Chapter 20
As they hit the top of the Ferris wheel, fireworks exploded in the distance, making shapes like roses and hearts.
Bryce kissed the corner of Grace’s eye and said, “Thanks for giving me a chance.”
Grace had already let go of Antonio. Since Barrett was pushing for her to be with Bryce, why not give it a try?
Bryce was like a childhood friend, and she did feel something
for him.
Barrett picked a wedding spot in Wintervale for Antonio. They wanted to keep it low–key since having a baby before
marriage wasn’t ideal.
Antonio sent Zelma to a villa in Benbury while he stayed at the office. Out of sight, out of mind.
All the doors in the villa were open except for the study and Grace’s previous room. What could be in that study that made Antonio keep it locked all the time?
With nothing much to do during her pregnancy, Zelma
started messing with the lock. But there was no way she could get past the fingerprint lock.
“Grace’s birthday?”
The password lock beeped an error. Zelma paused, thinking maybe she was reading too much into it. The room probably just had some company secrets.
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A few days later, Zelma caught Megan chatting with someone else and decided to listen in.
“The place is dead silent today. It used to be buzzing when Ms. Kaufman was here.”
“Exactly. I heard Mr. Kaufman is bringing her back home today.”
Zelma headed to Antonio’s study again at night and punched in four digits.
With a beep, the lock sprang open.
She pushed the door open, turned on the light, and recoiled in surprise at what she saw.
The walls were covered with pictures of Grace from babyhood to now. Her school uniform was in a box in the corner, and her letters to her parents were on the desk.
Zelma felt like a mouse that had blundered into a lion’s den, cowed by the sheer force of the room.
She thought, “Is this why the study is always locked up?
“Is this why Antonio is so determined to get rid of my baby? I thought it was just about Grace.
“It turns out that Antonio is the real master of secrets!
“Everything in this room speaks of his devotion. The reason he kept allowing me to provoke Grace was because I was just a pawn all along!
“Antonio, you are so ruthless!”
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But Zelma was determined to pester Antonio and become his wife, enjoying all the luxury and glory.
She had Antonio’s biggest weakness in her hands. Zelma took out her phone and snapped photos of everything.
In the evening, when Megan spotted Antonio, she greeted him, “Mr. Kaufman, what brings you back now? Are you hungry?”
Antonio had been on edge all morning. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off at the villa, so he left his meal unfinished and rushed back.
When he got to the study door, he saw signs of entry. Zelma was in the living room, casually munching on fruit.
With a loud slam, the coffee table went flying.
“Who said you could break into my study?” Antonio’s voice was cold, but Zelma didn’t want to anger him.
“I know what’s in there, Antonio. Sir Kaufman has already set up our wedding. I just want to marry you and live happily. You can do whatever you want after we’re married.”
Zelma was naturally flirty, her words and actions dripping with teasing.
The living room went dead silent, and Megan and others, fearing Antonio’s wrath, made themselves scarce.
Zelma could hear her own breathing, rapid and shallow. Even though she had the upper hand, she felt powerless.
Antonio took off his jacket and tossed it onto a wooden chair, approaching her with a blank stare.
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Chapter 20
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Each step he took seemed to tap on Zelma’s nerves, making her back away.
“I never hit women.”
Antonio looked down at Zelma and sneered, “And I won’t start with you. But since you’re pushing it, I’ll play with you.”
With that, he grabbed his jacket and headed straight for the door. “From now on, don’t even think about stepping outside.”
Zelma was stunned. Antonio was actually confining her. Barrett might give her a title for the baby’s sake, but he might not care how Antonio treated her.
“Antonio! You can’t do this. It’ll hurt the baby!
“Besides, you and Grace never had a chance. She’s already accepted Bryce’s confession. Antonio! She sees you as an uncle. Why can’t you treat her like a niece?” Zelma pleaded desperately. Being a trapped trophy wife wasn’t her goal.
Antonio paused, looking at Zelma from a distance with a twisted expression. “I’m just an adopted son. I’m not related to her by blood. Why is it okay for Bryce but not for me?”
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