Chapter 7: The Expected Yes "Miss Kalgazar…" He murmured her name with disdain, yet maintaining composure as he pulled his hands away. "I don't have time now, but once a decision is made, I'll meet you," he warned dryly. "I hope we can meet soon; I know I'll be the right person you're looking for." She stepped back and left, heading toward the group of friends awaiting her. "Not at all…" She sighed indifferently, keeping her gaze in the opposite direction, remembering Eliza. "I don't know what's happening for her to be on my mind like this," he thought, lost in thought. Elizabeth and her friend Gaby were on the campus field where students gathered to sit on the grass. She tried once again to hold back the tears, though it was almost impossible. "When will you stop coming here? I know it hurts you, so…" "I… I just need to see, see until it hurts so much that I wish for death, but instead of killing me, I'll end his life!" She exclaimed fiercely. "Your mind is hard to understan
Chapter 8: The Man I'm Going to MarryElizabeth could hardly rest; she headed to the garden, where she walked until late, pondering how Taylor would react upon learning that she was suddenly married. Yet, she was also afraid, having no idea who the man she was marrying was. This troubled her chest even more. In seconds, she thought of a thousand possibilities and hells she might experience at the hands of this man her father deemed someone who would keep her safe.After much contemplation, her insomnia only worsened. Still, she retreated to her room and locked herself in. Early in the morning, she awoke to her mother opening the curtains of her large window, flooding the room with light."Mom!" she protested as the maids entered eagerly."Get up, okay? Even though it's a blind marriage, let's make it perfect. You're getting married today, and everything is being arranged in haste.""And this dress?" she asked indifferently as the maid carefully placed the shimmering crystal-like piece
Chapter 9: Delivered to the One I DespiseElizabeth was ready and anxious, her gaze fixed on the clock on her dresser, torturing herself with each passing minute as if they were flying by."Mom, is this clock broken?" she asked irritably, turning it to hide its display."What do you think? Is it taking too long? I know, I'm so excited," her mother commented enthusiastically, drawing Elizabeth's serious gaze, leaving her astounded."No! It's the opposite; it's passing so quickly. Suddenly, it's less than an hour. I'm...""Liz... I don't know how you can accept this... it's so scary," Gaby grumbled, distressed."My goodness! You look beautiful!" Brian exclaimed, enchanted by his sister, the bride."I never thought I'd see such a beautiful bride," Ryuk celebrated. "Come on, strut around to see how it would be walking down an aisle.""You... at least, you guys have your heads on straight," Elizabeth grumbled, then adjusted her posture and began walking.The bride was stunning in her beaut
Chapter 10: Subtle AttractionFor Elizabeth, the wedding felt like a funeral; her stomach churned constantly. After the forced "yes" and the ceremony concluded with the signed contracts, there was no further contact between them.She remained in the hall since her father wouldn't allow her to leave."So?" Gaby asked, apprehensive."I just want to get out of here as soon as possible!" Elizabeth grumbled, while sneakily observing Richard, who was beside her father and mother, all engrossed in lively conversation.Her parents smiled eagerly, and Richard attempted to appear receptive, even if he didn't smile. However, in a few brief seconds of contact, his gaze met Elizabeth's sulking stare, one of the few things that made him feel like laughing, though it remained a mere urge."That jerk, how dare he go through with the marriage," she continued grumbling."Why do you keep complaining? He doesn't seem so bad, even if the circumstances aren't the best.""You know... I didn't tell you, but
Chapter 11: Agreement or ThreatRichard promptly accepted the invitation from Elizabeth's mother, who invited him to dance as soon as she saw them stepping away. Generously, Elizabeth gifted each of her brothers a dance."Siblings... my foot is throbbing, and this atmosphere is starting to make me nervous. I'm going for a walk outside and leaving Gaby in your care; she seems quite downcast," she announced."Are you plotting something, Elizabeth?" Brian asked suspiciously, as he knew his sister well."It's nothing serious, just let me be alone," Elizabeth replied.She exited, crossing the hall to one of the balconies, where she sat on a bench near the railing. She sighed with relief as she finally took off the heels that had been hurting her ankle.Meanwhile, Richard continued chatting absentmindedly with his parents, as if Elizabeth wasn't present."I still believe you and Elizabeth can get along. It's a bit strange that, after being husband and wife, you remain distant," Zeus comment
Chapter 12 "A Not So Cold Man"On that day, Elizabeth's parents weren't home as they were attending a business dinner and couldn't accompany her. This, in fact, was a relief for her. When Richard informed her that he was waiting for her outside the gate, she came down to meet him. However, upon seeing her, he was taken aback while she approached slowly, avoiding making eye contact.Once she reached the gate, he regained composure and opened the car door for her to get in. As expected, she hesitated and attempted to head towards the back door."Don't think of doing what you're thinking," Richard warned."I don't want to sit next to you.""Elizabeth, dear, I'm not letting my beautiful wife sit in the back seat; the Campbell heiress should arrive by my side.""You just want to show me off?""Exactly, just get in and go with the flow."Once inside the car, Richard had never felt so uncomfortable next to a woman. However, Elizabeth seemed completely at ease, while he felt oddly affected by
Chapter 13: Elizabeth's Bad ReputationDespite the admiration of many, Elizabeth was also the target of gossip, particularly among the groups Emma associated with."She's nothing but someone trying to seduce wealthy men. My Taylor would be one of the victims of this scammer.""I'm surprised that Taylor, one of the most eligible bachelors for so long, gave space to just anyone. He has lowered himself in my estimation," grumbled one of the girls, watching the couple with disgust."It doesn't matter that he's with her, it won't last long. Besides, Richard seems to have bought her, given that she's a scammer, she won't last, and that means he's open to relationships. I don't know about you, but once this is over, I'm going to try," one remarked."Dream on! I'll manage; I have a more sophisticated way.""Well..." murmured another, pointing at Elizabeth while serving herself, "you'll have to be at least more sophisticated than her.""Good grief, just being from a good family puts you above
"The Hidden Truth"Taylor stared at her without a reaction; that woman from afar wasn't the Elizabeth I knew. The old Elizabeth wouldn't have the courage to do what the present one was doing."Maybe some other time..." He sighed heavily, trying to keep calm.He left, returning to the party. Richard continued to watch Elizabeth. After noticing Emma had hidden herself so Taylor wouldn't see her, and as soon as he headed back to the party, she approached Elizabeth."I should have known," he grumbled while Elizabeth lamented her bad luck."I just wanted some fresh air," she grumbled, turning to face Emma."You're shameless. How could you come here after seducing the uncle and even trying to ensnare the nephew as a bonus? You're just trash.""It wasn't me in a committed man's bed! The only person here with no value is right in front of me.""You think you're something now that you're married to that jerk, huh? But you're just a ruthless opportunist.""For God's sake! It's you who needs a s