Chapter 4

Jacqueline’s POV

Splash!

I jerked up from the bed. I gasped for air. What was that—? I heard laughter and looked forward. The maid had a bucket in her hand and smiled at me smugly.

“Good morning, Ma’am!” She said mockingly.

I glanced at the empty bucket and my drenched clothes. I removed the duvet and let out a sigh. I stood on my feet and tried to wrinkle some of the water out of my top.

“Breakfast is ready.” She said as she walked towards the door. She pulled it open and stopped.

“You know, it would be best if you skipped breakfast this morning. You might even gain more weight.”

She sniggered and left the room. She closed the door behind her. Great! That was one way to ruin the day. I scanned the room and had my eyes on the window. I walked towards it and opened the one of the panes.

Behind the house was a swimming pool, close to an outdoor bar. The water rippled as the breeze blew and glinted as the rays of the sun reflected on it. The compound looked much bigger from here than it was last night. I guess the night overshadowed most of it.

I had turned to leave when I caught a glimpse of something. Or would I say, someone—Rex. I quickly headed for the door and left the room. I climbed down the stairs and stopped when I got to the landing.

The place seemed quite. Awfully quiet. I didn’t see anyone. I guess everyone preferred to stay alone. I walked towards the front door. I got hold of the handle, ready to turn it.

“Where are you going?”

I flinched when I heard the voice. I turned round and looked at the figure. It was one of the bodyguards.

“I want to see my husband.” I said boldly, even though part of me wanted to retreat.

“Mr Northman is busy and doesn’t want to be disturbed.” He answered.

“Well, that’s not my problem. I want to see him right now.” I said, persistent to meet that wolf I got—was forced to marry.

He looked at me coldly. He stood there. If he thinks I would back out because of his blank facial expression, then he is mistaken. I scowled at him as I turned the handle. I walked through the open door.

“Mrs Northman!” He called.

I increased my pace and made a right turn. The path seemed to be closing in. Damn! A dead end. There was a wall in been the house and the fence. I turned round and saw the bodyguard behind me. I swallowed hard as he got closer.

“You really want me to lose my job, don’t you?” He said steely. His tone wasn’t as friendly as it was a minute ago.

“Cameron!”

I slowly looked away from the bodyguard to the man behind him. He had worn a serious look and had a lit cigarette in his hand. Our eyes met and I looked away.

“Sir, I—.” The bodyguard stammered.

“I asked you to keep an eye on her and not bully her.” Rex said frigidly.

“I’m sorry, Mr Northman.” He apologized, hanging his head.

I raised my head and looked at him. His stare felt like a knife on my skin. I don’t know much saliva I had swallowed within a minute. Rex tilted his head and signalled the bodyguard to leave. He nodded and left. Okay. Now I feel trapped.

Rex took a puff at the cigarette and dropped it on the concrete pavement. He stepped on it and put it out. He flashed a glance at me and heaved. He walked towards me. The closer he got, the more my heart beat increased. He stood close, too close. I could feel his breath on my skin.

“Why are you drenched?” He asked frigidly.

I glanced at my clothes.

“I-I accidentally ran in the sprinklers.” I lied, nervous as a mouse.

Rex had a disappointed look on his face. He shook his head and took out his phone. I watched as his finger scrolled up the screen until it stopped. His eyes were fixed on the screen. He glanced at me. He returned to his screen and gabbled. I didn’t know what it was. He discarded his phone in his pocket.

“And you’re still in those wet clothes. Weren’t they the one you wore yesterday?” He asked.

“I didn’t come with any of my belongings. I wasn’t expecting to get married overnight.” I scoffed.

Rex hummed.

“The next time you decide to play in the sprinklers again, do change out of the clothes.”

“I want a divorce.” I blurted out.

He raised his brow and laughed. Did he think this was a joke?

“I’m being serious. I want a divorce.” I continued.

“And you think I’ll give it to you that easily?” He said,

“Look, Cupcake!”

“That’s not my name.” I rejected.

“You are my wife. Whether you like it or not, we are married now. So, I’ll advise you get used to it. Okay?” He said, wearing a sly smile.

I glared at him. My fists were clenched but my eyes were teary. Making my whole point of objection fruitless.

An unfamiliar car horn sounded at the gate. I turned to my side and watched as the gate wheeled open. A blue Carmy drove in and parked in front of the fence. The headlights turned off and the back doors opened simultaneously.

“Uncle Rex!” Two children said in unison and ran towards him.

They hugged him. Rex’s smiled changed. It was calm and genuine. He ruffled their hairs. Is he ever friendly with children? The driver’s door banged and a lady stood close to it. She locked the car and walked towards us. I quickly wiped off the tears from my face.

“I guess they’re excited to see you then.” She said jovially.

“I didn’t know you were coming.” He said plainly.

The boys broke the hug and stood close to him.

“That’s because I wanted to surprise you.” She said calmly. She turned towards me and smiled.

“And you must be Rex’s new wife. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Her friendliness made me feel less nervous than I was earlier. At least, it was not too late to judge his family yet.

“I’m Daisy, your husband’s sister-in-law.” She introduced herself,

“Those are my sons: Michael and Evans.”

I looked at the children and smiled faintly. Neither of them reciprocated and just looked at me blankly. Great! His carbon copies.

“And you are?” She asked me.

“I’m Jacqueline. Jacqueline Brown.” I replied feebly.

“Used to be Jacqueline Brown. You’re a Northman now.” She said cheerily.

I never wanted to become one.

“Um, Rex? Why she is drenched?” She asked him.

“It’s a long story.” He replied coolly.

“She better change. She might catch a cold.” She said.

Rex hummed and glanced at me.

“You make yourselves feel at home. We’ll be right back.” He said as he got hold of my wrist.

He pulled me inside and led me to the staircase. We climbed up the stairs and got to the landing. He left go of my wrist and unlocked his door. He entered the room while I stood at the door. He flashed a glance at me and took out a top from the rail in his wardrobe. He walked towards me and tossed it.

I caught before it fell on the floor. I looked at him timidly.

“Freshen up and wear this. It’s big enough to serve as a dress or something. I don’t care.” He said coldly,

“And one more thing, if you tell Daisy about what happened last night, you’ll hate me for the rest of your life. Trust me, I’ll make this union a living nightmare for you. Just nod when you are to and stay mute when the questions seems difficult.”

I looked at him and nodded nervously. He patted my shoulder and left. I had my gaze on him as he climbed down the stairs. Couldn’t this marriage get any worse?