Chapter 5

NELSON

I couldn’t stop myself from smirking. Watching her choke on her own words was exactly what I wanted.

For once, she was the one speechless.

Good. She deserved this.

I wanted her to remember everything that happened to us on the island—every single moment she left me hanging.

Twice, she walked away without so much as a proper goodbye. No explanations. No decency.

She made me feel like a fool.

And now that she’s standing before me, trapped in this marriage just like I am… I want her to feel the same torment.

If I’m the only one suffering from the past, it’s unfair.

If I’m the only one carrying the weight of those memories, it’s not right.

I thought I had moved on. I thought I had buried everything. But now that she’s here, wearing my ring, it feels like I’m being dragged back to the same pain.

The same hate.

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

I laughed bitterly. “Oh, really? So your family didn’t force you to marry a man you didn’t even bother to know? A man whose name you didn’t even care to ask?”

I ended the sentence with a smirk, watching her lips press together in frustration.

Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

I was her friend once. Someone she knew well.

Someone she avoided like the plague the moment things got serious between us.

And now she’s okay with marrying a complete stranger?

Unbelievable.

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

I scratched my eyebrow, letting out a dry laugh. “Reasons, huh? I bet.”

Her shoulders slumped, her eyes softening like she wanted to plead with me.

“Please, Nelson. Just let me go. Let’s go our separate ways. That was the whole point of this, wasn’t it? 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, shaking my head at her.

“My God, Dorry. Your imagination is on another level. Yes, we exchanged vows—fake vows, but you’re the one imagining there’s something between us.”

“I’m not joking with you, Nelson. I’m serious.”

“So am I!”

“Then stop talking like this! Stop acting like you care where I go or what I do!”

“I don’t care, Dorry!” I snapped. “But whether you like it or not, you’re my wife now. And a wife has obligations.”

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

I laughed. “Your hair’s the only mess here, not me.”

Her glare sharpened. “What obligations? Don’t throw that word around like you own me! Whatever my reasons are for agreeing to this marriage, they’re none of your business!”

“Did I ask? If you think I care about your drama, you’re wrong.” I shoved my hands into my pockets and took a step closer. “But for the sake of this marriage, Dorry, you have responsibilities. Unless you want trouble, I suggest you don’t forget that.”

Just seconds ago, she was spitting fire. Now, I could see her lips trembling.

That fear… that hesitation…

She’s realizing I’m not the same Nelson she used to yell at.

I’m not the same fool who stayed quiet every time she crushed me with her words.

Those days are long gone.

I pulled out my phone without breaking eye contact.

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

Her eyebrows shot up.

I didn’t plan on stopping her from doing whatever she wanted. But her arrogance was too much. Acting like this marriage meant nothing… acting like she could just stomp all over me again.

Not this time.

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

Her nostrils flared.

“And why on earth would I take you home?” she snapped.

I raised my hand, showing her the wedding ring glinting on my finger.

“We’re husband and wife, Dorry. Naturally, wherever you go, I should be there too. Unless, of course… You want us to live back on the island.”

Her whole face changed at the word.

Her hands clenched into fists, trembling like she wanted to punch me in the face.

“If you want to live on that island, go ahead! I will never set foot there again!” Her voice shook but stayed sharp. Each word was like a slap.

I smirked.

The intensity in her eyes told me she meant it.

But that didn’t mean I’d back down.

“Well, since you don’t want the island… let’s go. Let’s head home. Your parents have been waiting for us. Your dad texted me hours ago, reminding me about dinner. They’re excited to meet their handsome son-in-law.”

Her eyes widened.

“You… talked to my parents?”

I pulled my phone out again and held it up for her to see. “Your father just messaged me.”

Her confidence evaporated.

Gone was her defiance. Her face paled as she stared at the screen.

Without another word, she turned her back and stomped toward the parking area.

I followed her, still wearing a bitter smile.

My eyes drifted to her hips, swaying as she walked with that angry, rushed pace.

What is it about that island that she hates so much?

What is she running from?

Is it… me?

Is it because of what happened between us?

No. I doubt it.

Between the two of us, I should be the one swearing never to go back.

That island was where I first fell in love.

And where I first got broken.

“You’re so slow! Hurry up!” she yelled without looking back.

I picked up my pace and slid into the passenger seat.

As we both buckled up, our eyes met again.

The tension between us crackled like static.

“Do you even know how to drive?” I asked just as the engine roared to life.

She threw me a glare. “Not just know how—I’m great at it.”

I chuckled, shaking my head.

“Yeah, you are. You drove really well when we were on the boat, too.”

Her hands froze on the steering wheel.

The smile faded from her face as the car stopped abruptly.

Her entire expression shifted.

I could almost hear her heart skipping a beat.