Chapter 4 -Validity

****

As I watched my mother’s frightened expression, I knew something was wrong.

But I didn't mention it and just offered her a soft smile. “Of course,” I said, turning to her. “Let’s go.”

“After you,” she replied, her voice a little shaky.

“Sure.”

I walked ahead of her.

Good thing the veil was out of the way. As I got closer, I could see the man I had just married clearly.

Lucian Creed... for a man, he was... beautiful. His eyes were blue, like the ocean, calm but cold.

But that didn’t give him the right to take advantage of my family. i snapped inwardly. What kind of man demands marriage for a deal like that?

I mean, I’ve only been in London for one day, and I’m already married. Just thinking about it made my head hurt.

But instead of sitting next to him, I took a seat far from both him and my father, while my mother sat beside my father.

The moment my dad saw me, he frowned. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I asked her to join us,” Lucian said calmly. “Is there a problem?”

“Oh no Mr. Creed… I’m just surprised,” my father replied.

The same look I saw on my mother’s face was now on his.

Now I was sure something was wrong. Since they were not saying anything, I decided not to say anything either and just listen.

After a while, they started discussing, and as they spoke, one thing kept repeating in my head.

“Gambled your wealth away.” My so-called husband kept saying it.

My parents kept brushing it off.

That didn’t sit right with me. I turned to him.

“Wait,” I cut in with a small smile. “Why do you keep saying ‘gambled your wealth away’? That doesn’t sound right.”

“Oh dear, it’s nothing,” my father said quickly. “We are just having an adult conversation.”

I frowned.

Adult conversation? My foot. “Yes, I can see that,” I replied. “But even at that, why are you letting him talk to you like that? It’s bad enough that you lost everything to a conman. You don’t have to keep taking it just because you need his help.”

I looked straight at the Bastard.

“And one would think after such an unreasonable demand, he…”

“Mira!” my father cut in sharply. His face was filled with anger.

why?

“Unreasonable demand?” Lucian asked, cutting my dad off. “Tell me, when have I made an unreasonable demand?”

I opened my mouth to speak but...

“Mira, that’s enough,” my mother jumped in, cutting me off too.

But I ignored her and continued. “Well, for starters, this is my first time in London in four years,” I said. “And suddenly I’m married. Because someone made a demand. If that’s not unreasonable, then what is?”

“That’s a good question,” he said, taking a sip of his drink. He glanced at my father. “But I’ll let your father explain that to you.”

“He already did,” I snapped.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I paused and turned a questioning glance at both my parents. What did he mean?

Of course my parents told me everything… right? I began to ponder.

To my father. “Is there something I don’t know?” I asked.

“No, my dear…” he replied, not looking at me.

My chest tightened.

“That’s right. I already know everything,” I said, even though I wasn’t sure anymore.

“Then go on,” Lucian said. "Tell me what you think you know."

Annoyed. “Fine. My father told me—”

“That’s enough,” Dad suddenly said, standing up.

He turned to Lucian. “Thank you for your help, but we would like to leave now.”

"Wait... what?" I stared at him. It's too early; you don't need to leave yet...

"Yes, we do," Dad said with a tight smile.

“My dear, just be patient for now,” Mother added, already on her feet.

What's going on? Why were they in such a hurry?

I watched their faces. They looked scared. Maybe they were afraid of Lucian Creed, of what he might do to them.

With guards all over the place and the kind of power he had… it made sense.

“Of course,” I replied after a while. “Be careful on your way.”

“Thank you.”

I moved to follow them out, but he stopped me.

“You don’t need to see us off. We’ll go ourselves. Just… stay still," he said but this time, he wasn't smiling.

“Okay…” I said slowly and watched them leave.

The moment the door slammed shut, I turned to Lucian Creed.

“Do you have to scare my parents like that?” I demanded.

He looked at me coldly. “I don’t know what you are talking about."

Then he turned to the maid. “Bring my jewelry.”

“Yes, sir,” she said quickly.

I scoffed. “Bastard,” I said, pulling the necklace off my neck. “What makes you think I want your stupid jewelry?”

I threw it at his chest. “Keep it. It suits you.” I turned and walked upstairs.

Ken sighed as he watched me leave. “She’s angry,” he said. “And I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave her like that.”

“Meaning?” Lucian asked.

“She doesn’t know the truth,” Ken said. “To her, you forced this marriage.”

Lucian gave a small smile. “I know,” he said. “Did you see how fast they ran? It’s obvious what they were trying to do.”

Ken hesitated. “Should I tell her the truth?” he asked.

“No,” Lucian said sharply. “Why the hell would you do that?”

Taken aback. “Sorry, sir. I just thought—”

“You don’t think, Ken. Just do your bloody job.” He leaned back slightly. “Let’s see how this plays out. It’s been a while since I dealt with someone like her.”

Ken sighed. “Should I cancel your trip to Norway?” he asked.

Lucian turned to him again. “What is wrong with you today?” he asked. “Why would I cancel it?”

“Well… your honeymoon…” Ken started, then stopped when he saw Lucian’s face. “I’ll prepare everything,” he said quickly.

“You better,” Lucian replied. “We leave in ten minutes.”

"Yes sir."

Honeymoon? What nonsense. Lucian thought to himself. As soon as he returns from his trip, he plans to end the stupid marriage. It wasn’t real anyway.

The Dolmans were his enemies. He wasn’t about to make them family. He just wanted to play with them a little.

And from the look of things, the daughter hated him too.

Good. That would make everything easier. “Sir, everything is ready,” Ken reported from behind him.

“Good.” Lucian replied.

After giving a few instructions to the guards and maid, they left Norway. Without telling his new wife, of course.

****

Mary dropped onto the sofa with a sigh. “Why do people get married when they don’t even like each other?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Lisa replied. “But if the boss wants to marry, shouldn’t it be someone better?”

Mary frowned. “What do you mean? She’s beautiful.”

Lisa rolled her eyes. “Like you would know.”

“Hey!” Mary snapped.

“Enough,” Josie said, stepping in. “Whoever Mr. Creed decides to Marry, is none of our business. Just do your work.”

"Yeah. Yeah." They both responded in unison and went quiet.

But Josie was worried.

When Mr. Creed called earlier, giving his temperament, she thought he would ask her to lock the new wife in her room. Instead, he gave her a bank card.

And told them to do whatever the new Mrs. wanted.

That was… unusual.

Something about this whole situation didn’t feel normal.