Chapter 3

Colton steps into the room, the sleeves of his shirt folded to his elbows, his suit jacket thrown over his shoulders. His eyes wandered around the room and stops on me. He looks around again like he had stepped into the wrong room.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, leaving me confused. Here I was sitting on the bed, changed into my pajamas and sending my goodnight message to Rave when he walked in.

“What do you mean?”

“This isn’t where you are supposed to be so why are you here?” He asks again, finally shutting the door close. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, wondering if the man in question had some underlying memory issue.

“We got married today, that’s why I’m here.” I replied him. He walks towards the closet and from where I was I could hear him rummaging through there. I had taken the liberty and arranged some of my things in the closet.

“Did you remove my things from their usual place?” He asked, stepping out of the closet and leaned against the door frame. I’m beyond confused at this point, not knowing what exactly he is driving at.

“Yes. I had to create space for my things but I promise I helped arrange them in-"

“That’s not the issue. You had no right touching my things without my permission. You weren’t even supped to be in here so why? Do you go about changing and touching things you weren’t given permission for?” He shot at me.

My jaw falls open at the accusation and anger behind his words. I stand up, opening my mouth to defend myself. It had taken me an hour to get used to the idea that I would be sharing a room with the said man and now.

“Colton, I’m sorry I touched your things without permission but that wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to create space for my things.” I tried to reason out.

He scoffs “At least you owned up to something.” He stands straight and looks at me. Really looks at me for the first time that day. I felt myself squirm under his gaze, a shiver ran down my spine on seeing the heated look.

He clears his throat “Hannah made a mistake. This isn’t your room but mine. We do not share a room. I’ll have her show you to your room.” He says, attempting to walk away but paused for a second, his eyes were back on me, leaving me a little hot for no good reason. I gulp the pile in my throat as my tongue ran dry.

I watched him walk out of the room and breathed out shakily. It felt like my nerves were on a pedestal.

I grabbed my phone and walked to the closet, grabbing the bag I had unloaded the clothes from and began to dump my things back inside. I was actually glad I won’t be staying in the same room with him. At least, I’ll have something to myself here, it made me feel better.

Ten minutes later, I heard a knock on the soo which I assumed to be Hannah. I dragged the bag to to the door and pulled it open to see Hannah standing right there.

“I’m sorry for the mistake I made. Mr Daniels has instructed me to escort you to your room.” She bends a bit to pick the bag. I don’t stop her but instead follow her closely till we arrive at the room meant for me. It’s just a few steps from Colton’s room but at least this is for me. Hannah pushes the door open and helps me with the bag. I walk in, looking around again. There wasn’t much difference from how it looked. Except for the bright painting and Queen sized bed, there wasn’t much difference from Colton’s room.

“Thank you Hannah.” I replied. She attempts to leave but stops again. “Please don’t hesitate to call me if I’m needed, excuse me.” I smile and watch her walk away, wondering why she speaks so formally.

~

The next day found me in the living room, looking around. I had a blue baggy dungarees on, a black camisole underneath it. My brunette hair was tied into a loose bun, chapped lips coated in some lip gloss. I stood by the lengthy mirror, eyes outside, looking around and taking in the beauty of the house.

“You’re up early. “ Colton’s voice had me turning back. He stood a foot away from me, a cup of coffee in his hands. He looked dressed for work in a usual tailored suit. His hair was tied into a ponytail just like the last time.

“I was hoping to catch you before leaving.” He brings the cup to his lips and takes a sip of the drink.

“Oh, is everything okay?” I wrap my arms around my chest, waiting for his reply.

“You’ll be meeting with my family tonight for dinner. Make sure you’re dressed and ready by 8-30 tonight.” My heart beat quickens at the mere mention of meeting his family. I know the Daniels are ridiculously wealthy, insanely wealthy and being in their midst as Colton’s wife might just be…

I shook my head lightly “Okay, I’ll be ready by then.” I replied, he drops the cup of coffee on the table and walks away without another word. I think back to the last time something of this sort happened between us. I didn’t meet his family but I’m sure they are aware of me and know my name at least. They know all that’s happened.

A sigh escaped my lips again. I knew what I was signing when I signed the contract so here I am.

Time goes by so quick and soon it’s noon, I got dressed, ordered an Uber and left the house after informing Hannah I would be leaving soon. I arrived at the coffee shop Rave and I had decided to meet. Rave was sitting by a corner, a black scarf wrapped around her neck, her blonde hair fluttered graciously over the scarf. She brings a cup of what I know is hot chocolate to her lips and took a sip.

“You couldn’t wait for me huh?” I voiced out on approaching the table. She looks towards me, eyes filled with surprise.

“Hey you, it took your years to get here.” She comments and true I got here fifteen minutes late.

“It’s hard locating this place from his house but hey! At least I’m here.” I replied as I slid into the seat.

I took my time to look at her today, I couldn’t look at her people’s yesterday or maybe I just don’t remember doing so.

“You’re planning on coming back?” I asked, going straight to the point. She obviously doesn’t look as tired or stressed like she looked yesterday but there’s this glint of happiness that she always carries with her but it’s suddenly missing.

Rave chuckles, rolling her eyes fondly. “I can’t get anything past you, can I?”

“Umm I don’t think so. Your very predictable, you know?” I teased, leaning against the chair.

Rave sighed, toying with the spoon inside the cup.

“I’m mentally exhausted. I’ve been there for two months and it’s getting unbearable day by day. I don’t think I can do it anymore.” She heaves deeply and I couldn’t help but think how bad we all have it. Rave has it a little different but bad nonetheless.

“That’s by the way. I didn’t come here to dump my trauma on you.” Like a switch had been turned off, she leans over the table, a grin plastered on her face. “Tell me, how was your first night as a married woman?” She wiggles her eyebrows and I couldn’t help but chuckle thinking back to last night.

“Whatever it is you’re thinking of never happened. I can promise you that.” I say. Rave pouts like she’s been expecting some sort of gist.

“How come? You’re hot, he’s hot. What’s stopping y’all?” She asked like she didn’t know everything. Like she didn’t know about our history.

“What’s stopping us is a lot. You know it.” Rave rolls her eyes dramatically.

“Sooner than later it will happen and when it does, you will tell me about it while I’ll laugh at your face for being obtuse.” She leans back again the chair, a cocky smirk on her lips. She picks up the cup of chocolate, bringing it up to her lips. It doesn’t go as successful as she would’ve liked, instead she ends up pouring the chocolate on her thighs, leaving her stained and still trauma filled.

I chuckled seeing the mess she had made, a pout making its way to her lips. “Fuck, this would be a bitch to clean” I couldn’t help but agree. She wasn’t even taking coffee of tea but hot chocolate, granted the hot in hot chocolate was already cold but still, having chocolate on your clothe and skin could be pretty uncomfortable.

We didn’t waste much time after that seeing has she has to change and I have to go back to the house. I sighed just as I stood up from my chair, Rave tilts her head, confused.

“What’s wrong?”

“Wish me good luck, Rave. I’m meeting my in-laws tonight.” I say, watching as her eyes widen.

“Already? He didn’t even give you time to process it.” She claps her hand over my shoulder, a pitiful smile on her lips.

“Good luck because you will be needing all the luck in the world.”

~~~

“Here, Mr Daniels has prepared everything you will need for tonight. He has also asked for the help of these two young women.” Hannah says, a smile on her face. I glance at the two women who were standing by the door in standby.

“Hello, we hope to work well with you.” The taller of them says, bowing just a bit. I was taken aback because why was she bowing?

“So, you may get started with her. I’ll bring you some snacks to munch on while you are being prepared. Please excuse me.” Hannah says, smiling politely and then turns to walk away. I stood beside the bed, feeling awkward being left alone with two women who I don’t know.

“You can have your sit, Mrs Daniels. I’ll get started on your make up while Eva will get your clothes ready.” The tall one says, I glance at the Eva and she smiles at me, both of them gesturing at the chair.

I sat down, hands folded on my thighs. I definitely wasn’t expecting this. I thought I’ll get home and strata to get ready by myself. Not once did it occur to me that I might have to be dressed by two strangers.

“Please relax. Mr Daniels called us after seeing how good we are. You have nothing to worry about. You’re in good hands.” They try to reassure me however, how do I tell them this isn’t even about them but more about me.

I mustered a smile, hoping it doesn’t look like a grimace instead. “Of course, thank you for making time.” I say and closed my eyes, allowing them work on what needed to be done. Colton had said 8pm for the dinner and now it’s past six pm. I arrived from my coffee date with Rave an hour ago the decide to take a short nap before getting ready only to be awoken by the quiet knock at the door. Then did I see the two women with Hannah.

I sat still, allowing the different texture of brushes on my face till Celine decided it was okay to open my eyes and now pucker my lips for some lip gloss. I looked at myself in the mirror and could barely recognize myself.

There wasn’t any wrinkles like there had been before nor was there any eye bag which had been so prominent it was now a part of my face.

“Do you like it?” Celine asked, tone confident like she isn’t the slightest bit bothered that I could perhaps not like it. I straightened my back after admiring my face and smiled at her “I like it, thank you.”

I replied.

“Alright, it’s time for clothe and accessories.” Eva says a little too excited. I quirked my eyebrows up as I watched her pull out a black dress and a pair of silver heels.

“Your look would be perfect with this.” Celine says from behind me, I turned slightly and sees her with a small necklace box. She opens it to reveal the most gorgeous necklace ever. A thin silver chain sat elegantly in the box, hanging from the Cajun is a simple Diamond stud, held in a small and elegant box that highlighted its beauty.

I couldn’t help the smile on my face as soon as I laid my eyes on it. So simple yet gorgeous.

“I know, as soon as Mr Daniels told us what the event is about, we decided to go all out. It’s perfect, don’t you think so?” Celine gushes, feeling more comfortable as time went on.

“It’s beautiful.” I replied, a part of her words stuck in my head. ‘The event?’ Is there something else happening that I’m not aware of?

“Come on, it’s already past 7, you have twenty minutes left to get ready.” Eva replies from beside me and dumps the dress in my hand, almost shoving me inside the closet.

~

Fifteen minutes later, I was fully dressed in the black dress Eva had picked out, loving the way it hugged my figure like a second skin. The color highlighting the color of my eyes and also making my skin pop with radiance. The necklace also set on my neck, now sitting prettily. I smiled as I looked at myself in the mirror, knowing this Is the best I’ve looked in years.

“Our job is done. You look amazing and I hope things go well with your in laws.” Eva tells me, holding her bag in her hands.

“Thank you again for helping me.” I replied as they bowed yet again. Maybe it’s a culture thing?

I watched them walk out of the room, leaving me to myself. I stood in front of the mirror, my heart beating rather loudly. No matter how much Eva and Celine tried to make me comfortable, I still can’t get over the fact that I would be meeting his parents today. I know they would be right to hold a certain animosity towards me which is why my heart is beating this fast.

I rubbed my palms against my dress only to catch myself before I end uk running in the ironing of the dress.

Two minutes to go, I picked up my purse, checking myself in the mirror again before stepping out of the room, knowing Colton would be downstairs waiting for me.

Authors Note; I’m sorry this chapter is long. I promise the next chapters will not be this long.