Chapter 4

Linda's p.o.v

Waking up can really be a torture sometimes. Especially when dreams are better than reality. But unfortunately, even the memory of the dreams fades away with time. In fact, nothing lasts. Everything in this world is temporary. Only true love lasts, which was not in my destiny.

Three and half months had already passed and as he promised he did make my life a living hell within those months. Nothing had changed. Although he was not abusing me physically but somehow, his actions were emotionally affecting me. I did not even have any friend or relative with whom I could share my problems. I missed my childhood friend.  Father's health had also deteriorated. Last time, I checked he was in the hospital. I could not tell him anything. I had no other choice but to bear all the sorrows alone.

'Should I thank Daniel for making my life miserable or should I curse at myself for getting in this situation?'

It has been three and a half months since I signed that contract. The contract of being  nothing to him. I was never treated like a wife by him. Rose was getting all the attention. As if she was the wife. He truly meant it when he said my presence or absence does not affect him.

The rules I had to follow in the contract were as follows:

Rule no.1: I was not supposed to keep any physical contact with him.

Rule no.2: I should refrain myself from asking him irrelevant questions like his whereabouts.

Rule no.3: I should not touch his things without his permission.

Rule no.4: I should function as a wife in front of the families and media only.

Rule no.5: Both the contract and marriage will end when Daniel will be given the post of the CEO.

Rule no.6: I will be provided by the amount of money I demand after the contract ends and after that, I will not have any contact with Daniel.

As for Daniel, the rules were as follows:

Rule no. 1: Avoid getting physical contact with Party A, that is me.

Rule no. 2: Should not intervene in my life. 

Rule no.3: Will provide me everything that I need except for the care and affection of a husband.

Rule no.4: Will act like a couple in front of families and media.

Rule no.5: Both the contract and marriage will end when Daniel will be given the post of the CEO.

Rule no.6: He will not have any contact with me after the contract ends.

I got up and was about to head towards the bathroom when all of a sudden Daniel entered the room and I jumped.

"Shall I bring your breakfast here my lady?"

He really enjoyed himself by taunting me. My presence was like dirt to him which he would do anything to get rid of. He enjoyed making fun of me. I could do the same but I was not ill-mannered. I was raised well. He got nightmares frequently which was quite scary but I was not allowed to question him about anything. 

"Stop being a drama queen and get ready. My parents are already waiting for you for breakfast. And for God's sake just put on some makeup. You look awful." He uttered with repellency while analysing me. 

He saw that I looked awful but did not even bother to know why. I simply nodded. My poor heart had to go through a lot. 

***************** 

After taking a long and relaxing bath, I put on some makeup. I had to do heavy makeup to look more active which I ineptly hated. I preferred light makeup. My mom used to tell me that I look more beautiful without makeup. As they say 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' 

After a few minutes, I went downstairs to join Brant and Mary for breakfast. Mary welcomed me with a hug while Brant was sipping his tea. As expected Daniel was not there. Three months passed but we never had lunch or dinner together. He was either busy with his business or Rose. 

Although he disliked it, I always made him dinner and left it for him. I was bonded with him in church, I should at least perform my duties like a wife. However, I was blessed because his parents were nothing like him. They frequently visit us and sometimes would stay over.

"You are looking so beautiful." Mary complimented me with glittering eyes.

Mary took great care of me just like my mom used to do. She loved me the way I was and would treat me as her own daughter. 

"She is beautiful, Darling." Brant replied as he smiled at me. 

"Well obviously. After all she is my daughter in-law." She teased her husband. 

"Anyway I hope you have a beautiful dress for the party." She asked with amusement. 

"Party?" I was bewildered. I knew Daniel would not tell me anything but at least some things he could inform me.

"Didn't Daniel inform you?" Her lips were pressed together. On the other hand, Brant glared at me skeptically. 

Being dishonest with them became my cup of tea. At first, I was hesitant but by the virtue of Daniel, I became a master.

"No. He told me. He told me yesterday itself. It's just that I have a weak memory." I lied.

"Linda you can tell us if Daniel is hurt-" 

Brant always asked me if Daniel was not satisfying me as a husband. 

"Don't worry Brant, Daniel isn't hurting me he loves me a lot. He takes diligent care of me. He must be busy or stressed with work, that's why he does not spend much time at home. Other than that, he calls me everyday to check on me." 

I tried to convince them but by their expressions it was unable to understand whether they were pacified or not. 

'Did they know something?'

After that we had our breakfast in complete silence. Neither Mary nor Brant uttered a word.

The only thing that was stuck in my mind was the party. Daniel did not mention any party to me. I knew he would not either. Who would wish to bring their unwanted wife to a function?

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"

Sitting in the balcony of Daniel's room, I thought about the meaning of a marriage. 

Marriage is not a ring worn or a paper signed. It is something savoured and not endured. It is the union of two hearts and souls. But in my case everything was the opposite. I had only been enduring. The only one who gave the heart was me. Daniel's heart had already been taken by someone else. His soul was already connected to someone else. I had to pity myself everyday. 

My thoughts were disturbed when I heard a loud bang at the door. 

I saw Daniel coming towards me like a raging bull. He was taunting me with glares, clenched fists and menacing gestures. 

"How can you be such an attention seeker? How dare you tell my dad that I did not tell you about the party? And why should I, in the first place?" He was angrier than a one armed paper hanger. 

His eyes were bloodshot, ready to murder me at anytime. I should have gotten used to that by now, but that heart of mine was too sensitive to stop getting hurt.

"I cannot be with the one I love. Rose and I are having issues with our relationship just because I married you. And today, when I got the chance to persuade and spend some time with her, you spoiled my plan." 

I wanted nothing but that ground to devour me right there. I spent nearly three months with him. A little bit of trust would not hurt him. I was not expecting anything from him after all.

"I- did not say anything." 

"Oh just shut up. First of all, you've ruined everything and you are providing excuses." 

He nearly screamed which made me flinch. Thanks to God, his parents were not present. 

"Damn it, how can you pretend to be so innocent when you have such an evil mind." He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. 

"Get ready by six o'clock I will have to take you to the party. Don't know when dad and mom will know about your true colours. You are so selfish." His words were like a sword piercing my heart.

'Was I that bad?'

"Just stop shedding these crocodile tears for fuck's sake." He shouted and made his way to the exit. 

Every time he would talk, he would break me into several parts. Yet, that made me realise that I was honest with my feelings to experience such heart breaks. If I was successful in bearing all those pain in three months then I was ready to tolerate them for the rest of my life. 

For I loved him.