Chapter 2: Ground Rules

The wedding reception was terrible, we'd discovered that my husband left because he wasn't ready to put up with everyone anymore than I wanted. I was left to suffer the stares and whispering from Nosy guests. 

 It was morning and I was now a Whitney. I woke up in Sean's bed and he was nowhere to be seen. 

Why does this man always disappear?

He hates me so much he can't even stand my presence?

 I scanned the room. The window across the bed was huge and it let in sunlight that almost blinded me. The walls were painted a solid grey, there were little to no furniture. No dresser, just a side table. It had so much space that could fit a whole furniture set so I wondered why it looked empty, no pictures hanging on the walls or on the table, only three shirts in the closet. 

 I noticed one of the closets was locked; "creepy" I thought. 

I'd slept well, it felt like I slept on clouds, the bed was the only comforting thing in this room. 

 My stomach rumbled reminding me I hadn't eaten since yesterday noon.

  Walking down the hall I saw a door that was slightly open and walked close to peep, it immediately open and I was faced with my painfully attractive husband.

"What are you doing" his voice was a low growl, deep and sensual, making me unsteady and nervous.

" Uh-uhhhh I was uhm… I was looking for you" I stammered, mentally kicking myself for being such a freak.

His face was strong and still almost like it was sculpted and he looked at me furrowing his brows in confusion.

"What do you need me for?" 

His eyes didn't blink or leave mine for a second. He obviously enjoyed seeing me whimper under his gaze.

"I-I-I uhmm I wanted to ask what you're having for breakfast" I lied hoping he doesn't see through the half baked lie.

"I didn't ask you to cook for me, you're never making my meal, you understand?" 

 What kind of human is this, heck! I doubt he's even human. His eyes reminded me of of the ocean, it had me hypnotized and drowning in it's depth, it's definitely the reason my words are so incoherent.

"Why? You've not even tasted my cooking, would you starve then? Because I don't see any chef or even a single staff in this gigantic house" I muttered looking anywhere but his eyes.

"Don't ask me questions, do as you're told" He shut the door behind him and started to walk away when I grabbed his hand, completely on impulse and without reasoning. His skin was smooth and soft, even with the web of veins scattered around his arm.

"Oh Carmen you're playing with fire" I warned inwardly

He removed his arm from my grip and I felt my stomach sink. His brows knitted, annoyed at my touch. 

"Don't ever touch me. This house is big enough and we can stay here months without even running into each other. Stay away" His voice boomed and his eyes thinned with all seriousness. The last statement sounded like a warning that sent instant chills down my spine.

"What the hell is wrong with you? I don't even want to be married to you or live in this lifeless place. If we're going to do this at least act like a goddamn human!" I yelled and he simply stood there looking at me like I was a clown in performance.

"I don't want to be married to you either. This only has to work when we're in public. In this house you don't exist" He finished and walked away.

 I stood perplexed and paralyzed. How did I end up here? 

I wasn't letting him walk away from me like that if he thinks he's stubborn he just met his match. 

 I followed him into a room I'd seen him enter. It was no different from the one I woke up in. The only thing that distinguished them was the lighting. This one was dark and gloomy, it just makes you wonder what kind of person would stay here. 

"I'm still talking to you" I said behind him. He dropped his laptop on the bed and turned to look at me. 

"You really got nerves to follow me in here" 

" I'm your wife incase it hasn't registered in your hard skull, I'm not a visitor that'll leave soon, I'm here to stay" my voice was stern this time. 

He closed the gap between us and stared down at me. He was nothing less than 6'7 feet's tall. I looked like a mere insect standing in front of him.

"Then let's set some ground rules" He whispered close to me and goosebumps erupted on my skin so I swallowed hard and nodded for him to continue. 

He took a step back giving me the chance to catch the breath I hadn't known I was holding.

" Firstly, you never cook for me" He looked at me, his eyes inquiring if I understood what he had said and I shook my head letting him finish before I speake.

"Secondly, you stay very far away from me, do whatever the hell you want in this house but stay away from me. We don't have to make small talks. Thirdly, all doors that are locked in this house should remain locked, don't ever open any doors without my permission. Those rooms and doors are restricted to me alone." He stated, placing his hands in the pockets of his slacks.

"Lastly and most importantly, No visitors allowed in this house, not without my consent. Do you understand?" He commanded and I opened my mouth to speak.

"Now you listen to me, I don't care if you starve and die so yeah I'm okay with cooking my meal alone. Asking me to stay away from you might be impossible, sorry" I shrugged and caught him glare at me but I ignored and continued:

" I don't care what's behind your restricted doors so I won't go snooping, be rest assured. Most importantly, I'd have visitors in this house and you'd do absolutely nothing about it" I smiled, happy I was frustrating him enough to have his teeth gritting in anger. 

"Do not test me Carmen" I loved the way my name rolled off his tongue. It was the first time I heard him say my name and my body was tingling in excitement. 

'Carmen you're pathetic'

"I hope this mirage would survive a month" I concluded and walked out the door, this time leaving him to wonder.