Chapter Six

Last night left Tasha sinking into the depth of her tears and anxieties. First, she's married to the arrogant Mr. Nelson Radcliffe - the man whom every woman wants on their bed. The marriage wasn't with her consent, and now, he abandoned her on their wedding night.

The wedding night is when newlyweds get to bond and make love, right?

Tasha thought. But those thoughts are clustered in her mind, Nelson doesn't give a damn after all.

******

An offensive knock on the door swung Tasha out of sleep. Exasperated breaths evaded her lips as she twirled on the large bed in an attempt to rise on her feet. The bright chandelier made her squint her eyes - with her fragile hand blocking its shimmering radiance. She sauntered towards the door. For a second, she caught a glimpse of her wedding dress, laying on the bed. She huffed at the sight of it. More like a steamy scene from a Disney movie - a couple waking up to the mess they made on their wedding night. But it is a different story here, she made the mess alone. Nelson wasn't here.

Nelson's green eyes met hers when she twisted the knob. Her heart flung into her mouth as his shadow engulfed her at the drop of a hat. He's groomed in a yellow shirt with tiny black stripes and black pants. Nelson's face had wrinkles on them - the irked face he puts on whenever Tasha is in sight.

"...g... Good morning" Tasha stuttered, trying to hide her shock and nervousness. Her hands trembled on the knob, and her eyes flitted rapidly.

"Get dressed. We're traveling"

Tasha rolled her eyes nervously, unable to maintain eye contact with him as if he said the most creepy thing ever. She didn't know if laughing or replying with an "okay" could save her from the affronts Nelson's face was exuding.

"Why you're looking at me like that? Did you hear what I said?" his voice rips into Tasha's heart like a storm.

"Where are we traveling to?" Tasha stammered with every fleck of guts that was left in her. This was the first time she'd spoken to him since their wedding - last night.

Oh, gentle Tasha.

"Fuck!" Nelson cursed with a muffled breath. "I know you will make this harder than it is" he rumbled.

Tasha's feet went sore like she was standing on a fiery furnace, her eyes percolating with anxiety.

"We're going to Paris for our supposed honeymoon" he announced. "I'm Nelson Radcliffe. Everyone expects me to have a luxurious honeymoon after my wedding. It is a good thing that I'm giving your pathetic ass some exposure" he snarled with irritation oozing off his voice.

"You have twenty minutes. Get dressed" he added. He swept Tasha away in a single, but irritated glance. He kissed his teeth as he walked out of the room, cascading down the hallway.

Dumfounded and enraged, Tasha slammed the door behind her. She placed her back on the door, facing the large room. She let out a deep breath - one that has been stuck in her lungs since Nelson walked in.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into?" She muttered coldly, and the first tear dropped. She glided to the floor - crying with her sweaty hands ruffling her hair.

Initially, she knew her marriage to Nelson Radcliffe would be a pain in the ass. She thought being submissive and calm may suppress his hatred for her, but every encounter with him makes it an impossibility.

A message popped into her phone. The beep sound tore into the silence of the room. She strides towards the bed - where her phone was. It was Virginia.

'Good morning, the newest bride in LA. How was the first night with him? I was told wedding nights are filled with bliss. I'm sad I couldn't attend your wedding. I forgive you though. I hope you're awake, cos we have a lotta catching up to do"

Ever vibrant Virginia.

Amidst tears, a sad smile curled on Tasha's lips when she read the text. Only if Virginia knew the kind of arrogant asshole she got married to. She didn't spend the night with him, yet last night was the worst night she'd ever had. This morning was a gross and diverse definition of terrible.

Tasha dialed Virginia's number as she sat on the bed, part of her buttock rimming on her wedding dress. After two rings Virginia picked up the call.

"Hey. You're awake already? Virginia said ecstatically from the other end.

"Yeah" Tasha gasped. She burst into another round of tears, audible enough for Virginia to sense her sadness.

"Tasha?"

"Are you okay? Oh my God, you're crying. What happened?" Virginia mumbled. She couldn't hide the suspicion and worry in her tone.

"Tasha, talk to me. You're freaking me out"

"Virginia this isn't what I signed up for. I can't deal with this. This guy treats me like shit" Tasha yelled. Her heart thumped inside her chest as it'll fall off her chest. Every emotion of fury and regret she had harbored since yesterday found its way out - flowing down in her tears.

"Tasha, how? I don't understand. It was meant to be your wedding night. It's supposed to be filled with merry and...."

"I hoped so too" Tasha interrupted. She wiped her face with the back of her palm. "I don't know if this is worth it. I don't think I can deal with this for the rest of my life. This man doesn't give a shit about me. He uses every moment as a reason to make a mockery of me" Tasha sobbed.

"Oh, darling. I'm really sorry about this... Huh... I'm freaking speechless right now. Uhh... Did he hit you?"

"No, but I wish he did. That could be better than the insults he stings me with. Virginia, I...I'm so so fed up. I hate him so much. He's so arrogant and possessive. I...."

"I heard that" a baritone voice muttered from the door.