Chapter 12

Allyson's POV

Allyson and her uncle rode in her uncle's Bentley back to her family mansion. He had ordered the maids to make a light dinner for them before they came back.

After dinner, the tension in the room was palpable as Richard spoke.

"Allyson," Richard began, his voice steady but firm. "We have significant concerns about your marriage to Nate. It's imperative for the reputation of this company that you consider ending it. This marriage could damage your standing as the next CEO and tarnish the legacy of your father's company."

Allyson felt a surge of anger. "Uncle Richard, I refuse to divorce Nate. I love him, and I won't let the board dictate my personal life. This is my decision."

Richard's expression hardened. "This isn't just about you, Allyson. It's about the company, the shareholders, and the legacy of your father. Think carefully about your next steps."

With that, Allyson stormed out of the mansion, her mind made up. She loved Nate deeply and couldn't imagine a life without him.

Nate's POV

Back at home, Nate had been drinking, trying to numb the pain and confusion swirling in his mind. The sight of Allyson getting into that Rolls-Royce had left him feeling betrayed and angry. Two empty champagne bottles lay beside him on the living room floor, and his hair was disheveled from running his hands through it repeatedly.

As soon as Allyson walked in, Nate's anger boiled over. "Oh! I hope you really satisfied your client well in bed," he spouted sarcastically.

Allyson was taken aback. "What? What are you talking about, Nate?"

"Do you want to deny it now? Oh! So you were truly a whore as I was told. I saw the man who came to pick you up. Look at the time, it's 2 a.m. What client calls a married woman at 8 p.m. and returns her at 2 a.m.? If you loved that life, why then did you agree to marry me?" Nate's voice was filled with bitterness and hurt.

Allyson snapped, unable to contain her frustration. She slapped Nate across the face before storming into the bedroom, where she collapsed onto the bed in tears.

Allyson's POV

Allyson's heart ached. She loved Nate and had been trying to balance her responsibilities without revealing her true identity. The accusations and the pain in his eyes cut deep.

Nate's POV

Nate sat on the floor, the slap sobering him up. Regret washed over him as he realized the gravity of his words. He got up and knocked on the bedroom door. "Ally, I'm sorry. I just freaked out because I thought I had lost you to a rich dude. Please open the door. Let me show you how sorry I am."

After a few moments, the door opened slightly. Allyson's tear-streaked face appeared, and Nate's heart broke. "I'm so sorry, Ally," he whispered.

They embraced, and the tension between them began to dissolve. Apologies were exchanged, and their closeness reignited a passionate moment. Just as they were about to make love, Nate's phone rang.

Nate's POV

Nate glanced at the caller ID and saw it was from the hospital. "Rachel is awake," he muttered.

Allyson's POV

Allyson felt a mix of relief and frustration. She was eager to reconnect with Nate, but she understood the urgency of the situation. "Don't worry, babes. I'll be home waiting for you," she said, pecking him on the cheek before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.

Nate heard the shower turn on as he quickly changed his clothes and left for the hospital.

As Nate drove to the hospital, his mind was racing. The tension between him and Allyson was palpable, and the situation with Rachel added another layer of complexity. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and the nagging doubt about Allyson's secret identity gnawed at him.

When he arrived at the hospital, he was directed to Rachel's room. She lay on the bed, pale but conscious. Her eyes flickered open as he approached.

"Nate," she whispered weakly, "I need to tell you something about Allyson. It's important."

Nate's heart pounded as he leaned closer, bracing himself for whatever revelation Rachel was about to share.