Caged, but in marble walls.

“Be ready by 7. We are having dinner at my parents’”

I stopped the toast I was about to eat mid-air and turned to face Aaron.

He stood a few feet away, dressed in a white shirt tucked into blue well-fitted pants that hugged his frame in perfection and crisp black shoes.

He had both hands in his pocket in a casual stance that still had an air of authority. I mean for a jerk, he sure looks good. And dare I say, delicious.

His expression was unreadable as always.

“What?” I asked again to get the message properly.

“I said be ready at 7. My parents are hosting us for dinner” Then he turned to leave.

I had some things to get off my chest.

“What was that last night?” I asked stopping him mid-track.

I was referring to the whole Vivienne issue that had happened last night.

He turned to me, he looked impatient “What was what?”

“I’m talking about Vivienne”

“And what about her?” He looked at me with annoyance.

If arrogance was a person, it would be none other than Aaron Vanderbilt

When I woke up this morning, I told myself that when confronting him I was going to be as calm as possible but clear with my message. I was anything but a drama queen so I did not like to associate myself with drama in any way.

“Listen, Aaron,” I said very calmly as I rose gently from my seat “I get the conditions of this marriage, believe me, I knew what I was getting into before I agreed to this fake…marriage”

I added with a tinge of disgust.

I continued “However, no matter what, bringing in your bitch… I mean girlfriend and sleeping with her in the same house I live in, that’s borderline disrespectful”

He cocked a brow. He looked so unapologetic.

“How will you feel if I bring in a guy here and have sex with him?” I asked.

“This is my house. Not yours” he replied curtly.

And just like that, I was reminded of my stance. I mentally palmed myself for thinking I could get through to him.

“For as long as we are married, this is my home”

“Don’t delude yourself Elizabeth. You really don’t mean much around here. You don’t get me to tell me what to do, who to bring, and how I get around things in my house” he said. His voice was stern.

“I’m not in any way trying to do that. I’m just asking for basic respect!” I said exasperatedly. I was already regretting bringing this up.

He continued speaking in a firm tone “You’re to remain a silent occupant and practically be invisible. You’re not allowed to speak to my guest, especially not Vivienne in the way you spoke to her last night…”

“I didn’t do anything wrong!” I interrupted him in a shrill voice “Were you deaf? Did you not hear how she spoke to me?”

He cut me off “I don’t appreciate you loitering around unnecessarily. Also, I don’t want you having breakfast or any other meal in my dining anymore. Have any of the staff bring up anything you need to your room”

I blinked “Are you restricting me to my room right now?”

This was unbelievable.

“Yes, I am. It’s been less than 24 hours and you’re already going around causing trouble with my guest and attempting to tell me what to do, I wonder who you think you actually are right now”

One thing I noticed about Aaron was that he didn’t need to raise his voice to pass his message, his low voice was filled with authority and stern. One that will have you spellbound and rooted to the floor.

Because explain to me why I stood where I was, unable to say a word about this utter rubbish he was sprouting from his ugly mouth.

Okay fine, maybe not ugly. But annoying. There was really nothing ugly about this man.

“Be ready by 7” he said again and walked out briskly.

I, Elizabeth Knight, had never been one to be spoken to anyhow. I was no pushover and I always fought for myself. But I felt this man had me in a cage somewhat, sometimes I could barely find the right words to say to him. This was insane.

Binding me to my room? I wasn’t allowed to loiter around? Me? What was I? Trash? Was that really what he took me for?

Such an arrogant bastard.

***

My things arrived at the mansion later in the day. I was sure my mum couldn’t wait to have sent them out of the house. She was probably overjoyed that I was out of her hair now.

I took a shower and changed into a new pair of clothes.

Taylor had texted me to ask if I was okay. Such a sweet girl. I wanted to tell her about all the kinds of stuff that had taken place in less than 24 hours I had been married but I held back. I didn’t want her pity or worry.

My dad had texted as well “How are you Elizabeth? Let me know if you need anything. I love you” It had simply read.

I didn’t respond. I wasn’t mad at him. But I don’t think I was in a clear-headed space to speak to him, or anyone as a matter of fact. I needed time to figure out things. And how to continue with my life and also what to do. Surely I wasn’t going to be a stay-at-home wife. Was I even allowed to travel at will? I wondered.

Anyway, Aaron didn’t want me around the house. My absence won’t be noticed.

Heather had brought my lunch up to my room. I hadn’t told her to. She wasn’t present when Aaron had “banned” me from eating downstairs either.

So I asked her “Did Aaron tell you to always bring my food upstairs?”

She shifted uncomfortably before nodding.

I sighed “You may go,” I said.

She left.

This was even more serious than I thought. I wondered if I was soon going to be locked up in my room like a prisoner.