Chapter 5. This marriage is just an act, isn't it?

Melinda glanced at the handsome Afgan who was at the wheel, driving the blue sports car steadily. This was Melinda's first time driving an expensive sports car.

“I apologize for that night,” Afgan said, breaking the silence between them.

Melinda furrowed her brow, not understanding.

Afgan stopped the car at the curb and turned his body to face Melinda.

“You delivered my suit and I... I'm sorry for what I did last night,” Afgan said and then took Melinda's hand and held it with sincere feelings.

Melinda began to understand about the situation last night. Her smart head already understood what Adelia and this man were facing, but because Afgan was so stunning and wealthy. Melinda didn't want to waste the opportunity.

“I can't just forgive what you did that night. You know my self-esteem is ruined!” Melinda tried to put on a sad face.

Afgan was still frozen staring at her. Then, when she had had enough, Melinda wiped away her tears as she looked at Afgan.

“You must take responsibility, sir!” Melinda looked at Afgan seriously.

Afgan nodded and said, “I will take responsibility.”

Melinda gripped the burly man's hand in return. A moment later, Afgan drove the car back to the restaurant.

“Let's have breakfast first, I'm hungry.”

Meanwhile at the hotel, Adelia sat at her desk with a blank stare, trying to find customer data that might have some connection to the mysterious man from that night.

Her mind was spinning, trying to put together the pieces of the story from that night into a complete picture. Her heart felt heavy, filled with questions that never got answers.

“What really happened that night? Who was that mysterious man? Why do I feel so attracted to him? Then... Afgan, do we have to get a divorce? And I have to pay that much dowry debt?”

“Arggh!” Adelia grabbed her hair roughly. Her head felt even heavier.

In the silence that enveloped the room, Adelia traced the digital footprint on the hotel's CCTV, but to no avail.

***

Very quickly, Adelia's working hours were over. With a lazy step, she filled in the attendance sheet and moved out of the hotel. Melinda did not return to the hotel at all, the woman did not even pick up Adelia's calls.

Adelia looked at her cell phone screen jealously. Her newly married husband was spending time with another woman.

“He smiles with sparkling eyes at Melinda while resenting me as if I'm trash in his eyes,” Adelia growled to herself as she waited for the bus at the bus stop.

She opened her messages to see the location of Afgan's house. After all she was married, from today on she would have to go home to Afgan's house as a wife, whether she liked it or not.

A moment later...

Adelia stood in front of the door of a stunning mansion, the house that now housed her husband, Afgan.

The house looked magnificent with a sparkling swimming pool in the front yard, and large windows reflecting the morning sun.

“Is this a house or a palace?” Adelia asked with her mouth wide open, unable to stop being amazed.

The neat, flowery garden created an aura of elegance around her. Despite the undeniable beauty of the house, Adelia felt lonely and alienated in its presence.

Suddenly Adelia felt that she was cornered between the marble and glass walls, creating an unreachable distance even though she was only a few steps away from the front door.

In confusion, she pondered, “What should I do? An unwanted wife?”

The security guard kindly guided Adelia through the grand entrance into the house. They stepped through a beautifully decorated corridor, the high ceilings adorned with luxurious chandeliers creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The servants moved gracefully, welcoming Adelia with genuine smiles and guiding her towards the bridal suite.

As the door to the bridal suite opened, Adelia couldn't hide her awe. The room was like from a dream, decorated with elegant touches that reflected beauty and luxury.

The bed was draped in soft silk linen, large windows let in the morning sunlight, presenting a beautiful view of the garden. Every detail was carefully chosen, from the artistic wall hangings to the fresh flowers that filled the room, creating an unforgettably romantic atmosphere.

Adelia was amazed, but she still tried to maintain her demeanor in front of the friendly waiter. She expressed her gratitude with a smile and politeness, but in her heart, she felt a deep sense of unease. This wasn't just an ordinary bridal suite; this was a space where the dreams and love of marriage were brought to life.

When Adelia was left alone, she whispered, “This is amazing.” Her voice hung in awe.

“...but it's not mine. I'll only be a temporary guest without knowing when I'll be kicked out.”

***

In the middle of the dark night, Afgan entered his house with heavy steps up the stairs and reached his room.

When he saw Adelia asleep on her bed, the anger that had seized his heart exploded. He approached and grabbed Adelia's arm roughly, pulling her off her bed. Adelia woke up with a start, eyes glazed over with fear and disappointment. Her arm ached and she collapsed on the cold floor in her thin nightwear.

“This marriage is just a sham for us, isn't it?” screeched Afgan in a harsh tone. “You don't even deserve to sleep in this bed! You're just a cheap woman who doesn't know herself!”

Adelia held her aching arm, but did not remain silent. She looked at Afgan with eyes that flared with disapproval. “And you, Afgan? Choosing to bring Melinda in front of me, how is that? Is that the act of a newly married husband?”

Afgan quipped, “Instead of you, Hotelliers? You're more than that, aren't you? You're peddling yourself to other men out there!”

“Don't think I don't know your background!” Afgan shouted as he turned his face away in disgust.

An explosion of anger erupted from within Adelia. “What kind of idiot would marry a slut like me, huh?” she retorted sharply, without relaxing her glare.

Their argument came to a head, stabbing and hurtful words were thrown out mercilessly. Their hearts were broken by distrust and hatred. In a flash of a second, without realizing it, Adelia was heard uttering the words that would probably change their lives forever.

“I hereby ask for a divorce,” Adelia said in a trembling voice, a decision that simply escaped her lips as if unexpected even to herself. Adelia stood up and prepared to leave the room with dewy eyes.

Silence followed, the words hanging in the air like an irrevocable curse. Afgan's face turned pale, caught between anger and sadness. He tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat.

“Adelia, wait...” but Afgan's cry was swallowed up by the silence of the house that now felt filled with emptiness. They both fell silent, realizing that words had hurt deeper than any physical wounds they might have sustained.

Afgan remembered his father's words at their wedding.

“Hey! You! Stay there!” Afgan shouted in a high tone, but Adelia kept moving towards the exit.

Seeing that Afgan was furious, he pulled Adelia's hand, threw her body onto the bed and pressed her body. However, suddenly the scent of Adelia's body brought him back to the events of that night.

“You...” Afgan widened his eyes.