At that moment, Alexander didn’t argue. The next thing I knew, Cassandra raised her hand and slapped me twice, her manicured nails cutting into my cheek. She looked at Alexander with a troubled expression. "Oh no, I’ve hurt Natalie. What should we do?"
However, Alexander snorted coldly. "She deserves it. You’re too kind, worrying about her even though she hurt you first."
The bodyguard let me go, and I clumsily fell to the ground. Alexander looked down at me with cold disdain. "You owe Cassandra an apology."
Owe her an apology? It was Cassandra who had first slandered Lucas! No one, not even a single person in the world should dare to taint my son's image! He was never a liar! Yet, as always, Alexander always took her side, no matter what.
I scoffed, "In your dreams! I hate you, Alexander!"
When I looked at Alexander, my eyes held nothing but intense hatred. The sight made him furrow his brow in confusion.
“Natalie, just do as you're told, and you can have whatever you want. I can accompany your son or give you the title of my wife.”
I had once longed for the legitimacy of being his wife. I wanted him to register our marriage, to publicly acknowledge our union. But he had always been seen with Cassandra, never with me. It was almost laughable how hard he tried to keep me by his side because of my position as the heir to Prestige Hotels & Resorts. Yet, everyone in the company knew that Cassandra was poised to take my place. Alexander's preference for her over me was clear to all.
Whenever I visited the company, I was barely acknowledged. Despite being the rightful CEO, my presence was overshadowed by Alexander’s. He handled the work, leaving me sidelined. I had once been recognized for my leadership skills and entrepreneurial acumen. But back then, I could not use my skills because of my absence in the company, and it was because of my focus on caring for Lucas. I didn’t regret prioritizing my son's health, but I regretted relinquishing my role at the company.
Now, Alexander was using his position to coerce and lure me back into submission. He even tried to bargain using this sham of a marriage. It was absurd. I braced against the pain on my face and met his gaze firmly. “No need, Alexander. As I said earlier, we’re done.”