Chapter 9

Diamond's POV

My heart thudded fastly within my chest even after he left. I placed my hand on my chest, trying to calm it down. How can he have so much effect on me? As much as my heart raced at our closeness a while ago, I couldn't help but feel a tinge in my heart.

I stood and watched him take the last stair before finally disappearing from my sight. He is so sure that he won't fall for me. I wasn't going to let that happen. I resolve to follow the list I have made. I won't allow myself to believe he wouldn't fall for me.

I fell on the couch. So much had happened in one day. So much for the first day after my wedding. This wasn't how I imagined it to be when I walked down the aisle yesterday. I curled my hair in one hand as I stared at the chandelier.

Something else bothered me. Something else made me sit up and stare around. I stood and started towards my room. What did Nicholas mean by telling me to pick a side? And then Aunt Monica said I didn't like what the rumours said. What rumours?

There was a lot I still didn't know about Debra, and I intend to find out. I took Debra's diary from inside the mahogany drawer at the side of my bed. I sat on my bed, and one side was pressed inside.

The warm glow from the bulb reflected on the book. Some strands of hair kept blocking my view of the diary. I packed my hair into a bun and adjusted myself on the bed before diving into the diary.

There was a lot, but not enough to help me get rid of what I felt. I decided to go over to Debra's parents’ house tomorrow to find out about Debra. The next day, I woke up early and made breakfast.

Nicholas seemed to enjoy my food last night. To my dismay, he rejected my food. I didn't relent and quickly handed him a flask I had prepared for his lunch. I watched him leave, a small smile tugging on my lips as I imagined him savouring the food.

Thirty minutes later, it dawned on me that I had to leave for Debra's parents’ house. I had neither money nor any other means to go. Quickly, I removed the apron I was wearing and ran out with my jeans and a tank top.

Nicholas should have gone by now, but it seems he knew I would come looking for him. He was just getting into his car when I found him at the car park. I rushed towards the car, opened the door, and stepped in. Sitting next to him.

His cologne hit my nose, and I wanted to move closer to him. His eyes, however, held no warmth as he stared at me. Deciding to ignore his lack of warmth, I said, “Please drop me off at my parents’ house.”

He scoffed, “Why? What are you going there for?” He asked. I felt a bit angry at the tone he used. Fine, he was not happy with the marriage, but shouldn't he be a little kind? This is, after all, a contract marriage.

“Do I need to tell you?” I asked. I could swear that I saw something flash through his eyes during the briefing moment. One of his lips was pulled to the side in a smirk. His facial expression could be interpreted as ’You are finally showing your true colours.’

Quickly taking note of my mistake of having offended him and acknowledging that I was a bit rude, I cleared my throat and attempted to speak, but he cut me off. “Get out.” His voice was cold and commanding.

“See. I know that this is...

“I said out.” He said it again, his eyes shimmering with anger. I knew it wouldn't be nice to have him repeat himself. I accepted his words but decided to apologise. “I'm sorry if I...”

“Now.” I shuddered at the intensity of his tone. I quickly opened the door and did as I was told. Did he hate being in the same space as me so much?

I watched the car drive off. The tyre made a screeching sound as it went out of my view. My shoulders plumped, and I walked back into the house, wondering how else I would be able to accomplish my plan.

Internally, I blamed myself for using such a cold voice for him at first. I provoked him. “And why is my sister-in-law morphing around this morning?” A voice asked, staring at me. I raised my head to come face-to-face with the man I had been trying to avoid.

“Well, hi…” I said it awkwardly. After our little encounter yesterday, I still didn't want to face him. “What's wrong?” He asked. I contemplated telling him for a second, but decided not to.

“Nothing. I'm fine.” I said, holding his gaze briefly. I intended to walk away when he said, “I'm sorry about yesterday.”

“No, I should be the one apologizing." I didn't intend to go.” I paused, not knowing how to make my next words look harmless.

“You did nothing wrong. I completely understand.” He said he was helping me out. “Is there anything you want me to do for you?” He asked.

“Can you drive me somewhere?” Neymar's car was different from that of Nicholas, and while the air was still heavy with awkwardness, it was more comfortable with him. He didn't say a word to me all through the ride, and I was glad.

“Thank you for the ride,” I said when he pulled over in front of two big black gates. I waved to him before stepping into the mansion. I squared my shoulders and held my head high. No one should know that I am not Debra.

I was ushered into the room gingerly by my two maids. "Welcome, my precious daughter.” Mrs. Juan said, pulling me into her embrace. It was a tight embrace, and I felt like pushing her off.

I stood awkwardly as she pressed me into her, smiling from ear to ear. “I'm so happy to see you.” Now I didn't think about this. “Where's dad?” I asked when she released me, trying to sound natural.

“He is away for a business trip. Have you eaten? Mariam, come over now.” She asked and then called over her shoulders. A maid ran in and said, "Set the table.” Shs instructed.

“Yes, ma.” The maid replied. I stopped her before she could walk back. “No need. I've eaten already. I made breakfast.” I said and watched as her eyes widened, as did the maid. Then she suddenly burst out laughing.

“How is that possible? You've never been in the kitchen.” She said, I bit my tongue, knowing I had almost slipped. I let out a low chuckle. “I just checked things out in the kitchen, though,” I said.

The maid brought tea for us. She asked about Nicholas, and I told her he was at work. I sat with her, chatting. It was uncomfortable since we didn't seem to have the same interest or anything to talk about. She also seemed to be forcing the conversation.

I noticed the way she carried herself with elegance—her well-punished nails wrapped over the teacup. “I'd like to grab a few things from my room,” I said after some time. She was also happy to let me off.

“Mariam, see her off.” She said. She didn't ask about how I was faring. Nothing like how was your first night, though there was no first night. It seems she didn't have a good relationship with Debra.

I searched the room and found nothing that could point out anything about Debra. The room seemed to have been cleared. Calling Mariam, I asked her where the things were. “Mrs. Juan had the room cleared yesterday,” she said.

Wow! She must be so happy to have Debra out of her life. I wasn't sure what was happening. “But I kept a few things,” Mariam said. She walked away and came back soon with a box. She handed the box to me, and I muttered, Thank you.

I was done here, but now how do I get back? I had neither money nor a car. Maybe I should have told Neymar to come back. But that would be asking for too much. I was conflicted. I was still contemplating when I heard a familiar voice downstairs.

Upon getting to the sitting room, I found Nicholas seated in the coach, close to Mrs. Debra. “Oh love. You don't have to carry the box yourself.” Nicholas said that and walked to me to take it from me.

It was weird to see the same man who acted cold towards me act this sweet. “I called him over.” Mrs. Juan said. “Release the box. And stop being so stiff.” Nicholas whispered, his eyes flickering to be cold.