3. Reduce to tears

Darwin really never imagined he'd end up arranged like this. He had sweet plans to marry Vivian, his girlfriend, right on her birthday.

But, well.

Fate seemed to have a different idea for Darwin. His father, Magnus Walters, ended up arranging and pushing him to marry the daughter of his friend and business partner as soon as possible.

Darwin, of course, couldn't refuse. Not only for business reasons, but also because he was raised to be obedient to his parents' every command since he was a child. Ironical, right? While others could freely choose and live their own lives, Darwin had to comply with whatever his parents wanted, including this plan to honeymoon with Veronica.

"Papa has even scheduled your honeymoon. You can take your wife after the reception," Magnus told Darwin, one day before the party.

"Isn't this a bit much, Dad?"

Magnus shook his head.

"What do you mean, too much? Aren't married couples supposed to go on a honeymoon after getting married?"

"Maybe that's normal for regular married couples, Dad," Darwin protested.

"So, you're saying the marriage I've arranged isn't normal?" Magnus narrowed his eyes, making Darwin fall silent. "As far as I remember, you and Veronica have only met twice. First at the dinner party and the last time at the engagement party. That's why I thought this honeymoon moment is necessary for you and Veronica to get to know each other."

"But, Dad—"

Magnus waved his hand dismissively, signaling that he didn't want to hear any excuses from his son.

"Come on, Win. Veronica is a good woman. She's polite, smart, independent, and she has a clear background. And remember, it's only her family that's willing to help the Walters Family avoid bankruptcy. So, I hope you can accept her as your wife and forget your old girlfriend."

"Why didn't you just ask Grandpa Antonie for help then? The Walters family can even solve the issues the Infinix Group is facing. If you're embarrassed, Darwin could ask Kennedy through Palma. What's so difficult about that? There's no need to arrange Darwin's marriage like this."

Magnus sighed. He was too tired to argue with his son like this.

"Kill me if I ask for help from Grandpa Antonie. Do you want the Walters family to trample on my dignity?"

"But aren't we part of them, Dad? Aren't families supposed to help each other?"

Magnus laughed cynically. Raising an eyebrow, he presented his argument again.

"Even if the Walters family were to offer help, my decision to marry you to Veronica is final and cannot be questioned anymore. So, I hope you stop protesting. It's better for you to cut ties with your unclear-background girlfriend from now on. Papa and Mama won't approve of your relationship no matter how long."

In the end, Darwin did follow his father's orders to take Veronica on a honeymoon. But not about forgetting his former girlfriend. He had even made plans to meet Vivian and spend time together once they arrived in Bali.

So, as soon as he got to the hotel, Darwin left Veronica and chose to move to the room Vivian had booked. He preferred to spend time with his girlfriend rather than with a woman he had just met.

However, Darwin's happiness was slightly disturbed. Just after he and Vivian arrived in the room after watching the sunset, an unexpected guest arrived. Veronica suddenly appeared, looking for him.

"What do you want here?" Darwin asked coldly. His facial expression clearly showed his displeasure.

"I should be asking that. Why are you here?" Veronica immediately glanced at the woman standing near the door. "And with another woman, no less."

Darwin didn't answer. He chose to forcefully grab Veronica's wrist and drag her towards the room they were supposed to share.

Once inside, Darwin opened the door and led Veronica in, then without hesitation, he pushed her onto the bed for the second time.

"What right do you have to meddle in my affairs?" Darwin snapped. His face showed his annoyance.

"I should be asking the same, why are you here?" Veronica retorted with a raised voice. She had tried to remain silent from the beginning, but now Veronica was getting frustrated too. "Darwin Walters, remember that we're husband and wife now. And yet, you're here with another woman."

Darwin laughed dryly. Veronica's words were starting to get on his nerves. Why did he have to be arranged to marry someone he barely knew like now?

"So, you think just because you're my wife now, you have the right to control everything I do, huh?"

"Whether you like it or not, we're husband and wife now. So, I have the right to stop you from being with other women!"

Darwin nodded with a grin. A moment later, he crawled onto the bed. He pulled Veronica's body towards him, pinned her down, and restrained her so she couldn't move.

"Darwin, what are you doing?" Veronica asked, struggling. Her hands were held tightly by Darwin to prevent her from moving.

"Claiming what should be mine as a husband." Darwin grinned. His smile looked menacing.

Afterward, without much thought, Darwin tore Veronica's dress until it was shapeless. Meanwhile, Veronica continued to struggle, trying her best to stop Darwin's actions. But it was in vain. Veronica was too small compared to Darwin, who had a much larger build.

"Why are you resisting?" Still holding Veronica's wrists, Darwin moved his face closer. He whispered again with a smile. "Aren't I entitled to enjoy my own wife's body?"

Releasing her wrists, Darwin pulled Veronica's dress until the top part was fully open. Revealing her smooth skin.

"We're officially husband and wife, Ve. It would be a shame if I didn't claim my rights as your husband," he taunted mockingly. "So, which part should I explore first?" Darwin raised his hand. A moment later, he pointed to Veronica's body. "Should I try the upper part? Or should I go straight to the main event?" He grinned menacingly again. As his hand extended, he started touching and caressing Veronica's skin gently. Then he moved to her chest, squeezing one of them intentionally.

"Darwin, please... Don't do this."

Tears were already welling up in Veronica's eyes. It hurt so much to endure this humiliation.

"Oh, come on, Veronica, no need to cry." Darwin laughed. There was no hint of pity in his face. "Wasn't it your duty to serve me? Besides, you were the one who started talking about the rights of a husband and wife. So why, when I demand them, do you suddenly get sad like this?"

Still crying, Veronica shook her head vehemently.

"But not like this."

"Then what do you want me to do?" Darwin yelled. "Should I make love to you gently?"

This time, Darwin smiled and then shook his head. He laughed softly shortly after and began speaking again.

"Who do you think I am? And why should I be nice to you, Veronica? For what reason?" Darwin yelled again. His actions made Veronica tremble. "Just so you know, because of your presence, the woman I met earlier and I had to separate for a while. Because of you, our relationship almost fell apart! And you're the cause of all this. So, how am I supposed to be kind to someone who's clearly ruining my future? How, huh!"

His voice thundered loudly. It made Veronica cry even more out of fear. But Darwin really didn't care. He just grinned while moving downward. He walked away and spoke again.

"Don't ever dream that I'll be kind to you, Ve. And remember, never, under any circumstances, interfere in my personal matters, whatever they may be."

Darwin got ready to leave. However, before stepping out, he turned back and gave a warning once again.

"Feel free to report my actions to my dad or your dad. I'm not even slightly afraid. In fact, I'd be happy if we could get divorced soon. That means I could be free from you as soon as possible!"

Darwin then chose to leave, leaving Veronica who could no longer hold back her tears due to the humiliation her husband had subjected her to. Should she fight back? It seemed futile. And Veronica was sure that there would be much more suffering for her to endure after this.

"There will never be a divorce in our marriage, Win! Never." Veronica murmured as she wiped away the tears wetting her cheeks.