A Ruin Of Roses (Used to be: My Mysterious Husband)

TWO

𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟼:𝟹𝟿 𝙿.𝙼 𝙳𝙴𝙲 𝟸𝟶𝚃𝙷 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟽
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝙹𝙰𝚇𝙾𝙽]

As Jayce and I sit in the car, the tension in the air is palpable. He turns to me, his eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of skepticism.

"It's all set up," he says, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I still don't understand why the Fawn Family, though."

I lean back in my seat, my mind racing with thoughts of the elaborate plan that has been set in motion. "It's all part of the plan," I explain, my tone low and conspiratorial. "My father won't expect me to attack right after my wedding. All he needs to know is that I'm a worthless, no-good son. He can't know what we have."

Jayce nods, understanding the complexity of the situation. Our alliance is a fragile one, built on a web of secrets and hidden motives, and we both know that one wrong move could unravel everything.

"So, have you been in contact with Mr. Goody Two Shoes?" Jayce asks, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

I let out a dry chuckle, realizing the absurdity of the situation. "No," I reply, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "I just hope Frank sticks to his end of the deal."

As we arrive at our destination, Jayce opens the car door for me, and I step out, the weight of our impending actions heavy on my shoulders. The pieces of this intricate puzzle are in place, and now all we can do is wait and hope that our plan unfolds as intended.

𝙳𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚗, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 7:45 𝙿.𝙼 𝙳𝙴𝙲 𝟸𝟶𝚃𝙷 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟽
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝙹𝙰𝚇𝙾𝙽]

Walking alongside Jayce, I find it easy to blend into the bustling city streets. The anonymity that comes with not revealing my true identity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows me to move freely, unnoticed by those who might seek to expose me. On the other hand, it means that my reputation is left to the mercy of rumors and gossip.

I've long grown accustomed to the stories people spin about me, each one more unflattering than the last. They paint me as an ugly, unkind, and disrespectful individual, a bastard child with no respect for anyone, not even my own family. It's all part of the charade, a façade that helps me maintain my hidden agenda. My father is right about one thing: my family means nothing to me.

I do my best to ignore the lingering stares and hushed whispers of lust as Jayce and I make our way toward the bank. We need to withdraw some money to secure a new place, something cheap for me and my bride to live in once we get married. It's a pragmatic choice, given the circumstances, and I'm willing to endure the discomfort of blending in with the crowd to achieve our goal.

Our destination is the bank, and I can't help but feel a pang of anxiety as we approach. I've never been particularly fond of these institutions, as they represent the very system I've set out to dismantle. But for now, I must play my part, withdraw the necessary funds, and continue down the path I've chosen.

As we step inside the bank, I keep my head down, avoiding eye contact with the tellers and customers. My focus remains on the task at hand – securing our financial means for the next phase of our plan. Jayce and I exchange glances, our unspoken understanding reinforcing our shared commitment to the path we've chosen, no matter how fraught with danger or deception it may be.

𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟼:𝟹𝟿 𝙿.𝙼 𝙳𝙴𝙲 𝟸𝟶𝚃𝙷 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟽
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝙹𝙰𝚇𝙾𝙽]

Back in my mansion, I decide to take matters into my own hands and call Frank to ensure our agreement is set in motion. As I dial his number, I can't help but feel a growing sense of unease about the unfolding situation.

"Hello?" Frank's voice answers on the other end of the line.

"Frank, this is Jaxon Lune. I wanted to go over our agreement. I assume Lilly agreed to the marriage?" I ask, my tone calm and businesslike.

"Actually, about that," Frank begins, and I prepare myself for what I assume will be a fabricated excuse for delaying the wedding. But then, he drops a bombshell. "Lilly isn't the daughter who will be marrying you. Lindsey's older daughter, Rose, will be taking her place," he reveals.

"That's not what we agreed on," I respond, my voice tight with frustration.

"Trust me, you'll like Rose more," Frank says cryptically, avoiding the question.

"Frank, you're a good guy, and that's why I'm willing to marry Rose. But what's the catch? What are you holding out on telling me?" I press, sensing there's more to the story.

"Rose has everyone but me fooled that she has a son named Jayden. If this son does exist, which I doubt, that will be an issue," he admits.

"Why do you say that?" I inquire, genuinely curious about his reasoning. I can't help but feel empathy for a child who might be caught up in the complexities of our arrangement.

"I figure you don't want to take on two people," Frank speculates.

I take a moment to consider his words, the weight of my decision bearing down on me. "I want the wedding set up for January sixteenth. I expect you all to be there so this deal can be sealed upfront," I declare, my voice resolute.

"Of course," Frank agrees, adding, "Lucky for you, the sixteenth is Rose's nineteenth birthday."

Before he can continue, I decide I've heard enough. I abruptly hang up the phone, feeling a mix of frustration and determination. This situation has taken an unexpected turn, and I need to gather all the information I can about Rose Fawn before moving forward with this arrangement.

"Jayce?" I call out quietly.

"Already on it," he responds, walking out of my office to retrieve all the necessary details about Rose Fawn, a woman who has suddenly become a central figure in this complex web of deceit and intrigue.