Aristocracy101

Chapter 15

Oliver's Home

Lilian collapsed onto the bed, the weight of the day’s events finally catching up to her. The glittering dress that once made her feel elegant now felt like a burden as she let out a long, exhausted sigh.

"So this is what it feels like to be married…" She mused, her voice barely above a whisper.

Meanwhile, Oliver was still with his mother, who was lecturing him on how to be a good husband. She was finally married.

"Weeeeehhhh!" Lilian squealed, rolling on the bed in uncontainable happiness.

No more listening to her father’s endless lectures, no more hearing her mother’s screams and sobs through the thin walls of their house, born from the abuse her father inflicted. Lilian had tried to fight back against the violence, to defend both her mother and herself. But in the end, it was her who was branded as unfilial, a daughter who dared to challenge her father’s authority.

That’s when it hit her—the only way out, the only way to find some peace, was through marriage. But not just any marriage—one where she wouldn’t be controlled. And Oliver? He was the perfect candidate. He was powerful, the only heir to the Johnson fortune, and someone who hated being controlled.

Her dream was finally within reach.

"I’m warning you, Oliver," Vivian’s sharp voice broke the silence, her words laced with authority, "If I hear any reports from Lilian, I’m cutting off your allowance."

Lilian descended the stairs just in time to catch the tail end of Vivian's angry lecture, her tone shrill, like a mother scolding her child.

She couldn’t help but snicker. It was almost funny, how seriously Vivian took herself.

Vivian turned at the sound, her face softening into a smile when she saw Lilian. "Ah, here comes my beloved daughter-in-law. Have you rested? You should sleep some more. Let me call the maids."

Before Lilian could even respond, Vivian was already barking orders at the staff.

"Mom, I’m really not that hungry," Lilian protested.

"Nonsense! My daughter-in-law will not starve," Vivian declared, almost scandalized by the suggestion.

They made their way to the dining room. As Lilian sat down, she felt the tension in the air. Oliver hadn’t looked her way once since the wedding. But, she reminded herself, at least they were married.

“I wanted to give you this as a welcome gift to our family,” Mr. Johnson said, his voice calm but authoritative as he handed Lilian a bag.

Inside was an emerald necklace, its deep green hue complemented by smaller emeralds that glittered in the light. Just by looking at it, Lilian could tell it was worth millions.

"It’s beautiful, Dad. Thank you," she said, her voice sincere, her eyes betraying the emotions she tried so hard to mask.

He gave her a short nod, his face unreadable. Mr. Johnson was a man of few words, but his presence alone could send fear rippling through anyone in the room.

After the meal, Lilian and Oliver escorted the parents out of the house. As they stood by the door, Vivian waved goodbye with a wink.

“Remember to visit often, and make us grandparents!” she called with a teasing smile, the car already pulling away.

Inside the car, Vivian sat beside her husband, her expression faltering as Mr. Johnson’s voice broke the silence, low and chilling.

"I hope what you’re doing is worth it."

His words hung heavy in the air, and despite his usually silent demeanor, they carried an undeniable weight. Vivian could feel the sweat starting to bead on her forehead.

*He knows.*

Lilian’s lips curled into a small smile as she recalled Vivian’s words.

That is, if I get pregnant, she thought.

She couldn't remember if they’d used protection in the hotel room, and the memory of their night together was a hazy blur. Every time she tried to recall it, a sharp pain throbbed in her head. But if God wanted to give her a child, she would accept it.

She turned to Oliver, who seemed lost in thought.

"Do you want to watch a movie?" she asked, her voice tentative. "I have a really good one I can recommend..."

"Don’t talk," he interrupted, his tone frosty. "It disgusts me." His gaze was cold as he looked at her, his voice taking on an edge. "We’re sleeping in separate rooms. There are some rules you need to follow. First, don’t enter my room. Don’t touch my things. And, lastly, don’t try to stop me from seeing Bella."

He walked up to her, his fingers gripping her chin firmly, forcing her to meet his eyes. He wanted to see fear, but all he saw were eyes that longed for something more.

For a moment, his gaze wavered, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Bella is the true Mrs. Johnson. And if I hear you’ve been reporting to my mom, I’ll make your life a living hell. If you want all of this to stop, just say the word 'divorce,' and we can go back to the way things were."

Lilian didn’t flinch. Instead, she smiled mischievously, her voice light and confident.

"Not a chance, bestie," she said, her grin widening. "I’ll make you fall in love with me."

Oliver’s face twisted in annoyance. His brows furrowed, his jaw tightening.

He hated that smirk. Hated how she always seemed so sure of herself, like she had everything figured out.

"Whatever," he muttered, letting go of her chin.

Without another word, he walked back into the house, leaving Lilian to chase after him.