5

CHAPTER FIVE

The agreement had been made. The contract had been signed. The wedding was over.

The young couple made their way to their matrimonial home after the reception.

The drive to the house was peaceful and quiet, except for the noise created as Michael rapidly typed on his iPad. He didn't utter a word, and neither did she.

The drive lasted for about thirty-three minutes—the longest thirty-three minutes that Ashley could ever imagine.

The couple arrived at the mansion, and the golden gate was opened by the gatekeeper.

As the driver pulled in, she could see the mansion and how magnificent it looked. Then, she stepped out of the car.

She made her way to the front door, amazed at the sight before her. She noticed the intricate gold molding on the pillars flanking the front door.

The glittering color was the perfect accent against the beige building, adding an imperial flair to the neo-classical-style mansion.

"This is... beautiful!" she gawked, utterly and shamelessly amazed. Her palms covered her mouth in awe as she followed Michael through the double doors, which revealed a grand floor with a two-way staircase.

He led her through a series of stairs and doors before stopping in front of a golden-colored door.

"This will be your room," he announced before opening the door. She entered, her steps slowing as she inspected the space, which was much larger than her room at her dad's.

"Hope it's okay?"

"Yes, it is. Thank you."

"Alright," he said, dropping her suitcases by the door. "I'll be in my room, just down the hall, second door to your left." He explained, and she nodded.

She fell onto her bed as soon as he left, tired, hungry, and feeling unaccomplished.

The two suitcases, which contained only some of her clothes, stood where they were placed, almost staring at her, begging her to unpack.

She sighed as if understanding the silent request and stood up. She lazily dragged the suitcase onto her bed, opened it, and started arranging the clothes in the closet, which, to her surprise, was already filled with women's clothing.

As soon as she was through, her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn't had a decent meal that day.

She made her way out of her room, navigating the stairs while keeping an eye out for Michael. When she was sure the coast was clear, she continued her journey to the kitchen, which she still couldn't find.

"Are you hungry?" A voice asked suddenly, startling her.

She turned quickly toward the voice, which belonged to an elderly lady stepping out of a room. She assumed it was the kitchen, as the woman carried several dishes.

"Ehmm—yes, ma'am... Please, who are you?" Ashley inquired curiously.

"Oh, I'm sorry for being abrupt. I'm Jane, the housekeeper," the woman introduced herself as she placed the dishes on the magnificent dining table.

"Hello, Ma'am Jane."

"No, no, madam. Please don't call me 'ma'am,' just Jane."

"Never!"

"Please, madam. I beg of you."

"I feel uncomfortable calling you just Jane, and besides, do not call me 'madam.' I'm still too young for that."

"But you're my madam. You're the young master's wife."

"Unfortunately, I am," she muttered, not expecting Jane to hear, but she did nonetheless.

"Then you're my madam. I'm sure you're extremely hungry; please come and eat, the food is ready."

"Oh, thank you, Ma'am Jane."

"Please don't call me that."

"Ma, I feel comfortable calling you this way; please allow me. And please, I'd appreciate it if you would call me by my name. I'm Ashley, by the way."

"Okay, Ma'am Ashl—oops, Ashley." Ashley chuckled at the woman's cuteness.

"Thank you, Jane."

Ashley could tell she would enjoy her stay in this house, all because of Jane.

Ashley ate the meal, which consisted of rice, chicken, and salad. She ate as if she hadn’t eaten in days, even though it had only been a few hours.

"I see you're eating." She heard his deep baritone voice as he made his way down the stairs toward the dining room, where she was seated.

She had never had the chance to really look at him, but seeing him now made her gulp in amazement.

Her husband was the epitome of beauty. He had tanned skin with dark brown eyes, unruly dark hair, a pointed nose that sat perfectly on his face, plump, sexy lips, and a chiseled jaw that made his face look so masculine yet so attractive.

He looked at her intensely, as if taking her in. She quickly looked back down at her food, only to notice his lips moving again, as if expecting her response.

"Uhmm, yes, I am," she replied, forcing her eyes back to her plate. Michael sat down, continuing to glance at his little wife while digging into his food.

"I'll be going out tonight," he said.

"Oh," she wanted to ask him where he would be going but stopped herself. He could do whatever he wanted, but she hoped he would at least change his clothes. The polo he wore clung to his muscular body, drawing her eyes back to him. He wasn’t just handsome; he was muscular. God!

"So, I'm not sure if I’ll be back tonight. I’m meeting some friends," he said.

"What... What do you mean you're not sure if you'll be back tonight? It's almost midnight," she reminded him.

"And what do you expect? Stay home with you? Have sex, like newlyweds do?" He scoffed.

"What? I didn't say that!"

"Look, Ashley, or whatever your name is, let me make things clear. The fact that we are married doesn't mean I have to change my life. I don’t intend to. I will continue to live exactly the way I have."

Ashley was confused. "I don't understand, Michael."

He sighed, "Alright, let me break it down for you. As you know, this marriage is based on a contract, right? So that means I’m not obligated to be committed to you or this marriage."

"..."

"I'm only twenty-four, Ashley. I still have my whole life ahead of me, with many beautiful options, filled with ladies. I can't throw all that away just because of some damn marriage that isn’t even real."

Ashley became angry, but Michael didn't care.

"Let me make it blunt. You’re not my type, so don’t expect anything from me tonight. Clear any thoughts of a wedding night out of your head. It’s not going to happen. You’re not the kind of girl I would date, let alone sleep with. Understand?"

"Well, you're not my type either!"

"Great. That means this shouldn’t be a problem for either of us." He stood up and adjusted his polo. "I'm glad we’re on the same page. I should get going now." He said, leaving the house.

Ashley was in a state of shock as she watched him walk out, and it was then she realized she was in for a rollercoaster of a marriage.