and not wealthy enough to meet up with their daughter's standards. No matter how much Rhys tried to please them, it was never enough. "Natalie. What's wrong? Are you crying?" Alec asked, walking towards her in concern.Rhys felt the burning jealousy br
Vindictive Dr Rhys 4. A Taste Of Deceit.
Rhys walked out of the house feeling agitated and betrayed. The cold night air hit through his skin making his hands more cold. Natalie's words rushed down to him making a hiss of displeasure slip out from his lips. He rubbed on his temples lifting his sleeves as though he was going to punch anyone that dared to come his way.He gave up everything for Natalie and this is what she repays him with?His family went against them and married her when they tried to point out how much of a bad idea it was yet he was blinded by the love he had for her. He thought their love was more than anything one could ever imagine.Out of all the girls he has been with, he has never felt the way he felt with Natalie. He went against his mum's words after she had warned him Natalie didn't sit right with her yet he didn't listen.His father, sister, and brothers, all of them; he gave them up for her and this is what he got in return.Rhys knew that Natalie's family wasn't fond of him seeing as he wasn't
Vindictive Dr Rhys 5. Grave Mistake
Rhys gulped down the third cup of the Vodka wiping off his mouth. It seems to be the only tasteful and ease he feels as of the moment. "I think that's enough" the bartender reasons, giving Rhys a pitiful look.Rhys shot his eyes briefly as though calming himself as it didn't seem to work. He wasn't drunk, and a few drinks won't do the trick, he has had much more than he is now, but Rhys has it by composing himself. He felt a hand placed on his shoulder while he lifted the cup to his lips. He paused, keeping the cup down before turning.He growled seeing Blake of course he was here too. Mum would never let Angela attend gala's on her own without having one of the Mickelson brothers tag along.Angela is like the golden egg of the family, she has everyone's love, respect, and protectiveness. "Yeesh! You look like crap" Blake spat playfully, settling down on the seat next to his brother.Rhys shrugged. "You're here too?""Of course, Angela is here after all." He responds to which Rhys
Vindictive Dr Rhys 6. On Second Thoughts.
"The fuck" Austin hissed getting up. He gave Rhys a flabbergasted look spitting out a pile of blood.Austin's minions made an attempt to lunch on Rhys but he halts them."Stop! He's mine" Austin blurts hissing, "Why don't you say we take this somewhere else? Huh? There's an octagon behind the hall, Let's fight it off, whoever wins gets the lady""No!" Angela instantly spat her eyes widening in horror.She took pity on Austin and didn't know who he was dealing with. If that fight does happen, only the god from heaven could save him from Rhys. It was a bad idea trying to fight him, it's not even an option Austin should be choosing."Fine. Let's go" Rhys says after a momentary SilenceBoth Blake and Angela interjected, "No! We should leave"They both shot Rhys pleading looks yet he didn't look like he was having it today. He's been patient enough. For two years he had to burn down his rage. Every emabarssment, torment and insult they thre at him, Rhys had taken it all because of the lov
Vindictive Dr Rhys 7. It Comes With A Price
Rhys walked into the hotel room they had boarded. He had Blake send off every person that was lounging in discarded as Rhys wanted a peaceful environment for the night. He didn't want to be disturbed or have any sort of disturbance. He's trying to recollect his lost self and get a hold of his emotions. He needed to rise back to his true self and not someone he had been pretending to be for a while now. Only now did he figure that most of him had been lost due to the impact of his actions. He deeply regrets ever giving love a try, thinking that true love could be found in a world like this was absurd and now he has come to terms with that. Sadly, he didn't notice till it was too late.A knock came through his door cutting him out of his thoughts. He had told his sister and brother not to be disturbed. He didn't need any of their support right, all he needed now was time to himself. The door clicked open revealing his sister who came in with a tray of food. "I brought you some food
Vindictive Dr Rhys 8. Burning Thirst Of Revenge.
"Son" She reached out for him, slipping a hand on his side cheek as a tear rolled down. The longing in her eyes is evident in how much she has missed him. Breaking into sobs, she pulled him in for a hugRhys stood stiff, unable to retaliate as he felt a pang of guilt. He has not only been selfish but a disappointment to his mother. He chooses a woman that has not only caused him pain over his mother."I thought I'd never see you again " She cried out patting his back. She pulled back from the hug cupping his face, "You look different" The way she said the word differently had him comprehend what aspect she meant not only because of his physical appearance. Yeah! He looks like crap. "Come" she ushers, leading him to one of the seaters. "How have you been my child? I thought I'd lost you"Rhys clears his throat having enough of the sentimental moment, "I'm fine mum--""No. You're not!" She goes against it, "Look at you, Rhys. You're not the same as you left years back."He sighs o
Vindictive Dr Rhys 9. Dwelling In The Past.
He stirred on the bed with the sheets covered around his body. Every inch of his muscle felt numb and drained. A sharp pain hit his forehead, urging a growl out of his lips.Fucking hangover. He brought his right hand to his head and mumbled curses under his breath."Good morning, Master. What would you like for me to do for you today?" Curella questions her sound, piercing his ears.He hissed, putting the pillow on his face, with a feeble groan. "No." He mumbled, knowing that if he didn't reply, she'd go on with her questions, which would only irritate him further."Okay, but you should know that your sister is approaching," she says.His eyes instantly split open. "Whatever you do, do not give her access," he warns."Angela has access to my security panels."Rhys curses; of course she does. It's Angela, after all; she always finds her way in and out of his affairs or belongings.Rhys could tell one or two things why she's here: either mom sent her to check up on him orHis thoughts
Vindictive Dr Rhys 10. Family Dinner.
He clad himself in a sweatpants and hoodie taking one of his spotless watches that were arrayed at their respective positive. He was to have dinner with the family, if it was up to him, he'd rather stay locked up at his penthouse dwelling into his sorrows but he knew better than to go against his mother's invite, especially since it's family dinner, something he hasn't shared with them for a while. Rhys stared at himself in the mirror, the reflection of a different version of him that he never thought would come to life.He rubbed on his unkept jawline, scratching on his itchy beard. Natalie has not only ripped his heart and soul but has transformed Rhys into the worst version of himself. If only he had known right from the start. As observant as Rhys is, he wasn't dumb to be deceived so easily yet Natalie had proven him to be wrong. Sparing himself a last-second glance, he lifts the hood of his hoodie covering up before picking a random car key from the stack. He walked out of
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- Vindictive Dr Rhys
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His heart dropped as he sighted her figure at the distinct end of the room. His breath heavier feeling the rage surge through him, just by her silent sobs.“Tigress” he mumbled walking towards her but she didn’t move an inch, probably didn’t hear him.He stood by her side and still no amount of awareness being shown by Ashley. It’s like she’s suddenly turned into a rock.The thoughts of what Giovanni has done to his wife don’t sit well with him. It bothers him big time knowing Ashley had to go through it alone.He had a choice either to save her or the mission and once again he chose the mission. He maybe doesn’t have feelings for her but he cares for her that’s for sure.Heaving out a sigh, he placed a hand on her lower back urging her to bolt her head up in terror with a scream smiling from her lips.Soon her screams died down as her sight came in contact with Rhys’s.He knew he was the last person she was expecting but he didn’t think it’d be this obvious.He cupped on her cheek, “
- Vindictive Dr Rhys
78
His heart dropped as he sighted her figure at the distinct end of the room. His breath heavier feeling the rage surge through him, just by her silent sobs.“Tigress” he mumbled walking towards her but she didn’t move an inch, probably didn’t hear him.He stood by her side and still no amount of awareness being shown by Ashley. It’s like she’s suddenly turned into a rock.The thoughts of what Giovanni has done to his wife don’t sit well with him. It bothers him big time knowing Ashley had to go through it alone.He had a choice either to save her or the mission and once again he chose the mission. He maybe doesn’t have feelings for her but he cares for her that’s for sure.Heaving out a sigh, he placed a hand on her lower back urging her to bolt her head up in terror with a scream smiling from her lips.Soon her screams died down as her sight came in contact with Rhys’s.He knew he was the last person she was expecting but he didn’t think it’d be this obvious.He cupped on her cheek, “
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77. Who Are You?
His heart dropped as he sighted her figure at the distinct end of the room. His breath heavier feeling the rage surge through him, just by her silent sobs.“Tigress” he mumbled walking towards her but she didn’t move an inch, probably didn’t hear him.He stood by her side and still no amount of awareness being shown by Ashley. It’s like she’s suddenly turned into a rock.The thoughts of what Giovanni has done to his wife don’t sit well with him. It bothers him big time knowing Ashley had to go through it alone.He had a choice either to save her or the mission and once again he chose the mission. He maybe doesn’t have feelings for her but he cares for her that’s for sure.Heaving out a sigh, he placed a hand on her lower back urging her to bolt her head up in terror with a scream smiling from her lips.Soon her screams died down as her sight came in contact with Rhys’s.He knew he was the last person she was expecting but he didn’t think it’d be this obvious.He cupped on her cheek, “
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76. Coma.
Rhys walked out of the building with Alec tailing behind. Before Rhys could register what was going on, Alec had pinned him to the ground launching punches on him.“You dare lay your hands on my wife” he punched on Rhys.“How dare you place a finger on her?!” Punch.He had already gathered a scene just as he wanted. Rhys had to struggle with his inner thoughts, one side of him telling him to retaliate and the other urging him to keep calm and not endanger his wife.It was hard to choose which to go with the embarrassment Alec was causing him.“What’s going on here!?” A third party arrives with his guards standing at the back of him.Rhys lifted his gaze meeting with Giovanni’s just then Ashley walked out of the building but soon her steps came to a halt when she met eyes with Giovanni.“Clear the path” Giovanni orders the guards to which they adhered.Soon it was only, Ashley, Giovanni, Alec, and Rhys in the scene.Rhys stole a glance at his wife who looked like she’d pass out any mo
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75. Natalie.
Rhys walked into the boardroom oozing confidence and power. His jawline hardens to be sharp, sharp enough to slice through any obstacles that come his way.His breath hitched as he walked meeting with his wife in converse with Damien. One of the perverts in the Freeman Corp.He burned his stare making his presence known to her. Just as their eye clicked he didn’t miss the way she moved uncomfortably.“You’re late” Alec spat sending daggers at Rhys that seemed to be unhinged.Rhys had almost forgotten about the role he was to play before his true identity was revealed. He didn’t care at the moment, what irked him was the fact that his wife was seared a few steps away conversing with Damien while he rubbed her shoulder.His hands fisted, “Sorry” he mumbled taking a seat with his eyes still glued to his wife.Ashley moved away from Damien making Rhys smirk before he turned his stare away, letting the poor girl breathe.Soon enough the meeting began.Rhys knew the meeting had everything t
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74. Anger, hurt And Disappointment
Rhys walked out of the car with Ashley by his side walking their way to the entrance of the house.He wasn’t only introducing her to his parents but rather a way of telling them he has agreed with their decision even though he knows deep down his siblings would be the last person to agree to the fact that Rhys accepted defeat.The door swings open revealing one of the maids.“Good Morning Master” she greets sharing a look with Ashley.He didn’t miss the way the duo had smiled at each other causing his left brow to arch up. He didn’t need to be told that the two had formed a relationship with the days Ashley had spent in the villa.He placed his hands on Ashley’s lower back ushering her inside the house and caught into their staring contest moment.“Let’s go” he ushers.He led them to the dining table where he’s sure by now they must be having breakfast. Their presence has the air suddenly filled up the place seizing Mickelson’s attention.Rhys's eyes dropped on his mother who has her
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73. Be Your Worst Nightmare.
Ashley watched as he walked away unsure of how she was feeling at the moment. Seeing a different shade of Rhys kept her on the edge these days.It’s like he’s a different person. Deep down she knew that right from the start Rhy had more to what she thought of him even though she couldn’t point it out.Rhys Mickelson.Her husband, or rather disguised billionaire into a riffraff. There is more to Rhys that she’s yet to see, she’d be lying if she says she says she wasn’t afraid deep down but the comfort Rhys had been rendering makes her feel insecurely safe.The sincerity in his tune when he said he’d protect her and make sure her uncle and Giovanni would stay a length away from her has her doubt cleared out now that she knows what sort of a person he is.Maybe not know him completely but she has a hint.He’s a Mickelson after all. Their power and dominance are enough to wipe their enemies out of existence with a snap of a finger and with no trails left behind.She huffed out a sigh gett
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72. Acceptance.
“Where is she?” Ron grumbled through the phone as Rhys placed the fry that threatened to slip from the plate he had assembled Ashley’s breakfast.Heaving out a sigh Rhys held onto the phone on his right ear. “With me, is there a problem with that?” he asked knowing very well who Ron was talking about.“Mum thinks she’s unsafe with you. You better not try—“ Before Ron could complete his statement Rhys cut off the call discarding it to the side.Rhys paused for a second placing both hands on the counter as he let out deep breaths of frustration and annoyance.He’d be lying if he said it didn’t bother him but how his relationship with his mother is going? It’s like she has completely diverted away from him and turned him into an outsider.She has no ounce of respect or faith in him which makes his heart squeeze in displeasure. He knew it was going to take a lot more than fixing Ashley’s life to patch up their relationship but nothing he wasn’t willing to try to get her back to to his si
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71. Speak.
Rhys stared as she forcefully took spoons of the food with her limbs shivering here and there while she stole glances at him.He probably shouldn’t be making her much more panicked and as uncomfortable as she is but he couldn’t help but stare at her.She is a freaking goddess in all shades of her, beautiful yet poisonous to him. Ashley is a forbidden fruit that he needs to abstain from before she fully becomes part of his life. He feared he would pull her into his already messed-up life.How on earth does his parent expect him to live with her for the rest of his life without breaking the boundaries? As it is, he has tried crossing limits here and there but he always backs out before it’s too late.He moved his eyes around her shuddering lips gulping down as he tried to keep himself calm until he could no longer contain it, he leaned up grabbing a hold of her left cheek before claiming her lips. Rhys groans nibbling on her lower lips till she eventually gives in and grants him access
