WHY MARRY?

ONE

"Aiden! Where are you" Jade called, as she walked around the house looking for him.

She looked all around the place such as the living, kitchen and pantry but couldn't find him, so she resorted to looking in his bedroom. Aiden had made it clear from the very beginning of their marriage that he had no intention of being a real husband to her; and she was also not expected to act as wife to him. It was something they both understood clearly, although Jade had wished otherwise.

She and Aiden had been married for at least one year and she could clearly tell that Aiden was counting the days till they got divorced. His behaviour towards her in the past year said it all. They didn't have long till their marriage would end; it was only a few months away and Jade wondered what her life without Aiden would be like. Would she be able to love any one else apart from him, would she find love again. Thoughts like that crossed her mind every now and then, as they day approached. She went to his door and knocked the door gently.

"Come in" Aiden stated coldly. She walked in and found him on his laptop working. "What do you want?" He asked bluntly.

"Your parents want us to come to dinner tonight, are you able to attend?" she asked.

"Tell them we'll be there" he said abruptly, his eyes still fixated on his laptop.

"What time are we expected there?" he inquired, eyes facing down. She wished he would acknowledge her, while she was in the room at least.

"They want us there for 9pm" she revealed.

I'll meet you downstairs at 7pm then" he informed her. " It takes quite a while to get there"

"See you downstairs then" she replied leaving his room.

She went quietly to her room and took a quick shower, before changing into a pair of blue jeans and a long sleeved button up top, which she tucked into the jeans. She slid on a pair of flats and wrapped a scarf around her neck to keep her warm, before making her way downstairs.

When she arrived downstairs, Aiden was already there, leaning against the railing of the stairs, holding his car keys. His foot were tapping against the floor impatiently, his green orbs glinting with annoyance.

"Took you long enough" he said before turning around and walking to his car.

He opened his car door and sat inside, not bothering to open her door. It didn't bother her too much that he didn't open the door for her, but a part of her hoped he'd cared to do it anyways. Sh knew that would never happen where Aiden Ross was concerned. Not unless they were pretending in front of their family. They drove silently to his parents house.

                                                                  ~

"So how are you two doing?" Aiden's mum asked them, as they sat around he dinner table.

"Doing good" Aiden said briefly as they ate dinner.

"its been at least a year and a half now, are you two thinking of having children yet?" His mum questioned with a raised eyebrow to which Aiden began to choke. Jade patted his back gently. He flinched and glared at her discreetly. She quickly retracted her hands slowly, feeling a bit disappointed.

"We're supposed to be in love, so I would advise you to play your part well, as I am doing mine" she reminded him in whisper.

"Leave them alone" Aiden's dad mentioned. "When they're ready, they will"

"But I'm not getting any younger. I need grandchildren?" Sadie, Aiden's mum stated, turning to him. "I could never rely on your brother for grandchildren, he's immature as it is"

"We're working on it mum" Aiden lied, playing with his food.

"You better" his mum replied. "You'll make a great mum" she added, taking Jade's hand into her warm motherly ones. Jade smiled. A few hours later, Aiden and Jade announced their departure.

"Thanks for coming over children, try to visit more often. I could do with more company" Sadie said as she pulled Jade in for a tight and warm hug. She gave her peck on both cheeks. Next was her son.

"Your welcome and we will try to be here more often. I could do with some company" Jade replied.

"Oh please, I'm sure Aiden gives you enough company" Sadie stated, with a suggestive wink. Jade blushed profusely as she registered what she meant. . They waved and went inside Aiden's car. Soon. they were on their way back home.

                                                                      ~

Jade tossed and turned in bed.They had arrived home hours earlier and she found herself unable to sleep. She climbed out of bed and went down stairs. She decided not turn on the light as there was light reflecting from the hallway, She turned on the kettle to make some hot water for tea. She got out the mug and placed the tea bag inside and then she picked up the kettle to pour the water over the tea bag; suddenly, the lights came on and she dropped the kettle in shock. burning her hand in the process. She turned around to see Aiden. He quickly rushed to her and moved her to the sink, where he ran cold water over her burn to sooth it. He then reached for the first aid kit in the cabinet.

"You need to be more careful" he said as he rushed back to her. She stared strangely at him as she wondered why he was being so nice.

He sat her down on one of the kitchen stool and attended to her. She winced as he rubbed some ointment on her hand, to which he apologised. He then began to wrap up her hand in a bandage. She felt a spark run through her body as his hand touched hers. in the process of bandaging it. She was sure he had felt it as well, because he glanced up at her with a glint in his bright green eyes before shaking his head as if to get rid of that feeling. He went back to bandaging her hand.

"Stay there I'll make the tea" he told her as he finished bandaging her hand. She just nodded.

He made two cups of tea and placed one in front of her as he settled on a stool beside her to sip his tea. She also picked up her cup, imitating him. They drank in silence and washed up afterwards. Aiden started to walk up the stairs and suddenly turned.

"Goodnight" he told her.

"Night" she replied. He went up the stairs, and she followed right after to go to her room. When they were in front of their respective doors, he turned to her once again.

"Don't mistake my hospitality for anything other than it seems" he told her.

"I won't" Jade simply replied. "Have a Goodnight" she told him once more before disappearing into her room.