Chapter 6

Madison’s POV

The reflection in the mirror seemed like a scene from a movie, and I was the protagonist playing a role far grander than my reality. 

Dressed in a deep blue satin gown, I was the picture of elegance, but the unease in my heart made it feel out of place. The knee-length dress accentuated my figure, a choice Tyler insisted on, as if he wanted to make a statement to his mother.

The anticipation of the evening weighed on me. Would Tyler's mother appreciate my effort or find it excessive? This dinner meant more than clothes; it was about acceptance. Brenda, his previous girlfriend, had left behind an almost mythical presence, and the pressure to live up to her was overwhelming.

As I adjusted the delicate straps of my dress, I couldn't escape the self-doubt. The ring of my phone interrupted my thoughts, and I hurried to answer Tyler's call, feeling the tremor in his voice.

"I'm outside," he said.

“Just that?” I thought to myself. He couldn't even make it nicer, at least, I was his wife for the meantime. I snapped out of that thought to focus on the real goal which wasn't to be wifely. All I needed was my father’s company back in good shape, nothing more, nothing less. At least, that would be enough, I can't afford to let my family down.

Leaving my room and descending the stairs, I had to keep the real reason for my departure a secret. "I'm stepping out briefly, Mom. I'll be back soon." I said with a broad smile, even if it was fake.

“Okay Maddy, see you soon” she responded, smiling back.

Rosaline (my mum’s caregiver and nurse), our ever-supportive presence, smiled warmly. "Don't be long, dear. And remember, I'm here if you want to talk."

Outside, I found Tyler waiting. His presence never failed to take my breath away. Dressed in a sharp suit, he looked like he'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. A mix of admiration and frustration surged within me.

"You're late," he said, an edge of amusement in his voice.

I couldn't contain my irritation. "I was ready on time, but I can't stand outside all dressed up, waiting for a man."

Tyler raised an eyebrow, an enigmatic smile on his lips. Holding the car door open, he declared, "I'm not just a man, Madison. I'm your husband."

Rolling my eyes at his audacity, I muttered, "Just on paper," trying to mask the unease engulfing me.

The car ride was shrouded in a tense silence. As we approached Tyler's family home, the grand mansion seemed to grow more imposing, and I felt the weight of this new chapter in my life. The city streets passed by, and I stole glances at Tyler, pondering the complexity of the man I had married.

"Tyler, I can't help but feel nervous about this," I finally admitted, breaking the silence. My words hung heavy in the air, filled with vulnerability.

He cast a sideways glance, his eyes serious. "I understand, Madison. This is not easy for either of us. But remember, we're in this together."

The grandeur of the mansion was impossible to ignore. Its architecture was a blend of classic and modern design, with white marble and stately columns. I felt like an outsider in this world of affluence.

Tyler's hand on my arm brought me back from my reverie. His voice held an urgent tone. "Pull yourself together. Please, do not embarrass me."

His condescension pricked at my pride. "What a jerk!" I snapped, letting my frustration seep into my words. The tension between us had been building since the moment we met.

As we reached the grand entrance of Tyler's family mansion, apprehension washed over me, plunging me into uncharted territory. This world of wealth and privilege was far from my own, making me feel like an intruder. The mansion's grandeur loomed even larger in the twilight, imposing and intimidating.

Just as we were about to enter, Tyler paused, retrieving an elegant box from his pocket. He revealed a stunning diamond ring, leaving me in shock. "Tyler, what's this?" I stammered.

Tyler grinned and urged me to put it on. "It's in the contract, Madison, and I'll give you a copy to review later."

With trembling hands, I let him slide the ring onto my finger, its sparkle catching the ambient light. The ring symbolized our connection, a stark reminder of the life I was stepping into.

The dining room welcomed us with tense silence. The clinking of silverware and hushed conversations came to a halt, all eyes on us, making me feel like an intruder in this world of opulence.

Vivian Marshal, Tyler's mother, stood up with warmth to welcome her son, though her gaze upon me revealed surprise and disapproval. 

As Tyler introduced me, her response was colder than the evening air. "Someone special I’d like you to meet,” Tyler began.

She looked at me with confusion, assuming I was his new personal assistant. A whisper of disdain filled her voice as she addressed me. "What's your name?"

"Madison," I replied, voice wavering.

Vivian's condescending tone deepened. "Madison, a name rarely found in our social circles."

The color rose to my cheeks, and her next words felt like a verbal slap. "I know, Mrs. Marshal. I..."

She interrupted me, increasing her condescension. "Mrs. Marshal? You're addressing me formally for someone who infiltrated my family dinner."

The tension in the room reached unbearable levels. I was the center of scrutiny, feeling like an intruder, unwelcome and inadequate. I couldn't find the right words to express my emotions. The room closed in on me, and I couldn't withstand the judgment.

With a heavy heart and a deep breath, I stood up abruptly, the sound of the chair scraping against the floor echoing through the room. 

"Excuse me, I'd like to step for some moment" I muttered in a low voice. I thought I would be strong enough but I just wasn't ready for this. 

I walked away, wordless, unable to bear the weight of their scrutiny. 

Tyler's voice, filled with desperation, reached me, but I couldn't respond.

My brisk walk toward the mansion's entrance was a heartbreaking choice. 

e.Tears streamed down my face, and I whispered to myself, "I'm sorry, Tyler."