Chapter 14 So , what did your mom say about Ares proposal ? Elena asked me once more leaning into my cubicle . I chose to ignore her and focused on my work, stealing a glance at Ares still empty office . Elena was already beside me , eyeing my arm . What happened there ? She asked , her tone serious and a bit threatening . I swiftly adjusted my dress , pulling down the blouses sleeve to cover my arm avoided her gaze and started stapling the scattered papers . Arent you going to take any action ? Im swamped with work , Elena . Lets talk later , I evasively replied , but she didnt seem to take that for an answer . She grabbed my arm , making me look at her . She looked at my bruises . I winced as she raised her eyebrows . That was where Matthew gripped me last night . I couldnt even come up with an excuse because his fingers had left scratches that turned into bruises . Has Sir Ares seen this ? She pressed on , and I simply shook my head . We havent spoken about it , I replied sparingly . Then I heard her sarcastic laugh . I cant believe youre still allowing your brother to do this to you . Its too much , Ana , just so you know , she began and sat down next to me . I turned my gaze to the computer and let out a tired sigh . Because I didnt follow his orders when- Girl , you better be joking . Your excuses wont change the fact that hes been abusing you all along . The audacity ! Youre already giving them money , and theyre still hurting you . Whats wrong with your family ? She said , her patience clearly worn thin . Before I could respond , I saw Ares hastily entering his office , appearing quite displeased . I glanced at Elena and motioned that wed talk later . She simply stared at me and hurried back to her own cubicle . Once she was gone , I hurried to organize the papers that Ares needed to sign and adjusted my demeanor before heading towards his office . I knocked before entering . As I stepped inside , I immediately heard the anger in his voice as he spoke on the phone . Stop making excuses . If it werent for dad , I wouldnt have allowed you to come back here after what you did ! He exclaimed emphatically to the person on the other end . I debated whether to continue or not , but in the end , I approached . I quietly placed the folders on his table and looked at him . He turned towards me . Youve been a major disappointment to our family since then . Why should I even bother No ! Im not competing with you . Youre just his illegitimate child ! My mouth fell open upon hearing that . His tone was filled with anger , so I figured he was speaking to his half brother in another country . This is how he spoke every time he talked to him . Id always wondered why he treated his brother like this , but I couldnt help but ask him the reason . It dampened the mood every time it was brought up . Later on , I heard Ares unleash a string of expletives before hanging up the phone . I even caught a glimpse of his mild shock when he saw me . Youre here … He said promptly and approached me , kissing me on the forehead and pulling coming into my office . Whats wrong ? He said softly , his gaze fixed on me . I just brought the clients contracts for you to sign . Are you okay ? I inquired , noticing the fur troubled . me into a Instead of answering , he gestured for me to sit on the sofa and quickly headed to his mini pantry . Im sorry , I didnt even notice you on his forehead as he watched me . He seemed Did you have breakfast ? I couldnt pick you up earlier due to an urgent meeting , he changed the subject . I simply looked at him while brewing coffee , Noticing my silence , he turned his gaze toward me , between us . pausing in what he was doing as if hed just realized something . He quickly closed the distance Im sorry … he muttered while looking at me intently . 20:50 The Double Life of My DINK Husband . Wha Chapter 14 My forehead creased . Why ? You waited for me , I know . I just … damn … He almost whispered to himself and slightly rubbed his forehead , then closed his eyes firmly . I swiftly took his hands and kissed them , causing him to look at me again . Tell me what happened , and Ill forgive you , I simply told him , still holding onto his hands . He was about to speak when there was a knock on the door , and we both turned in that direction . Shortly after , it suddenly swung open , revealing a stunning woman . Tall and fair skinned , she looked like a model . I released Ares hand and stood up , and Ares did the same . I wanted to maintain professionalism and not bring any personal matters between Ares and me into the office , even though many already knew . If I could move to another company , I would have . Ares didnt want the case . Lorraine , what brings you here ? Our meeting is over , Ares voice was serious and troubled . I stood silently beside him . I saw this woman glance at me for a moment , he called her Lorraine , and then she smiled . So , this was youre doing while I was away , huh ? Is that why you neglected the partnership my dad offered you ? I bit my lower lip upon hearing that . Maybe she wasnt referring to me , was she ? Dont take everything personally , Lorraine . I already explained the reasons in our earlier meeting , Ares replied coldly , turning back to his desk . He gestured for me to stay , so I just nodded . I observed as the woman approached Ares desk , standing in front of him with her arms crossed over her chest . I sized her up from head to toe . Judging by her attire , it was clear that she also hailed from a wealthy family like Ares . She exuded sophistication and a formidable presence . Though we were about the same height , I was slightly fairer than her . Who was she ? 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