Is That Clear?!

(EDMOND’S POV)

I don’t know why she’s clutching so much to that phone on her hand, but I guess it’s a response to all these female dresses not having pockets.

How they live surprises me, how much more their dresses?

I know how to choose my battles.

Now, this woman’s dress is none of my business but her life?

I’ll determine the path it will take.

My phone vibrates in my hand.

It’s Adrian.

I open his text message.

‘You’re going to have a run away bride before you can cut your wedding cake.’

I wipe the non-existent sweat off my eyebrow.

Don’t I know that?

This woman is as stressful as those who birthed her. But, what was I expecting though?

That the apple fell far from the tree?

My phone vibrates again.

It’s Kael this time.

‘I told Mr. Adrian that your bride swiped a man’s phone but he said it would be interesting to watch. I had to tell you directly Mr. Cozen. I am sorry for not intercepting it halfway.”

My lips stretch up into a smirk.

Sticky finger huh?

I look at the closed door where she disappeared into.

Maybe she is already calling her getaway driver.

Too bad for her though.

There’s no way in hell, I’ll let her get away from me.

I fix my eyes on the door.

What was running through her little mind?

She will be my opening to get what I want and until I have what I want, I won’t be letting her go.

But there’s a problem at the moment.

The Whittakers gave me their problem to hold.

What am I supposed to do with this sticky finger bride of mine?

“How often do you steal?”

Her eyes bulge wide open, her mouth following suit.

“It’s not anything like that.”

“Hmmph.”

“I swear.”

She says raising two fingers to the sky.

“I’m certain the theives in prison would lie as well if given the opportunity to. I don’t like smear on my name.”

She shrinks back, her eyes darting to the door by the end of the hallway.

I want to roll my eyes.

I really do.

Does she think she could escape me?

In that hideously large dress that looks like a torture cage on its own?

“What? Think I won’t put you in jail?”

She blinks fast, “I -- I’m your wife. That will not bode well for you.”

I turn my wrist over, playing with the clasps of my wristwatch.

“I could easily ask for an annulment on the basis of criminal activities. Care to try me?”

“I swear, this was just the first time!”

Fat tear droplets roll down her face. First, they come one after the other, then they roll out in a rush resembling a waterfall.

I squeeze my eyes shut.

This was annoying. This Whittaker girl is getting on my nerves.

“Shut up. No more stealing.”

“This was the first time.” she repeats.

I open my eyes, my lips curl up in scorn, “Should I ask you why?”

Her feet shift backwards only to hit the wall behind her.

Her eyes widened as my words left my mouth. Color drained from her face making her look as pale as paper.

Her eyes fail to hold my gaze and drop to the floor, fingers curling into fists by her side, trembling with zero effort to steady them.

She looks like a cornered rabbit.

I guess that is what happens when you try to escape on your wedding day.

The bride trying to call a getaway driver.

The maid-of-honor trying to seduce the groom.

Wait.

Was the maid of honor, her decoy?

Take my attention by any means so she can escape.

My eyes widen in appreciation of her thinking.

Not very smart for someone like me, but doable for a random person outside.

“The view of other people concerning me is very important to me. I married you so as to whitewash it not to smear it further.”

I pause.

“Raise your head and look at me.”

She shakes her head, keeping it downward.

For fucks sake!

I feel cursed to meet a spoilt brat like her but I need her for the plan, so I must swallow my ire and anger to avoid ruining it.

I take a deep breath in feeling the warm air enter my nostrils, clearing my head.

“I won’t repeat myself a third time. Look at me.”

Watery green eyes stare right back into mine causing my annoyance to double.

Who the fuck did she think she is that my plan of three years is dependent on her?

I say nothing at first.

“If I hear anything that looks like you smearing my name one bit, forget jail, I know better cages to put you in that will definitely ruin your life.”

I lean forward, making sure I occupy her entire vision.

“Is that clear?