Chapter 5

Nelson

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. It was as if Dorry had just choked on her own words. That’s exactly what I wanted—to remind her of what happened to us back on the island.

I wanted her to remember how she left me twice without a single reasonable explanation. No proper reason, not even the decency to talk to me.

It’s not fair that I’m the only one affected. It’s not fair that I’m the only one suffering from the return of our past. I want her to feel it too.

I thought I’d forgotten the pain. I thought I’d moved on. Turns out, I haven’t.

And now that she’s my wife, I feel like I’m being tortured. Everything is coming back. The pain. The Hate. 

“Your face, Nelson! If you think I’ll believe what you’re saying, you’re dead wrong. My family would never force me to do something I don’t want to do!”

“Oh, so your family didn’t force you to marry a man you don’t even know? A man whose name you didn’t even care to ask?” I ended my sentence with a sarcastic smirk, which made her press her lips tightly together.

She’s really something else. I, who was her friend. Someone she knew well but rejected and avoided. Yet she was fine marrying a complete stranger? Amazing.

“Haven’t I told you? I have my reasons for agreeing to the marriage.”

I scratched my eyebrow and let out a sarcastic laugh. Her shoulders slumped, and her expression was one of silent pleading.

“Please, Nelson, just let me go. Let’s go our separate ways. That was the whole purpose of this, wasn’t it? To fulfill our families’ wishes. Now that it’s done, let’s move on. You live your life; I’ll live mine. No interference.”

I laughed louder, which made her face scrunch in frustration. “My God, Dorry. Your imagination is out of this world! Yes, we exchanged vows—fake vows. You’re the one imagining there’s something between us!”

“I’m not joking with you, Nelson. I’m just telling you what I’m thinking.”

“And I’m not joking with you either, Dorry!”

“Well, then, why are you talking like that? Why are you stopping me from doing what I want?”

“I’m not stopping you, Dorry. I’m just reminding you that as my wife, you have obligations, even if you were forced into this marriage because of your ridiculous reasons. You still have obligations to me.”

She bit her lip and yanked off her pink wig, messing up her hair. “You’re impossible, Nelson!”

“Your hair’s the only mess here, not me,” I teased her further.

“What obligations?” She jabbed her finger at me. “Don’t throw that word at me. Whatever my reasons are, they’re none of your business!”

“Did I ask? If you think I care about you, you’re wrong. I don’t give a damn what you want to do, Dorry. I’m not stopping you. But for the sake of this marriage, you have obligations to fulfill, unless you want problems to arise!”

A moment ago, she was brave, spouting whatever came to her mind. Now, I could see the fear creeping onto her trembling lips.

It was clear she realized I wasn’t the same Nelson she used to call a fool—no longer the Nelson who would just smile at whatever she said.

She could no longer yell at me, no longer trample on me.

I didn’t soften my sharp glare as I pulled out my phone.

“Jac, don’t come pick me up,” I told Jac before ending the call.

I didn’t plan on stopping her from fulfilling any obligations, but her arrogance was too much. Acting as if our reunion didn’t affect her at all.

“What are you standing there for? Let’s go home. I’m tired, and I want to rest!”

She frowned. The fear I saw earlier was replaced with irritation. “And why would I do that? Why would I take you home?”

“I thought you were smart, but you can’t even answer your question.” I raised my hand, showing her the wedding ring on my finger. “We’re husband and wife, Dorry. Naturally, wherever you are, I should be too. Unless you want us to live on the island.”

Her eyebrows knitted together in anger, her clenched fists trembling as if she wanted to punch me. “If you want to live on that island, be my guest! I will never set foot on that island again!” Each word was emphasized with such intensity that I could feel her sincerity.

The passion in her voice was palpable.

“Well then, since you don’t want to live on the island, let’s go. Let’s head home. Your parents have been waiting for us for a while. They’re eager to meet their handsome son-in-law!”

“You talked to my parents?” Her earlier confidence disappeared, her voice now meek.

“Your father just texted me.” I showed her the message.

She didn’t comment on her father’s text. She turned her back and stomped off toward the parking area.

I followed her with a bitter smile, my eyes lingering on her hips as they swayed as she walked.

Why doesn’t she want to go back to the island? What’s her reason? Is it because of me? Because of what happened between us? That’s unlikely.

Between the two of us, I should be the one vowing never to return.

That’s where I first fell in love—and first got hurt.

“You’re so slow! Hurry up!” she snapped, waiting for me impatiently.

I smiled and got into the car.

Our glares met as we both fastened our seatbelts.

“Do you know how to drive?” I asked, my question coinciding with the car starting.

“Not just know-how—I’m great at driving.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, you are. You drove so well when we were on the boat!” I retorted, stopping the car abruptly.