Chapter 3

Linda's p.o.v

I half wondered if I was still dreaming. Sometimes dreams are better than realities. 

Slowly and hesitantly, I uncovered my face from the quilt. I blinked and blinked again until my eyes was comfortable enough to endure the bright light. I sat up to take in the rays of the light that burst through the glass of the window but instead I saw a figure sitting in front of me. His eyes were fixed on me. This time they were showing some kind of emotions, but were soon vanished. His eyes darkened and his face hardened into an expression of hatred. Once more, I was the enemy.

"Why didn't you stop me?" He asked and

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

"Why the hell didn't you stop me from sleeping withyou?" He ran his hand through his hair, frustration in every line of his body. How firmly he said thosewords.

I tried to avoid his gaze.

"Answer me you duckling." Daniel almost shouted which made me shake like a leaf.

"I- you- we did not sleep together." Shakingly, I almost stammered. 

"What?"

I replied to him that he got wasted on the bed and nothing happened between us which in return he ran a hand through his hair and released a sigh of relief.

It was a relief. For both of us. Yesterday after he got back, he just laid beside me and passed out while constantly apologising to Rose. Maybe he drank more after leaving the room. And maybe he did not even remember that I was the one who helped him get on the bed properly last night. I took his shoes off and cleaned his mess including his vomit. 

But I would not want him to remember either nor do I want to. He already made it clear that I should stay away from him and his things. Recalling last night would only make him lose his mind. As for me, I did not want to look like a desperate girl who wanted love and felt pity for myself.

"Never mind." 

He was too close now. I could feel his breath on my face.

"You are just someone who was forced on me and nothing else." My eyes were shot opened. His words were like a sword. He was mentally hurting me. He did not have to act like that to remind me what I was. 

"Get up now. The contract will be ready by tomorrow. Oh and don't forget to keep your hands away from my things. I may get an allergy." A lump was formed in my throat right after that. If this was just the start, then I had to be strong for the upcoming days.

Nonetheless, after he took his coat and left. I cried my eyes out. 

'How was I going to bear all of this?' 

Two hours later

After taking a long and ultimate relaxing bath, I put on a long white baggy dress. 

I feel more comfortable in loose clothes than the tight ones. I also applied some concealer to cover my tired and puffy eyes.

I stepped outside the room and wore a fake smile on my face. I walked down the stairs and saw Brant and Mary having their breakfast. 

They said they would visit the mansion every weekend so that I did not feel alone but I doubted that. Maybe they wanted to check how the relationship between Daniel and I was proceeding. I wanted to question them about Rose but could not. 

They were looking so happy. They would not ask me to marry their son if they knew. Mary and Brant were one of the pure souls that I have met. One of the reasons why I should not regret marrying Daniel. I wished I could be like them with Daniel when we would be of their age, but he proved that was totally impossible. For him, I was only an ally who was after his wealth and fame. If only he knew I would marry him even if he was a pauper. 

"Here she is. Good morning, Sweetheart. We were just talking about you." Breaking my chain thoughts, Mary said while smiling widely. 

"Good morning Mary. Good morning Brant." I replied genuinely. 

"Sweety, are you alright? You've got dark circles and you seem to be very weak." She asked in concern and I stayed quiet, looking down trying to make sure not to cry. A sensitive woman like me could burst out anytime. 

Brant cleared his throat. "Darling, yesterday was her first wedding night. She must be tired." Brant spoke while analysing my face like a cop who would look for clues in a murder case. I could not help but to avert my eyes from his. If he sensed something wrong, then I could be the one to face the consequences. 

"Daniel left home too early today." 

Mary said, breaking the awkward moment.

My smile faded a little bit. 

"Yeah, he said that he has an important meeting and would be present for dinner if possible. Can you please pass me the milk, mom?"

I did my best to change the topic. 

"I can't believe that man. Does he have to work on the second day of his marriage? Who does that?"

Mary said while applying butter frustratingly on the bread after giving me the milk. Whereas Brant was still, suspiciously looking at me. I shifted uncomfortably on my seat. If I did not be careful with him, then for sure he would get all the hints. 

I gave him a small smile and he did the same as well. They were welcoming and gentle unlike any other parents-in-law. I was not a millionaire like them but they still chose me for their son. 

'Was Daniel their real son? Why could not he be like them?' I thought. 

Yet I could not forget the fact that I was starting my new life with lies. Thanks to Daniel who did not give a damn.