You’re all I think about.

I woke up to see myself wrapped in Daniel’s arms. Although he was a stranger, everything felt so right being with him.

As I watched him sleep, I picked up my phone and saw it was 3:02am and I knew I had to head back to the mansion.

I stood up, packed my things and gave Daniel a final glance.

“It’s a pity I don’t get to see you again,” I whispered. “I can’t put my father’s safety in jeopardy by not abiding to this marriage.” I continued.

After a last glance, I took off into the night. Thankfully for me I saw a taxi who was able to drive me to the estate.

Throughout the ride, I kept on reminiscing on the amazing night I had spent with Daniel. I had never been satisfied by a man to this extent in my life.

I picked up my phone and opened a picture of my father and squeezed my phone tightly.

“All will be well daddy,” I muttered as I stared at the road through the taxi window.

In no time the taxi driver parked the car at a corner.

“We have arrived at your destination ma’am,” He said as he turned around on his seat to look at me.

“Oh sure thank you. Have it,” I said as I handed him a five dollar bill.

Immediately I got out of the car and snuck back into the house. The security guard was friendly enough to let me pass through the gates, although I had to pay him to keep my going out a secret.

As I entered the living room, I heard Matthew rounding up from the study. He was probably done with sleeping with that lady and was ready to go to bed.

As I carefully tiptoed on the stairs, Matthew’s voice cut through the silent room.

“And where are you just coming from?” Matthew asked with a stern voice and his arms crossed.

“I uhm, I came downstairs to ask if you weren’t coming to bed,” I replied with a fake smile.

“Really?” He replied with doubt all over his tone.

“Yeah.”

“So why are you on your way upstairs not downstairs to come and meet me?” He asked as he walked towards me and stood tall and intimidating.

“I- I- I heard you rounding up so I thought it was pointless so I decided to go back to the bedroom,” I replied, shivers moving round my spine as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks for being caring Jane. I have a feeling that you and I will make a lovely couple,” He said with a smile then grabbed my arm and proceeded to walk upstairs.

As we both walked into the bedroom, all I could think of was how I had successfully snuck out of the house without being caught by Matthew.

I told myself that I couldn’t go on dangerous trips like that as long as my father remained indebted to this man.

I had to be a faithful and loving wife, atleast that was the life I was thrown into.

As we both settled into the comfortable sheets of the bed, I closed my eyes and hoped for a better tomorrow.

* * *

It had been a week since my arrival at the Vanderbilt’s mansion and in all honesty Matthew was a nice man.

He always wanted to make sure I was happy. It was almost as if he was deeply in love with me.

He changed my entire wardrobe and took me to a salon for a total makeover. Rather than my messy bun that I had always kept my hair in, my hair was now let down and had wavy curls.

I looked totally different. I looked like a Vanderbilt now. Any lady who could be opportune to my current life would be so happy, but I wasn’t.

For the past one week, all I could think about was my passionate night with Daniel, the stranger from the bar.

As I sat in the living room, reading this romance book, all I could think about was Daniel and I being the main characters.

I let out an exhausted sigh and Matthew noticed my sad mood.

“Why do you look so sad?” He asked sternly with a pinch of concern in his voice.

“I’m just bored, nothing serious,” I replied with a smile.

“Well, you’re in luck. Mother’s birthday is in a week and she is hosting a big party,” Matthew said as he flipped the page of the Forbes under 30 magazine that he was reading.

“Your mother is coming here?” I asked with a bit of fear written on my face.

“Of course. She and some family members. I can finally introduce as my wife,” He continued.

I felt scared a bit because I had heard about the famous Madam Hildegard, Matthew’s mum, from the staff. They mostly said she was ruthless and strict.

Their family was too complex for me so I thought about how I would hide myself when the day of the party comes.

“Did you hear me?” Matthew asked, cutting through my trance.

“Oh sorry my mind wasn’t there. What did you say?” I asked again.

“Don’t bother. How about we go to bed now?” He asked as he stood up and stretched his hand to hold mine.

“Alright let’s go,” I replied as I closed my novel, joined my hands with his and stood up.

We both left the living room and got to our bedroom. I took off my clothes and put on my robe.

Matthew walked up to me and held my waist and stared deeply into my eyes.

“I really love you Jane,” He confessed as he rubbed my hair.

“You married me to get back at my dad, I don’t think that is love,” I replied, looking to the side to avoid eye contact.

“That’s what you think. I have loved you from the moment I set my eyes on you when you came to drop off your father’s lunch at the office last month,” He said.

“You’ve seen me before?” I asked, with my eyes widened from shock.

“Of course. From that moment I wanted you to be mine and finally you’re mine. Well not totally yet,” He continued.

“What do you mean by not totally?” I asked, looking confused.

“This…” He replied and kissed me immediately.

I didn’t reciprocate the kiss, because I knew I did not love him. His kiss just threw my memory back to Daniel.

I eventually accepted the fact that I would never see Daniel again, so it’s best I fall in love with Matthew and lived my life.

I began to kiss Matthew back and we both lay on the bed.

Matthew gently took off my robe and stared into my eyes.

“You’re beautiful,” He smiled and continued kissing me.

And just like that I gave myself to Matthew. Tonight would be the last time that I would think of Daniel. From now on, he was just a stranger I met at a bar.