Chapter 5

Chapter 5

“He despised me,” I uttered while I was busy checking out the new set of clothing fabrics that was delivered today.

I am still stuck with what I heard and saw from Elijah last night. He was grieving, mourning, and hating me each day. It slapped me with the truth that he really did just marry me to punish me—to make my life like a real hell.

“How was he?” Lily asked.

Yesterday, it was Lucas who visited me, and now it's her. I know that the two of them are worried. Among all the people who hate me, there are still Lucas and Lily who cared for me. It turns out that Elijah belongs to the group of people who wished me to die instead of my sister.

“Cold? He doesn’t care. Elijah changed after Freya passed away. He's full of anger,” rage is firing up inside and outside of him.

“What about your parents? Did they reach out?” I smirked and shook my head. Of course, they won't contact me again unless they have to. They hate me. They treat me like a devil who killed Freya as if I planned the accident where I almost died as well.

I mean, I'm not expecting them to visit me or check on me anymore, but it still saddened me.

“I told you not to marry him and just leave. It's not like you cannot leave alone,” now, she's frustrated with the kind of life I have right now.

“Lucas said the same thing,” I mentioned. The two of them have the same thoughts running in their minds.

“He visited?” She looks surprised. Who would not be? We all know how busy he is.

“Yeah, surprising, right? He said he had a day off,”

“Tsk. Being a workaholic will kill him. I won't be surprised if his life will be a film soon after he passed away because of working too much,” all I could do was to shake my head at Lily. She sounded like she hates him, but she actually just cares for him.

“Anyway, you can file a divorce, Faith. If that jerk won't sign it, we'll back you up.” She winked at me, telling me that they got my back whatever happens.

“I won't do that,” I quickly turned down her idea.

Her eyes almost vanished when she heard that. I know that she was already expecting that answer.

“What an impudent brat,” I heard her mumble.

“They are just blinded by the pain of losing Freya—we all are.” I blew out a light sigh as I stopped from what I was doing.

“Blinded my foot. They just hate you. They are fucking narrow minded and you are blinded by your love for them,” she really emphasized ‘my love’ for them, vexing everything to me.

“They are still my parents. Freya is now gone, I'm the only one left who can look out for them.”

Even though they break my heart, I still just can't hate them in one snap. I understand where they are coming from and I cannot blame them for that. I tried defending myself so many times, but their minds are closed to hear me out. I have no idea when they would absorb everything and listen to me, but I hope that day comes. I hope they realize everything and end my suffering.

“That’s why they do these things to you. They know that you will not disobey them even if it means losing yourself or even if it's against your will. I just don't understand why you're being so naive and weak, Faith. You are more than this. You do not even deserve a man like Elijah.”

I held her hands and drew a tiny smile. I know she's worried, but my decision will not waver.

“I won't walk away, Lily.” I said firmly.

“Do you think he will learn to love you? Do you think he will melt and the old Elijah who used to care for you will be back?” She cackled as if she confidently knew that it wouldn't happen.

“I don't expect him to love me, Lily. Seeing them heal is fine.” That is what I only wish not just for Elijah, but to all of us. I hope whatever the ending of this story, I hope we all heal from our wounds marked on our chests.

“So, it's okay if they throw it all to you? You will really be their punching bag until they heal? Fuck that, Faith.”

I heaved a heavy sigh and still glued a tiny smile.

“I chose this, Lily. I chose this.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Faith. Mrs. Cander is here for a fitting.” My secretary said, which interrupts our conversation.

“I’ll get going,” Lily said.

“Thanks for visiting me, it really helps.” I need it the most when I'm already breaking down.

“Whenever you need me, call me.” She said firmly as if she's anticipating a danger coming on my way.

I watched her leave as Mrs. Cander entered my place as well. She is one of the veteran actresses in the showbiz industry. It was Lucas who introduced her to me and the day we met, she became one of my usual clients.

“Hello, Mrs. Cander!” I greeted with so much energy as if I'm having a blast with the kind of life I currently have.

“Hi, Faith! It's nice to see you again,” she even gave me a hug.

“So, the Gala is just around the corner, huh?” Her gown is ready. I was able to design it before my wedding.

“Yeah. Too much stress, shall I say?” She made a chuckle while my assistants in the shop were preparing her gown.

“By the way, I heard that you got married?” Her eyes twinkled. She's probably thinking that it's a romantic and filled with mirth wedding.

I paused for a while, lost for words.

“Yeah, I did.” I forced a small smile.

“Sorry, I wasn't able to send you an invitation because it was too sudden,” very sudden. It happened in a blink of an eye that even I couldn't absorb it well.

“Oh, that's fine. Who is the guy, then?” Her gaze at me became playful, teasing me with her stares without knowing that it's actually a hell.

I had to keep that short smile of mine. I should at least fake to everyone that my marriage is working, right?

“Elijah Luciero,” I replied and avoided her eyes. That way, I might be able to conceal my sufferings.

“Hold on,” she paused as if she realized something after hearing his name.

“That man is Lucas' friend, right? He's your sister's boyfri—”

“It was an arranged marriage and my sister passed away,” I was already falling apart at that moment. But then, I had to wear my professionalism even if we are already talking about my personal life.

She looked stunned when I said that. It took her a moment to process everything.

“I'm sorry, I didn't know.” I understand. She's always occupied with her work to have some time for this kind of news.

“Are you okay?” I eyed her and I knew that she was really concerned.

“The gown is here,”

I heaved a short sigh when they saved me. They entered the scene just on time. If I answer her question with honesty, I would be lying to her and to myself.

“Can you accompany her to the fitting room?” I asked them, trying to act cool.

The entire day was not easy for me. Almost all my clients who are arriving are sticking their noses to my business. It was already around 9 pm when I went home, feeling so exhausted. I just want to lay down on my bed and sleep. My social battery is empty.

“Hey, you shouldn't go inside.”

My brows crossed when the maid stopped me from coming in.

“What do you mean?” She didn't talk. Her face was painted with fear, dubious to spill something at me.

“You know what, I'm really tired. I want to rest,” I uttered when she had no plan to speak.

“But Ms. Fait—”

“Such a nice day, baby.”

My jaw dropped. Everything just stopped and I felt like my world began to tear apart. As soon as I opened the door, I found Elijah—my husband, kissing a woman. They even giggled like a sweet couple.

“Oh, your wife is here.” The woman muttered as they both saw me. The smile that he was wearing didn't vanish; he kept it, as if he intended to do it in front of me.

I glanced at the woman and she was only wearing Elijah's shirt. I knew that it was his and it became a dress for her.

“Ms. Faith,” the maid called beside me, but I was too stunned to speak.

“Don't worry, you're still his wife. He just fucked me,” the woman said blatantly before she marched out, passing by at me.

I was left with no words. Elijah is cheating right in front of me.

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