Jaxon Voxx
Grandpa's voice was firm, unyielding. "You are marrying her to solidify your role as the head of the family. My will has already been drafted and signed. Talk to your fiancée. Let's get everything sorted out for the wedding," he added flatly.
I didn't argue. Not because I agreed, but because I was tired mentally, emotionally. I stepped outside briefly for air, my lungs aching for something clean.
I turned and there he was.
Rafael stood a few feet away, arms folded across his chest, muscles flexing beneath his fitted black shirt. His expression was filled with disdain.
"So, you're really going through with the wedding," he said with disgust.
I stared at him, voice flat. "I see no reason not to."
"How could you stoop so low just to get Grandpa's entire estate?" His tone was scathing. "That's cheap even for you."
"It's none of your business, Rafael. And just so you know, I can survive without Grandpa's property."
His jaw clenched. "She's a fake."
I didn't respond. I just turned and walked back inside, my evening ruined, my mood in shambles.
I called Luca. Within minutes, we were in the car, driving in silence. The ride home took two hours. When we arrived, I headed inside while Luca peeled off toward the east wing. It was after 2 a.m. The estate was quiet. Too quiet.
I was about to climb the stairs when I saw a shadow.
A silhouette.
"Astrid?" I called.
No response.
I stepped closer and found her standing by the archway, arms wrapped around herself, brows furrowed in confusion.
My temper, already simmering from Rafael's intrusion, snapped.
"What the fuck do you think you were doing following me?" I growled, eyes narrowing on her.
Her lips trembled slightly. "What was that place, Jaxon? It looked… unreal. Who are you?"
I chuckled cold and humorless. "How dare you invade my privacy? You followed me without asking. Do you even understand how dangerous that was? You could've been killed!"
Her expression morphed from confusion to shock… and then horror.
"How did you even know I was there?" she whispered.
"I sensed you," I said, voice dropping into something darker. "Your scent was all over the estate."
She stepped back, eyes widening.
Then, softly almost brokenly she asked, "Why didn't you defend me… when your brother called me a fake?"
I froze.
"Aren't you?" I snapped.
Her face crumbled, anger dissolving into hurt. "What, Jaxon? While you were fucking me last night, I didn't feel very fake to you, did I?"
I clenched my jaw. "Get your head in the game. The money for you and the family business and shares for me."
Her voice cracked. "You really said that?"
"Since you heard everything, you already know. The wedding is in a week. Prepare for it. I'll get Luca to take you shopping—buy whatever you need."
"I don't need your money," she muttered.
"Why? You think you can afford to get what you need?" I barked. "I don't want you looking cheap beside me on our wedding day. You better get yourself looking like my wife."
I stormed up the stairs, threw my clothes across the bed, and locked myself in the bathroom. I stood under the shower, letting the hot water cascade down, trying to wash away the rage and the guilt.
When I finally stepped out, sleep claimed me faster than expected.
Morning came in a blur of sunlight and regret.
I stretched lazily and checked the time—9:30 a.m.
After a quick shower, I slipped into my suit and headed downstairs for breakfast. The house was too quiet. Too still. I sat down, picking at my food, waiting.
"Why isn't Astrid at the table?" I asked Madam Pat.
"I went up to call her. No response," she replied. "I hope she's okay."
I rose, walked to her door, and raised my hand to knock—but stopped midway. A strange hesitation gripped me. Instead, I turned and went back downstairs.
I grabbed my phone and made the call.
"Bring Freya up here," I instructed.
"Alright," came Luca's voice.
Ten minutes later, Freya walked in beside him.
"She's been inside all morning and won't respond," I said, eyes meeting hers. "Can you please check on her? Keep her company."
Freya nodded sweetly. "Of course."
I left with Luca, stepping into the black Benz in the garage.
"Take Astrid shopping later," I said. "Freya can tag along. Give her this." I handed him my black card.
He nodded.
We drove in silence until we reached the company. I went straight to my office, trying to drown in work. It didn't last.
The door burst open aggressively.
My fists clenched. "Who the hell—"
Then the monster walked in.
"How dare you, Jaxon?" Rafael barked, grabbing me by the collar.
Luca rushed forward to stop him, but I raised a hand, signaling him to stand down.
"Rafael, if you don't get your hands off me, I will break them," I growled.
"I just met Shumel," he said, face flushed with fury, "and apparently, you had the nerve to break his finger."
"Yes, I did. So what? Are you two fucking now?" I said flatly.
His nostrils flared. "Don't you dare barge into my office to talk about irrelevant shit," I snapped, my voice rising with anger.
"Or else what?" he replied with an evil smirk.
"I will kill you. And I'm not making empty threats. I'll forget that we're family and end you. That would be a bonus for me, since Grandpa's already getting ready for the grave," I snarled.
He chuckled darkly. "You don't get to be the only one throwing around threats."
"Watch out for your fake," he added, lips curling with amusement.
"What did you just call her?" I asked, my voice low and deadly, veins pulsing in my neck.
"I said watch out for your fake."
That was it.
I charged at him, my fist slamming into his jaw with brutal force. He staggered back, blood spilling from his mouth.
"You don't get to decide whether she's fake or not," I growled.
He wiped the blood from his lips and laughed. "I think I just found your weakness."
Then he turned and walked out.
"Shit," I heard Luca mutter behind me. "This is bad. I hope you're not falling for her. It's just the contract binding you two."
"I'm not," I snapped, even though I knew deep down I already had.
Rafael rarely gives threats. I know him. He's a coward.
But something's changed.
Maybe it's Shumel giving him this new confidence.
And that only made my blood boil more.