All Chapters of A Marriage Deal To Remember : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

JENSYN I pushed open the heavy door to Linden's room, the cold wave of air inside brushed my skin hard and relentless. The curtains were hung high, thick and dark, swallowing the last bit of sunlight trying to slip through. His room—God—the walls, the bed frame, even the wardrobe, were all ash or black. My pulse kicked up. I hated being in here, but I hated more what I'd come to do. He stood near the window, his back to me. That posture was rigid like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders and refused to let it fall. “Linden?” My voice was soft, “can I talk to you?” He didn't turn. “You are already in my room, aren't you? I took a deep breath, forcing my feet to move forward. “The money card, the one you gave me, it's running out.” “I told you I’d renew it next week.” His replied flatly. “I know you did.” My fingers curled at my sides, but I didn't let my nervousness reach my face. “I found this Christmas tree in a store, it's so beautiful, and it's on prom

LINDEN The silence in the room was deafening, but I loved it. It was the kind that seeped into your bloodstream to calm your nerves. I was focused on my laptop, my fingers moved fast across the keyboard, the click of each keys being pushed echoed louder than I would've wanted. I didn't expect to be interrupted until I heard the soft, hesitant knocks that came to my door. I didn’t respond and the door creaked open anyway. From the corner of my eye, I caught Jensyn stepping in. She hovered beside the bed, not moving closer. Her palms were clasped in front of her, shoulders tense beneath the cotton of her crepe blouse. She cleared her throat. “I need to talk to you, Linden.” I exhaled, lips curling faintly. “Let me guess. You want me to rent Santa Claus this time?” My tone danced on the edge of sarcasm. She shook her head, seriousness playing in her voice. It wasn't high, but it settled in the air uncomfortably. “I'm serious this time,” she replied. That made me pause a

JENSYNThe door creaked open and I turned, expecting to hear a maid's whisper. But a cold voice cut through the room like the sharp crack of a broken glass. “Did I just hear you say fake marriage?”Willow stood by the doorway, face ashen, brows furrowed like she was trying to piece a puzzle together. Her hands trembled at the sides, knuckles curled into fists. She shifted her gaze from me to Linden, then back at me again. She sought clarity in our eyes but none came. Her eyes were wide, frantic, and betrayed.No one said anything. Linden's jaw remained locked. I held my breath and took a step toward her. She scoffed, her shoulders shaking, then turned away without another word. The door slammed hard behind her, the sound ringing in my ears.I jumped to my feet and dashed out. “Willow!”She was already down the hall, walking fast like something was chasing her. I caught up, grabbing her arm.“Wait, Willow—I can explain.”She jerked her arm free and turned to face me. Her voice was fi

JENSYNGetting off the bed felt like lifting a mountain. Every move I made pulled my ankle, making me hiss between clenched teeth. The floor looked farther away than usual. My ankle mercilessly throbbed every second. It was swollen now, with scattered patches of red, blue, and purple on the skin.I tossed the bed sheets aside and swung my uninjured leg off the bed. The moment I did the same to the injured leg, a sharp pain snatched a scream from my throat. I reached for the leg, gripping it without being hard on it.“Ow… Fuck!”While I was bent over, my body pitched forward and I landed hard—hands first then body. I hit the floor with a thud and gave another yell.“Dammit!” “You know,” the harsh voice of the devil I call my husband perforated my eardrums, “it wouldn't kill you to ask for help.”Linden sat on the sofa in the room, sleeves rolled, arms folded, watching me like I was in a badly filmed amusement show made in the 90s.Yes, he was in the room while I suffered to get off th

LINDEN“NO!!” The shriek pierced through my slumber like a knife. I bolted upright, heart racing after something my legs wouldn't originally catch if I was running. I shook my head, trying to orient myself. Who had screamed?I swept my arm across the bed and found Jensyn still. It wasn't Jensyn. Then who? The cry was not from this room. The room closest to Jensyn’s was…Andrea.Swiftly, I jumped from the bed and got out of the room. Racing to Andrea's room pulled a panic that blinded me and drove me faster despite the ache in my ribs, I opened the door and flipped the light on. I froze when my eyes got accustomed to my environment. Andrea lay huddled on the floor, tangled in sheets, her eyes closed, her small body shaking violently. Coming to my knees and holding her shoulders, Andrea didn't acknowledge my presence. It was like she was trapped in a trance. I shook her body and she wracked with sobs. “Dad!!! Daddy!! Help her!!”“Andrea, I'm here. Dammit! Be calm, baby.”She looked