But I'm married
Author: Faith write
last update2025-06-16 19:27:04

The banquet hall buzzed with elegant conversation and clinking champagne glasses. 

Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over tables draped in silk, while waiters glided between guests like well-trained ballet dancers.

Elena's father, Robert, led their family in quietly.

"Keep your voices low," he whispered. "Don't draw any unnecessary attention."

But within seconds, a sharp voice cut through the air like a whip crack.

"Well, well! Look what the cat dragged in!"

Elena's uncle, Richard Howard, strutted over with his daughter Sarah, both wearing smug expressions that could curdle milk.

"Richard," Patricia forced a smile. "How lovely to see you."

"Is it, though?" Sarah snickered. "I'm surprised you had the nerve to show your faces here after Elena's little embezzlement scandal."

"That's not what happened—" Elena began, but Richard cut her off with a dismissive wave.

"Oh please, spare us the sob story, niece. You stole company funds to pay for that street mongrel's mommy's medical bills. What kind of pathetic lapdog betrays her own family for a trash bag?"

"She’s been brainwashed by her crafty husband," Sarah added with a cruel laugh. "What a stupid woman!!"

"Where is your precious husband anyway?" Richard looked around mockingly. "Too embarrassed to bring him? Smart choice—nobody wants to see a rabid stray at a civilized gathering."

Elena's cheeks burned, but she remained silent.

"Since you've contributed absolutely nothing to this family except shame, you can't sit with the actual guests. The workers' table is over there."Richard pointed toward a corner table near the kitHoward. "More appropriate for your... status."

Patricia's face went pale. "Richard, surely you don't mean—"

"I mean exactly what I said," Richard's voice turned cold. "Sit with the help, where you belong."

This is humiliating. 

Robert clenched his teeth, but he had no choice. They needed to stay in the family's good graces.

Just as they began their walk of shame toward the corner table, a commanding voice rang out.

"What's all this commotion?"

Everyone turned. Elena's grandmother, Margaret Howard, approached with her regal bearing intact despite her seventy-plus years. Her steel-gray hair was perfectly coiffed, and her emerald dress sparkled with authority.

"Mother!" Patricia's voice cracked with desperation and hope.

"Mother," Richard bowed slightly, suddenly nervous. "I was just... seating everyone appropriately."

Margaret's sharp eyes surveyed the scene. "And you thought my granddaughter and her family belonged with the staff?"

"Well, given their recent... difficulties..."

"Nonsense," Margaret declared, her voice cutting through Richard's stammering. "Elena, dear, come sit at the main table. We need to have a proper family discussion."

This was unexpected, suspicious

Elena frowned. Grandmother never defended them.

Patricia practically bounced with excitement. "Oh, thank you, Mother! “

She turned to Elena, whispered with satisfaction. “This must be all thanks to Vincent's influence"

As if summoned by his name, Vincent appeared at Elena's side, flashing his most charming smile.

"Mrs. Howard," he bowed elegantly. "You look radiant tonight. Thank you for allowing me to join this wonderful celebration."

Margaret's face lit up. "Vincent! My dear boy, the pleasure is all ours. Richard, apologize to my guests immediately."

Richard's jaw dropped. "But Mother—"

"NOW."

Richard mumbled an apology like a scolded child, while Sarah looked like she'd swallowed a particularly bitter lemon.

As they settled at the main table, Margaret beamed at Vincent. "I must say, Vincent, your ability to secure the entire third floor for tonight's celebration is truly impressive. Even families twice our size have never managed such a feat!"

Vincent waved modestly. "It's nothing, really. When Elena's happiness is at stake, I'd move mountains."

"Such devotion!" Margaret clasped her hands together. "And I hear you're willing to invest in our family business? One hundred million, was it?"

"A small matter," Vincent nodded. "I actually discussed this with Elena before the banquet, though she seemed... hesitant."

Margaret's expression shifted, her eyes turning to Elena with growing coldness. "Hesitant? About what, exactly?"

Elena’s face turned pale. "Grandmother, it's... complicated."

"Uncomplicate it," Margaret's voice turned sharp as a blade.

Elena glanced around the table, seeing all eyes on her. She couldn't say this in front of everyone.

"Vincent didn't just want to discuss business," she said quietly. "He wanted... other things."

"Other things?" Margaret raised an eyebrow.

"He wanted to sleep with me," Elena blurted out, her face burning red.

The table fell silent.

Margaret stared at Elena for a long moment, then burst into incredulous laughter.

"And you refused? Do you realize what a blessing this is?"

Elena's mouth fell open. "Grandmother?"

"Vincent is offering you his affection AND helping our family! Most women would kill for such an opportunity!"

"But I'm married!" Elena protested.

"To a worthless street rat!" Margaret snapped. "Vincent is a real man—successful, powerful, generous!"

Sarah nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! You're being selfish and holier-than-thou, cousin. Put the family first for once!"

"It's disgusting how she puts her own prudish morals above everyone else's welfare," Richard added mockingly.

Elena looked around the table in horror. "Are you all insane? You want me to cheat on my husband?"

Margaret's eyes turned ice-cold. "If you don't agree to Vincent's proposal, you'll repay every cent you embezzled—today. All of it. Or I'll have you arrested for theft."

Elena felt the blood drain from her face.

That money was actually a dividend the company had long owed her, but her grandmother kept delaying the payment under various excuses.

 When Karvel’s mother fell critically ill and urgently needed funds, Elena had no choice but to temporarily use that money. 

She had planned to repay it as soon as she got through this difficult period—but she never expected her grandmother would use it as leverage to threaten her.

"Choose wisely, dear," Margaret sneered coldly. "Vincent's bed, or a prison cell. What's it going to be?"

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  • Chapter 175

    Karvel and Elena arrived at the police station early the next morning.The air outside was cold and gray, the kind of morning that carried a heavy silence.Morrison followed behind them, tall and alert as always. His eyes moved around, watching every shadow as if danger could appear at any moment.Inside the station, the halls smelled faintly of coffee and paper. Officers walked past, some nodding in greeting. Elena’s heart was heavy. She didn’t know what to expect today.When they entered the waiting area, a familiar voice called out.“Elena! My daughter!”Elena turned sharply. Patricia stood near the reception desk, looking pale and worn. Her eyes were red from crying.“Mother?” Elena whispered in surprise.Patricia rushed forward and took her hands. “Elena, please. Tell them to let Liza go. She’s your sister. She made a mistake, but she doesn’t deserve this.”Karvel’s tone was calm but firm. “Mrs. Patricia, this isn’t just a mistake. Liza framed Elena for something serious.”Patric

  • Chapter 174

    Day moved slowly, filled with heavy silence. After the morning conversation with Karvel, Elena stayed at home, unable to focus on anything. She tried to read, to clean, even to water the flowers near the window, but her hands felt weak and her thoughts kept drifting back to what Karvel had told her earlier.Her grandmother… another grandson… secrets hidden for years.Every word replayed in her mind like a storm that refused to fade.By afternoon, the house felt too quiet. The ticking clock was the only sound that filled the air. Elena sat on the couch, staring at the untouched cup of tea beside her. The steam had long disappeared, leaving only the bitter scent behind.She sighed and whispered to herself, “Why does everything in this family have to be so complicated?”The weight in her chest grew heavier. She didn’t understand why Karvel had suddenly brought all these things up. Maybe he was hiding something too. Or maybe he was trying to protect her from something worse. Either way, t

  • Chapter 173

    "How are you feeling now?" Karvel asked gently, handing Elena a cup of tea. His voice carried both worry and care. "Drink that. It’ll help you relax."Elena looked at him for a moment before taking the cup. Her hands trembled slightly as she lifted it to her lips. The warmth of the tea soothed her, but it didn’t calm the storm inside her chest. She took a small sip and placed the cup back on the table. Her eyes met Karvel’s, sharp and searching."I think it’s time you tell me everything I need to know," she said quietly, but there was strength in her tone.Karvel sighed. He had been expecting that question. The air between them grew heavy, filled with things unsaid. He sat down across from her, rubbing his hands together slowly before he spoke."I’ve been trying to find out who was behind my kidnapping," he began. "It wasn’t random, Elena. Someone planned it carefully. Someone wanted me gone, and I need to know why."Elena’s brows furrowed. "Do you have any leads? Did the police find

  • Chapter 172

    “I’m okay now,” Elena said softly as Karvel helped her sit up on the hospital bed. Her voice was weak but steady. She looked at him with tired eyes that still managed to shine with warmth.Karvel’s hand stayed behind her back, supporting her gently. “You should rest a little more,” he said in a low voice. “The doctor said you still need to recover completely before leaving.”Elena shook her head. “I’ve been here for too long. I just want to go home, Karvel. I hate the smell of this place.”Karvel smiled faintly. “You really haven’t changed,” he said. “Always stubborn.”“Maybe,” she whispered, smiling back. “But I’ll feel better once I’m home with you.”Karvel’s expression softened. He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Alright, my love,” he said gently. “If that’s what you want, we’ll go home now.”He stood up, helped her put on her shoes, and reached for her bag. “Take it slow,” he reminded. “Don’t rush.”Elena nodded, holding onto his arm for balance. Together, they walked out

  • Chapter 171

    Patricia was in the living room, folding laundry when she heard a knock at the door. It was already late in the evening, and she wasn’t expecting anyone. The knock came again, louder this time.“Who could that be?” she muttered to herself, walking toward the door.She opened it and froze. Two policemen stood outside, dressed in uniform, their faces serious.“Good evening, ma’am,” one of them said politely.Patricia blinked in confusion. “Good evening… sorry, how may I help you?”“We’re here for Miss Liza Robert,” the policeman said.Patricia’s eyes widened. “Liza? That’s my daughter. Is there any problem?”Before the officer could reply, Robert came down the stairs, tying the belt of his robe. “Who’s at the door?” he asked, frowning when he saw the policemen. “What’s going on here?”Patricia turned to him helplessly. “They say they’re here for Liza. I don’t understand what’s happening.”Robert’s expression darkened. “I said it! This girl has been becoming too reckless lately. Always m

  • Chapter 170

    Morrison followed closely behind Karvel. Two policemen trailed them, their uniforms pressed and their expressions serious.Karvel’s face was cold and unreadable. His jaw was tight, and his eyes burned with quiet anger.They entered the main reception area of the office building. A young lady behind the front desk looked up immediately, startled by the sight of policemen walking in with purpose. She adjusted her glasses nervously.“Good evening, sirs,” she said politely. “How may I help you?”Karvel didn’t even slow down. His eyes were fixed ahead. “There’s nothing you can do to help me,” he replied in a flat tone.The lady blinked, confused. “Sir, please—wait! You can’t just—”But they didn’t stop. Karvel pushed forward, Morrison and the policemen following him down the long hallway. The woman hurried out from behind her desk and tried to follow, her heels clicking on the tiled floor.“Sir, you can’t go in there without permission!” she called out.They ignored her.Karvel finally sto

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