MARRIED BY MISTAKE

When Your Man Is Not Your Man

I wiped my face, my body pressed against the floor fully exhausted from lack of food and water. Footsteps approached just like before. This time, I didn't want to feel too excited, so I listened patiently whilst praying in my heart that he forgives me. And maybe God finally heard my prayers because the door finally took a mighty shift. My first contact was with blinding lights that almost took my eyes out of their sockets.

I squinted!

More stumps followed as Jason was drawing closer. I looked up to find his figure towering above me. A mighty figure that could pin any woman in place. He came closer and his eyes watched me angrily pushing my emotions into different places. I started trembling too scared that he would shut the door back on my face. He stepped up and we were not very far from each other. All of a sudden, he crouched to my level. I rolled my eyes trying my best to look away fully suspicious of what he was planning to do. I did my best to avoid his gaze but my actions only tightened his nerves. He picked my jaw then untied the cloth from my mouth. His action of course drew my attention then I studied his hand realizing a bottle in it.

How considerate!

He got me water.

Instantly, my eyes brimmed with joy, tears dripping out. He held the bottle up then brought it close to my mouth. Just when I was about to drink, he smiled. I became scared. His smile held an evil aura; the overly generous kind of smile, the lot of them that are fake. And just as it mustered into me, he poured the water on the floor; with every drop of it wasting away.

“Please, I'm sorry. I won't disrespect you again. Go, go alone for the summit. I don't care about it, go!” I begged, almost losing consciousness.

I became tired of his game. This time, he went out of control and I wasn't planning to succumb any longer. I would beg with all my might and beg even if he hits me again. It's better than being stuck here with absolutely no hope of getting out.

“I wish it were that easy.” he said and his words shredded my heart into a billion pieces. He meant what he said but I didn't understand; he was referring to Hilda's command that I tag along with him. Now, even if he desired to enjoy the grace and glamour of the event alone, he just couldn't.

Hilda ordered and he must obey!

“I believe you're now ready to sign it.” he said suddenly. At first, I couldn't hold onto where his conversation was headed.

“What?” I seemed confused but soon, it dawned what he was after.

I realized that he was at it again, the same thing we spoke about and believe me, I thought we already came to an understanding. I mean, I explained to Jason that I couldn't go against my father's wishes. What part of it did he not understand?

“You seem desperate to prove yourself to me,” he said.

“Yes, yes!” I replied. I truly wanted to. I love him and even if he doesn't believe it, I do. I really do. I really wished I could do what he wanted but I just can't. I have no power to give out what was entrusted into my care.

“Then sign the documents and I'll believe you,” he said again.

“Jason, I've told you I can't.” I insisted with bleeding eyes hoping he sees through me and opens his heart but he didn't.

“I really can't.” I emphasized and my response aroused a chuckle from him.

“You know what, I'll give you some time to think about it.” he said then stepped out of the room. He stood out, seated in one of the chairs in the basement, legs crossed.

Since he didn't shut the door, I could see him. My hands and legs were still tied together, hence I was in excruciating pain.

“So?” he said again, consuming a large chunk of food but my mind could not hear his words. Rather, they were directed to the food. You see, it's been two days and I have eaten or drank water. That food right there, whatever it was appeared like gold before my eyes.

I swallowed!

“So?” he said again.

“I… I…” I didn't know what to say. I was too disheartened that he was raising the same issue that I thought we already agreed on. I don't understand how he expects me to sign portions of my inheritance to him. I mean I would if I could but I just couldn't. My father entrusted his life to me; his company and assets and I can't just will it out even if I wanted to. There were certain clauses in the will that only Johnathan, dad's lawyer and I were aware of. And I can't discuss this with anyone. I can't and I am not responsible to myself but to him as well. I've heard of the terrible things that happen to innocent lawyers and I am not prepared to put Jonathan's life in danger.

I'd rather die than let the only person who has my best interest at heart get hurt.

I have no choice but to keep Jason in the dark. There's no way I can explain this to Jason. The thought of how frustrating my situation is brought tears to my eyes. I realized that he wasn't punishing me for emphasizing that we go together to the summit. It was just an excuse he was using to pass his anger about my refusal to transfer some properties to his name.

“I can see now that you're not ready,” he said.

“Jason, I'm hungry!” I said then he scoffed.

“You haven't seen anything yet. Your fasting began a while ago. Just a little more and you'll be set free.” he said, hastened forward then smashed the door in my face.

“YOU'RE ON A THREE DRY DAYS FAST, SWEETHEART!” he roared.