Chapter 6

Chapter 6–Stuck in an island

“I beg your pardon?” She was sure she couldn’t hear the words that just splurged out of her husband’s mouth. Here she was, stuck in an island she knew nothing about, he appeared out of nowhere with an absurd question thrown at her.

Vincent’s frown grew even deeper. He was a man who knew how to read faces—his wife’s was bewildered, or it could be a trick up her sleeve to mask her deviousness. Maximof died, leaving a boat load of problems on his desk which he would rather ignore. He was the new heir now, a position he solemnly swore to stay away from—this came with too many duties, getting to the bottom of his brother’s death was one of them.

“Tell me the truth, Victoria.”

“What truth?”

“You know what I’m talking about.”

“No I do not!”

Vincent sighed. He was operating on only an hour of sleep, “Fine then, if you’re not going to tell me who’s it you’re tied to then this conversation is over.”

“Conversation??” She couldn’t help but be more puzzled, “You appeared out of nowhere and—

“I said the conversation is over.”

Reality dawned on her. He wasn’t Maximof, the calm and gentle man who made sure he listened to every word she said, and reassured her that it would all be fine. He wasn’t the charming heir of the Morano fortune who always made her smile. This was a cold hearted bastard who just hurled a ghastly accusation her way.

“What now?” She hurled at him, “Just because you married me, I no longer have a right to speak??”

“Yes.” He responded flatly which took her aback.

“Wh—

“You speak when you’re spoken to. Your opinions do not matter as long as you’re with me. This isn’t some fairytale land, Victoria. You’re just a placeholder for the family to not fall apart, our marriage isn’t one of convenience but one of protection and it would remain so.” He took off his watch and placed it on a chest of drawers, “I expect nothing from you, I demand everything of you. You will listen to me and do as I say. I will not touch you, or even consider you—not out of respect for Maximof, but because I do not consider your presence to be one of importance.”

“Vin—

“Everything you do, anywhere you go, it would all be under my permission. This island is in seclusion, away from the life of frivolities my brother offered you. It would remain so until his murderers are brought to justice. Stay out of my way, I will stay out of yours, and this marriage can come out to be a palatable arrangement.”

Her throat felt dry, not even the crispiest of waters could soothe the ache that went through it. Her eyes stung, from his harsh words and her new reality flashing right before her, “What am I…what am I supposed to do then?”

“Figure it out.” Vincent murmured before he walked out of the room.

Victoria felt nauseous, hence the running into the bathroom to retch her guts into the toilet bowl. She felt sick to her stomach.

Everything about him, his demeanor, the way he spoke to her, the slither of evil that warped itself around his very own existence. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her throat retched even more despite having nothing to eat at the funeral.

She was exhausted, weak,jetlagged and in dire need of someone to talk to. So she ran back into the room and grabbed her phone, Emilia answered almost immediately with concern laced in her in her voice.

“Tori I—

“Get me out of here!” She cried out, “You need to get me out of here, mom.”

“Victoria, calm down.” Emilia tried to placate her daughter’s incoming tantrum, “Take a deep breath, relax, and then tell me what’s going on. Where’s Vincent?”

Vincent??

Her daughter was hyperventilating and all she could think about was Vincent??

The tears streamed down her cheeks even harder , “I need to come home. I can’t do this mom. He’s…he’s not normal. He’s a monster.”

“Who? Vincent?”

“Yes!!” Victoria cried out even harder, “He’s caged me in this island. I don’t know where I am, he—

“You’re not caged on an island Victoria.” Emilia sighed deeply, “Your husband did what was best, for your safety and the good of the family. It was a rushed decision, but one in your favor. You should be grateful.”

She couldn’t believe her eyes, it felt like a fever dream, whatever was happening was just a figment of a ghastly imagination, “Grateful??”

Emilia sent her husband a look, one of worry, he returned a nod of reassurance before she took a deep breath and spoke into the phone again, “You’ll understand in due time, for now please do whatever you can to be in his good graces.”

“Vincent.”

“Yes.” Emilia gulped, “Vincent. He’s not Maximof, Victoria. He’s not patient, loving of kind. He’s a dangerous man, but one who promised to protect you from harms way. Please don’t test him, I beg of you.”

She hung up. Victoria felt nothing short of chills down her spine as she crawled to the edge of the bed. There she crouched to her knees and sobbed violently until she fell asleep.

********

“You’re being too hard on yourself and your new wife.” Joseph Callum muttered as he finally broke the silence.

Vincent frowned, “On who exactly?”

He rolled his eyes. He’d known Vincent for years now, worked for him, was basically his aide rather than henchman so there was a level of informality between the both of them, “it’s almost a full day, V.”

Vincent wasn’t a man who liked riddles, he also hated being stalled, “You can either go straight to the point, or get out of—

“It’s been almost a full day and she hasn’t left her room.” The words finally left Joseph’s mouth, “I know this because I asked the staff. Your wife is—

“She’s not my wife.”

“You married her.”

“She’s a widow, we just have an agreement. I don’t acknowledge her.”

“Well you should if she’s going to die of starvation in your care.” Joseph sighed. He knew his boss was somewhat ruthless and cold, he certainly didn’t expect such a cruel treatment towards a grieving newlywed.

Vincent checked the time from his watch and found out how right his aide was. It was almost 6pm and there was no sign of her even being alive.

“Are you going to check up on her or…?” Joseph pushed even further.

His boss shot him a dirty look, “See to it that she is fed.”

“She’s not some cattle. She’s your wife!”

“She’s my brother’s wife.” Vincent corrected with the most outward form of nonchalance, “My brother is dead. My family is in turmoil, I’m doing my possible best to get to the bottom of it all and she’s just a liability. See to it that she is fed.”

Joseph pressed his lips tightly. There was no arguing with Vincent Morano. He was man who gave out orders and stood on them, so he sighed deeply and rose to his feet, “Fine then.”

He made for the door. Vincent called out to him, “Joseph?”

“Yes, boss?”

“Get her out of my room.” He muttered, “I want her out of my sight.”