Chapter 4

“Bravo, my child. You've made me proud. At last, you've accomplished something worthwhile," my mother remarked, applauding. "Your clapping isn't necessary. I'm doing this for my father's sake, not yours," I retorted as she chuckled dismissively, "Whatever," she muttered under her breath. Exiting the house, Laura assisted me with my bags as we made our way to a large black van, presumably Aiden's. "Look after yourself, sweetheart," my mother said, embracing me tightly. I held back my tears; despite my disdain for her outbursts, they were preferable to spending half a year with a stranger. "I shall. Take care as well, mother," I replied. "Selena, we're going to miss you terribly," Laura said, having secured my luggage in the van. "The feeling is mutual. Laura, please care for mother in my absence," I requested before a burly man in a dark suit opened the vehicle door for me. "Thank you," I said, stepping into the car. As the van started, I bid farewell to my mother and Laura, my eyes brimming with tears. A couple of minutes into the journey, a thought struck me. Where was Aiden? Shouldn't he be here? "Shouldn't we wait for Aiden?" I inquired of the driver, who remained focused on the road. "Mr. Aiden has already left," he replied curtly. "Alright," I said, feeling a sense of relief. It appeared I wasn't the only one uncomfortable with the arrangement. Perhaps this was a positive sign. Maybe he would grow weary of me, and then he'd have no choice but to seek a divorce. That would be ideal. As evening fell, I pondered the life that awaited me in Aiden Evans's home. "We've arrived," I whispered as the van pulled up to a lavish mansion. As soon as we stopped, a bodyguard by the entrance came over and opened the door for me. "Welcome, ma'am," he said, taking my hand. "Please, come with me," he instructed, and I followed him into a spacious, inviting room with a large, plush sofa at its center. "Make yourself at home," he said before disappearing. The place was like a slice of paradise. I was admiring the wooden coffee table adorned with books and a vase of fresh flowers when a soft voice addressed me. "Ms. Selena Vance," called the gentle voice, and I turned to see a young woman standing there. "Yes," I responded. "Welcome to the Evans residence. My name is Felicia Rodriguez, your chaperon," she introduced herself, offering her hand. "Pleased to meet you," I said, my laughter sounding a bit forced. "Ms. Vance, I'm here to inform you that you'll be staying in the guest room tonight. The master is busy working and requires some space," she explained. What a sigh of relief that was. I had no intention of sharing his room tonight anyway. "I'll finish up with the unpacking. Feel free to relax here, and I'll show you to your room shortly. Is that alright?" Felicia proposed, and I nodded in agreement. After she left the room, I was alone. I couldn't just sit there without exploring the mansion. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Despite my reluctance to admit it, I was enchanted by the ambiance of the mansion. And with its vastness, I'd have plenty of space to keep my distance from Aiden. I wandered towards the staircase, admiring the exquisite paintings and artwork. It was almost like walking through a museum. "The extravagance of wealth," I whispered to myself. As I passed by the rooms, a sound caught my attention. What could that be? I wondered. I had already walked past the door when curiosity drew me back. 'Selena, not everything is your business,' My inner voice nagged at me, yet I dismissed it. The sounds emanating from the room were peculiarly unsettling. Drawing nearer to the door, the voices grew distinct, and my heart pounded, apprehensive of the sight that awaited me. Pressing down on the doorknob, I was taken aback by the scene before me. Unbelievable. There's Aiden, with another woman, on our very first night as a married couple. This must be a nightmare. I silently pleaded for someone to rouse me from this surreal dream as I observed them lost in their intimate moment. With my eyes shut tight and jaw clenched, I fought to contain the surge of anger within me. Oddly, I felt a flicker of rage, yet its meaning eluded me. Retreating, I accidentally bumped into a table, drawing Aiden's attention to scan the room. The last thing I needed was for him to suspect I was peering at him. As I turned to slip away from my hiding spot, I was startled by the person I encountered. I barely began to speak when he cut me off, "Why are you here? Haven't you heard of privacy?" His tone was devoid of any guilt. "I'm leaving, my dear," announced a slender, provocatively dressed woman, presumably his companion. "Look after yourself, Loretta," he said, turning to her as she approached him, shooting me a disdainful look before pecking Aiden's cheek. What's that supposed to mean? 'Cheap tramp,' I thought, watching her leave the room, leaving me alone with Aiden Evans. "Now, why are you snooping around?" Aiden demanded, banging his hand against the wall, causing me to flinch. His gaze turned icy and fierce, but I refused to be intimidated. "I was just exploring the mansion and got lost," I said with feigned assurance. "You think I'm a fool? You were spying, weren't you?" he accused, raising his voice. "No, I wasn't. And why should it matter to you? You seemed quite content with your company," I retorted, my voice laced with hurt. "Stop acting like you're the injured party, Selena," he said coldly. "You clearly lack self control, Aiden. Barely a day has passed, and you're already unfaithful. It's a repulsive trait that you can't seem to hide," I remarked, glaring at him. "What, did you expect royal treatment here?" he mocked, his laughter quickly turning serious as he pointed to the door. "Leave now," he commanded. "Listen to me first," I insisted, but he paced impatiently, evidently tired of arguing. "Do as you please, Aiden, as long as I'm afforded the same liberties," I stated, hands on hips. He stepped closer, scrutinizing me, then said, "We're here merely to settle your father's debts to my family. In six months, this charade ends, and you're free to do as you wish. Now go," he insisted, opening the door and gesturing for me to exit. With a heavy heart, I left the room and hurried downstairs. The memory replayed, bringing tears to my eyes. No, I can't cry. I won't let this man break me. Determined, I wiped away the tears and sat on the living room sofa. Just then, Felicia appeared. "Madam, your room is prepared," she informed me. "Just a moment," I replied. Felicia looked concerned. "Are you alright, Mrs. Selena? You seem troubled." "It's nothing, just a slight headache. I'll be fine," I lied. "I can fetch some medicine," Felicia offered kindly. "That would be great, thank you," I accepted. As she turned to leave, I couldn't help but ask, "Is this typical behavior for your boss, with different women?" Felicia paused, turning to me with a look of sorrow. "I regret to inform you, Ms. Selena, but you're not the first to go through this," she said with a gentle tone that caused a lump in my throat. So, he's been involved with numerous women. What else should I expect from an entitled rich kid? "Sadly, one of his former partners took her own life, unable to cope with his infidelities," Felicia revealed, and I reassured myself with the reminder that my stay here was limited to just six months. "I'm not sure how you'll take this, but it might be wise to brace yourself for his ways," Felicia advised. "That's quite enough, Felicia," I responded curtly, feeling a wave of discomfort at the revelations, despite knowing there was nothing between Aiden and me. "Alright, Ms. Selena. I'll fetch your medication," she offered, but I interjected, "No, thank you. Just show me to my room. I'm worn out," I declared. "Certainly, Ms.," Felicia complied, escorting me to the guest room. "Here's the phone to reach me if you need anything," she indicated, pointing to the landline by the bed. "Wishing you a restful night, Ms.," she whispered before leaving the room. The chill in the bedroom was unlike anything I'd felt before. I wished it could seep into my heart and numb the thoughts of Aiden. It all felt like a dreadful dream I was desperate to escape. I couldn't understand why his past liaisons bothered me so much. Why does he matter to me now? I pondered as I disrobed. After a shower, I slipped into the nightgown Felicia had laid out and leaped into bed. The thought of not sharing a room with Aiden was a relief. I refused to let him affect me. I needed to stay strong. Moreover, I had to devise a plan to make Aiden's life miserable enough to tire of this farcical marriage. But how? That question haunted me until sleep took over. ************************ Dawn's light filtered through the blinds, bathing the room in a soft radiance. My eyes drifted open, last night's scene still lingered in my heart. Rising, the sheets slipped away, unveiling a day still untouched by turmoil. I approached the wardrobe, searching for my luggage, only to find my dress hanging there. Those bags meant everything to me. They were gifts from my father. I hoped Felicia hadn't discarded them. Moving to the nightstand, I picked up the landline and dialed to summon Felicia. After a three-minute wait filled with impatience, she was nowhere to be seen. I tiptoed to the door, my mind still adrift in slumber. Reaching for the knob, I anticipated the usual click and swing, but it remained stiff. What's happening? Confusion creased my forehead as I twisted the handle, the metal chilling and stubborn. A growing unease tightened in my chest with each futile attempt to leave. "Felicia! Felicia!" I called out, pounding on the door. Clarity returned as panic began to encroach upon my senses, threatening to overwhelm me. I shook the door more vigorously, breathing quickening, heart racing in alarm. A chilling realization settled over me—the door was locked from the outside. "Help! Someone, please! I'm trapped! Then the pressing question loomed—Who could have done this? How will Selena leave her room? Who is responsible?