5

Aspen

My marriage to Killian was going to last for just 6 months. That was what the contract said. All I had to do was be his wife on paper and nobody had to know that we were married and I was to live with him for those six months.

There were two papers in my hands, the marriage certificate, and the marriage contract. The contract had a few rules and one of those rules was that both parties were to act like couples around other people if there was ever a reason to do that, if both parties ever started having sex, the female was to see to it that she never got pregnant.

I frowned at that. I was never going to allow Killian to touch me, not to talk about carrying his baby. That would never happen. Another rule was that I had to start taking birth control pills the moment we got married. I frowned yet again. It seemed like Killian was so keen on not having that child. Good. At least there was something that we both disagreed on.

I was to listen to his every word and never disobey him. I was just a wife on paper and we were not going to share a room. Both parties were also allowed to live like strangers.

After thorough thinking, I signed the papers. It was just 6 months. The marriage was going to be for just six months and in those six months, I vowed to myself that I would stay very far away from Killian. Sex was not even an option. I hated him.

“At least mom will get treated,” I mumbled to myself and tears filled my eyes. But it was so sad that the money was given to my father. I did not trust that man. I had a weird feeling about him having that money with him.

The door to the room that I was in opened and Killian walked in. His brown hair was falling freely on his forehead and he was seriously handsome. Tall, muscular, good-looking and he smelled nice. But I still despised him.

“What was your final decision?” He asked and I just threw the papers at him. Killian caught the papers and then smiled once he read them.

“You are smart. Good decision.” I rolled my eyes at his words.

“There is going to be a very tiny adjustment.” I cleared my throat. “It's a good thing that you don't want kids. I love children so much, but a man like you can never be the father of my children. I'd rather die.” A look flashed through his eyes but he was quick to blink it away.

“To make things more flexible, we stay away from sex. I will not have sex with you. I will also do well to avoid you with all I have got for these 6 months. Live your life and I live mine. You can bring in 100 women if you want, just do well to stay away from me. I hate you.” Judging from the way he was looking at me, Killian could really kill me and I still couldn't understand where my boldness was coming from.

It was fucking Killian Davenport. But I was his wife and he wouldn't dare lay his hands on me. “If I'm done here, I have to go home quickly. I need some things to pick up and I have to talk to my dad.” Despite the pain of my sudden marriage, I was feeling excited within.

“I'm very sure you read the part where you are not supposed to leave this house freely. Unless I say so.” Killian slowly drew out, his voice slow and tense.

“Freely. I'm not leaving freely. And you can send someone to take me there.” I needed a free ride. I did not even know where I was. “The essence of all this was the money. I have to meet my dad and then go to the hospital.”

“Then I'll take you there.” My eyes widened.

“What?” I yelped.

“You'd better come with me now or I will change my mind. And you will not leave again unless I say so.” Killian was very authoritative. I ran behind him as he casually headed downstairs.

His house was huge and beautiful. The ride to my place was eerily quiet. Once we got into the car, I gave Killian the location and we haven't shared a word since then.

“20 minutes.” That was all he said as he parked in front of my place. I sped out of the car and dashed into my house. My house was quiet and there was no soul around.

“Dad!!” I called loudly, but I got no response. He was not home. I sighed. If he was not home, then he was out drinking. He got a huge amount of money with him, so I wouldn't be surprised that he was out drinking and gambling.

I decided to check one of his spots. I was about to rush out of the place when my eyes caught a piece of paper. That was folded neatly and placed on the table. I would have ignored it if not for the text that was written on the front page.

For Aspen.

I picked up the paper, slowly unfolded it, and began to read silently. ‘I don't know if you will ever be opportuned to read this, but if you do, do not bother looking for me. I left and I took the money with me. Your mother has been sick for almost a year now and it's not certain if she will make it. I cannot waste a huge amount on her. She will still die anyway. So I took the money. I'm really sorry Aspen and I hope you have a good life with Killian. Your dad, Alex.’

I kept on shaking my head in disbelief as the letter trembled in my hands, “N..n….no…this can't be.” I stammered and my whole body paled. “I..it..it…it…” I couldn't form the right words and when it finally dawned on me that my father was gone, I abruptly let out a heart-wrenching scream, bursting into tears.