Chapter 2

On our wedding night, Kyle stood by the window, a pile of cigarette butts littering the floor around him.

I sat on the edge of the bed, nervously twisting the hem of my dress. After a long pause, I finally worked up the courage to speak, "I know you were forced into this. Maybe we can just keep to ourselves and not interfere in each other's lives, okay?"

He turned around and walked toward me. His tall figure blocked out the light until I was completely swallowed up by his shadow.

He bent down slightly, his gaze pinning me in place. Then suddenly, a faint, teasing smile appeared on his lips.

"No," he said.

My heart dropped. So he wouldn't even bother keeping up the act of peace between us?

"Then I'll move out," I said.

I stood up, trying to get around him to reach my suitcase.

But he caught my wrist in a gentle but unyielding hold. I couldn't break free, no matter how hard I tried.

I stumbled into his embrace, the crisp scent of tobacco instantly enveloping me.

He lifted my chin, making me look at him. His voice was low and steady. "Elsie, the moment you married me, you're mine, and you'll always be my wife."

His overbearing tone made me both pissed and frustrated. I shoved at his chest. "Don't you already have someone you love? Why drag us both into this mess?"

He let out a low chuckle, his breath warm against my ear. "You care that much, huh? Sorry to disappoint you. I don't love anyone else."

I froze for a second. "Who said I care? I'm just stating the fact!"

"Oh, really?" He arched an eyebrow, the teasing in his eyes even deeper. "Then why don't you tell me who exactly I love?"

"How would I know?" I turned my head away, mumbling under my breath.

"You know." Kyle's voice suddenly softened, but his words rippled through my heart like a stone tossed into water.

My heart skipped a beat. I shot him a look. "How would I even know?"

The moment our eyes met, he dipped his head closer. We were so close that I could see the shadows cast by his long lashes beneath his eyes.

Then, I heard Kyle give a gentle smile.

"The one I love is right here in front of me," he said.

For a moment, everything went quiet, like the world just stopped.

My heart was beating so loud that I could barely hear anything else.

It took me a few seconds to find my voice, and when I finally spoke, it was shaky. "Wow, sweet talk really does come easy for you, huh?"

I broke free from him and rushed upstairs without a second glance, slamming the bedroom door shut, leaving his intense stare and those heated words outside.

Pressing my back against the cold door, I clutched my wildly beating heart, as if his warmth and those words were still echoing inside me.

*****

On the third day after our wedding, I decided to visit my parents.

I figured Kyle wouldn't bother coming with me.

We both knew what this marriage was really about.

But when I came downstairs, Kyle was already in the living room, instructing the butler about what to prepare.

He said, "Make sure to bring some pastries.

"And grab some beer. Elsie's dad loves that.

"Has the dress I ordered yesterday arrived yet?"

I froze, stopping halfway down the stairs.

Everything he mentioned was totally not the Johnston family's style.

My father, Dick Johnston, only drank vintage red wine. Mary only wore couture or luxury brands. As for pastries, those everyday treats, would never even show up in the Johnston kitchen.

Did he remember wrong?

Or maybe he just didn't care and threw some gifts together?

"Honey, is there anything else we need?" he asked, handing me the list with such an affectionate tone that it almost felt like we were actually newlyweds.

I glanced at it quickly, my throat tightening. "Everything's fine."

I paused for a second. The words "I'm not really going back to the Johnston family" were right on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them.

Never mind, I'd visit Dad, Mom, and Grandma at the cemetery by myself this afternoon.

"Alright, let's head out," Kyle said, gently taking my hand and walking me outside.

During the drive, I sat quietly, staring out the window at the scenery rushing past, saying nothing.

Kyle reached over and gently turned my face toward him.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, watching me closely. "Why the long face?"

I managed a weak smile. "It's nothing."

He stared at me for a couple of seconds, then suddenly broke into a smile. Out of nowhere, he leaned in and stole a quick kiss from my lips.

I froze, eyes wide, and slapped a hand over my mouth. "You... Shameless!"

"So sweet," Kyle said, licking his lower lip with a mischievous grin, like a cat that just got away with stealing cream. "Can't I kiss my own wife?"

Feeling embarrassed and annoyed, I turned away and ignored him.

"Hey," Kyle said, nudging my arm with his finger. "Aren't you even curious where we're headed?"

"Not really," I replied flatly.

"Then just look out the window," he said, his voice softening in a way I almost missed.

Without thinking, I turned my head.

Outside the car window, the familiar cobblestone path came into view, and in the distance, the locust tree on the hillside stood out clearly in the morning light.

My eyes flew wide open, my vision blurring as hot tears spilled down my cheeks without warning.