A Mother's Agony

When I looked at Alexander, my eyes held nothing but intense hatred. The sight made him furrow his brow in confusion.

“Natalie, just do as you're told, and you can have whatever you want. I can accompany your son or give you the title of my wife.”

I had once longed for the legitimacy of being his wife. I wanted him to register our marriage, to publicly acknowledge our union. But he had always been seen with Cassandra, never with me. It was almost laughable how hard he tried to keep me by his side because of my position as the heir to Prestige Hotels & Resorts. Yet, everyone in the company knew that Cassandra was poised to take my place. Alexander's preference for her over me was clear to all.

Whenever I visited the company, I was barely acknowledged. Despite being the rightful CEO, my presence was overshadowed by Alexander’s. He handled the work, leaving me sidelined. I had once been recognized for my leadership skills and entrepreneurial acumen. But back then, I could not use my skills because of my absence in the company, and it was because of my focus on caring for Lucas. I didn’t regret prioritizing my son's health, but I regretted relinquishing my role at the company.

Now, Alexander was using his position to coerce and lure me back into submission. He even tried to bargain using this sham of a marriage. It was absurd. I braced against the pain on my face and met his gaze firmly. “No need, Alexander. As I said earlier, we’re done.”

Perhaps because I had loved him so intensely before, he couldn’t believe I was serious about leaving. He sneered, “What, are you trying to get my attention now? You think leaving will make me come running? Or are you just pretending that Lucas needs me to play with him again?”

I could hear the scorn in his voice, but before I could respond, Cassandra jumped in. “Natalie, stop deceiving Alexander. If Lucas were really dying, why would you be here alone?”

That was the last straw. “Shut up! You have no right to mention Lucas!”

Upon hearing how my voice rose, Cassandra flinched, hurt. “Okay, I won’t mention him then. Please, Natalie, don’t be angry with me.”

Seeing how my hostile attitude towards Cassandra had provoked Alexander, he chuckled coldly. He pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant, Dylan Carter.

To ensure I heard every word, he put the call on speaker. “Dylan, find out which hospital Natalie’s son is at. Stop his treatment immediately.”

His expression was one of calculated malice as if this move would somehow give him power over me. I managed a weary smile, resigned to the cruel game he was playing.

Minutes later, Dylan’s voice came through, hesitant and grim. [Mr. Edwards, I have bad news. Lucas passed away the day after you went to the mountains with Ms. Cassandra.]