Chapter 36 Chapter 36
Gideon, filled with frustration, stood there, casting his gaze upon Spark. His desire to express his thoughts to him burned within, yet he knew it would not alleviate the situation. Everyone was getting fed up with him, always finding fault with Chad.
Chad made it clear to everyone that Marlie was a forbidden subject. No one dared to mention her for fear of arousing the wrath of Chad.
The only time it was permissible to speak of Marlie was when one showered her with praise and when Chad would. Even though Ken and Marlie never saw eye to eye, the friends refrained from discussing their disagreements. They respected Chad's decision.
The mention of Marlie by Chad came as a complete surprise to Gideon, especially considering the events that transpired on the day of her prom. And why would Spark bring her up? Spark was fully aware of the situation, so why would he make such a mistake? Was his unrequited love for Charlie making him lose his brain cells?
The ongoing conflicts between Spark and Chad were putting a strain on their friendship, and the two friends didn't like it a bit.
The first time Spark confronted Chad about this matter was during their college days. Chad couldn't deny that it was Spark who had pursued Charlie, and they all supported him, especially Chad. However, the circumstances at that time were different from their current situation.
Many mistakes and misunderstandings happened, making everything look how they are as of today. Even Chad lost the woman he loved because of that.
Nevertheless, Spark wished that they could empathize with him to some extent. He agreed that Chad should marry Charlie because Charlie loved him, and it would bring her happiness. He knew Chad's hands were also tied, and he didn't want to hurt Charlie.
However, they shouldn't forget that Chad had promised to take care of Charlie and had seemingly forgotten about Marlie, only to reveal on the wedding night that he could never forget about her and that no other woman could replace her in his heart.
Spark was hurt by that. He had hoped Chad would somehow forget Marlie and at least, like Charlie, after all their time together. Who could have thought...
"I would have taken good care of her," Spark said tearfully. "She is the only woman I've ever loved. I would have made Charlie happier had it not been for him. Damn it!" Spark almost punched the wall in frustration and sadness.
Gideon approached him and attempted to console him, but Spark spoke, "Gid, she is suffering in this house. She's fucking suffering and Chad doesn't seem to care. Tell me, how can I watch the woman I love being mistreated by others?" Spark declared, burying his face in his hands.
Ken interjected, placing the blame on Marlie, perhaps because Chad was not present. "It's all Marlie's fault!"
Gideon quickly defended, saying, "It's no one's fault, Ken, and you know it! It wasn't her fault she couldn't remember anything!" Ken had never liked Marlie and they all knew that fact. Perhaps because Marlie never spared him the trouble. Not like he hated her, but he was always the one receiving pouches for Chad.
Gideon then turned to Spark, who remained saddened by Charlie's (Marlie) predicament. An idea dawned suddenly on Gideon; Chad had informed him that Charlie had become a strong woman. Perhaps sharing this information with Spark could ease his pain and concerns. "You know, Charlie is not as weak as she used to be," Gideon informed him.
Spark looked up, intrigued by Gideon's words. "What do you mean?" he inquired.
Gideon continued, "Chad mentioned that she even set a trap to humiliate Angelina. So I think she's not all that weak as you imagine her to be."
However, instead of easing Spark's worry, this statement only deepened Spark's confusion, because he knew Charlie better.
No, it was more than confusion.
Something about the woman he had studied and loved seemed different. He recalled Charlie's behavior on the day of the toy snake prank.
It struck him as strange. Come to think of it, the Charlie he knows seems to be a bit different now. "Are you really possessed or is it something else?" Spark questioned himself silently, with his gaze fixed on her door.
On the other hand, Chad got to the room. Seeing Marlie lying on the bed like that made me feel heartache. It was his fault like Spark had said. He was always condoning the actions of his sister and that had led to poor Charlie(Marlie )suffering.
Chad felt a tinge of pain looking at the miserable state of Charlie. His wife is indeed a beauty. How come he didn't notice it before?
He stared at the bruises on her body and clenched his jaw. But he was totally aware she started all this. He was no fool.
This wasn't the way Charlie should show how strong she was becoming.
Becoming like Marlie was a dangerous game for fragile Charlie.
His wife uses her brain to deal with people amicably. On the other hand, her younger sister and the only woman he had ever loved is different. She acts before thinking. She was always like a stray cat, wanting to bite at first glance without thinking. "How could Charlie think of behaving like the stray cat!" Chad silently questioned.
Concealing his concern for her and appearing not to be concerned about her, he asked... "Did you enjoy the fight?"
Yes, sure, she enjoyed it, but she can't tell Chad about how happy she felt beating those two.
As Marlie remained motionless, Chad scrutinized her pitiful face, his stoic expression masking his worries.
Marlie rolled her eyes, hoping that Chad would show a gentle and caring side. Although his earlier actions downstairs had pleased her, as they indicated that her plans were proceeding as intended, Chad's harsh and cruel tone left her disheartened.
"Now you understand the consequences of my warnings." Chad's face didn't reveal his internal guilt at witnessing Marlie in such a state. Marlie just lay there in silence, cursing her failed plan. She should have known this jerk in front of her was as smart as fuck.
Yet when Chad attempted to approach the bed, she covered herself with the duvet, clearly indicating that she wanted him to keep his distance.
Chad, however, forcefully pulled her up and grasped her chin tightly. Squeezing her hand in pain, he interrogated, "Did you provoke those two to attack you?"
Chad continued to hold Marlie forcefully, causing her to land on her knees on the bed. Marlie recoiled from the immense pain, realizing he had targeted her bruises.
"I can see that your younger sister has taught you well, Charlie," Chad said, his grip on Marlie unwavering. He refused to listen to her pleas until he finished speaking.
"What do you hope to achieve with this reckless behavior of yours?" Chad's words sank in. His heart was aching seeing how pitiful she looked.
However, he had to make things clear so that she would not behave recklessly again. What if something bad, really bad, happened to her? What would he do then?
He may not love her as he loved her younger sister. However, they've been together for years, and surely, even ice would somehow melt a little when exposed to a faraway distant heat.
The pain from where he had held her was unbearable. Relinquishing his grip, Chad once again grabbed her chin, demanding an answer to his question. In a fit of rage, he still didn't notice that where he held her was painful for her.
Marlie attempted to adopt an innocent expression to leave her predicament but Chad warned her,
"Don't annoy me with that infuriating face of yours, woman!" Chad had always disliked Charlie's fragile demeanor as if she were made of glass. But her performance from the day before clearly illustrated that she was not as innocent as Sue may seem.
"Do you think I am unaware of your intentions?" Chad's cold gaze pierced through Marlie as he spoke, "For barely a week, you have been setting this house on fire, always causing problems." He deadpanned.
In pain, Marlie cried out, questioning the purpose behind her actions. Tears streamed down her face, the pain inflicted by Chad still fresh.
Chad held her chin tightly, demanding an explanation. He also questioned the purpose behind her behavior. He thought her pitiful expression was just a facade.
Sure Marlie was also tired of using that pitiful face of her sister.
As Marlie wiped away her tears, she looked up at Chad. If he desired to know her intentions, she was ready to reveal them.
"Perhaps this house is boring me. Why not allow me to join the company?" Marlie said that with a pretentious smile but Chad saw through her.
Yet it was better not to communicate his true intentions to her. He worried about the harm Angelina and Audrey could inflict upon her. But the woman in front of him is now showing him a daring face. How else should he communicate reasonable words to her? Will she even believe his worries for her?
Chad chuckled at her request. It was better to play by cool than...
"I will never allow you to set foot in the company!" Chad responded harshly. And also ends it with a smirk.
Anger burned in Marlie's eyes. But Chad, on the other hand, was enjoying the anger on her face.
"But your mistress is happily by your side in that same company!" Marlie tried to suppress her anger. After all, wasn't Charlie his wife? Why won't he allow her to work at the company?
Chad just stood there smirking at her happily. It's been a long time since he had seen a raging tigress face-to-face, so today was satisfying to him. He might want to watch it all day.
"I am your wife!" Marlie shouted at Chad, consumed by fury. But instead of him getting angry at her for shouting at him, he decided to provoke her more.
Chad grabbed her neck sensually and taunted her... "Because you are extremely dull!"
With the same happy grin, Chad caresses Marlie's neck to her disdain. Marlie's heart raced, and she stared at Chad with a chilling glare.
However, no amount of her anger could change the stupid smirk on Chad's face.
Tears welled up in Marlie's eyes, her anger transforming into madness. She released her fury, referring to Angelina. "Angelina may seem glamorous and powerful, but in reality, she is nothing more than a pathetic mistress!!"
"Don't you wonder why I can't let go of my mistress?" he continued taunting Marlie. He didn't feel anything for Angelina. Heck! If he ever felt something for her, it would be disgust and pity. But how can Chad tell his wife that?
Pausing, Marlie let out a frustrated and angry chuckle and then reverted to her wrathful state. Chad seized Marlie by the collar, ready for the next confrontation.
Marlie was forcefully pulled closer to Chad as he twisted her hand behind her back, grasping it tightly with not so much force.
Their faces drew near, and Chad leaned in, whispering into her ear, "The mistress possesses something that you will never attain." He regretted saying that inwardly. 'What the heck is wrong with me?' He thought.
With seething rage, Marlie locked eyes with Chad, trembling from the immense anger within her.
Suddenly, Chad abruptly, without warning, forced a kiss on her which shocked the living hell out of her.
Marlie attempted to resist, struggling to break free, but Chad was quick to secure her in his embrace by tightly gripping her head with one hand while keeping her other hand restrained at her back.
Deliberately, Chad tightened his hold around Marlie's waist, releasing the grip on her right hand. Despite her persistent efforts to push him away with her remaining free hand, Marlie's strength proved futile against Chad's powerful physique.
However, as a woman, Marlie possessed her own form of power beyond mere strength, her intelligence.
After contemplating, she gave in to the kiss and reciprocated Chad's actions by grasping his head. This provided her with an opportunity to break free as Chad reduced the force he was using.
Marlie escaped his embrace then but not before biting his lower lip, causing Chad to release the kiss involuntarily.
Chad found blood on his lips and couldn't help but emit a brief laugh. It was as if nothing his wife did could anger him.
Marlie gazed at him with disdain and disgust. Chad wiped away the blood before acknowledging,
"That was fierce, I might say!"
"You are repulsive!" Marlie retaliated in fury. Yet her intense glare did nothing but el Chad's enjoyment of her fiery character.
Without giving Marlie a chance to refuse, Chad seized her once again. This time, he spat in her face as he sneered, "The mistress far surpasses you!"
Chad, letting go of Marlie on the bed, exited the room in a state of satisfaction. He was really enjoying this. " Well, well, well, my dear wife. So you bite just like your sister. I'm truly relishing this newfound side of you, Charlie. And it turns me on." Chad muttered to himself as he descended to his car with a happy grin.
Meanwhile, as Marlie's body sank into the bed, she gripped the sheets tightly, pouring all her energy into her anger.
She shook uncontrollably, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Damn you, Chad! What's so good about Angelina?" she exclaimed.
"I will make you beg to have Charlie by your side! I promise you this, Chad!"