Chapter 15
1145 Words
Oliver’s Home
Lilian collapsed onto the bed the moment she entered the room, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with her.
The wedding dress that had made her feel like a princess only hours ago now felt unbearably heavy. The layers of fabric, the sparkling details, and the carefully arranged beauty suddenly felt like a reminder of how complicated the day had been.
She let out a long sigh.
“So this is what it feels like to be married...”
Her voice was barely a whisper.
She stared at the ceiling, allowing herself a moment to process everything.
She was married.
Despite everything that had happened, despite Oliver’s cold attitude and the tension between them, she had finally escaped.
“Weeeeehhh!”
A sudden burst of excitement escaped her as she rolled around on the bed, unable to contain her happiness.
No more listening to her father’s endless lectures.
No more lying awake at night while hearing her mother’s cries and desperate pleas through the thin walls of their home.
For years, Lilian had lived in a house where silence was often more frightening than noise.
She had tried to fight back.
She had tried to protect herself and her mother from her father’s cruelty.
But instead of being praised for standing up against injustice, she was labelled disrespectful.
An unfilial daughter who dared to challenge the authority of her father.
That was when Lilian finally understood something.
The only way to escape was to leave.
And the safest escape was marriage.
But not just any marriage.
She needed someone who couldn't be controlled by her father.
Someone powerful enough to protect himself and anyone beside him.
Someone who hated being controlled just as much as she did.
Oliver Johnson.
The sole heir of the Johnson family.
The man everyone feared and respected.
He had been the perfect choice.
And now...
Her dream was finally within reach.
Meanwhile, Oliver stood in the living room listening to his mother's lecture.
"I’m warning you, Oliver."
Vivian's sharp voice echoed through the room.
"If I hear even one complaint from Lilian about you, I will personally cut off your allowance."
Oliver stared at her in disbelief.
He was a grown man.
And yet his mother still treated him like a child who needed discipline.
"I can't believe I finally got you married," Vivian continued proudly. "Now, act like a proper husband."
Lilian, who had just come downstairs, caught the last part of the conversation.
She couldn't help but cover her mouth to hide her laughter.
It was almost amusing.
The terrifying Vivian Johnson, feared by many, was currently scolding her son like a naughty child.
When Vivian noticed her, her expression immediately softened.
"Ah, my beloved daughter-in-law."
She smiled brightly.
"Have you rested? You should sleep more. Let me call the maids and prepare something for you."
Before Lilian could even answer, Vivian had already started giving instructions.
"Mom, I'm really not that hungry."
Lilian tried to protest.
"Nonsense."
Vivian looked offended.
"My daughter-in-law will not starve in my house."
With no chance to argue, Lilian was dragged toward the dining room.
As they ate, Lilian could feel the uncomfortable silence between herself and Oliver.
Since the wedding ended, he hadn't looked at her once.
Still, she reminded herself of one thing.
They were married.
That was enough.
"I wanted to give you this as a welcome gift into our family."
Mr. Johnson's deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
He handed her a small bag.
Inside was a necklace.
An emerald necklace.
The deep green gemstones reflected the light beautifully, surrounded by smaller emeralds that enhanced its elegance.
Lilian immediately knew it was incredibly expensive.
"Thank you, Dad."
Her voice was sincere.
Her eyes revealed the gratitude she was trying to hide.
Mr. Johnson simply nodded.
He had always been a man of few words.
But his silence carried more weight than most people's speeches.
His presence alone was enough to make people nervous.
After dinner, Lilian and Oliver walked their parents to the door.
Vivian waved happily as she entered the car.
"Remember to visit often!"
She smiled mischievously.
"And don't forget to make us grandparents soon!"
The car drove away.
Inside, Vivian sat beside her husband.
For the first time that evening, her cheerful expression disappeared.
Mr. Johnson stared out the window.
"I hope what you're doing is worth it."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
But the meaning behind his words made Vivian tense.
A small bead of sweat formed on her forehead.
He knows.
Back inside the house, Lilian smiled slightly as she remembered Vivian's words.
That is... if I get pregnant.
She couldn't remember whether they had used protection that night.
The memory remained unclear.
Every time she tried to recall what happened in the hotel room, a sharp pain would spread through her head, forcing her to stop.
But if fate decided to give her a child, she would accept it.
She glanced at Oliver, who seemed lost in his thoughts.
"Do you want to watch a movie?"
Her voice was gentle.
"I know a really good one that I think you would—"
"Don't talk."
His cold interruption immediately silenced her.
"It disgusts me."
The harshness in his voice surprised even her.
Oliver looked at her with resentment.
"We're sleeping in separate rooms."
He stepped closer.
"There are rules you need to follow."
His voice remained emotionless.
"First, don't enter my room. Second, don't touch my belongings. And lastly..."
His eyes darkened.
"Don't try to stop me from seeing Bella."
He walked closer until he was standing directly in front of her.
His fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.
He wanted to see fear.
Regret.
Pain.
Anything.
But instead, all he saw was something he didn't expect.
Her eyes were filled with longing.
Not anger.
Not hatred.
She still looked at him like she believed he was worth fighting for.
For a brief moment, his expression softened.
But he quickly pushed the feeling away.
"Bella is the true Mrs. Johnson."
His voice became colder.
"And if I hear that you've been reporting anything to my mother, I'll make sure your life becomes unbearable."
He released her.
"If you want all of this to end, then say the word divorce."
He looked away.
"We can go back to how things were."
Lilian stared at him for a moment.
Then she smiled.
Not sadly.
Not angrily.
But confidently.
"Not a chance, bestie."
Her grin widened.
"I'll make you fall in love with me."
Oliver's expression immediately darkened.
His brows furrowed.
His jaw tightened.
He hated that smile.
He hated how confident she always seemed.
Like no matter what he said or did, she believed she could change everything.
"Whatever."
He turned away.
Without another word, he walked back into the house.
And, as always...
Lilian followed.
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