Chapter 5

Emily's hand dropped to her side. She knew what she was about to do would make James hate her even more.

But she had no choice.

This marriage wasn't just about her; it involved the entire Johnson family. She couldn't let the Smith family look down on them.

James leaned against the car, the dim light softening his features. The cigarette between his fingers had burned down to the end. He crushed it under his foot and glanced at Mia Wilson.

"You said you had news about my mom?" He asked, his voice still tinged with the essence of the alcohol from the wedding reception. "What news?"

Mia looked up, her eyes red and swollen from crying. "James, did you marry her?" She didn't answer his question, her voice trembling with emotion. "You said you'd never get married."

James frowned, his tone impatient. "I asked you about my mom."

"I..." Mia's gaze flickered, unable to meet James's eyes. "I'm sorry, I lied. I was just so upset. I was afraid you'd ignore me, so I made up the story about your mom."

"James, why not me?"

For so many years, she had been the only woman who could stand by James's side. If he were to marry anyone, it should have been her. She couldn't accept that it was someone else.

"Enough." James interrupted her, pushing her away. His voice was filled with frustration. "Mia, you know I hate being lied to!"

He turned to leave, but Mia rushed forward and hugged him from behind. "James, I didn't mean to. I just love you so much. Please don't be mad at me."

"Mr. Smith."

At some point, Aiden's butler, David Jones, had appeared behind him, flanked by two rows of bodyguards.

James's brow furrowed, his face darkening. "What are you doing here?"

David's voice was calm and respectful. "Today is your wedding day, Mr. Smith. Mr. Aiden Smith sent me to bring you back."

That Emily had gotten Aiden to pressure him.

He wouldn't let her have her way!

"I have other things to do. Tell her to go to bed early." With that, James turned to leave.

"Mr. Smith," David stepped in front of him, his tone serious. "Mr. Aiden Smith said to bring you back, even if it means tying you up."

As David finished speaking, the bodyguards stepped forward, blocking James's path.

Clearly, they were prepared.

James narrowed his eyes, his voice cold. "Do you think they can stop me?"

"With your skills, they certainly can't." David paused, then continued. "Mr. Smith said if you don't return tonight, you'll never see your mother again."

James's fists clenched tightly, anger boiling in his eyes. "You're threatening me?"

David bowed slightly, his tone respectful. "Mr. Smith, I'm just following orders."

He glanced at James, his voice steady. "Mr. James Smith, you know Mr. Aiden Smith's temperament. If you don't return tonight, you might never see your mother again."

"He wouldn't dare!" James growled, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

David simply bowed and opened the car door for James.

In the end, James released his clenched fists and conceded.

James stormed into the Smith Manor and headed straight for Aiden's study.

The door flew open with a bang, but Aiden didn't even flinch.

"Where's my mom?" James demanded, slamming his hand on the desk, causing the cup to rattle. "What happened back then? Where did you hide her?"

The lamp cast sharp shadows on his face, his bloodshot eyes filled with rage, like a caged beast.

Aiden finally looked up, his gaze behind his glasses calm and steady. "Abandoning your new wife to meet another woman, James? Aren't you embarrassed enough by today's wedding?"

James's voice rose sharply. "You made me get married, and I did. Now fulfill your promise and let me see her."

"We'll discuss this later," Aiden replied, his tone indifferent. "Emily is still waiting for you in the room."

"I want to know where my mom is and how she's doing!" James's voice was hoarse, his presence menacing.

Aiden frowned, his gaze finally showing a hint of emotion.

This son of his was truly troublesome, but his personality was the most like his own.

"When the time is right, you'll know."

James's anger was nearly explosive. "Don't think you can use my mom to control me anymore!"

Since Aiden wouldn't tell him, he'd find out himself!

Aiden stood up, his body swaying slightly from anger. "James, I'm your father, not your enemy. You'll know about your mother when the time comes."

James's fists were clenched tightly, his chest burning with rage. He wanted to lash out but had no outlet.

Aiden put his glasses back on, his tone still calm and unruffled. "Don't keep Emily waiting too long."

A loud noise echoed.

Emily jumped at the sound, and before she could see who it was, a pair of large hands were around her neck.

James's eyes were cold, his face dark with anger.

"Who gave you the nerve to keep using my father to pressure me?"

The intense feeling of suffocation made Emily's face turn red, but she stubbornly met his gaze. "Today is our wedding day. You have to be here."

"All this talk, you just want me to sleep with you. Since you have needs, I'll fulfill them, Mrs. Smith."

James's tone was harsh, and before Emily could respond, he pulled her into his arms.

His kiss was forceful and demanding, tearing at her clothes. When he saw her firm breasts, his eyes darkened, and his erection grew.

"James, let go of me!"

Emily tried to push him away, but James grabbed her, turning her around and forcing her to kneel on the bed. The next moment, he thrust into her.

The pain was excruciating, and tears streamed down Emily's face.

James showed no mercy, his movements were rough and relentless.

"Mrs. Smith, does it feel good?"

Listening to her sobs, James's thrusts became even more intense.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally pulled away, his movements swift and cold, as if the person who had lost control wasn't him.

Emily curled up on the messy sheets, trembling, her body marked by his roughness.

"Mrs. Smith, are you satisfied? If not, I can continue."

Emily gritted her teeth in anger. "James, you're a bastard!"