MARRIED TO HELL AT FIRST

CHAPTER4

"What the hell do you mean, Bianca?”

Mr. William's voice booms and his face palpable of a mixture of disbelief and anger.

“I got you married to Liam just a day ago, and you walk in here to tell me it's over? Huh? Now you listen to me, missy, you're going to turn around right now and get the hell out of my house; you're a smith now and have to be accustomed to your life now, yes, you and Liam may have some misunderstandings somewhere down the line, but that ain't enough reason to leave your husband's house at this odd hour. Above all, I need not tell you that our survival hinges on this marriage. You would have to tolerate whatever happens at that house. That boy is bound to fall for you sooner or later." He drops his bombshell.

Bianca looks at her father in a state of shock and dismay.

" You're so damn selfish and cruel, Dad. I cannot believe you would care less about my comfort and happiness," she spits at him, her face a picture of furious anger.

" Now you watch your tone, young lady! Show a little respect! I am still your father,” he responds, his anger booming in his voice as he stares at Bianca.

Bianca, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness, retorts, "What kind of father sacrifices the life and happiness of his daughter at the altar of material things? You are an enemy too, but for the title of father, you don't even merit!" She screams.

With his face blazing with anger, Mr. Williams bellows, "How dare you speak to me like that!"

Without speech, he lifts his hands and smacks a hot slap upon Bianca's face.

Mrs. Williams, who had been standing there all the while, observing things as they developed, immediately insinuates herself into the issue.

She quickly steps forward, putting gentle hands upon her husband's chest and begs.

"Clarence, stop!" Remember she's our child. Gently pushing him away, she stands a few steps back.

Speaking to her daughter, she says "Bianca, you need to return to your husband's house now. We can discuss this another time."

Bianca looks at her mother in deep shock and disbelief. "No, mama, please don't send me away! Don't send me back to that house, please.". She begs as she nods her head frantically in pain at her mother.

“I’m so sorry, baby, Mrs Williams replies Bianca, her voice in a sad whisper, her face reflecting a deep sense of helplessness.

Without uttering another word, Bianca storms out of the house in a fit of rage. Now standing outside on the streets, she struggles with the thoughts of fleeing to a faraway place or going back to Liam.

She can’t help but think about Fredricks's rage if she fled, she hell knows Fredrick won't let her parents get any rest if she disappears into thin air.

Even if she was going to leave, where would she go? How was she going to begin life all over again? She wonders to herself.

Succumbing to her sad reality, reluctantly and with a heavy heart she hails a cab back to the smith’s mansion.

*******

“Hmmm, Hmmm, Bianca,”

Fredrick’s voice cracks and echoes through the expansive living room, as he startles Bianca from her sleep, The opulent space with its high ceilings seems to amplify his voice making him sound more imposing.

"What is the matter with you sleeping on the couch, and more so in the living room?" Did you even sleep here the whole night? Where's Liam? Tell me he didn't sleep out. That would just be so unacceptable," he asks Bianca, his tone running behind in shock.

Bianca, confused and still half asleep, finds it hard to find her words.

Events of the previous night rush quickly through her mind. She knows better than to reveal to Fredricks that she slept on the couch, in the living room, away from Liam.

Liam for sure Would unleash his wrath on her if she spilled a word of it. Desperately searching for the right words to say, Bianca’s mind races as she tries to formulate a sensible explanation.

Just as she is about to speak. Liam emerges from nowhere, his appearance seeming timely at the moment.

“Good morning, Dad,” Liam chirps, his voice high, one almost of total pleasantness.

He feigns a look of concern as he approaches Bianca.

“Honey, what are you doing here? " He asks, as his voice drips with a sweetness that feels uncanny to Bianca's ears.

He gently places his hands across Bianca's waist, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her, a forced smile plays on his lips.

"Love, why did you leave the bedroom without your husband? Is that how we're playing it now?"

He inquires as he winks at her teasingly, and makes a few giggles.

Bianca now accustomed to Liam’s display of false affection, sure knows how to play her part well. She now steadies herself, forcing a smile as she responds,

I’m sorry, dear. I just wanted to check on the house for the morning, and then I got a little carried away by sleep before Dad here found me on the couch.”

Her voice stutters slightly as she speaks.

Her smile widening, though it fails to reach her eyes, she turns to Frederick, "Yes, Dad, I slept in our bedroom, of course."

She adds as her voice tightens, her voice strains, a telling contrast to the turmoil swirling within her.

Frederick observes a contented smile.

It pleases my heart to see you two happy in your married life. He says and gives a friendly pat on Liam's shoulder.

"Weldone son, keep it up."

Liam's face is brightened by a bright smile.

"Thanks, Dad," he responds.

I would much rather be having breakfast with you two lovebirds, but duty beckons, Fredrick laughs, a tinge of regret in his voice.

“I have a few stops to make before I head to the office.” He then turns his gaze directly to Liam, his expression becoming more serious.

“Remember, son we’ve got a massive deal on the horizon with our investors. You’ll need to wrap up your honeymoon soon and get back to work. I hate to cut your fun short, but the company needs you.”

He adds, releasing his hands off Liam’s shoulder.

“I understand completely, Dad,” Liam affirms, as he nods in agreement.

“And I’m sure my beautiful wife does too, right, honey? He asks, turning to an unexpecting Bianca.

Caught off guard, Bianca stammers a hurried response, “Yes, yes of course…….”