Chapter 98: Vengeful Gown

Cattleya’s POV

“What?! I didn't do anything wrong! She strangled me to death, Jaxon! This woman hurt me! You can ask your son! He saw everything!" Elise said while pointing a finger at me.

She really wanted Jaxon to believe her, but I guess I really know my husband the most. By looking at it, he doesn't believe a single word that Elise just said.

"Did I just warn you not to hurt my employee? She's my new secretary, for the love of God, Elise. You always make this so complicated. And please, don’t drag Dylan into this. Don’t be so childish…."

Then she shook her head and said one more time, "Jaxon—"

"Stop this, Elise. Get out of Cattleya's room now. I'll deal with you later," Jaxon said, opening the door wider.

Elise walked out, her feet thumping against the floor. She looked furious, but here I am, my heart so flattered that Jaxon didn't believe Elise. I am so proud of my husband. Oh, damn, there he is, staring at me.

Jaxon took a step closer and checked my arms and neck. My heart was beating so fast because his touch was so warm and so good to feel. I looked up to meet his eyes, and he stared back at me.

"Did she hurt you?" he asked.

I bit my lower lip. "Not really. But is tonight your son's birthday? I can go tell you who was really involved in your traumatic accident."

"Oh, so you're helping me now?" he asked softly.

"Uh, yeah," I replied, forcing a smile. "I don't want to create a big storm in your brain. So, I'm taking it step by step."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "You know what? I looked you up on the internet. I never found a single Wikipedia article about you, I mean, not even a single account of you was found. Are you a ghost?" He said this with humor, but I could sense the underlying concern.

I clicked my tongue and said in a warning tone, "They deleted me from the system. That's how powerful your enemy is. So, you have to be careful before they create their own battalion, and you will lose again in the end."

He scoffed softly and said, "So, I really lost everything before, and now my own enemy is controlling me?"

"Yeah," I replied, my voice firm. "You are like a puppet to them now. And I guess, now that I'm here, they are already planning how to get rid of me. So, don't fail me this time, Jaxon. You have to protect me." My eyes held his, without blinking, and I realized he was still staring at me until his eyes landed on my lips.

I looked down and took a step back 'cause I could feel his eyes kinda getting harder, like he really wanted me. I didn't know what to do 'cause he looked like he was gonna kiss me. I think he felt it too, the thing between us. Then I bumped into something and almost lost my balance, but he immediately caught me. And his lips, they brushed against mine!

My eyes widened because I really wanted to kiss him, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't just sabotage my plan. Not at all.

I gulped nervously and pulled away from his arms, “Oh…”

“Can I just do something crazy?”

I gasped nervously, my breathing heavy, “What is it?”

"This." But to my surprise, he grabbed my arm and waist, pulling me closer. That's when he claimed my lips. Initially, I was quite shocked that he kissed me without asking, as if he knew me intimately like he was trying to piece together some forgotten memory. His kisses were passionate, leaving me breathless.

His tongue explored my mouth, sending shivers down my spine. As if he clearly desired me intensely. But a nagging doubt lingered. Was this a game to him? I had to remind myself that this wasn't the man I married. This was Jaxon Moretti, the amnesiac, different from the Jaxon I had fallen in love with.

Just as his hand reached for my chest, I stopped him. "Why are you doing this?" I asked.

"I… I don't know. I just want to kiss you," he confessed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just…" He seemed to search for the right words, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I felt something when I kissed you."

"And that's why your fiancée is always furious with any woman you bring here? Because you kiss them all?" I asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

He shook his head vehemently. "No, that's not it. I haven't brought any other woman here. Only you. You're the only one who… who gives me a reason to bring you here."

I gulped, suddenly feeling a flutter of nerves. "Did your investigator already look into my background? Is that why you're acting this way, Mr. Moretti?"

"No, he doesn't have any information yet. But if you're lying to me, I can't guarantee your safety amongst the… the wolves in my family," he warned.

He stepped away, his voice firm. "Get ready for tonight. It's my son's birthday, and remember your reason for being here. Don't fail me." With that, he closed the door and left.

I clicked the chip implanted in my neck and whispered, "It's tonight. Be ready. I don't know what to do, but I think everyone will see the real me and my family… Please, don't let them know I'm alive. It will only break their hearts to learn that I was hiding from them all these years."

"I know, Catt. Please, be more cautious this time. I'm on my way there now. Don't worry, no matter what happens, I'm going to protect you," Vlad assured me.

I bit my lower lip and deactivated the chip. Walking to my closet, I swung open the doors, only to find myself staring at an empty space. "Damn it," I muttered, feeling a wave of frustration.

I quickly reactivated the chip. "I need a revengeful gown," I requested.

Vlad sighed. "Vianne said she put it in your luggage. You just have to look for it. She hopes you'll love it."

A soft smile touched my lips. "Oh, thank you," I murmured before deactivating the chip again.

"Well..." I gasped, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. The red velvet gown, a masterpiece of vengeful design, clung to my curves, a silent story waiting to be told.

As I stepped into the room, all eyes turned towards me. I returned their stares with a serene smile, recognizing familiar faces in the crowd.

My gaze landed on Mr. Salvatore, the man who had tried to kill Jaxon and me. He stood frozen, his face a mask of shock and fury. I knew, with chilling certainty, he wouldn't hesitate to harm me.

But before he could react, Jaxon appeared beside me, his presence a silent shield. Elise trailed behind him, looking like a lost puppy.

Oh, this was going to be interesting!