4

Serenity Jones

"Stop this nonsense at once, Brenda. You realize we're in William's room?"

"I don't care! I don't care Dad. How could you give everything you worked so hard for to a-"

Just before she could finish her statement, Mr Smith dragged her out of the room with her daughter or sister, I have no idea who she's trailing behind them but not without her giving me that murderous look before walking out.

My heart skipped again but at the same time, I had to remind myself that it's nothing to be worried about. I've encountered more of this from Janet and her daughter.

I found myself sitting on the bed as my gaze fixed on my supposed husband lying peacefully on the bed.

"How much longer do I have to keep up with this?" I thought, sighing.

Time went on so fast that I ended up falling asleep while waiting for Mr. Smith.

•

I woke up the next morning beside a man in a strange room. I started to panic as I wondered what I was doing here, until I remembered that I got married to this man yesterday.

I had become a wife overnight! I had gotten married to this man a day before. A sigh escaped my lip as the reality of my situation hit me- I was trapped in this marriage and it wouldn't be easy to escape it.

I slowly got out of bed, sauntered towards the bathroom, took a bath and changed into something simple.

I didn't feel like dressing up. After all, I no longer had anyone to impress. My role now was to care for my ailing husband.

After getting myself ready, I warmed some water and cleaned him up as well. It was challenging due to the oxygen tube in his nose and the IV in his hand, but I did my best. I even changed his clothes. Just as I finished, I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in, the door is open." I said.

Two young maids entered, greeting me politely. "Good morning, Mrs. Smith" They said, bowing their heads.

Mrs. Smith? Well, I will have to get used to being called Mrs. Smith now- I thought, as this would be my reality for a long time.

I gave them a small smile. "Good morning. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Mr. Smith asked us to tell you that breakfast is ready and you're expected to join them. Also, we're here to help with Mr. William's care and change his clothes."

"Oh, that's not necessary. I've already taken care of him. As you can see, he's clean and comfortable. And regarding breakfast, please let Mr. Smith know that I'd prefer to have mine here in my room." I said and the two maids exchanged a strange glance.

"Is there a problem with that?" I asked, looking at them intensely.

"No, Mrs. Smith, but whenever breakfast is served, the entire family must be present at the designated time to eat together. No one is allowed to be absent, especially if they reside in this house. Those are the rules." They explained cautiously.

"Okay, I understand. I will be downstairs shortly. And don't worry about William, I've already taken care of him."

"Yes, ma'am." They bowed their heads again and left the room.

I stood up also, took my phone and saw that I had eight missed calls from my best friend, Tiara. There were no calls from my dad. I assumed he was eager to wash his hands off me for good.

A tear streamed down my cheek, but I quickly wiped it off, reminding myself that he doesn't worth my tears. I have vowed never to cry again because of him.

I took one last look at William on the bed, grabbed my phone, and rushed out of the room.

I'd call Tiara later, but for now, I needed to attend to the head of the family.

I made my way downstairs, unsure where the dining room was. The grandeur of the house and it's expensive interior didn't surprise me- after all, this was the Smith's estate, home of the wealthiest man in the country, possibly even wealthier than the president.

I approached a maid who was walking by and asked her where the dining room was. She bowed and directed me in a respectable manner. I guess the owners of this household are treated like a God.

As I approached the dining room, I halted, my eyes widening in horror.

What the hell is going on here? Who are all these people and why were there so many of them?!- I thought, my mind racing with worried thoughts.

"Dad, I don't see why we have to wait-" Brenda was saying, but she stopped abruptly when she saw me.

"Ah, there she is. Her majesty has decided to grace us her presence." She said with a sarcastic tone, and all eyes suddenly turned to me. I felt like I was under a spotlight with almost 20 pairs of eyes fixed on me.

I was taken aback, my legs feeling heavy, I was unable to move or speak. The intense gaze from them left me shocked and unsure of what to do. I wished I could turn around and retreat to my room. But Mr. Smith's warm smile broke the silence.

"Hey, Seren, welcome. Please, join us." He said, his eyes filled with much affectionate than others.

"I... You asked, I mean, I can go back to my room-" I continued to stutter and struggle to find the right words but he interrupted me.

"You're going nowhere."

"This is your home now, you're part of the family, and you have every right to be here with us. Come on, take your seat right next to me" He said, smiling warmly.

With trembling legs and hands, I made my way to him and gently sat down beside him.

"Now that everyone is here, can we now have our breakfast in peace and harmony?" Mr. Smith asked.

"Of course, we can, but I have a question for your dear grand daughter-in-law, Father" A voice suddenly said.

This time, it wasn't Brenda who spoke up. Instead, it was a man who bore a striking resemblance to William. In fact, if I hadn't been told that William's parents were late, I would have easily mistaken this man for his father. They shared an uncanny resemblance. The man appeared to be in his late 40's.

I had no idea what was going on but I sensed that it would be even more challenging than dealing with Janet and Alex.