Chapter Eighteen: Out of line

Jason paused, his face vacillating between bewilderment and mischief. He was ready to enjoy her flavor, which he had always wanted since he first experienced it.

Emma carefully repeated, "Stop," and at last she managed to yank herself out of his hold.

Jason rose from his cot and headed for his towel, which he wrapped around his waist and hung from his bedside couch.

"However, why?" His tone was cheeky as he inquired. "You think I'm not attractive?"

Slowly, Emma got off the bed and tried to collect her thoughts. She shouldn't have done that, but she had kissed him back. What possible meaning could he have taken from that? She pondered in her head.

"You did it, but why? What exactly are you want from me?," she shot back.

Jason's expression was one of indifference and lack of regret.

What do you mean that I did it for? Did you not return the kiss? He enquired.

There he goes now. She kissed him back, but even she didn't know why!

At last, Emma found her voice. "I didn't kiss you back, Jason. I was not prepared for what you had done! This is completely inappropriate."

"Out of line?.. why?" Jason continued, his face still sporting a somewhat seductive smile. "Emma, I thought you liked me. You've been giving me all the cues, such as entering my room while I'm wearing nothing at all.

Emma interrupts, her temper now flaring. "It wasn't deliberate! How could I have known that you were nude? and... much like you?

Is it the reason he'd been treating her like a piece of trash? Did she seem to be showing her feelings for him?

"I'm not fond of you! Which indications are you referring to? All I've done is respect your space and be kind to you."

"It's fine if you don't, I don't a h*ck though" Jason spoke in a tone that was casual and devoid of regret. "I simply got carried away thinking that there was a connection between us. It wasn't very profound; I was simply having some fun."

"Fun?" Emma sounded incredulous. "Do you really believe that approaching someone when they're not interested is enjoyable?"

Trying to decipher Emma's face, Jason fixed his gaze on her. She was obviously furious, but he couldn't determine whether that anger was accompanied by fear or simply disdain. He did not know what to say or how to respond. Does he need to attempt to explain himself or apologize? He wasn't sure whether his words would have any effect.

Emma, it's not really that big of an issue. After all, we are a couple.”

Emma felt herself about to lose control, so she tightened her hands, attempting to keep it in. He has treated her badly for so long; how could he call them a couple?

We are not a married couple. Did you not just declare that you don't think of me as your wife? Emma questioned, her teeth chattering. Why exactly are you so perplexed?

Jason reached for his clothes after running his hands over his hair. Ignoring her comments, he stated coldly, "You can leave my room now."

Emma was severely upset, but she could also feel her rage building. She had misjudged the guy she had married. She wasn't sure whether she would ever be able to forgive him since he was so icy and heartless.

She turned to his door and made her way out without saying anything else.

Jason pulled her aside, saying, "Wait."

Emma stopped, still supporting him, her heart skipping a beat. What else is there for him to say?

Let's come to an end. "Let's not be husband and wife anymore," said Jason. "Let's stop if you want what happened to not happen again."

Emma balled her fists and closed her eyes, feeling numb all over. No way could this marriage dissolve, not just yet. That would entail leaving her dad with crippling debt.

She turned to face Jason and said, "Please, Jason. You are aware of my feelings against this marriage."

Jason said in a chilly tone, "It doesn't matter what it means to you. You're not being asked to leave my home. Furthermore, I'm still in this marriage. My dad hasn't given me my entitlements."

Emma exhaled a breath of calm. Standing in front of a guy, even after he had repeatedly battered her ego, and pleading with him not to leave her, was not what she desired for herself.

"Let's simply quit being husband and wife. You are free to live your life as you see fit; neither I nor you are allowed to intrude on the other's personal space. We will continue to behave as a couple outside, but please do not attempt to act like my wife inside. Do you get it? We're getting a divorce as soon as I collect my entitlements from Dad. Emma was pulled back to the present by Jason's comments.

Emma's face went blank as she tried to take in what she had just heard. She still didn't appear to see what he was getting at. To live under one roof as strangers?

She turned to face him, taking a big breath.

Feeling totally deflated, she questioned, "Is that really what you want?" "To live like strangers under the same roof?"

"You can leave if you don't like the arrangement." Jason turned his back on her and whispered, "Flat out." "However, I won't give up this marriage's advantages until I achieve my goals. And until I do, I don't want to get divorced."

Emma had the feeling that she might become ill. Where would she go if she decided to leave the house? And without his money, how would she manage? She had no way out of this marriage, at least not for now, and felt stuck in it.

For a few period, she stood there, unsure of what to do next. She suddenly felt a glimmer of resolve.

"Alright," she said in a firm voice. "I concur"

"As though you have a choice," grinned Jason.

Emma could feel the boiling rage under the surface as she gazed into his eyes. She recalled his treatment of her and the experiences she had gone through. She thought back to all the occasions when he had made her feel unimportant and little. She recalled his attempts to exert total control over her life. And in that instant, her resolve came back, bigger than before.

"I may not have a choice, but I will make the most of this situation," she remarked after taking a long breath. I refuse to allow you to rule me any longer."

Jace's smile vanished, and a frustrated expression filled his face. Emma, you're really going for it now. I'm alerting you to be careful where you walk."

Emma did not back down. "Jace, I'm not attempting to provoke a fight. However, I will no longer serve as your puppet. That's over with me. I'm going to live my life as I choose."

Jace's gaze became strained. "All right," he said. "Achieve your goals. But when you regret it, don't come weeping to me." He turned and walked out of the room after that.

Emma stood there, both feeling relieved and terrified. Now that she had taken a stand for herself, she had to deal with the fallout. What would come next? Time would tell.