ENTWINED BETWEEN LUXURY

Gina's eyes widened in awe as her gaze fixed on a gigantic and magnificent mansion ahead of them. "Is that where he lives?" She wondered and turned her gaze in his direction. His eyes were entirely on the phone in his hands. She felt ignored. Her eyes squinted as she studied his face from the side view. He looked perfect and handsome. Jace, on the other hand, was so immersed in his thoughts. He didn't even want to look into her eyes. He avoided her hopeful gaze because he knew he would only end up disappointing her. He only agreed to this just to secure the family's legacy. His father's last words echoed in his mind; "'Marriage is a deal. We need this to secure the family's legacy." He sighed sadly. He peered at her face discreetly. She looked like a child in a candy store, awestruck and fascinated. She looked fragile, vulnerable. His mind drifted back to Christine, his four-year-old girlfriend. She always understands him and finds a way to please him. She was the

' CHARLOTTE'S BRIDAL WEARS '. Gina's eyes glistened as she read the name written broadly above the large exquisite store before her. " Come on Gina", Jace growled. She hurried off towards him. Jace pushed the gigantic door of the store open. He walked in. A thin framed woman approached them with a charming smile on her face."Welcome to Charlotte's Bridal Wears, Mr Salvador ", She said with an esteemed look on her face. Jace narrowed his eyes and looked over his shoulder. Gina stood behind him gawking at the store."Welcome Miss...." The woman drawled."Gina" Gina cut in with a small sweet smile spreading on her face."Is she the Bride?" She whispered to Jace. Jace scoffed and rolled his eyes, he sauntered to a chair and sat down. Gina followed him with her gaze."Come with me Darling", The woman motioned and walked through a double mirror door. Gina followed."I am Mrs. Quincy ,"The woman introduced, with a smile that stretched into her eyes. Gina nodded with her l

"Can..... Can I come in?" He requested in an icy, cold tone that her shoulders shiver. Lady Deborah appeared and stood next to him. She winked at Gina with a pretty smile. Gina moved out of the way and he glided past her. The deep scent of his cologne made her feel queasy. She shut the door gently and turned to them. Jace was checking out the room. It was neatly arranged. He had a satisfying look on his face when he turned back to her. She placed her hands across her chest. She cocked her head to one side and took her hands to her waist. Gina's eyes narrowed in inquiry. Jace looked over to Lady Deborah. Lady Deborah nodded and handed a brown bag over to Gina."You can go", Jace said, and wheeled around. Gina passed a skeptical glance at Lady Deborah. Lady Deborah bowed and left. The room assumed a tranquil state. Gina stared at his hard back as he crossed his hands behind his back. Jace couldn't move his lips. Words became heavy for him. He inhaled softly and dug his

~ A YEAR LATER ~ Gina peered into the mirror. Her eyes were sunken and pale. Her face was gloomy. She tried to pull a fake smile but failed. It had been a year of torment and sufferings in her new home. She was no longer Gina Washington, but now Gina Salvador. That change of name had caused a change in her destiny. Her beloved husband, Jace Salvador, has never shown her an ounce of love or affection. They don't even sleep in the same room as husband and wife. She yawned tiredly and moved away from the mirror. She pulled out a cream-coloured dress. She wore it and walked out of the room. So many things have happened already within the space of a year. As the days went by, Gina longed for his love and affection, but she never got any. Rather, she watched Christine and Jace cuddle and smooch each other in every space in the house. Jace and Christine were sitting in the living room when she walked past them. They were eating apples from each other's hands like lovebirds.

Gina returned to her room, her cheek wet with tears. She laid back on the bed, spewing out tears.That tiny gleam of happiness and joy that she got had disappeared into thin air, leaving behind gloominess and sorrows. She pulled the duvet over her body.** Jace drank three bottles of rum at a stretch. His stomach churned aggressively as the hot liquid spread all over his stomach. He became sober. His jaw slackened as he rose to his feet with bloodshot eyes. He staggered forward crashing into the table. His forehead smashed on the table. He uttered a low groan and pushed himself up. He swayed uncontrollably, taking unsteady gaits. He held onto the metal rails of the stairs as he staggered up the staircase. He staggered and fell with a loud thud. Gina heard his crash sound from her room. She pushed the duvet off her body and hurried off. A concerned look crossed her face when she saw him in a sober state. Jace pushed himself up. He reeked of a strong alcohol smell. His feet wobbl