His Beautiful Addiction

All eyes turned to Douglas, who was sitting relaxed on the couch; his hand twirling a little pen. He has always been a calculating and smart person. He didn't speak much, but whenever he did; he chose his words carefully.

Everyone knew this, so when they heard him, they all had to think on what could be in it for him. Once he spoke, grandpa figured out what he wanted. He didn't want Nicklaus getting married and quashing his only hope of taking back the company, but then, his words did make sense. Tiana was still new to the public eye; she needs to adjust to being among the rich before she's married.

After he met her during the dinner, grandpa made his inquires and found out that Tiana was the child of Nicklaus' former guard who owed him, and he made his daughter be his mistress in exchange of the debt. He knew everything was a plan, but he wanted to see how far Nicklaus' would go with it. Maybe he would really give it a thought and marry her, which would as well turn out good. Tiana was a very stunning and sweet person. If Nicklaus didn't fall for her, it would only mean that the rumors were true.

''Hmm… that's correct. I don't think the media should know yet until everything is completed. ''

Grandpa said and Tiana shut her eyes as she heaved a slight sigh of relief. Her eyes glanced at Michelle, evilly.

This woman was a real thorn in her skin! If her husband didn't interrupt, she would have been forced to marry Nicklaus against her wish! She would have been forced to live fake for the rest of her life!

She mentally thanked Douglas for saving her ass. But now she thought about it… why would he help her?

Earlier on, she was sure that Nicklaus had a feud with him, so why did he go against his wife and help her?

Tiana's brows creased as her eyes glanced at each person in the room. Each face bore its own distinct emotion; the more she watched them, the clearer she realized that they weren't the sweet family they looked like.

She just realized that she was in the dark when it came to Nicklaus family. There was a huge lot going on that she didn't know about.

…

''ARE YOU THOUGHTLESS OR ARE YOU JUST STUPID?!''

Douglas blared in their room as he flung the porcelain vase sitting on its stand; it dashed on the wall and broke into several tiny bits. He was red with fury as he paced around in the room.

Michelle coiled up on the bed; her body shaking as though she was immersed in icy water.

Earlier in the parlor, when she spoke, she was thinking she was doing the right thing, until her husband Douglas interrupted; and then she knew she was in big trouble. He barely spoke, for him to do so meant that she had gone too far.

She didn't want to go back to their room, for fear of what he would do to her, but luck wasn't on her side, because when he stood up, he called her to follow him and she could only obey.

Douglas turned to his wife, his teeth gritting;

''it was your stupid brain that brought up the idea of them getting married. Why don't you ever think before speaking? Do you know what you would have caused me? All I have struggled for would come crashing down because of your loose mouth! Can't you ever keep shut?!''

He scolded, visibly angry. Michelle shut her eyes and bit on her lower lip as she felt him draw closer to her;

''I'm sorry… I didn't mean to… ''

''Shut the fuck up!'' Douglas pounced on her, his hands around her neck. Michelle coughed, he held her a little too tight that she was finding it hard to breathe.

''Douglas… you're hurting me… ''

She stammered as her eyes turned a shade of blue.

Her words filtered into his ears but he didn't flinch, his eyes remained adamantly on her,

''Listen woman, I won't forgive anyone who gets in my way of getting that damn company, not even you! Do you understand?! ''

He barked in her face and Michelle forced a nod frightfully. Douglas stared at her weak body, as though he realized that she was no use. He let go of her and she fell back on the bed, sweat drenching her back.

She heard his footsteps dilate, and she opened her eyes and watched him walk into the bathroom, slamming the door.

This was not the first time he had hurt her, he usually did, and it was not new to her.

Throughout these years, although she had made a wrong choice of marriage, she always tried to make it work, but he would never see her as his wife but as a punching bag. Although she was not faithful to him, she was at least thoughtful to not continue with the act for long, but it was clear that Douglas deserved nothing good, he deserved no pity, and therefore she would think of herself more. Although she would still need to support him because of their son Richard, if he gets the company, surely Richard would inherit everything once he dies_ which she would hasten as soon as he becomes the owner of Howells Corporation.

An evil glint washed Michelle's lips.

He shouldn't blame her for what had become of her. He had pushed her too far.

…

Tiana walked into the room after Nicklaus, her hands around her belly. She had made sure not to take much alcohol because of her little control over it. The last time she got drunk was after her graduation, she literally slept under the kitchen sink that night.

She couldn't risk drinking too much when she would sleep in the same room with Nicklaus. With the way he had been acting lately, she wasn't sure he would not touch her if she makes any advances at him. And to think he could be bisexual, having carnal knowledge of both men and women!

Tiana felt her stomach churn at the thought.

Nicklaus locked the door and turned to the room and his gaze fell on her; she was standing in the middle of the room, hugging her belly as though she was cold.