Chapter five

Daniell's POV

I knew that Marcus did not mean to hurt me with his words; it was an honest mistake, just like mine had been before, but I couldn't help but feel hurt.

I thought about Stephen. He was probably on his way to his honeymoon with Sophie right now. Maybe they were still laughing at the prank they pulled on me. I could not decide what was more painful: their betrayal or how easily my parents went with that, as if nothing had happened.

" Do you regret?" Marcus asked as if he could read my mind. " I don't get offended if you do."

I looked at him. Marcus moved himself from the wheelchair to one of the sofas, and I sat nearby. Each of us had a wine glass in hand. If anyone could see us now, they would think we were a normal couple, enjoying our evening after dinner. But there was nothing normal about us.

" I know it is a horrible situation for you. I promise I will get it fixed if you let me. I will take care of you to the best of my ability. I am a man of my word, even if all you see right now is a stranger bound to you by a marriage certificate."

Marcus's words moved something inside me, and I burst into hysterical laughter. He watched me, concerned as I laughed so hard, tears streamed down my face.

" That is so...funny," I mustered to say, wiping tears from my face. Marcus furrowed his brows, confused.

" I would be married to a stranger one way or another." It hit me hard how actual those words were. Stephen, I saw today that he was nothing like the man I had known for the last three years. The charming, loving man I fell for was replaced by a cold-hearted monster I did not recognise, and I could not help but think this was his true personality. No wonder he found Sophie more interesting. They had more in common than I could ever expect.

" Fair point," Marcus nodded, handing me a tissue, as if he clearly understood what I meant. Well, judging by his situation, he learnt this truth the hard way, too.

" I have a solution then," he added, and I looked at him with curiosity. " I do not want to be a stranger to my own wife, so let me start. I am Marcus. I am thirty years old, the infamous son of the Dowes family. As you may have already noticed, I'm not a great cook, but I love reading. I am a big fan of all kinds of physical activities, and I have seen almost every country worth visiting."

I could not help but laugh at this statement that was like a copy-paste from a dating app, but Marcus looked at me with a serious expression, waiting for my turn.

" Fine. I am Danielle, and I am twenty-five years old. I just ended a three-year-long relationship, since my fiancée was a duchbag who cheated on me with my sister. I also probably lost the last connection with my family."

Marcus oversaw me, without saying anything, so I added. " That is the moment when you should swipe my profile to the left. No date, thank you."

I saw Marcus' face changing; he clearly did not get my joke. " Dating apps, you swipe left if you are not interested," I explained slowly.

" Never used one, I have no idea how they work."

His statement took me a little off guard. Everyone used those apps at least once. But then I looked at him closely. Well, in his case, it was not necessary. Dark brown hair, grey eyes, and this five o'clock shadow covering his strong jaw made him sexy as f*ck. All that, combined with a muscular, tanned body, made him deadly attractive. Yes, someone like Marcus did not use dating apps. He would rather have security to chase all the women ready to throw themselves at him.

" Well, I used it once," I shrugged my arms, avoiding his piercing eyes. " For fun only," I added in my defence.

" Of course," Marcus agreed, but the irony in his voice was unmissable. " I hope it is not how you met my brother? Because then I would sue them for compensation."

For the first time today, thinking about Stephen did not cause me pain. Perhaps I had begun adjusting to my new reality.

" That is not how we met, if you wanna know."

" I really don't," Marcus replied immediately.

" Too bad. It is a really great story," I replied with a grin on my face. Talking to Marcus seemed much easier now. I knew there would be more dark moments in the future, so I decided to enjoy the moment, pushing all my worries aside.

" I am sure it is fascinating, but I will pass on your offer." Marcus's lips curled upward. His smile had something preadatory in it.

" Fine, Mr Perfect. Pull your skeletons from the closet, and tell me about the bad sides of your character." I looked at him with a challenge. Wine was working.

Marcus smirked. " You just called me Mr Perfect and now you dare to suggest I have a bad side of character? That is an insult."

" Accept my sincere apology," I bowed my head, mocking him.

Marcus giggled and leaned forward slightly. " I am very protective of what is mine. Almost possessive." He looked at me with hungry eyes, and I shivered.

" It is getting late. I should be going to bed," I said, placing my glass on the coffee table.

Marcus smiled mischievously. " Good night then."

I rushed to my room, with my cheeks burning. Why was this man making me so uneasy?

I searched the drawer and found an oversized T-shirt. I pulled it over my head and climbed onto a bed. Sheets were fresh, releasing a pleasant lavender scent. I closed my eyes, inhaling the scent slowly. Hopefully, I will get some rest tonight. I drifted into sleep sooner than expected. Unfortunately, nightmares followed me closely. My dream was like a slow-motion replay of recent events. I was again facing Stephen and Sophie, laughing at me. I saw my father looking away, as if that could make him feel not guilty. I saw my mother proudly walking next to Sophie. There were other faces watching me, just as oblivious to how I had been treated. I wanted to leave, but I couldn't move.

I started trashing in my bed.

" Calm down, sweetie. It is over now. I am here, and no one will hurt you ever again." This voice was soft and soothing, coming to me from a distance. I believed him. " Sleep now."

My eyelids were heavy, but I managed to open them slightly. The room was dark; only a little bit of moonlight was getting inside through the curtains.

I saw a tall figure standing at the foot of my bed. Tall, shirtless man. It was blurry, but I could swear I saw a flash of light in grey eyes.

Marcus? That was impossible. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, calming down my thundering heart.

After a while, I opened my eyes and looked around. The room was empty. I turned to the side and covered my head with a pillow.

Great! I was starting to see things!