The First Move

Ellie's POV

“We spent the night together, gosh! Your brother is good” the excitement in her voice was impossible to miss.

“I never thought he liked me.” I heard those voices, the words that made me stopped.

I stood completely still. My mind was still trying to catch up to what my ears had just heard.

Does he have another brother? That's impossible. Because Joanna and Jayden are the only children of their parents.

I tried not to make a sound, so they wouldn't know someone was eavesdropping. I thought he'd be a good husband, a good person, whether or not we wanted the marriage, he was supposed to respect our marriage.

I heard Joanna laughed over it. Was she really happy her brother cheated?

My hands fisted at my side, something hot moved through my chest and I pressed my lips together until it passed.

This wasn't jealousy, but the anger of going out on your wedding night and spending time with another woman. And no one is against it. This doesn't feel right.

I needed to see who the lady was. Was she Mia? I remembered Joanna mentioning Mia during breakfast.

“Oh Mia, I'm so happy for you, and the pictures you sent are really adorable. You guys really look good together.” She scoffed “Not some handpicked Princess who thinks this is her kingdom.”

Loud laughter followed after that. That was just the confirmation I needed. So Mia and Jayden are together? So why did I get married?. Was there no other choice for him like mine?

I felt like the world was really against me, just yesterday when I tried to escape from this marriage, I was caught. I had to agree to this planned marriage, when there was no other choice.

The hallway felt smaller suddenly. The same walls Irina had walked me through an hour ago, pointing out little details like this place could belong to me. Now I was standing in it like a stranger who'd wandered into the wrong house.

I stood there a moment longer. Let it settle. Let it hurt the way it was going to hurt anyway. Then something shifted. If he wanted none of this, fine. Neither did I. But I wasn't going to disappear quietly.

I had nobody to talk to. But I'll have to face everything myself. I shouldn't be treated like trash.

Nobody cares what I do here, I'd really have to make good use of my time here.

When Jayden comes back, we talk. Simple as that. I didn't come here to be treated like trash. If he doesn't want the marriage to work. We should both agree to it. I'm going to lay everything out to him.

A smile crossed my face.

I never wanted this marriage either, we might as well make a deal.

That would be better, we strike a deal, together.

Their laughter followed as I walked back to my room. I wasn't going to eavesdrop on whatever they were saying.

I have a plan and will make sure to think it through.

I lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

What would my life be if I actually owned it? I haven't really done what I wanted. All my life has been decided by someone. Not anymore. I need to own it and decide.

I fell asleep. Only when my eyes slowly opened did I realize the scent woke me up. Something different and familiar.

I gently sat on the bed to see Jayden sitting on the couch in the room. I could tell by the book cover, it was the book of yesterday he tried to read but didn't seem concentrated.

But this time was different. I just stayed at the bed, gazing at him, at the book. Words didn't come out. He knew very well I was awake but refused to acknowledge my presence.

“When did you get back?” I asked, plainly.

His focus remained on the book. After a few moments between us, no words or answer from him.

He slowly got up, and went to the bathroom.

Seems like it would be his safest place.

I smirk. I stood up from the bed and went to lock the bathroom door.

After a moment, he tried to open the door, but he couldn't.

I waited for him to call for help. Call for name. At least the help should come from me.

I looked around the table behind the couch, his phone was there. He wouldn't be able to call anyone on the phone.

I smiled more. This is just the beginning and it's already fun to start with.

I heard the door handle rattle but no voice.

Will this work? Should I just open the door for him?

Just then I heard my name.

“Ellie….”