My Stone-Hearted Billionaire Husband

Chapter 36: The Stark Contrast Between Them



Tears welled up in Kourtney’s eyes as she struggled to regain her composure. She felt pain, both physical and emotional, and her heart sank as she met Brandon’s cold and ruthless gaze. During their years of courtship, never once did he physically abuse her like this. She wondered if this person was the same man she’d fallen so deeply in love with.

“You know, Kourtney, I never thought you’d turn out this evil. Trying to stress her out, hoping she’ll lose the baby, huh? Is that your plan?”

The words hit Kourtney like a punch to the gut. The audacity of Brandon’s accusation left her speechless. She also couldn’t believe her sister would stoop so low, using her pregnancy as a weapon to further her own agenda. She had fallen right into Kathlyn’s scheme, and now she was being painted as the villain.

This couple was really shameless!

“How could you be so heartless, huh? Pushing a pregnant woman like that? I never thought you were capable of such ruthlessness!” Brandon was still yelling. He was too blind to see that Kathlyn manipulated the situation.

The pain from his push just now still radiated through her body, but Kourtney refused to let them see her weakness. With a determined look, she rose to her feet, brushing off the dirt from her clothes.

Standing tall, Kourtney locked eyes with Brandon and then slapped him hard across his right cheek.

“You can throw your baseless accusations and insults as much as you like, but never ever you harm me physically. I won’t tolerate it. Brandon Smith, you’re an animal, and I regret ever loving a dirtbag like you.”

With that, Kourtney walked past the despicable couple without bothering to spare them a second glance. She refused to let their toxic behavior consume her.

Meanwhile, Brandon held his cheek in stunned silence. He didn’t see it coming one bit. But somehow, what hurt him the most wasn’t even the slap. Rather, it was, “You’re an animal, and I regret ever loving a dirtbag like you.”

He swallowed a mouthful of saliva, wondering why those words seemed so much like a stab to his heart!

**********

Inside his luxurious private jet valued at a staggering $120 million, Sebastian reclined in his seat, engrossed in the latest issue of Forbes magazine. He looked like a magnificent demigod in his impeccably tailored suit, exuding confidence and charm.

The interview he was about to face for Forbes was crucial, as it would determine his standing among the world’s billionaires. Currently, he was busy doing his homework, meticulously studying the questions frequently thrown at industry titans, preparing himself to deliver eloquent and insightful answers as was his trademark.

Suddenly, one of his bodyguards approached him.”Sir, I’m sorry to interrupt, but there seems to be a slight situation involving Mrs. Woods.”

Sebastian’s expression quickly turned cold, his curiosity piqued. “What has happened?” he inquired sharply.

“The other Allen young mistress and the Smith family’s young master caused trouble for Mrs Woods after she was dropped off today,” the bodyguard explained.

Sebastian’s eyes flashed with dangerous intent as he quickly threw down the magazine. Somehow, his blood boiled at the thought of anyone mistreating his wife.

“Was it captured on video?”

“Yes, sire,” the bodyguard responded promptly, setting up a laptop in front of him.

Sebastian watched the footage of the heated altercation between the three with keen interest to the very end. Seeing his wife being bullied and shoved to the ground like it was nothing, his brow furrowed in a blend of anger and protectiveness.

“She still didn’t tell them she is my wife, hence, the reason for being able to use the limo. Just when will this woman accept her new role and identity?” Sebastian muttered to himself, frustration evident in his voice.

It bothered him so much that Kourtney was still keeping their marriage a secret from those in her circle. Goodness, it’s been five long days, but she still hasn’t told anyone. It frustrated him to no end.

“She wouldn’t even wear the damn wedding ring if I hadn’t insisted,” he continued to complain to himself. It was as if she were reluctant to embrace the title of Mrs. Woods.

Sebastian had always been a man who commanded attention and respect. Everyone in his life whether friends or family, had always bragged about him non-stop and incessantly praised his name. After all, he was none other than Sebastian Woods, a name that evoked admiration and awe wherever it was spoken.

Thoughts of his ex-girlfriend resurfaced – she had been too proud to claim him as her own, unlike Kourtney. The stark contrast between them troubled him deeply.

Was she embarrassed by him? Did she think he wasn’t good enough for her? Did she believe he didn’t meet her standards? These thoughts haunted Sebastian’s mind, filling him with a sense of helplessness that he had never experienced before.

**********

The next day was a Friday and it was Kourtney’s weekly day off from work. She could finally rest a bit from the stress of planning the Silver Stone Gala. As she woke up, she stretched her limbs, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Even though the events of the previous day had taken a toll on her, both physically and emotionally, she felt refreshed for some unknown reason.

Happily, Kourtney started her usual morning skincare and hair treatment routine, taking extra care to pamper herself. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn’t help but notice how amazing and smooth her skin looked. It was as if the stress had melted away overnight.

With a smile, she proceeded to do some yoga, wanting to clear her mind and find some peace. She put on her favorite playlist, filled with Lana Del Rey’s soothing melodies, and let the music guide her through the poses.

As she flowed from one position to another, Kourtney found solace in the rhythm of the music. It was a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos that had surrounded her lately.

And then, as if to destroy her moment of mental serenity, there was a heavy knock on the door. Startled, Kourtney paused her yoga session and went to answer it. To her surprise, it was her mother, Margaret, standing outside with a stony-faced expression that did nothing to shield her beauty.

Even at 50, Margaret exuded a timeless beauty that could rival models in their 30s. Her flawless complexion and graceful poise were a testament to her captivating charm. It was no secret that men had gone crazy for her in her younger days.

“Mom, what are you doing here?”

“Silly girl! I live here too. What? I can’t visit your room anymore?” Margaret sounded irritated by Kourtney’s question. “I just came back from the hospital where Kathlyn is receiving treatment. Your sister told me that you pushed her down last night, even though she’s pregnant. How wicked of you!”Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Kourtney’s heart sank at her mother’s words. Kathlyn had twisted the events and gone so far as to make her look like the aggressor.

“Mom, it wasn’t like that. I did not push her. Kathlyn is just using her pregnancy to manipulate the situation,” she pleaded. “If there was anyone who was assaulted last night, it was me.”

But Margaret didn’t seem any bit interested in hearing her side of the story.

“I don’t want to hear your excuses, Kourtney. Your father is very angry about this. He’s furious! He might blow off on you once he gets back home. You know how he can get when he’s mad, right?” she threatened, dragging Kourtney forcefully by the hand. “Get dressed and come with me now to the hospital. You’re going to apologize to your sister.”

Kourtney stared bitterly at the woman she calls “Mum” feeling a wave of despair wash over her as she studied her mother’s face. The resemblance between them was striking, both sharing the same gorgeous emerald green eyes that seemed to hold a lifetime of secrets. Yet, despite their physical similarities, Kourtney had always felt like the odd one out, never quite understanding how and why she wasn’t Margaret’s favorite daughter.

She had always wondered why her mother seemed distant, why she never showed the affection she craved. It seemed like no matter what she did, she would never be good enough in her family’s eyes.

All her life, she had always felt like an outsider who was only occupying space in this home. They would always treat her like dirt and then adore Kathlyn. It was worthless to even try behaving like the good daughter cause they already think the worst of her. Apologize to Kathlyn. For what?

“Over my dead body will I apologize to Kathlyn because I did nothing wrong to her.”

Silence hung in the air for a short while as Kourtney’s words sank in.

“What happened to you? You’re not the daughter I raised. You used to be so obedient!”

As her mother’s words echoed in her mind, Kourtney started to see the bright side of her marriage to Sebastian. Maybe he was her fate and saving grace to leave this godforsaken family who always brought her nothing but pain, after all. They would always take Kathlyn’s side without even bothering to hear her own side of the story.

“It’s high time I tell them about him,” Kourtney convinced herself.

She snatched her hand back from Margaret’s forceful grip and said with deviance. “Mum, I’m calling for a family meeting tonight. I have something truly important to confess.”


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