Alisha's POV
After I got into the car, I expressed my gratitude to Brad, saying, "Thank you for your help just now."
"It's no problem. I was simply following the Alpha's orders. He had some urgent matters to attend to, so he asked me to take care of you," Brad replied.
I smirked and asked with curiosity, "Really? So, what was it that he needed to deal with?"
Brad glanced at my expression through the rearview mirror and hesitated before speaking, "Um...actually, I...I guess it is a business meeting."
I caught his gaze in the mirror, but Brad quickly averted his eyes and focused on the road ahead. It was evident that he was helping Archie conceal some embarrassing secret from me, which made him feel guilty.
There was no point in pressuring Brad further. After all, he wasn't my husband. With that in mind, I turned my head away and stared out of the window. However, it soon dawned on me that we weren't heading towards Nova's house but...
"Wait, Brad! Where are you taking me?" I asked immediately.
"Luna, according to the Alpha's command, I should take you home, that is, the Golden Crest," Brad replied.
"No! Drive me to Nova's house! I refuse to go back," I responded firmly, without a moment's hesitation.
"I'm sorry, Luna, but you must go home. This is the Alpha's request before he left," Brad emphasized.
"No way! Take me to Nova's house or stop the car right now!" I insisted.
"Luna, I can't..."
"Stop!" I snapped.
"Luna, unless I receive the order from the Alpha, I must take you to the Golden Crest," Brad replied firmly.
I sighed and said, "Brad, if you insist on not stopping, I will jump out of the car right now!"
Brad was taken aback, his eyes widening in shock. "Hold on, Luna! Let me call the Alpha!"
"Alpha, I am sending Luna back home, but she wants to go to her friend's house," Brad spoke into the phone as soon as it connected.
I couldn't hear Archie's response, but Brad seemed worried as he replied, "No, Luna said she would jump out."
Brad put the phone on speaker and informed me, "Luna, the Alpha wants to speak to you now."
"Alisha, what the hell are you doing? I'm extremely busy right now and don't have time to play games with you!" Archie's cold voice echoed through the car.
I snorted and questioned, "Yeah, I don't deserve to occupy your precious time, so please have Brad take me to Nova's house. You won't have to see me or talk to me ever again."
"Damn it! There you go again! You're my wife, so go home right now, okay?"
"I am no longer your damn wife!"
"Alisha, don't push me!"
"Didn't you hear what your mother said earlier? I am not qualified to be your wife. Please reject me."
"Forget that nonsense!"
"Archie, I'm tired. Please, just let me go," I replied in a flat tone.
I no longer had the energy to please his mother, and I had lost all confidence in being a good wife. This marriage had been a complete failure, leaving me with countless scars and wounds. I simply wanted to put an end to it all and start afresh.
A heavy silence followed, with Brad holding his breath and avoiding any sound.
Finally, Archie's angry voice came through the phone, "Well, since you're so reluctant to be my wife, then you're not entitled to use my money anymore! From now on
, I will freeze all your credit cards! Let's see how you manage financially without me!"
Archie was a jerk! "You freaking piece of shit! I'll prove that I can live better after leaving you!"
"Huh, you're overconfident. Let me remind you that the car you're in right now also belongs to me. Now that you want to live on your own, you won't mind getting out of my car, right?" Archie provocatively asked.
"You're right! Mr. Mean! It's horrible to be in your nasty car! Ask Brad to stop right now, and I can't wait another second!"
"Brad, pull over! Let her get out of my car! She can go anywhere on her own two feet!" ordered Archie.
Brad looked outside and answered carefully, "Alpha, I'm afraid it's about to rain soon. If Luna gets out now, she'll probably..."
"You don't need to worry about her! Just follow my instructions!" Archie interrupted.
Brad finally pulled over, and I immediately jumped out of the car.
As I walked away, cursing Archie in my mind, I felt a surge of anger. Why had I ever fallen in love with that bastard? I must have been crazy.
Lost in my thoughts, I looked at my wedding ring. I had been ecstatic when Archie gave it to me. Despite his cold demeanor at the wedding, I considered the ring my most precious possession and vowed to cherish it forever. But now, my marriage was over, and the ring had become worthless. I took it off, intending to throw it away. I didn't want to wear it or see it anymore.
The pink diamond on the ring shimmered and sparkled in my hand. Before discarding it, it occurred to me that it must be worth a significant sum of money.
Since Archie wouldn't give me money anymore, and Joey would never lend me a penny, I decided to keep the ring. After all, I could sell it for a good price and use the money to support myself for a while.
As I realized that I now had a substantial amount of money, my mood, which had been ruined by Archie's actions, improved slightly.
But before I could even bask in this newfound positivity, it suddenly started raining heavily. Holy crap! I hurriedly searched for shelter, but the area around me was vast and deserted, with no one in sight.
Damn you, Archie! It's all your fault! The rain grew heavier and heavier, soaking me completely. Shivering and trembling, I crossed my arms tightly over my chest.
Just as I thought I was going to collapse in the rain, a limousine abruptly pulled up next to me. The car window rolled down, revealing a face that was both unfamiliar and strangely familiar.