BONUS: Part 3

BONUS: Part 3
Adrian Hale Kael

"Listen here, you little shit," the words came out cold, my voice cutting like a blade. "The next time you get between me and my husband, I’ll rip your head off. But first, I’ll break every single one of your bones."

I squeezed his neck even harder; the air vanished, his skin paled, and his veins bulged. Then I let go suddenly. He collapsed to the floor, coughing and fighting for oxygen, while I remained motionless, watching him, cold and remorseless.

"Fucking pathetic." I stepped past him, entering the building.

I headed toward the elevator, the sound of my footsteps echoing through the corridor. Some employees saw me and bowed their heads in respect—or fear. Whatever. I didn't answer, nor did I look at them. I was too irritated to fake cordiality.

That piece of human trash had the audacity to act like he was someone important.

Pathetic.

Should I get rid of him for good? No one would miss him. He’d been bothering me for a while with those insolent looks and that fake tone of obedience. Did he think I didn't notice the desire in his eyes? The only one who has the right to look at me like that is my king. Only him.

I took a deep breath, trying to contain the impulse to go back out there and finish the job. Today he crossed the line, and the simple fact that he doesn't like my love is reason enough for him to die.

The elevator doors opened; I stepped in and pressed the button for the top floor. A few employees entered right after and greeted me with a timid "good morning." I pretended not to hear. The only reason I'm in this company is Magnus, so that he doesn't have to work.

I won't allow him to wear himself out; I want him to have time to live, to have fun, to take care of himself. He deserves that.

Of course, I know I won't be able to stop him if he decides to work one day, but until then, I want him to live as comfortably as possible. He likes training at the gym, practicing martial arts, and now he’s obsessed with boxing.

He looks so beautiful when he’s focused, his body sweating, that serious look...

I sighed and shook my head. I need to focus, or I won't get anything productive done today.

When the elevator reached my floor, the doors opened and I went straight to my office. The hallway was silent, and the sound of my shoes against the floor echoed through the space. As soon as I entered, I tossed my jacket onto the chair and sat down, eyeing the pile of documents on the desk.

I grabbed my pen and started reviewing the papers quickly. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can get back into my love's arms.

Suddenly, I heard a knock at the door. I remained silent. The secretary entered, trembling, eyes wide, the mark on his neck so red it almost looked purple.

"M-Mr. President..." he stammered, catching his breath.

I kept my attention on the papers for a moment, just to let him rot in his own anticipation.

"I... I want to apologize."

When I finally looked up, something icy took over my face. The smile that appeared was just a thin slit, without warmth, without humanity.

"You want me to forgive you?" I asked slowly.

He nodded desperately. I smiled wider, lethal.

"Then blow me."

The movement was automatic: he stepped forward like a submissive dog. He got close, and then the shadow in my gaze pierced through him. Meeting my eyes, he recoiled a step, terrified, as if my look had scorched his skin.

"Did you think I was serious?" I let out a dark laugh. "You're pathetic. The only one who has the right to touch me is my husband. Everyone else? Trash."

I rose from the chair calmly and walked to where he stood. I got close until we were face to face; the fear in his eyes was so exciting—it had been a long time since I'd seen something like that.

"Look in the mirror. See exactly what you are. You’ll realize you're nothing but a worm who had the audacity to covet what doesn't belong to you."

When he tried to open his mouth, I struck him across the face, making him fall. Blood trickled from his lips.

"I’m frustrated with this shit company that takes up too much of my time. Time that should be for my beautiful husband. And you still have the audacity to stress me out."

His fear increased with every step I took toward him.

"P-Please..." His voice was so low it was almost funny.

"Please?" My smile widened, dark and cruel. "Because of you, I'm going to be late for my date."

I kicked his face hard enough to send his teeth flying. I grabbed his neck, hoisting him into the air.

"Your bad luck was getting in the way of a madman." My voice came out steady, loaded with a cruel calm. "I'm not normal, Secretary. The only one who sees my good side is my husband. The rest of the world... they only see the darkness inside me."

My smile turned grim.

"Have a nice trip to hell, Secretary."

His eyes widened, terror gleaming in them, and my smile opened even further, cold and satisfied. The grip on his neck intensified, suffocating him bit by bit. Suddenly, he began to thrash, trying to breathe. His hands clawed at my shirt, desperate.

I snapped his neck with force, his body going limp. Still holding his throat, I walked over to my window and let go. Watching his body shatter on the pavement below—a horrific scene for many, but for me, it was beautiful. Soon, I heard the screams of my employees.

"Well, at least I get to leave early for the date."

I started pacing the office, hands crossed behind my back, eyes fixed on the floor, and my mind racing.

I brought my hand to my chin, thoughtful. What restaurant to choose? Magnus loved the Brazilian food when we traveled to Brazil. I wonder if there’s a Brazilian restaurant nearby?

I pulled my phone from my pocket and started searching. After a few minutes of research, I found a perfect place—sophisticated, discreet, and with great reviews.

He’s going to love it.

I want it to be a memorable day. Lately, we barely have time for each other. When I was in college, the days were rushed; now, working as a CEO, I spend even less time at home. I get back late, kiss him, lie down with him in my arms, and fall asleep shortly after. That isn't living.

"To hell with this company... to hell with everything. I'm rich; I have enough. Magnus is all that matters."

If I have to, I’ll work from home. If that doesn't work, I’ll quit it all. I want time with Magnus; I want to wake up late in his arms, cook for him since he’s always cooking for me.

I want to go out, laugh, walk around—not stay trapped in meetings and at desks. This routine bullshit isn't for me.

My life revolves around my Magnus, and that’s it. Period.

The abrupt sound of the door opening made me look up. The manager entered, panting, pale.

"S-Sir! Secretary Carter... he... he threw himself off the building!"

I crossed my arms without any expression of shock.

"I see."

The manager hesitated, confused.

"Sir?"

I gave a light smile, far too calm for the gravity of the news.

"Do you want to be promoted to a higher position?"

He blinked, stunned.

"Sir, Carter..."

"I don't care about Carter," I cut in, without changing my tone. "I'm thinking about taking a vacation. So, what do you think about taking my place and handling things?"

His eyes immediately gleamed with ambition.

"O-Of course, sir! I... I will strive to make the company grow!"

I patted his shoulder lightly, my smile widening.

"Excellent. I’ll come by now and then to supervise. If you keep performing well, you’ll stay in the CEO position."

He bowed reverently.

"I would give my life for the company, sir."

"Very good," I replied with disguised irony. "Now, I must go. Take care of these trivial things for me."

"Yes, sir. Have a great day."

"You too, Mr. President," I said, smiling, before passing him and leaving the office.

The elevator was waiting for me, and as the doors closed, the reflection of my smile in the metal was the perfect image of my mood.

Now, my focus will be one hundred percent directed toward what truly matters: my husband, my king, my Magnus.