Chapter 26

MADDIE

"Maddie!" he called my name again once I reached the elevator.

I was pressing the button so hard, hoping it would make the elevator open faster. But I think I'm out of luck because it only opened right when Hades was just behind me. 

He was a few feet away from me when the elevator door opened. I quickly hop in and press the close button. However, he stretched his arm in the middle of the door just when it was about to close, which prevented it from doing so.

I roll my eyes as soon as he steps inside. I pressed the button once again, and this time, it closes peacefully without any interruption.

The whole elevator ride was filled with awkward silence. I tried to ignore him as much as possible, but his domineering presence prevents me from doing so. He was standing behind me, so I can see his reflection from the elevator door. I roll my eyes at him once our eyes meet on our reflection.

I was about to walk out of the elevator when it opened on the ground floor, but his hands were quick to grab me by my waist and pull me back inside.

"Our car is in the parking lot," he whispered against my ear as he stood behind me. 

I hate the fact that he has this certain effect on me. No matter how much I tried to ignore, it still finds its way to creep into my soul. I hitched my breath when I felt his warm breath brushing against my ear. 

I gulped as I tried to calm my heart, beating erratically. "I'm not going home with you," I replied as I pressed the ground floor button again. 

I stepped aside, putting myself behind him this time. The elevator door opens on basement one. I leaned against the elevator wall as I crossed my arm in front of my chest while waiting for him to step out. 

But I started to panic when he suddenly turned around and faced me. I was too stunned to move as I watched everything unfold right before my eyes. The next thing I knew, my vision was turned upside-down as he carries me on his shoulder like a sack of hot potatoes.

"Put me down, you brute!" I shouted as I kept on slamming on his back. 

"Stay still," he replied right after he spanked my bottom.

"You didn't just do that!" I complained. "You know I can sue you for harassment, right?" I said while my head was still hanging upside-down. 

"You are free to do so, wife. I'll even recommend my lawyer for that," he retorted. He then opened his car and deposited me into the shotgun seat. "But while you're still drafting your complaint, you're coming home with me," he said before putting the seatbelt on me. I was left dumbfounded when he stole one quick kiss on my lips before he slammed the door beside me.

"Bastard!" I cursed at him as I watched him walk around the car to move on the driver seat. I was glaring at him as he slid into the car.

"You can glare all you want, but it won't change the fact that you are coming home with me," he said without looking at me.

I slumped myself on the seat and turned towards the window, completely ignoring him. I don't understand why he's acting so possessive of me when it was clear that he had his eyes on another woman. 

While staring outside the window, I can't help but remember the longing look he keeps on throwing at Lizzie's direction. Was she the real reason why Hades approached me?

I've been friends with her since college, but I didn't know that she dated Wyatt's uncle. And even if she did, why did she suddenly target Wyatt when she already had this gorgeous man with her?

I mean, Wyatt sure does have some qualities, which was the reason I fell in love with him in the first place. But Hades was different. He can make my heart race without even doing anything. Everything he does has different effects on me that I couldn't explain. 

I can let myself wander in circles, guessing what could be his reason for offering me this deal. I gather all my courage to have the strength to ask him that question. I took a deep breath and turned towards his direction.

"What's with you and Lizzie?" I bravely asked.

I saw him stiffen upon hearing her name. He remained silent for a minute. I saw his jaw clenched while he was gripping the wheel tightly.

I was afraid to hear the answer despite already having an idea of what it was. But regardless of my fear, I needed to hear it from him.

"Is she the reason why you offered me this deal?" I continued, my voice trembling slightly.

"Didn't I tell you it's none of your business?" He finally replied, his tone cold and dismissive.

I scoffed. As expected, he didn't give me an outright answer. "I don't see any reason why you can't admit your relationship with Lizzie. I mean, it's obvious how you looked at her," I said, trying my best to hide the bitter taste in my mouth as I said those words.

Despite everything I said, he remained silent.

I couldn't help but compare myself to her. It was already painful knowing that my fiancé cheated on me with her. Now, I had to face the reality that my fake husband might be in love with her too. I wondered what they saw in her that made them both go crazy over her.

The silence between us grew heavier, the tension almost unbearable. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "Did something happen between you two? Are you trying to get her back?" I continued.

Hades' eyes flickered with unknown emotions, but he didn't say a word. His silence spoke volumes, and it confirmed my worst fears.

"You can't even look at me and deny it," I scoffed. 

He finally met my gaze, his eyes hard and unreadable. "I don't need to admit nor deny anything. I owe you nothing, Maddie." His voice was devoid of emotion. "We both got something we wanted."

"Sure, we did," I replied sarcastically.

"You agreed to the deal," he said flatly. "You knew what you were getting into."

"Yeah, I know I did," I replied.

"You're just a means to an end. That's all you ever were. Remember that. So, stop bothering me with your nonsense questions and play your role properly."

His words cut deep, and I felt a fresh wave of hurt and betrayal wash over me. I turned away, unable to bear looking at him any longer.

************