Claudine's POV
I've lost the best years of my life because of this marriage. My parents and the Riego family were close friends. You can even think of our dads as siblings.
They support each other. That is the reason why this marriage happens. The moment we are born, we're betrothed to each other.
I was raised to be a good and perfect wife for the Riego family, the richest family on this planet. My parent ranks 7th in the ranking.
I still remember how my father-in-law saved my dad's life by donating his other kidney after my dad was diagnosed with kidney failure; both of his kidneys had shut down.
That's the reason I respect my late father-in-law and promise him that I'll be a good wife for his son. But Elijah was in love with his secretary and childhood friend.
He was too distant from me, which led to a marriage full of hatred, pain, and lovelessness. "This marriage of three was suffocating, Elijah. Let's see who among us will die first," I warned.
I look around. I'll restore this room. I still remember how beautiful it is because my late mother-in-law's taste was simple but elegant.
Her family came from humble beginnings. His dad was her mom's butler. Mrs. Riego's mom was the rich one, but thanks to her dad's efforts, she slowly rose from poor status to rich status.
After she inherits their business, it becomes more powerful until she marries Mr. Riego, the richest heir of the richest family in the world.
"I'll make sure your woman will suffer from touching this room. My parents-in-law's room was filled with great memories, but you turned it into a nasty one. How disrespectful you are!"
Elijah's eyes were glaring at me as if he's killing me inside his head. I laugh. "You must learn that I'm the head of your own family, aren't you? I guess your late mom was not as stupid as you think, Elijah. Your life is on my hands."
I crossed my arms and walked closer to him. "If something bad happens to me, you and Samantha will be the prime suspects. All the assets, properties, and money of the Riego family will be donated in different countries on the six continents. Poor you," I utter, pausing.
I leaned my face closer. He was cornered by me. "Just like what I said. Welcome to my hell, Elijah. I'll make you feel how lonely and frustrating this life is!" I grunted.
Elijah might be my husband and my first love, but he… turned me into a monster that I never wished to become.
Therefore, he needs to pay for the pain I went through. He needs to learn a lesson. If I have to give it the way he did to me, I will!
I turned around and walked away. "You're my husband. That will never change. If you ever try to divorce me, you might wear black and mourn for that woman's death."
"Don't test me further. It's either you follow my orders or else you'll die in pain for losing that bitch of yours, Elijah Riego," I added.
I left the room. I have to check the whole mansion and try to find the furniture and other things that were taken away from that room. I opened the guest room and locked it. My vision starts to get blurry, and things…
The next moment I opened my eyes; it's because of the light that filled the room. I was lying on the floor. I slowly got up and sat for a moment.
I remember everything now. I passed out because I was physically and emotionally tired last night. I embraced my knees and nestled my face on them.
"I know this won't be a good journey, but I have to be strong. I made a promise. I don't want to break that. If I have to continue acting like a monster, I'll do that," I whispered to myself.
I get up and groan in pain. I look at my palm. It was filled with my blood. I keep pushing myself too much. I better treat this properly before it gets infected.
I went to the bathroom and freshened up. I wonder if Elijah listens to me. I'll review the secret CCTV that Jin-ah placed around the mansion.
I told her to do that and make sure no one will realize that we have other CCTVs in this house. After taking a bath and changing my clothes, I went downstairs.
Jin-ah was there, having her coffee. "You're finally away. The Riego lawyers were here," she says.
I looked on the other side of the couch and saw three men sitting on the sofa. I take my seat. "Good morning, Mrs. Riego," they greeted.
"Good morning. Where's my husband? He needs to be here," I remarked.
"I already sent Raymond to his room. He will be here in just—speaking of the devil. He's here," Jin-ah stated.
She was the president of Riego Law Firm. She was appointed by her blood aunt. She also had her own businesses but still chose to stay in RLF.
"Take your seat." I saw how he hates being commanded by me.
"I need explanations!" he demanded to the three elite lawyers of their firm. One of them opens their laptop and plugs in the copy of the USB that Mrs. Riego left for me.
They played a video. They didn't take my husband's provocative question. "If you are watching this, Claudine, my daughter-in-law, my pride, I might be dead by then. I already transferred all the rights to Riego and Sartoni's assets, properties, and even bank accounts under your name. I know you wonder why," Mom-in-law says in pale tone.
I look up and try not to cry. "I was aware that my son only marries you because he's afraid of losing his inheritance. But as soon as my cancer leads me to death, he might divorce you or make you suffer. Therefore, you'll be the head of the Riego family instead of him," she continues. She coughs and hides the bloodstain in the hanky that she used to cover her lips.
"I am aware that my son was bewitched or in love with someone else. I hate to admit it, but Samantha Alba isn't a type of girl that should be the next matron of this family. She was a gold digger, spoiled brat, and a… cunning woman."
"I want you to lead all the businesses that both families had. Make sure our treasured businesses won't be on the brink of bankruptcy or whatnot because of my foolish son. These businesses prove both families' efforts to strive in this world." She paused again, and her gaze changed differently.
"If you will let my son watch this video, I want to say something for him as well, Claudine," she says.
She places her hands on her lap. I looked at my husband and saw how his eyes changed into soft ones while looking at his mom.