[2]

I walked slowly through the cold and soulless living room, my steps barely making a sound on the shiny marble. The dim light from the chandelier failed to warm the atmosphere. It seemed to reflect my fate-pale, dim, and lonely.

Roderick Langley's gaze still lingered on my back, full of hatred that he could no longer hide. I didn't need to turn my head to know the expression that might be chiseled on his face-his jaw was hardened, his eyes were full of irritation, and his lips were always grinning sarcastically whenever he saw me.

In his eyes, I was misfortune incarnate. Five years of being trapped in a marriage he never even wanted. Five years of me enduring the role of an unwelcome wife, a mere shadow in this house.

If not for Sebastian Langley's last request, I know Roderick would never have stood at the altar with me. He was only doing what his father wanted him to do, and now that the person who bound us was gone, there was no reason for him to pretend.

“Damn it,” she hissed, barely audible, but enough to pierce my already fragile core. “Why remember the past at a time like this.”

I couldn't tell if she was talking to herself or if she intended for me to hear her. However, I was already used to every painful word from her. I held my breath, trying to muster the remaining courage I still had to step out of this house. The house that was supposed to be a refuge, but to me, was nothing more than a golden cage full of thorns.

“Maria,” he called after her.

The Langley family's loyal servant didn't move from her spot. I knew she wanted to run to my aid, but fear of Roderick's wrath kept her at bay.

“Yes, sir,” Maria replied obediently.

“Has my mother eaten dinner and taken her medicine?”

“She has, sir.”

Roderick nodded slowly. "Never let your eyes off my mother, Maria."

I bowed my head. Of course, Marguerite Langley was the only reason I had survived this far. That woman treated me with genuine affection. In her eyes, I wasn't just a daughter-in-law that her son didn't want. I was the daughter she never had.

“Yes, sir,” she replied.

I wanted to say something, wanted to thank Maria for always being by my side, even in silence. But I knew this was not the right time.

Roderick walked away without another word, leaving a slightly more relieved atmosphere for those still in the house. I heard a long exhale from Maria as soon as he stepped away.

I resumed my steps, letting the chill of the night greet my numb body. I knew this was the end. Roderick had fulfilled his promise to the late Sebastian. And now, he could free himself from everything that bound him to me.

I heard the faint sound of the cell phone he was dialing. I knew who he was calling. Gustav Wexford, the family lawyer who had served the Langleys for so long.

“Have you prepared everything, Gustav?” His voice was sharp, without any hesitation.

There was a pause on the other end before Gustav answered. “Are you sure?”

I closed my eyes. I already knew the answer. I knew he wouldn't change his mind.

“Did I ever joke about this business?” Roderick clucked irritably.

“I was just considering your mother's condition, Rick. You know, Madame Marguerite loves your wife very much. I'm worried that she might drop because of sa-”

“I just found out that Gustav Wexford is God incarnate? Who can know someone's future?” she snapped.

I bit my lip. The wound in my heart was gaping. I knew Roderick never wanted me, but hearing it directly still hurt.

“Alright. You really can't be held back on this,” Gustav said finally.

I heard the disconnected call. Roderick had decided everything.

I lifted my head, looking up at the star-filled night sky. It was so bright, such a contrast to my broken feelings. The moon was shining brightly, as if looking at me with pity.

In the distance, I saw Roderick standing beside his black Lexus car. He was also looking up at the sky with a faint smile on his lips. A smile that somehow made my chest tighten even more.

“I wish you knew how torturous it is to be me, Gustav. You would never say this.”

I squeezed my fingers, holding back the trembling that began to creep up. He wasn't the only one tormented in this marriage. I was too. But I chose to endure. I chose to love without expecting anything in return. And perhaps, that was my greatest folly.

***

I repeatedly wiped away the tears that never stopped flowing. The tightness in my chest was growing, but I couldn't do anything but try to calm myself down. Two large suitcases were leaning against the side of the bed, ready to be filled with clothes and belongings that still belonged to me. Since entering this white room, I didn't know what to do.

“I should have made something special for you tonight, Rick,” I whispered softly as I wiped away the tears that continued to fall mercilessly. “Isn't there a little bit of you left for me, after these two years?”

My vision was blurry, but I kept my eyes fixed on one spot in the room. My gaze fell on the portrait mounted majestically on the wall. I approached, even though every step I took felt more and more pressure on my chest. It hurt like hell.

“You're so stupid, Eva,” I muttered under my breath. I was now standing right in front of our wedding portrait. I saw myself smiling happily, with so much hope stored there. Rick's smile, which was once so charming and ensnared me in a pseudo-love full of pain, now looked different in my eyes. I realized that the smile was fake. As fake as his sweet demeanor that only appeared when we were in the presence of my father-in-law. The rest of the time?

I was bombarded with insults and accusations that even I couldn't understand, how could Rick say those things to me? How naive I was, thinking that Rick loved me. How foolish I was to believe my father-in-law's wishes after our wedding was over.

“I hope my recovery comes soon, Eva,” Sebastian Langley said back then. The wheelchair-bound middle-aged man, Rick's father and my father-in-law, was radiating happiness that could not be hidden. The Langley family doctor couldn't even believe what they were seeing; Sebastian looked healthy and in good shape ahead of his son's wedding.

“I'm sure Papa will get better soon,” I said sincerely. I had always believed that Sebastian was a gentle and warm-hearted man. Even my mother-in-law, Marguerite Langley, was always by his side. Mami Rita's warm smile never faded. She even said that she was very lucky to have me as a daughter-in-law.

“You are right. Papa must get well. Don't lose to illness. Right, dear?”

Mami Rita smiled broadly. “I'm sure you'll get better soon. Doctor Phillip has already scheduled your surgery.”

“You guys don't talk about sad things,” Rick interrupted with a contrived look. “We just finished a happy event. What if we just enjoy this happiness? I believe that the effect of this wedding can make Papa gradually improve.”

He rubbed my shoulder lightly, then gave the side of my head a brief kiss. “Are you happy, dear?”

I blushed. My blush grew redder as he invited me to dance in the hall.

“Papa is always praying for your happiness. Papa will also try to get well soon. Can't wait to see you Langley Junior.”

We all laughed in response to Sebastian's words.

“Be patient, Papa. I'll make Langley Junior come soon in Eva's belly. You're ready, aren't you, darling?” Rick laughed, as if his words really signified the happiness he felt. Unfortunately... it was all a lie.

“Sit down,” he said as we entered the bridal suite that the hotel had reserved for us; the supposedly happy bride and groom.

“Rick?” I stared at him in surprise, seeing the change of expression on the face of the man who had just a few hours ago become my husband.

“I said sit down!”

I squinted. His voice rose, making my heart race faster than usual. “Okay,” I said softly. With difficulty, I dragged the wedding dress that was quite long in the tail.

“Don't you ever think this marriage will end happily, Eva. You need to realize one thing.”

Rick moved closer, and I didn't count on his arrival. Not because of his figure, but his intimidation. Also his grip on my face that was still covered in make-up. I winced in pain from the firm pressure of his fingers on my cheek.

“Don't ever expect anything from me. This marriage is only to please my father.”

Then... on my first night as a bride, I was left for dead. With many questions and a wound in my heart that grew deeper by the day.

I rubbed the tip of my wet nose. I gently patted my cheeks, hoping that the beginning of this pain would no longer come to mind. My breathing began to regulate. My tears were no longer falling.

“Without you needing to ask, I also intend to leave. But unfortunately... I can't bear to leave Mami Rita.”

I looked up, staring at the ceiling of this room. “I thought a lot before leaving this house, but no one seemed to think about how I felt.”

I laughed sadly. “It's bad luck that I met you, Rick.”