Chapter 10 Cold feet
CHAPTER 10: Cold feet
Vera
“I don't understand.”
I took two instinctive steps back, panic growing inside me.
Silas stood near the door, his posture relaxed, but the rigidity in his profile showed that he was livid.
He inclined his head, then took a step forward.
“I remember telling you that I do not take lightly to humiliation…being taken for a fool,” he said in a deceptively calm voice. “You left the hospital,” he continued evenly. And you didn’t inform me.”
My throat tightened.
“I—”
He took another step forward. “You also ignored my calls,” he added, his gaze locking onto mine. “Repeatedly.”
I swallowed. “I wasn’t ignoring you. I just—”
“Don’t play on my intelligence, Miss Bennett,” he gritted. “It didn't look like it earlier.”
His voice wasn't raised, neither was his voice harsh. It didn't need to be. The desired effect still happened.
My fingers curled into the fabric of my dress.
“I honestly didn't mean to offend you. I didn’t think I needed permission to leave the hospital,” I said quietly, choosing my words carefully. “My sister had just been discharged. I wanted to be with her…take care of her, before everything changes.”
His jaw flexed once. His hands disappeared into his pockets.
“Maybe you haven't realised it yet, but you don’t make decisions alone anymore,” he said. “Not ones that affect me.”
That reminder of what I had agreed to…what I had sold myself into, settled heavily in my chest.
“I swear I wasn't trying to deceive you,” I said softly. “I just wanted a little time. Before… everything.”
Everything was all happening too fast, but I had no say…and no choice.
Silas took a step closer.
“Repeating myself is not something I like, but I'll say this again, I neither tolerate nor forgive being fooled,” his gaze visibly darkened. “Never do this again.”
My pulse spiked.
“Yes,” I whispered. “I understand. It will never happen again, I promise.”
Silence stretched between us, thick with unsaid consequences and unspoken fears.
He took a step back, and adjusted his cufflinks.
“There's been a change of plans,” he said flatly. “The wedding's happening in a week.”
The words struck hard.
My breath hitched.
“A week?” I repeated, panic flaring. I took a few frantic steps forward. “That’s too… Lily is still recovering. I need time to take care of her…to prepare, to adjust—”
“No,” he interrupted flatly. “You don’t. You already had enough time, Vera,” he said firmly. “I remember agreeing to give you time only until your sister is discharged. I kept to my words.”
My chest tightened.
It was difficult to admit it, but he was right. I was actually the one that defaulted on our agreement.
“Tonight,” he continued, “you’ll attend an event at my home.”
My breath caught. “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
What occasion would he possibly need my presence for in his home?
I swallowed. “But you said the wedding's—”
“I know what I said,” he interrupted smoothly. “Tonight I'm going to be introducing you as the woman I'm going to marry.”
My throat closed up and my palms got clammy.
My stomach clenched and heaved. I closed my eyes briefly to control the nausea that had been rolling in my gut.
When I opened my eyes he was staring at me, eyes slightly narrowing.
“Is it— Does it have to be tonight?”
“Yes,” he replied, his voice leaving no room for further resistance. “You’ll manage,” he said. “Appearances matter.”
Anxiety crawled up my spine.
“Please,” I said, my voice unsteady despite my effort. “Just give me a little more time.”
He studied me for a moment, eyes unreadable.
“You’re free to back out,” he said quietly—out of the blue. “If this is too much for you, you're free to say so. Right now.”
The room seemed to tilt.
“I will not force you into something you're not willing to do. If you can’t handle this,” he continued evenly, “just say the word. We end this right here.”
The words were simple. The choice, however, wasn't.
I thought of Lily. Of her future. Of the baby.
There was no way we were going to survive if I backed out at this point as a result of my fears.
I had seen firsthand how easy and comfortable life could be with Silas around. I could never provide that, so it'd be foolish to lose this opportunity.
I had to do what needed to be done.
“I’ll go,” I said, the words heavy and unavoidable. “I’ll do it.”
Something in his expression shifted…not satisfaction, not relief. Confirmation.
“Good.”
I hesitated, then asked, “After the wedding, is it possible to have my sister come with me?” I asked, carefully. Can Lily live with us?”
A pause.
“Yes,” he said. “She can. If that's what you want.”
Relief hit me hard enough to make my knees weak.
“The contract papers are ready,” he went on. “We’ll sign them tonight. At my place.”
My stomach clenched.
I nodded.
“And one more thing,” he added, his tone sharpening, “this arrangement remains confidential.”
My heart stuttered.
Did he know I told Cherry and Lily?
“Even… my sister?” I asked carefully. “Cherry?”
He studied me for a second, eyes slightly narrowed.
“You told them.”
I nodded.
His jaw locked.
I lowered my head in shame and fear.
There was a beat of silence.
Then, I heard his sharp intake of breath,followed by a string of expletives.
“Who else did you tell?” He demanded, his voice tight with barely restrained anger.
“No one. I swear,” I replied quickly, eager to make him believe me.
“Just make sure that they don't reveal this to anyone else,” he warned darkly.
I was gripped by fear. “They won't. I promise.”
Before he could reply, his phone began to ring.
He pulled it out and checked the caller. Then, he turned and headed for the door, saying over his shoulder,
“I'll have someone deliver your outfit and bring you over tonight.”
I followed behind him on stiff legs.
Chauncey straightened from where he’d been leaning casually in the hall, his grin fading slightly when he took in my face.
“All sorted?” he asked lightly.
Silas walked past him with a slight nod.
He lingered a second longer, eyes softening and flicking over me with curiosity and something else.
“See you tonight,” he said, almost gently. “Try not to panic too much.”
With that he turned and followed Silas out.
The door closed.
I stood there alone, my heart racing, my thoughts spiraling.
Lily stared at me anxiously. “Vera, are you okay?”
Cherry approached me cautiously. “What happened, Vee? What did he say to you?”
Immediately the dam broke, and I crumpled to the floor.
“I don't know if I can do this anymore.”