CHAPTER 48
CHAPTER 48
Mila
I looked behind me hurriedly and met the unsmiling face of my husband, his sharp gaze piercing straight through me like he could see every thought I was trying to hide.
“Let’s go,” he said, not even waiting for my response before turning around and walking off.
Of course.
I gave Adrian a small, polite smile, one that barely reached my eyes, before following Lance. My steps felt heavy, like I was walking into something I didn’t understand yet.
He entered the car and left the door open. I slid in beside him, leaving just enough space between us to remind myself that despite the ring on my finger, we were still strangers pretending to be married.
He motioned to the driver, and the car sped off almost immediately.
Lance didn’t look at me. Not once. His mouth was closed, his eyes fixed straight ahead, his expression unreadable.
I kept glancing at him from the corner of my eyes, hoping, no, wishing, he would say something. Anything.
Nag me. Question me. Accuse me.
He had disappeared for days without explanation and then suddenly showed up at my school like nothing happened. Who does that?
“Are you just finding out that your husband is handsome?” Lance said suddenly, his voice dry as sandpaper.
I turned fully to look at him, trying to read his face, but it was pointless. Lance had perfected the art of emotional distance. I gave up and mentally rolled my eyes at his ego.
“Welcome back,” I said sarcastically, hoping it would prompt an explanation.
It didn’t.
“Who was he?” he asked instead, finally glancing at me.
“He?” I asked, confused for a second before realization dawned. “Oh…”
Adrian.
I had honestly thought he wouldn’t bring it up, seeing as he’d acted like he hadn’t noticed anything after getting into the car.
“He’s my friend… my childhood friend,” I said, smiling unconsciously as memories flickered in my mind.
“Does he think that too?” Lance asked coolly.
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Friends don’t stare at other friends’ lips when they talk,” he continued, his voice sharp, “and they don’t take big gulps like they’re thirsty.”
“What..no,” I said quickly, sitting straighter. “Adrian isn’t like that.”
“That is his name, huh?” Lance muttered. Then he looked at me fully, his gaze intense.
“Alright. I don’t want to see you near Adrian or any other person.”
I stared at him in disbelief.
Why? Why did every moment with him turn into an argument? Why couldn’t we just coexist peacefully? The contract never mentioned constant fighting as part of the deal.
“Are you listening to me?” he demanded, his commanding tone pulling me out of my thoughts.
I turned to the window instead and sighed deeply.
“I’ll take it that you understand me,” he said.
I nodded without looking at him.
“Why did you come pick me up from school today?” I asked quietly after a while.
“Because I can,” he replied.
“Okay… thank you regardless,” I said, my voice flat.
“We’re traveling,” he said suddenly.
I turned to him, curiosity sparking despite myself, but he stayed silent, pretending not to notice my stare.
“For what?” I asked.
“Honeymoon.”
I almost laughed. Almost.
“What is with the short responses?” I muttered under my breath.
“Why all of a sudden?”
“You don’t know what a honeymoon is for?” he asked, raising a brow.
“It’s just… I didn’t expect it now,” I said honestly.
“Well, we’re leaving tonight.”
“What?” I exclaimed. “Tonight? I haven’t prepared anything. And Mary.... I want to be close to her.”
Who drops a honeymoon bomb on their wife without warning? Of course, my so-called husband.
“Emily has prepared everything you need,” he said calmly. “And as for your sister, she has the best doctors. You’ll be useless there. She doesn’t need you.”
That one hurt.
I looked at him coldly before closing my eyes and resting my head against the seat. Useless. To my sister. His words replayed painfully in my head, joining the growing list of things I hadn’t forgiven him for.
“Why do you always say cruel things to me?” I asked softly, eyes still closed.
There was silence. Thick. Heavy.
Then..
“I can’t help it,” he said quietly. “I really can’t.”
“Really?!” Rosalie practically shrieked on the phone.
“Yes,” I said, pulling the phone slightly away from my ear.
“He said it’s to erase doubts. Plus, he has business to handle there, so he picked the location.”
“It doesn’t matter, Mila!” she squealed. “I’m so happy you’re going on a honeymoon!”
“How many times do I have to remind you?” I said quietly. “This isn’t real, Rosalie.”
“Contract or no contract,” she replied cheerfully, “marriage is marriage. Have fun, biatch.”
I shook my head with a smile before hanging up.
I lay back on th
e bed, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts were tangled,confusion, irritation, curiosity, fear.
A knock on the door startled me.
“Come in,” I said.
Emily walked in, her small figure practically glowing. She had been smiling at me since I got home, and honestly, her joy was infectious.
“What is it, Emily?” I asked gently.
“Nothing, ma’am,” she said, still smiling.
“That smile says otherwise,” I teased. “I’m listening.”
“Congratulations, ma’am. Sir said you’re going on your honeymoon.”
“He told you?” I asked, surprised.
“He asked me to pack your suitcase,” she replied.
Oh. Right.
“I packed lovely clothes for you, ma’am,” she added shyly, “and some newlywed lingeries.”
“Newlywed what?” I asked, confused though I had a rough idea.
Her face turned red. “Ah...ma’am, I’m sorry. I’ll change it.”
“It’s fine,” I said quickly. “They’ve already taken the suitcase. Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” she said again.
I smiled reassuringly, though my heart wasn’t in it. I wasn’t angry at Emily. I was angry at the thought of Lance, imagining him Seeing those things on me and the mockery that would follow
.
My phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I lifted it to my ear.
“Downstairs now,” I heard my husband’s cold voice say.