4

The reporter takes a few more pictures of us before pulling out a pen and paper, “So, the world wants to know, how did you two fall in love?”

“What a great question,” Anthony smiles, squeezing my arm as if to go along with what he is about to say, “Violet is a beautiful woman, so of course, I decided to ask about her when I caught a glimpse of her on the news. She is a little difficult to find due to her mastery in avoiding the paparazzi but I just knew she was the one for me. She is hard working and has a kind heart, making me realize that she was the only one I would marry.”

I look at Anthony in amazement, just wondering how much of me he actually knew about. Did he do his homework or is this just common knowledge from the public. A camera flash snaps me out of my thoughts and I look to the reporter.

“Well,” I start, clearing my throat before continuing, “I knew that Anthony had sworn off marriage and Inever thought there would be a chance for me in his heart. When we met for the first time and I saw his smile, I felt like the only girl in the room. I knew that he has a kind heart and soul, something that I’ve wanted in a husband for a long time. And I can’t be happier that I was able to marry him.”

I could feel Anthony shift and look at me as I speak to the reporter, speaking my true feelings from when I first saw him standing at the altar. Of course, all of that has changed now but it doesn’t hurt to throw out the truth every now and then.

“Oh my goodness,” The reporter quickly finishes her writing, “You two are just perfect for each other. Thank you so much for your time, I better get going.”

Anthony chuckles as he extends a hand to another room, “Please, join us for the reception. We would love to have you.”

The reporters eyes look like they’re about to pop out of her head as she processes his words but quickly regains composure and accepts. 

She leaves and Anthony gives me a small smirk, “Nice lie, you really sold it.”

I deadpan and clench my jaw in anger, “I never lie.”

Anthony scrunches his eyebrows but I pull him toward the reception area before he can question anything. We take a seat at the sweetheart table after greeting the attendants, a fake smile splayed across my lips the whole time. Anthony excuses himself, starting to mingle with the guests in front of us, leaving me by myself. I try not to think too deeply about our earlier conversation. He doesn’t want me, and I sure as Hell don’t want him. But why does it hurt?

The reception ends and Anthony leads me out of the building, a wave of flower petals covering us as well as the flashes of the camera. I try my best to smile through the entire thing but I feel myself getting dizzy with the amount of flashes and hurry to get to the car that is waiting. I successfully got myself into the car and crawled all the way to the left side of the car, where Anthony would never dare to sit. I close my eyes and start to calm myself down, remembering why I hate the papparazzi.

Anthony sits in the car and slams the door shut, “Get us home, pronto. My wife and I have things to do.”

I could hear the playfulness in his voice and I internally roll my eyes, opening them to see my cafe. Teresa stands and looks as though she is crying, hurting my heart as the car starts to drive away. I will have to work harder my next shift to make up for whatever she is feeling today.

I feel a hand on mine and I immediately snatch it away, “Don’t touch me.”

My words are soft but harsh, trying not to let the driver hear the newlywed couple fighting already. Anthony doesn’t respond and I am grateful as I do not want to hear his voice. I don’t know where we are going and I really hope that I don’t end up dead in a ditch because of this ‘deal’ that my father made. I don’t think Anthony would be that kind of person but you never know. 

The car enters a parking garage and stops in front of an elevator. Anthony gets out of the car and walks around to open my door, offering me his hand. I meet his gaze and he nods to the side, acknowledging that there are other people present within the garage. I sigh and take his hand, giving him a smart aleck smile as we walk into the elevator. The ride up is silent and I let go, crossing my arms as I wait to get to our destination.

The doors open to a gorgeous foyer with towering ceilings, “Welcome home.”

Anthony’s voice is low as he steps out of the elevator and ensures that no one is around.

I step out and admire the golden chandelier hanging just above me, “Thanks, I guess.”

“Well,” Anthony says, gesturing to the space in front of him, “This is the grand hall. To you right through the hall is the kitchen, living room and office area. Bedrooms are on the second level, the stairs are to your left, your room is the first door on the right. I have decorated but as I do not know your preferences, it is still quite bare. The rooftop is open for your use but I ask that if you cannot handle heights, do not go up there. Any questions?”

I shake my head and start walking into the living room, seeing a white leather couch and what looks to be a 95” TV hanging on the wall. 

I finally look up at him as I take a seat on the back of the couch, “Are my clothes here?”

Anthony hesitates to answer but nods his head, “You call them clothes, I call them trash. For a CEO’s daughter, you sure know how to dress like you aren’t one.”

I scoff, “I happen to like dressing like I’m not a daughter of a CEO, thank you very much.”

“Whatever you say,” Anthony crosses his arms, “We need to lay down some ground rules. And by we, I mean me. This is my home, I am allowing you to live here. Here, read this”

He hands me a crumpled up paper, seeming to be handwritten in a rush.

“Wow,” I scoff, “Did you write this during the wedding?”

“Yes,” He says in a serious tone, “Now read it.”

I roll my eyes and flatten out the paper, squinting my eyes to read it.

House rules

1. No entering the others room without knocking first. Entry is only allowed with consent. I don’t imagine that you’ll need to enter my room but if needed, my room is the third door to the right on the second floor. 

2. Communal areas must be cleaned if you make a mess. There are butlers and maids but we are not animals. 

3. No romance inside of the penthouse, it is for outside eyes only. Once again, I do not intend to love you. Not now, not ever. 

4. Family events must be attended by both parties, if one doesn’t go then the other doesn’t go either. 

5. No spending over 50k in a week. You have your own credit card waiting for you in your room. It has an unlimited limit but please do not spend all of the money as it can be quite annoying to deal with.

I like having my privacy so I understand the first rule, though I don’t see a reason he would need to go into my room anyway. I never used my maid, I know how to clean my own dishes and pick up my own messes. I don’t even want to think about the third rule but he better not kiss me, ever. I don’t quite understand the need for the fourth rule but it would seem suspicious if one spouse shows up and the other doesn’t. Rule five, however-

“Question,” I say, focusing on the last rule, “Why do I need your money? I already have a job. I won’t be needing the credit card.”

Anthony starts to laugh, the sound echoing through the empty penthouse and begrudgingly burns into my memory.

“I’m sorry, did no one tell you?” Anthony asks when he stops laughing.

I raise an eyebrow, “Tell me what, exactly?”

Anthony sighs, a slight smile still on his face, “You’re a Daniels now, Violet. Daniels do not do street jobs. Do not worry, your former workplace, if that’s what you’d like to call it, has been notified and compensated fairly, along with a replacement already on the way. You no longer need to worry about going to a job anymore. I can’t imagine what predicament forced you to get one in the first place.”