Chapter 7: My Husband

“Well, looks like your impotent husband is nowhere to be found.”

I turned to the side, recognizing that voice immediately. It was Celeste, her lips curled into a mocking smile. She held a wine glass, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she stared at me.

I almost rolled my eyes but forced myself to stay calm. I wasn’t about to waste my energy on her. Instead, I turned back toward the view from the terrace, breathing in the cool night air in an attempt to soothe my frayed nerves.

But, of course, the universe refused to give me peace — and instead sent Celeste my way.

“You know, Sis, you should be happy. You’re finally a wife. But I bet even that won’t be enough. Sure, he’s good-looking — but he doesn’t want you. He’s gay.”

I closed my eyes and took a slow, steadying breath.

“Can you stop now, Celeste? You already got what you wanted. I married him in your place. What more do you want?”

The smirk slipped from her face instantly. Her eyes narrowed, her lips twitching with rage.

“What did you just say?”

I met her glare without flinching — something I never would’ve dared do before. But there was a new strength in me now, one I didn’t even know I had.

“I’ve been giving you chance after chance, Celeste. Sure, you paid me, but without me? You wouldn’t even be you. My designs, my life, my art, my boyfriend — and now my future? Haven’t you taken enough? Can’t you just let me go and leave me alone? Especially now that I’m the one married instead of you?”

Her face flushed an angry red.

I knew she was shocked — and honestly, so was I. I never thought I’d finally speak up like this, but the resentment I’d kept bottled up for so long had finally spilled over.

Her teeth clenched, and before I could react, she flung the contents of her wine glass into my face. The liquid stung my eyes, and I let out a sharp cry at the sudden pain.

“What the hell?!” I yelled, wiping at my face.

“Remember this, Eloise!” she hissed. “You are nothing! You’ll always be my second — my shadow! And I won’t stop until you understand that’s all you’ll ever be!”

With that, Celeste spun on her heel and stormed off the terrace.

I stood there, seething, my white dress now stained with red wine. My face was sticky, my eyes still stinging.

Great. Just great.

I’d had enough. My so-called husband hadn’t even bothered to show up for the reception, so there was no point in sticking around. Especially when Celeste kept finding new ways to humiliate me.

Outside the venue, I spotted a man standing next to a sleek black car. He noticed me immediately and walked over.

“Mrs. Whitmore, I’m Brick — your driver. Are you heading home already?” he asked politely.

I frowned. “My driver? I… I don’t have a driver. You must be mistaken.”

Brick looked just as confused. “Aren’t you Mr. Sebastian Whitmore’s wife?”

My mouth fell open. “Oh, y-yes. Where is he?”

“He had to leave right after the ceremony for an important meeting. He asked me to take you home after the reception.”

Of course he did.

I exhaled slowly, trying to push down my irritation. “Fine. I’d like to go home now.”

Brick nodded and quickly opened the car door for me.

“I’ll take you to your new home, Mrs. Whitmore.”

I gave him a tight smile as I slid into the car. I still wasn’t used to the new name, but there was no point fighting it. After all, I was married now.

The drive was smooth and quiet. I spent most of it trying to process the day — the wedding, the humiliation, and the man I’d just married.

The reality of my situation was finally sinking in. I barely knew Sebastian, and yet here I was — his wife. And the way he’d spoken to me earlier… there was something unsettling about it. Something I couldn’t quite figure out.

But I had to stay strong. I wasn’t just doing this for myself — I was doing it for the orphanage.

When we finally arrived, I stepped out of the car and stared, wide-eyed, at the house before me. It was stunning — all glass and steel, sleek and modern, yet warm and inviting. The sprawling estate looked like something out of a magazine.

The entrance was grand, with high ceilings and a sweeping staircase. A massive chandelier cast soft, golden light across the marble floors. Every detail screamed wealth and elegance.

As I took it all in, my eyes landed on the figure lounging on the sofa. The dim lighting kept him partially hidden, so I didn’t recognize him right away.

“S-Sebastian?” I called hesitantly.

He stood, his movements smooth and deliberate. I took an instinctive step back as he approached, my pulse quickening.

There was something about him — his presence was overpowering. And when his intense hazel eyes locked on mine, I felt like he was seeing straight into my soul.

I forced myself to stand my ground, even as my heart pounded wildly.

“So… I know neither of us wanted this,” I began, my voice softer than I intended. “But… if there’s something you want to say, you can tell me. I’m willing to listen.”

His expression didn’t change. “What should I say?”

I hesitated. How was I supposed to tell him I already knew his… secret? That I accepted him without making it sound like an insult?

“Ahm… anything, really. I just… want you to know that I accept you — whatever you are,” I said with a nervous smile.

For a brief second, something flashed in his eyes — anger? Amusement? I couldn’t tell. But then his face hardened once more.

“I don’t care what you think of me,” he said coldly. “You’re just my wife on paper. That doesn’t mean you have a say in my life.”

My jaw tightened, but maybe it was better this way. If he wanted to keep his distance, then at least I’d have my freedom.

“Fine. I’m sorry,” I muttered.

I saw his fists clench, but he stayed silent. Had I said something wrong?

The room grew uncomfortably quiet. He stood there, just watching me — and the longer his gaze lingered, the more unsettled I became.

Why was he looking at me like that?

My arms wrapped around myself as a strange sense of panic crept in. His eyes flicked down, noticing the movement — and then his lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk.

“Why?” he asked softly. “Do you think I’m going to do something to you tonight?”

My eyes widened in shock. What the hell?

Wasn’t he supposed to be…?

He took a step closer. And then another.

“H-Huh?” I stammered, backing away until my shoulders hit the cold wall behind me.

His smirk grew. He kept closing the distance between us until his hand braced against the wall beside my head. His face was so close that I could feel his warm breath against my skin.

My throat went dry.

“W-What are you doing?” I whispered.

“Why?” His voice was low, teasing. “You look scared… isn’t this what you wanted?”

His fingers brushed my cheek, the touch soft — almost gentle. But the way his eyes held mine made my heart race in fear.

“This is who you are… right?” he murmured.

I panicked. The room felt too small, his presence too overwhelming. When his hand slid lower toward my neck, I shoved him away and put as much distance between us as I could.

“What is wrong with you?!” I snapped, my voice shaking.

He just chuckled, like he was enjoying my fear.

My whole body trembled. I glared at him.

“Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you can treat me like this! You said it yourself — this is just on paper. So stay away from me, or I swear I’ll sue you!”

His eyes darkened. “Really? Let’s see.”

He turned away without another word.

“You can sleep in the master bedroom,” he called over his shoulder. “Don’t wait up for me… Wife.”

And then he was gone, leaving me alone in the massive house — and more terrified than I’d ever been in my life.