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
Chapter 15 Opposites Repel"How is this not what I'm thinking?" he asked fiercely."You're scaring me..." she stammered, trying to push him away, but he held her hands, placing them above her head."Am I? I don't tolerate many things, and one of them is lies. I want to make you regret this so much..." he muttered furiously, then scrutinized every detail of her face, his gaze trailing down her body, instilling fear in her. "But all I feel now is disgust!""If you don't let me go, I'll scream!" she protested, struggling. "Don't insult me..." she pleaded with a trembling voice, showing fear.Richard could feel every part of her trembling in panic, as if she truly believed he would be that kind of scoundrel."I don't handle things like this, Elizabeth, but this lie will cost your family dearly because it's explicit in the contract. You owe me loyalty; they let you do as you please.""What does that mean?" she asked, confused."It means you're in trouble. There's this clause, and I haven't
Chapter 16. Did You Abuse Me?"Good evening, Liz," he sighed softly, taking a few steps, stopping almost beneath her window.Noticing she wore Richard's shirt, he felt a tinge of jealousy and even thought she had surrendered to him."Do you remember how I always gave you these roses? You loved them," he declared, then forcefully tossed one up, landing at Elizabeth's feet. She stooped to pick it up, observing for a few minutes."Now... I hate roses," she grumbled, starting to tear off all the petals at once, holding the stem of the flower tightly, injuring her hand on the thorns, then throwing the petals at Taylor.He smiled and waved a goodbye as she now tossed the flower stem onto the balcony floor, sitting on the lounge chair."You... in one way or another,
Chapter 17. Troubled MarriageElizabeth remained still as he maintained steady eye contact; at that moment, he seemed like a beast about to devour her."Now feeling ashamed for thinking I abused you while you slept?" he asked, making her swallow hard."For God's sake... just yesterday, you didn't believe I was a virgin. What do you want me to think?" she asked, averting her gaze."I've told you I won't force you.""Do you believe me now?" she asked, indicating the papers still in his hands."I might reconsider," he announced indifferently."Can you take me to college now?"Richard looked at her in surprise."You don't even need to be there. Besides, y