Moon's Pov.
"Well, what are you waiting for sitting there?!" William snapped. "You heard Grandma, so why aren't you getting dressed?"
"I thought it was—"
"Stop fucking thinking and go get dressed!" He cut me off, pacing around before having his seat.
I smiled at Nana instead. "I'll be back, Nana," and with that, I headed upstairs.
I stripped, and stepped into the shower. It has been a long day and maybe this shower was what I just needed.
I stepped out, and after applying my ointment, walked towards the wardrobe, my fingers grazing the cool metal of the handle before pulling the door open.
The scent of fabric softener and perfume drifted out. My eyes scanned the clothes, but each piece made my stomach turn—plunging necklines, high-thigh slits, and fabrics too sheer to be decent.
My jaws dropped in disbelief! Was this all I really had? Or was this what they wear in LA rather?
From Moon's memory, she had resorted to wearing something different, trying to mould her style of dressing to fit Clarissa's. She thought, maybe if she dressed like her, then maybe will truly look at her.
Frustration built as I skimmed through hanger after hanger until my finger stilled! Finally, something different!
Hidden among the flashy dresses was a gown that stood out—a deep, rich fabric cascading in elegant folds. Delicate embroidery traced the helm of the dress and the flowing sleeves added a touch of grace to it.
I ran My fingers over it, feeling as a smile broke out my lips. Unlike the others, it belonged to a different world—one of poise and dignity.
Taking it out and walking towards the mirror, I unzipped it and slid into it. I couldn't help the smile that graced my face at how beautiful it looked.
But my smile slowly faded. It reminded me of my past life.
But I'm here now. And I was going to take charge of this one that I'm being cast into.
Finally I was done. Face glowing with minimal makeup and sides framed by a hair tied in a bun, I looked like the queen that I once was.
As I slowly descended the stairs to the living room, I could see all heads turn. The maids, who were usually quick on their feet, stood frozen, their eyes widening in shock.
One of them nearly dropped the tray of tea she was holding, catching it at the last second with trembling hands.
"Woah… isn't madam Moon beautiful today?"
"She looked so different today! What changed?" They exchanged glances, whispering in hushed tones, their awe barely contained.
I ignored their whispers, my eyes drifting to William who stood by the fireplace. For some reason I couldn't quite place, he looked rattled.
When his eyes met mine, his usual composed expression faltered for the briefest moment. His eyes, always distant and uninterested, now traced over me with something unreadable—surprise, maybe even curiosity.
I smirked when I saw his lips part slightly, as if he wanted to say something but thought better of it. Whatever he had expected, it certainly wasn't this.
The room felt different. It was charged. For the first time, this woman wasn't just William's quiet, overlooked wife. She was something more, and they all knew it.
"Oh my goodness! You look so ravishing today!"
It was Nana who spoke, breaking the tense atmosphere. "I smiled, walking towards her and taking a seat beside her. "Thank you Nana." I said with a smile.
"And you have the guts to bring up a divorce huh, William?" Her tone is stern and her eyes are glaring daggers at him as she dangled the file in the air.
"Grandma, it's not…"
"We've had this discussion and you're not allowed to divorce her, William. There's no history of divorce in our family and it's not going to start from you!"
William swallowed, having no comeback to that.
"Nana, don't worry, we are not going to get a divorce." I said, glancing towards William who looked stupefied. "Look, you're frowning again. What did I tell you about your health and beauty?"
"Ah!" A light bulb seemed to have tipped in her head. "Have plenty of rest or else, I'll age faster. Yes, yes… I need to get going."
I gave a subtle nod to a maid, who quickly stepped forward and guided Nana back inside. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, the air in the room shifted.
William's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. His face darkened, burning with something barely restrained, and when he spoke, his voice was low but laced with anger, each word cutting through the atmosphere like a blade.
"What was that, huh?" A sharp exhale escaped his lips, his chest rising and falling with growing intensity. "What game are you trying to play now?"
In an instant, he was beside me, his hands gripping my shoulders as he pulled me close. My breath caught, the warmth of his body pressing against mine.
Up close, the sharp angles of his face and the intensity in his eyes sent my heart racing, a deep thud echoing in my chest.
But I held my ground. No, my heart is not permitted to thump for him. Not when he abandoned me for a second fiddle. "What, it's not my fault that Grandma likes me.
You want a divorce? Then one year… a year then, and we will get a divorce! But during that one year, we will not meddle in each other's business!"
"That's fine by me!" William said with determination and pride, clutching my arms even harder.
A commotion suddenly drew both our attention towards the doorway.
The noise was loud and a maid seemed to be stopping someone from coming in. And suddenly, the door was forcefully pushed open, slamming into the wall with a resounding sound.
Footsteps followed suit, revealing a furious Clarissa. She is dressed in a green dress that clung to her voluptuous body like a second skin, with matching heels and a clutch purse.
A maid trailed behind her, clutching her cheeks with tears streaming down her face.
I breathed in, my hands clutched to my purse as my anger simmered just beneath the surface. What right does she have to hit a maid here?
Clarissa's sneer deepened as her eyes locked onto William's hand still gripping mine. "Well, well," she spat, her gaze burning with jealousy. "You're the reason he doesn't pick up my calls, aren't you? Clinging to him like a leech, aren't you shameless?"
William's hand drops from mine instantly, as if my touch had scalded him. Without a word, he steps away and moves to Clarissa's side, his voice low and soothing.
He reached for her hand, his thumbs brushing it in silent plea, but Clarissa yanked her hand back, crossing her arms tightly, her lips twisting in feigned hurt.
I scoff, rolling my eyes at the pathetic display.
"A second wheel daring to speak to the real wife of the Alexanders…" my voice was calm, each word purposefully deliberate to rattle her. "Don't you think you're unworthy?" I took a step closer, meeting her glare head-on. "Know. Your. Place."
William's face darkens, but I don't let him speak. Ignoring the tension crackling in the air, I turned to him, arching a brow. "And aren't we leaving?"