I have done it.
I ended up marrying a man I never thought I would.
I was staring outside the window with an emotionless gaze. Wearing the arresting wedding dress. I never thought it would feel this dry and cold on my wedding night.
As my eyes were affixed outside, the door slightly opened and the heartless man I married entered with swift steps.
“Well, well, look who’s here finally.”
A mocking tone came, echoing in the dead silent but profoundly decorated room.
My heart thumped when he stood behind me, his heavy presence hovering over me. Tightening my grip on my sides, I closed my eyes briefly and breathed out in a soft tone.
“Are you satisfied now? Isn't this what you wanted?”
Gathering my courage, I glanced from my shoulder to look at the man I was supposed to consider my husband from now on but the question was-
‘Will I ever accept him as my husband? An arrogant stone like him? Can I?’
Resting his hands in his pockets, a sly smirk lingering on his handsome features, shrugging his shoulders.
“I told you already. I get what I want.”
His low but stern voice came out. None but amusement was dripping from his features.
“What are you going to do now? How are you going to make me hate on anyone?” I questioned, pressing myself against the ledge of the window.
“Forget about it for now, Dear, it’s our wedding night. Let’s enjoy that.” He chuckled huskily, drying my throat to perceive what he meant by enjoying.
Keeping a straight face, I waited for his reaction and after a brief silence, he took a step dangerously closer. His eyes gradually scanned me from top to bottom.
My heart skipped a beat. My hand gradually held the hem of my dress, swallowing hard due to his keen gaze observing me as he slowly filled the gap.
“What happened, hmm?”
Breaking the silence with a low, tempting tone, he moved his hand and placed it above my head, trapping me in his arms. The sound of my breaths became swift, tensing at his closeness, filling the cold gap.
“What are you doing?” I asked innocently, panting.
A hint of scarlet shade came to my cheeks as I took support from the ledge of the window to stand properly.
“You…”
His lips parted, looking down at my timid expression with a raised brow and not leaving a smirk. I was baffled, not expecting him to get close in the slightest.
“I should change.”
Mumbling with a lowered gaze, I turned to leave but he placed his arm in the middle, stopping my way.
His smirk grew dark, “Tell me to maintain my distance now.”
A shiver went down my spine when he whispered, refusing to pull away. Inhaling deeply, I gathered my emotions to remember it was not that type of marriage.
“I won’t.” I replied sternly which baffled him as I turned him and stared dead into his eyes, completing my words.
“Because you won’t touch me in the first place.”
Murdering his amusement with my reply, I moved out from the cage of his muscular arm and turned to leave for the bathroom but he came before me again.
“Why do you think that?” He frowned, displeased.
I smiled amusingly this time, taking a step closer to see the darkness wrapped around his attractive eyes.
“Your eyes. They said it all.” I whispered temptingly, bringing my hand closer to his chest but not touching him.
“Then I will definitely touch you to prove you wrong.”
Growling furiously at my remark, he grabbed my wrist roughly and pulled me forward so I could fall on his hard chest.
My mouth gaped, looking at him with a tense look. I knew from the first meeting that he was impatient, I expected this reaction from him.
“If you think I won’t then I definitely will.”
Hissing, he pressed my palm harder on his chest to greet our skins but it was purely emotionless.
No attachment, no feeling.
Tilting my head to the side, I flashed compassion for the next two seconds before growling back.
“Mark my words, your stubbornness will drown you one day.”
I attempted to leave his arm but he placed his hand on my side, immobilized with a wicked smirk, inclining his face to my level.
“Guess what, dear wife?”
I glared at him when he whispered seductively in my ears, “I don’t care.”
I narrowed my eyes in ire when he let me go instantly, setting his collar and turning his head to the side with a scowl.
“Your responses never failed to amaze me to fathom how people like you exist in this world, Mister Cannedy.” I hissed, taking a step closer, pointing my finger at his heart.
“Ignorant of compassion, kindness, emotions. Only a stone.”
Scoffing, I folded my arms at my chest with a pout, turning my head to the side as well. I was still in disbelief how he could be like that.
Frowning, he gradually turned to me, “Well, If you are done reminding me about what I already know then go and change this dress too. I don’t understand why you dressed up in the first place for a measly event.”
He became nonchalant in the end, moving away from me and taking a seat. Leaning back, he rested his hand on the headrest with a dominant posture.
“No matter how this marriage happened, I still had the urge to become a bride.” I muttered, going to the dressing table and taking off my jewelry and unzipping the dress, I was wearing a petticoat and corset underneath anyways.
As I was undoing my beautiful dress up, I noticed through the reflection that he was intensely staring at me. His eyes followed my movements. His other hand covering his mouth with a mysterious look, scanning me.
‘Stop staring…’
Licking my lips nervously, I tried to ignore him but that grew hard to do so eventually. Unable to ignore him, I slammed my bangles on the table.
“What?” I asked out of irritation.
“Nothing. Go and change.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Then stop staring.”
“Why would ‘I’ stare? What do you have, woman?” He scoffed, rolling his eyes off.
I opened his mouth to argue but decided not to ruin my mood as I went to the bathroom to freshen up. After taking a shower and changing into my nightwear, I walked out.
I saw the jewelry I scattered on the table was organized and set correctly in its place. Not paying attention to it, I shrugged my shoulders and climbed under the covers where he was using his phone.
The second I sat on my side, he stopped instantly and turned to me with an astonished look. And I was confused, we were married. He was behaving like it was unforeseen or not part of the deal.
“What are you doing?” He asked.
“Going to sleep…?” I replied calmly, laying down.
“On the same bed?”
His mouth gaped, definitely not supporting it. Plopping on my elbow, I pointed at his expensive furniture, curling my lips in a mocking smile.
“If you have problems, your lavishing room has a couch too. Go and sleep there.”
…. And he actually slept on the couch.
We are married, of course we could sleep on the same bed. What was his problem?
Internally growling at his action, I scoffed loud enough to let him know that he pretended he didn’t hear and remained stubborn and we went to sleep.
Starting a life which might not end up well for any of us…
Starting my new life with the least wanted man I had no attachments towards, I started the first day of my marriage when sunlight fell on my face.Groaning, I stretched my hands. No doubt his mattress was so comfy that I wanted to sleep all day long there but for the sake of the first day, I sat up.“Morning.” I yawned when I saw him setting the collar of his white shirt and wearing his gray waistcoat, getting ready to look aesthetic as always.“Finally you are awake.” His nonchalant tone came, applying his cologne before turning to me with a frown and arms folded at his chest, making his strong muscles visible through the white shirt.He was no doubt handsome.“When did you wake up?” I asked, checking the time. It was eleven in the morning and I couldn’t help it, it was his bed’s fault. “I woke up early. I am a punctual man. I am used to my timings and schedule.” His stern response came.“Boring.” I muttered. Getting out of the bed, running my fingers through my hair. Trying to i
After our confrontation, I decided to avoid him but he was stubborn to the core as well. He also didn’t bother to talk either and we spent the next few days as total strangers living under one roof.But since this stone was not melting, I grew disturbed by his actions of not sleeping on the bed. It was making me feel inferior, like, I was too low for him that he didn’t want to share the same bed. It was… outrageous for me. “Seriously, Mr Cannedy?!” Losing my patience one night, I slammed my hand on the bed. He stopped immediately and turned to me with a hint of confusion.“What?” Titling his head in bewilderment, he was lying on the couch, using his phone and putting it down, waiting for me to speak.“Why don’t we change this bed and put two single beds instead, huh? What are you trying to prove by sleeping on the couch?” I mocked him, folding my arms at my chest.Sighing, he sat up slowly, putting his hand in the air to defend himself.“I feel uncomfortable. I married you for ano
In the evening, I organized the whole room before he could come so it wouldn't bring a scowl on his face.Everything aside, I could understand he returned exhausted and judging his behavior, it would infuriate him to find his things out of their way so as an act of kindness, I did it.Humming to myself, I was using my phone, waiting for him and the second he entered, I put my phone down immediately, rushing to his side.“Oh, you are back. Welcome home.” I greeted with a smile which brought bewilderment on his face.“You look awfully excited to see me in one day.” He mumbled, scanning me with stress, placing his bag to the correct position, checking the room as well.“You cannot imagine the deadly silence of this place. How did you manage living here alone?” I whined, going after him, noticing the sigh which escaped his lips when he saw the neat room. “I am accustomed to it.” He shrugged calmly, back facing me.“Maybe that is why you are so sour.” I mumbled, sitting on the couch to ge
Humming to myself, I was setting the duvets, knowing he would be home anytime. I didn’t mind setting our room, he did it too in the first week and it was ‘our’ room so I had responsibilities too after all.As I was lost, the door flung open, surprising me as he was early.“Welcome-” He spoke out of the blue, utterly serious, “Let’s go and see your Father.”“Right now?” I asked, checking the time.“Yes. I won’t have time otherwise for the rest of the month, I’d be busy. Come, I will take you today.” He explained nonchalantly.“I can go alone-” I was about to shrug my shoulders and not think deeply but he frowned, coming closer with a scowl coming to his face, confusing me.“So that people can say that I am not seeing my wife’s father because they are lower than me? No thank you. Don’t try to degrade my image.” He mocked, turning his head to the side, taking the other side of the duvets and setting it as I sighed in frustration.“You are unbelievable, you and your image- Fine. Give me
I started avoiding him after what happened at the hospital. I felt stupid to feel better by his words. “I should have known he was insincere to everyone.” I muttered, wearing my hoops. A grimace lingering on my face. I got ready for the event he organized to show the world our so-called happiness. We wore matching maroon outfits too. “Are you ready?” Irritated like always, he entered and his eyes fell on my maroon mermaid dress, observing me from top to bottom. He was wearing a three buttoned suit jacket, spelling opulence. Hairs combed perfectly, holding an assertive frontage. Looking handsome as always but his appearance was deceptive. “Why did you dress up like a doll? Is it for our guests? To attract others? Because I don’t see you putting in any effort for me at all.” Ignoring his stare this time, I put my hand on my waist with a frown. Resting his hands in his pockets dominantly, he walked closer, standing before me to intimidate me. “And then you say you are not wait
After leaving him, hoping to stay away from him as far as possible, I was in the corridor, leaning against the wall.This was becoming heavy for me. He was… testing me.“What are you doing here?” Breaking my unwanted thoughts, I looked up and saw Jared there. Him being here only enhanced my frustration. It was all his fault.Of all the people, he found that stone’s wife to cheat on me with.“What are you doing here?” I scoffed, straightening my back to regain my composure and folding my arms at my chest.“You looked troubled. I could tell by your face.” Shrugging his shoulders, he came closer, checking me out slowly which made me uncomfortable. “Leave me.” I muttered, looking away.“No, I won’t. I know I did wrong and it’s my fault you got in this mess too. All I wanted to do is help you. Please, tell me,” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.I raised my eyebrow, “Tell you what?”“Did Boss… force you to marry him?” He asked bluntly.“What if I say yes? What can you do or wh
Done with his selfish actions and intimidations, I decided to not see him at all so I kept my distance throughout the party.“Goodbye. Take care.”We bid our last guest, sighing in relief that this fake event, all his efforts to clear this ruthless image worked well and everyone believed that he changed.Because of me.“Bless you guys. Bye.”The second we were alone in the main hall of his enormous mansion, we rolled our eyes, tired from his event.“Tsk.”Turning, I grabbed my dress and turned to leave but he grabbed my arm, sending a shiver down my spine, worrying me about what he wanted now.“Now, where the fuck do you think you are going?”His low, warning tone came and I was too tired to confront him at his point. Returning a glare, I tried to leave my hand.“Leave me.” “No.”Not caring about his hard grip over me, he began to drag me with him to our room. I growled at him, how ‘affectionately’ he was acting and the second the party ended.He came back to his usual ruthless self.
DARIEL’S POV:- “So you got remarried and didn’t bother to invite your Uncle, Dariel?” The man I resent the most complained on the phone. My father’s brother, Uncle Harry. “Hmm. So? What difference was your presence going to make?” I responded in a cold tone, having no concerns towards him. “Is that how you speak to your Uncle, Dariel?” He growled. Ignoring him, I entered my cabin where the man I called unwilling was present. “Yes, I do and if you have any problem then don’t call.” With a scoff, not in the mood to hear further of his whining, I cut the call before inclined on my throne as I stared dead at the blond man. Emitting my supreme aura to assert my dominance in the room, I placed my phone away and rested my one leg over the other. “There he is, Sir.” My most trusted man, my assistant Ian informed. Humming, I contemplated the guy with a sour expression. “Good Afternoon, Sir.” “Listen here, Peter. Starting tomorrow, you are going to teach my wife how to paint.” I
3.5 Years Later. SAAFIA’S POV:-Today was Jacey’s engagement with Jared. Both of them got an instant connection already but they were so scared of commitments that it took them three years to decide to be together.And on that day, I was running after my three-year-old daughter who was running and I was worried if she wouldn't fall.“Lillia, come here, stop running!”Not caring, she ran and jumped into her father’s arms, “Papa!”“Be careful, princess, you will fall,” Dariel laughed a little, picking Lillia who was hugging him with a wide grin.An important work came so he had to leave for a few hours but in that time we all fell asleep.Because my sweet Lillia’s six months old younger brother had sworn to not let his mother rest.“Welcome home,” I sighed, shaking my head as I gave Dariel a side hug.“Thank you,” He smiled, kissing the top of my head while putting down Lillia, giving her his office bag so she could take it to our room.“Oh thank God, you are here, Dariel,” I sighed wh
DARIEL’S POV:-Helder surrendered himself without resisting… It was expected, he was at a losing point of his life, he was utterly defeated and lost and gave up without trying. He knew he did wrong by flowing in the emotions.“You are under arrest for kidnapping Jacey Cannedy and Jared Raz in the middle of the day,” His head was hanging low, emitting deep dejection that made us all silent. We stood together while he was all alone.“I know…” Tears glistened in the corner of his eyes, curling his hand in a fist due to powerlessness. He lost all his purpose in a moment, one letter all it took to shatter him. They were about to take him away but he stopped before me. I felt an unknown sting in my chest, narrowing my eyes as he held a woeful expression.“Dariel, I wanted to confess something,”“What?”He looked down in shame, “The child that Veronica aborted… it was mine. I didn’t tell her to do that but she did it nonetheless… It was me too who made her marry Jared.” He whispered whic
SAAFIA’S POV:-My heartbeats were dropping by each passing second to think what Helder would do to Jacey. Harry had etched too much hatred in his heart.I was afraid he might not end up creating an irredeemable mistake. He was made this way, he had a path to return, to find acceptance. He would definitely regret losing that.“Fuck! I can’t believe he is taking out my wrath on Jacey!” Dariel growled as technically it was his fault.“Why didn’t you tell me you battered him in your new construction site!?” I hissed at him, not believing that he increased his fury by keeping him chained. “I was furious. He ruined your innocence, that Sam hurt my sister. For a second, I saw my life falling apart and I took that wrath on him,” He sighed in distress, driving hastily to go where Helder called us.He wanted us to meet where he got hit, at the same construction site as I was glaring at Dariel, now understand why he sent me away.He didn’t want me to witness how ruthless he could become.“Oh
JACEY’S POV:-Being with Jared was so tranquilizing, his words, his smile, everything about him was warming my heart.My heartbreak began to disperse as I gradually began to search for new reasons to live thanks to him. “I am glad you are here then, I feel peaceful when I talk to you.” I whispered when we were having an ice-cream after work. He offered me a place near his office as we both shared a pleasant time.“Did Dariel ask you to keep an eye on me so I won’t do something to myself in regret and sadness?” I asked in a playful tone because I saw no reasons for him to be this kind to me.In fact, after Dariel, he was the second man to care this much for me. Sam never did this- Nevermind.“What? No. Though I feel the same and that is why I come to you.” He chuckled sweetly.“How unfortunate Sam would be for neglecting you. He had someone who could adore him the most yet he chose to give her pain,” He spoke, evoking strange feelings in my chest at his heartfelt comment.“I could sa
SAAFIA’S POV:-When Dariel broke into a sob, it shattered my heart. With tears glistening in my eyes, I wrapped my hands around his to soothe him yet the sound of it agonized me.“I don’t know what I should do anymore, Saafia. I feel so lost, I feel horrible,” He cried, looking up at me with his teary eyes.Cupping his cheek, I wiped his tears that were breaking my heart. I couldn’t believe such reality was hidden from him.How heartbroken he must be after knowing his father was killed…“It’s alright, Dariel, give yourself some time.” I wanted to comfort him by all means though I knew it won’t be enough, nothing could eradicate the scar emerging on his chest.Pulling away a little, he clutched his chest to show his anguish as he told me about the regret he felt when he came to know.“All this time, Mama was in pain but there was nothing I could do for her… He was torturing her, he killed my father, she knew but kept quiet for Helder…” A stream of tears rolled down his cheek, clutchi
DARIEL’S POV:-“She left us! She left me! She left Helder for your Father and I hated it! She made us like this!”I blinked in disbelief when he told me everything. My chest clenched upon knowing everything. My body trembled as I stared at this unbelievable man.“How… Do you expect anyone… whose home you destroyed, whose spouse you killed… to.. Love you?” I whispered vaguely, staring at him with a sorrow brimming in my chest.“She made me do this. I didn’t want to but why did she return in the first place?!” He yelled.Slamming his hand down furiously but I forgot all my boundaries and limits and punched him in the jaw.“How could you say this, asshole!?” I yelled, losing my breath when after ravaging my family he was blaming us. “You killed my father, you destroyed my family, stole our rights, put my mother into depression. Heck, even you made Helder like this and considered yourself innocent, dammit!?” My voice broke when I hit him again until Saafia held me from behind to not cro
Though Harry was the one who started telling, Jacey who also came to know everything too, shared it with Jared who was baffled.Blinking, he asked nervously, “Why are you telling me all this?”“I… found a hidden dairy in Mama’s room. We never touched her private things, she wrote everything there for us and a message for Helder,” She shared as they were in a park, on a bench. She was looking down, wanting to share the weight on her chest with someone. “What message?” “I think I should tell that to him,”“So you are saying that your Uncle was behind your Father’s murder and your mother knew but kept it inside? For Helder?” He trailed off, narrowing his eyes to perceive if Helder knew about it or not.“Yes… She was carrying so much weight that it eventually killed her.” Jacey’s voice broke, hating how young she was that she couldn’t do anything for her consolation.She was heartbroken that their mother was in too much anguish that the remorse of her sins caused her to end her life.“
“NO!!”Mr. Cannedy died and at his demise his whole family was devastated. His accident left a scar on Tilda’s heart, it weakened the happy family they were. “How could this happen? You promised to return soon, why are you doing this to us, my love… Wake up, please!”She sobbed, clutching his lifeless body, resting her head over it, not letting anyone take it away.She considered her life with Lark her blessing, her beautiful future.His demise scattered her felicity. “Mama,”The kids sobbed, afraid to go near her Mother who was screaming her anguish out. She entirely devoted herself to her husband, she couldn’t bear it.“Lark…!”The kids were worried for their mother who stopped eating, talking, finding no meaning to her life anymore when Lark was no longer with her.And seeing her weakened state, Harry decided to utilize this chance and advanced on her. “Don’t worry, Tilda, I am here for you. It’s going to be alright,” He whispered, placing his hand on her shoulder when she was c
THIRD POV“How could you do this to me, Tilda? You married my brother? Why?” Harry argued.The ache of finding Tilda as his sister-in-law was immense, he resented how she neglected their bond yet agreed to marry his brother.“He was my Boss… we fell in love and it just happened. Look, I-I didn’t know he was your brother. By the time I came to know. It was too late.” She reasoned sorrowfully.She also didn’t intend to marry the brother of her ex but it was too late by the time she realized that. “What do you expect me to do now? What am I supposed to tell everyone now about Helder?” He growled, stuck in a terrible situation.“You never… said anything about me?” Tilda asked in disbelief. “I didn’t want them to curse you for leaving me with a son.” He sighed, shaking his head in denial.No one in his family knew who was the mother of Helder, they only knew that she abandoned them and left them. “I.. am sorry, Harry,” She apologized sadly, looking down in shame.“Are you happy with my