CHAPTER FOUR

ISLA POV

We all watched as Zale stormed off. I sat with my head hung low, trying to hide the tears that fell off my eyes.

I knew he won’t be thrilled about the marriage when he finds out but I didn't expect him to be this angry either.

I pinched myself, wishing this was all a terrible nightmare, but it wasn't.

Yesterday was a rollercoaster. His accusations made me mad, and I had to defend myself. To prove that I'm not weak.

Married to him meant I would move in with him and I had prepared myself, but seeing how he views me, how am I supposed to live with a man that hates me?

It would sound ridiculous that I agreed to marry him because I've liked him since the first day I saw him.

Calling me a gold digger might be harsh, but is not entirely reasonable.

"Isla?" I jolted when I felt a pat on my shoulder. I wiped my tears away and wore a fake smile that barely reached my eyes.

"What are you thinking about, dear? I've been calling you for a while now," she said, looking at me with worried filled eyes.

I shook my head, "nothing mama," I lied through my teeth.

A person's head can only be calm when they're indeed not thinking of anything, and mine is far from calm.

She furrowed her brow, not believing my words. "Don't do that, Isla," she whispered, sitting beside me.

"Do what, ma?" I asked breathless.

She sighed, "I see beyond the mask you're putting on.”

"I see the confusion, hurt and pain, dear. It's obvious you're not fine. What happened? Did Zale do anything to hurt you?" She seethed 

What does she want me to say? That her son, my husband, has nothing but hate for me? That the sight of me disgusts him.

"No, mama" again I lied

"I want the truth from you. In as much as I want Zale to be happy, I don't want that at the expense of another person's. Especially you, Isla," she said, cupping my face.

If I tell her all that Zale did, would the marriage end? Do I want to let Zale go without trying? I know he's still traumatized by his ex-girlfriend. I want him to heal and know that I am different from her.

"Thank you, mama for caring about me but since I agreed to the marriage, I already made up my mind to see through it." I held her hands in mine.

"If a day comes and I can't handle it, I know how to walk away but I just don't want to live with regret, to give up without trying." 

She tilted her head, unsure if I was being honest. I chuckled and pulled her for a hug. And she wrapped her arms around me.

If it ever gets unbearable, I have mama and papa to help me through that rough patch.

"I'll go pack my belongings now." I broke the hug and she nodded, smiling.

I stood up and headed for the stairs but my throat was dry, so I decided to go get a glass of water from the kitchen, when I heard murmurings.

I wanted to ignore and just walked in but stopped in my tracks when I heard my name. They were talking about me.

"Isla is too good for all this hate from master Zale," Kiara said.

"Shut up. Only master Zale sees her for the pretentious bitch she is"

"You all are just jealous of Isla,"

Some of them burst out in laughter. "Jealous? Hell no. I bet master Zale will make her life miserable in that marriage, just watch and see" the last person hissed.

I felt suffocated. I thought these people were my people. They practically rejoiced with me when I told them.

Not bothering to get the water, I turned away. Gasping for air with every step I took.

Am I really the bad one? Almost everyone had bad feelings about this marriage. Will it work out? Did I mistake infatuation for love? 

I'm trying so hard to convince myself to endure, but my faith is cracking.

Entering my room, I locked the door and sank to the floor. Tears welled up in my eyes. What do I do? If I'm already crying this much at the beginning of our union, what about the latter days?

I suddenly remembered my father's words, good things don't come easy"

Right. I may need to suffer for a while but this might turn out to be one of the best decision of my life.

Taking deep breaths, I cleaned my tears with the back of my palm and wore my signature positivity smile.

No matter how tough life gets, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

I began packing my things into my luggage, when I was done, I dragged out the luggage and Kiara was just right on time to help me.

"Why didn't you call me to help you?" She frowned, and I chuckled.

"Well, you're here now," I shrugged.

She shook her head and helped me carry one bag.

Mrs. Rhode was pacing back and forth fuming, while papa tried to calm her down when we strode in. What was going on?

"Can you believe the nerve of that boy, Ryan?" Mama hissed as she placed her hand on her hip. Her nose was red from anger.

"Calm down baby," papa sighed 

"How am I supposed to do that when Zale left Isla behind and went back to New York?" She slapped her hand on her face.

I urged Kiara, and she went outside with the bags. Why are they so surprised though? They should have know that Zale would never let me ride with him"

"Mama? Papa?" I called out, and they snapped their heads in my direction.

"Oh, my dear child,” she caressed my hands

I flashed her a bright smile. "I'll be just fine. Trust me"

She didn't want to believe me but nodded anyway. "If you can't tolerate his nasty attitude, tell me and I'll come over and knock some sense into him"

Papa and I laughed. 

"Yes, mama" I hugged her and papa before entering the car, waving a last goodbye to them, the door locked and soon were on our way to the airport.

My heart pounded against my chest, my palms sweaty. 

With every mile we covered, dread filled me. I prayed I wasn't heading into my doom.