Chapter two - Not so happily married

"Oh Catherine, you look so beautiful!" Her mother complimented her, touching her burning cheeks as her eyes glinted with happiness.

"Thank you so much for what you have done." Her father moved forward placing a kiss on her forward. "We are proud of you. I'm sure you will do well in your marriage."

Catherine laughed inwardly. Of course, she would do well with a fake marriage! So sarcastic.

She tried as much as possible to smile back at them. Not wanting to get into a conversation with them, she only nodded in response.

"Honey, we have sent your belongings to the Bentley mansion. Your dad and I will miss you!" Charlotte, Catherine's mother, added.

They had already sent her things over so fast and they were going to miss her so much. Yeah right. What else had she expected? A fairy send-off with a lot of kisses? Catherine thought to herself and scoffed inwardly before excusing herself.

She hitched her dress and hurriedly walked away from them heading towards the car.

"Don't say that Catherine. Don't you know, not everybody is willing to sacrifice themselves just for the sake of their family. What you did is very honorable. I doubt you would regret it. Cheer up okay? Now come, the parents are waiting, it's time to go." The words of Felice went through her mind. She sighed inwardly.

She waited as she heard her parents conversing with him. He sounded so delighted, so fake, as if happy. She wanted to look at his acting face but knew it would get her more angry, so she ignored it.

"Cathy, wait," Mrs McKellen called out just when she was about to step into the car.

"Catherine, you'll be fine okay? Your mother and I love you very much; you've made us proud, my dear. Goodbye." Her mother hugged her again, and this time, she hugged her back tightly. She couldn't hold her tears anymore, it was falling.

She loved her parents so very much, and that was one of the reasons she agreed to this in the first place, even though they had done many other things for her as her parents.

It was only right for their daughter to be useful to them now she had grown up. Wouldn't it be cruel not to pay them back by helping them in a difficult time like this when they expected her to? After all, they loved and cared for her.

They said and waved goodbye.

The driver helped her with her dress, while William sat on the other side of the car with his face glued outside. He never cared to look at her face, not even once until they arrived at the mansion.

As they arrived at the mansion, Catherine was struggling with her dress while William casually walked into the mansion. The drive to the mansion was the most awkward and uncomfortable drive she ever experienced from her husband.

"I'll have my assistant show you to your room. We leave for the company tomorrow morning." He said just like that.

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Catherine feeling like a pawn in a game she didn't understand.

"Everyone is thrilled to have you and Willy together at the mansion. We are really happy to welcome you." William's parents were there waiting as they entered. His mother rushed towards them after her statement.

"Thank you, Mother, Father," Catherine muttered, plastering a smile on her face; a smile as fake as their marriage.

Then Mrs Bentley, William's mother suddenly turned and glared at William.

"Willy?! Where do you think you're going?! His mother interrupted.

Bradley Bentley's son, William Bentley, possessed all of his Father's traits and was a self-assured, prosperous man. As the heir to his father's business, he was the next in line to enjoy the benefits of being a Bentley.

"What is the matter mother?!" With a tone full of irritation, William asked. 'What did I do this time?!' he thought to himself.

"You know you should be taking your lovely wife with you, silly Willy? And I do mean it, William." She continued.

With the looks of this, it seems his parents were aware he didn't want the marriage, too, but it was clear they didn't know they didn't know what other plans Williams had.

"Yes, William, your mother is right; you're meant to carry Catherine inside the mansion." Bentley supported his wife.

Catherine grew even more nervous. Neither she nor William wanted that.

William took a moment to compose himself before turning his attention from his parents to Catherine. All eyes turned to her as she simply stood there, her dress tightly clutched in one hand.

She sucked back her saliva as William walked over to her. "Hold me!" He whispered sternly.

He lifted her into his arms, carrying her in her bridal style as if she were as light as a feather. This act brought smiles to everyone's faces, including Mrs Bentley, who applauded lightly, but not to her husband. His looks...oh Lord, Catherine was sure she was going to faint should he continue with this dead attitude towards her. How will she cope with a marriage like this?

Catherine felt embarrassed by the situation at the moment. Her heart continued to race as if she had recently completed a marathon.

William's expressionless face seemed to be a mask to her as she stole a quick look at it. He didn't say a word to her, it was even more awkward than the ride back home.

William and Catherine walked into a well-decorated living room with a banner hanging across that read, "Welcome Mr and Mrs William Bentley."

"Oh my goodness," William muttered. He turned around and addressed his mother, saying, "Mother, I doubt any of this was necessary."

"William, did you believe that your mother and I would not take your wedding seriously?" Mrs Bentley said, smiling widely.

William swallowed his anger.

"Take Catherine upstairs. Both of you can change now and join us down here for the welcoming celebration." Bentley interrupted his son.

"Your father is right, Willy; the party had just begun." She chuckled. "Oh wait! There's one thing we're forgetting here and I want to see!" Mrs Bentley exclaimed. "I have not seen them kiss as husband and wife. Willy son, why don't you kiss your bride?" She said, looking happy that their son had finally gotten married.

Catherine's eyes went wide at Mrs Bentley's statement. It was obvious that Mrs Bentley didn't know what she was getting her into. She found her heart racing and wondered if William was going to do it.