Four

                             I sat up, pushed the cover away, and slipped out of the bed. The weather was beautiful outside. It looked like the best day to wander around. I was tired after my flight. I rested until I got bored living behind these white walls. The sight still haunted me in my nightmares that my husband was kissing another woman on our wedding night. I didn’t get a choice on who I got to marry, so when my family was presented with the arrangement, it was decided behind closed doors and in front of the person I loved most, my grandma and I couldn't deny, and the offer my father promised to me. My father also made me sign the paper. I was officially the promised wife to the king. He looked like a born leader. I had seen him in his office, on television. We hadn't met before our wedding. I could feel his commanding waves from afar too. His dark eyes stabbed me, accusing me of being his wife when he claimed my lips. I didn’t even know how I was chosen over thousands of girls out there. I was dreading getting married. Now I am married. I didn't know what would be the right thing to do. I should enjoy my holidays for now. 

        I pushed open the door of the washroom. I washed my face, the water was cold and It felt good against my sleepy skin. 

       I smile looking at my reflection. Finally, I got rid of him. I could hope my family would favor me in divorcing him, Edward Rhodes, the charming CEO, and The Almighty King. Goodbye! Forever! If they aren't helping me, I'll do it myself. 

       I giggled looking at my wet face. 

      But first, I needed to explore beautiful Paris. I always wanted to be here. And most of all, I had sent half a million pounds for the building of the school, after reaching here. I wasn't the only happy person today. 

       'I'm investing in my hotel too. I need to create more sources for my business. I don't wanna depend on anyone. Aerial, my best friend. She takes care of our hotel and restaurant in my absence. We are partners. But she handles it completely. And she never complains! I love her like my sister. '

       My stomach growled. First food, then bathing! I told myself. I grabbed the toothbrush from the counter. 

      'I hope. I'm not making a fool of myself.'

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                      I snatched up the backpack and hurried across the reception. The hotel offered me a Royal suite. I snorted. Of course, they would have heard about me. I wanted a simple room. 

      "Good morning, ma'am." The receptionist smiled at me, lifting her chin. She was sitting behind the desk, tapping her fingers rapidly on the keyboard. 

      I read her name and smiled back, "Good morning, Rebecca." I nodded as she was busy. So, I turned to the manager, who was standing right behind her chair. 

      He was looking over my shoulder. I didn't want to ponder that he was expecting my husband. I released a relieved breath when he didn't inquire about my being alone and handed me the key. 

      'I was thinking my blonde hair will help me to camouflage. This was just a delusion. If I would have painted my face. Still! They would have recognized me and looked at me with beseeching eyes to demand a glimpse of my husband. Unbelievably, I'm feeling relaxed. They wouldn't know where I am. It is difficult to ignore the pensiveness that I'm feeling after leaving him without informing him. He deserves this. He has the right to stay in a separate room but not with another woman when I'm still his wife. It shouldn't be my concern but I can feel the sadness. These feelings are inexplicable and the sight of him with her is disconcerting. '

        I could feel the air of authority around him. No! My head shook. Though we didn't share a word but a kiss. 

       I drifted out of the hotel. A smile crawled over my face when I stepped out. It felt like a new world to me. Freedom! I feel like a bird. 

       I pursed my lips walking through the streets when I felt gazes on me. When curious gazes swiped over me they looked around me for him. 

         The Almighty King! I snorted.

        I should wear something that could cover my face. People were recognizing me in my peppy pink sundress and blonde hair. 

       ' He's recently crowned king. It's all over the newspaper, channels that he got married to a millionaire's daughter. Why not a billionaire!'

        I ignored the gazes which seemed hard. But I could feel them over me and their whispers were reaching my ears. Questioning only one thing, 'Where's my husband? '

       ' It can't be denied he's sinfully handsome and every girl wants him. '

        I forgot to have my breakfast. I glanced at a cozy, comfortable place. I could see couples, it seemed like a romantic place. 

       I sank into the dark wooden chair and removed my backpack from my shoulder. This trip wasn't planned. I needed a map first so I could see the city. 

       ' I don't know much about the city. This cosy restaurant is located in a cobblestone alley and I can hear the romantic strains of a violin drifting from open windows. '

       It helped me to forget strange gazes over me and their stupid questions. 

       I plucked my gaze from the street and glanced up at the pretty girl. She must be practicing. Her eyes were closed. I had no knowledge of music. But I could compare it to better music than at my after-wedding party.

       I gave my order to a pretty Italian young girl. She greeted me in her native language. I replied in English. To my relief, she didn't gawk at me like the others. I could bet she didn't know anything about me and my king. I snorted at the thought. 

        My hands were resting in my lap, ankles crossed. She was still playing. Abruptly, my eyes widened. When I felt a shadow over me. Before I could see his face. His hot lips crushed on mine. Two strong hands gripped my right wrist and the side of my waist. I met his dark glare. His teeth dug into my lower lip. I gasped. He used the opportunity and thrust his tongue into my mouth. His hands tightened on my waist and wrist as I wiggled under him. He didn't remove his gaze from me. I fisted his shirt in my hand, nails digging in my palm. When he pulled back. We were both panting. I pressed my lips in annoyance and felt them swollen. A strange flicker of excitement filled me. But I showed hatred on my face. 

       "H...." I open my mouth to speak. 

       He pressed his lips again, "I'll f**k you right here. if you dare to evoke it." He drew his face back. A cold smile twisted his lips. 

        I bit the inside of my lips as heat crawled through my body. He was looking dead serious about it. He gave me a hard look. 

       ' If he can bring a second woman to **** on his wedding night, he can do this too. His threat doesn't seem empty. His hand is already crawling on my thigh. '

       "Remove your hands," I said with a fake smile on my lips. The same smile was glued to my lips on our wedding day. 

       "We need to talk," He says, eyes blazing. 

       " I don't give a damn. " I muttered under my breath. 

       "Ma'am, should I come later?" The pretty waitress asked, holding the tray. She was looking at him with wide eyes, a broad grin, and a shocked look. She didn't notice we were arguing. 

       "No, please," He said with a smile and motioned her to put the tray. 

       She gleefully placed it on the table. She didn't avert her gaze from him. She wrings her hands as she places the tray on the table, "Can I have a selfie with you, please?" She pleaded, blushing. 

       "Sure," He smirked. 

       I rolled my eyes inwardly. If I weren't here he must be flirting with her and persuading her to spend the night with her. 

              Playboy! 

       She took out her phone from the pouch of her apron and came closer to him. Bending on her knees she took a picture of them. She didn't offer to have a click with me. I thinned my lips and stared at her. Her smile wavered as her grey eyes met mine. 

       ' Can't she see my swollen lips? '

       With another smirk, she hurried in. 

       He glanced at me with another s**y smirk as he found it humorous. I thinned my lips once again and advanced my hand for my breakfast. 

       My hand stopped before I could touch the tray. Another frown creased my brows. She brought breakfast for two people. 

       "Intelligent chick," He said with a smirk and grabbed the plate from the tray. 

       "Unprofessional people," I blurted 

       Things seemed out of control with this man around me. 

       "Where do you want to start? You broke into my room last night. Clicked my pictures. Without my permission or your hair? " His fingers curled around the cup as he took a sip of his black coffee. 

        ' He didn't even make an order but she knows what he likes to eat. Would that! I could tell her about last night. The way! The waitress was looking at him. I don't think it would bother her. She's enjoying the view. '

        I leaned forward. I knew all the gazes were on him. I cleared my throat, "I have nothing to start with you. Sign the divorce and get out of my life," I snapped in a slow voice, "I'm not sure, this marriage would ever work," I leaned back and grabbed my fork. 

        I began to eat my salad and slid the glass closer to me. I was expecting a cold gaze from him. 

       My eyes widened when his hand slipped on my thigh. I hardly swallow a bit of cucumber. He slid it under my dress. Another gulp worked through my throat. Heat crawled through my body. My stomach released thousands of butterflies.

      ' I hate that he can make me feel like this. I wanna stab him with a fork.'

         "Let's talk after reaching our room, darling." He said, pressing his fingers on my skin. 

        I inhaled a deep breath which I was holding when his fingers drew back. He leaned back in his chair and stared at me quietly. His arrogant smile was pulled on his lips. I couldn't eat

after this. I pushed myself up and spun to leave.