The billionaire's mute bride

Nightmares

Anna

"I can make you something, if you're hungry," Ciara offered, pulling me from my depressing thoughts.

"Sure," I replied. "What would you like?" She asked.

"Anything without meat is fine. I'm vegetarian." She nodded and she started preparing. I offered to help, and she gave me the noble task of chopping vegetables.

While we were cooking, Ciara told me stories about her life, her children, her husband. I occasionally added my own input, but she did most of the talking. I enjoyed listening to her talk. It was nice conversing with someone and I was glad to have made a friend in the house.

We were done making dinner in about thirty minutes. We made, vegetable stir-fry for just me. "What about Alex?" I asked.

"Oh you didn't know? He's going on a business trip to London," she answered and I shook my head.

"How long?"

"Should be about ten days." She tsked, "that boy! Going on a trip to London the day he got married is one thing, but not telling you? That's horrible. You have the right to know. I'm going to have a word with him, when he gets back." She muttered putting away the dishes.

Her words made my chest feel warm. I've never had someone get upset on my behalf.

"Please don't do that. I don't mind." She grumbled but nodded.

I finished my dinner and helped her clean up. So far my first day here was okay. I didn't know how to feel about the fact that my new husband went on a ten day business trip, the same day we signed the marriage license.

I should've been offended. . . Maybe, but I only felt relief. At least now I had ample time to come to terms with the fact that I was married.

I waved, Ciara good night and went back to my room.

I spent the entire night tossing and turning. I usually had trouble falling sleeping but it was worse tonight. The fact that I slept during the day and I was in a new environment added to the problem.

I felt anxious about sleeping in a new place and I knew the anxiety was going to worsen, the longer I stayed awake. So I finally relented and took my sleeping pills.

It turned out that sleeping was even worse than staying awake. The nightmares were even more vivid than before. I woke up gasping. My head throbbed and I felt groggy. One of the reasons I hated using sleeping pills.

I looked out the window, and saw the sun was already out. I dragged myself to the bathroom, took a cold shower, that helped. I went to the closet, that was sparse. I arranged my things, before I took a nap the previous day, and my all clothes didn't even take up half of the closet space.

I threw on a blue top and faded jeans. I tied my hair in a ponytail, grabbed my tote bag filled with all the things I would need for the day, and walked out of the room. I made sure to lock the door before going downstairs.

Ciara was already preparing breakfast. Her face lit up when she saw me. "Good morning Anna. I hope you slept well?" She asked and I nodded.

"Good morning Ciara," I greeted settling down. "I made you breakfast," she said bringing me a plate of baked beans and toast.

"Thank you," I sighed and started eating. She took in my dressing. "Are you heading out?" She asked and I nodded, placing the piece of toast down and signed. " I have rehearsal later, but first I have to pick up my cello from the workshop."

"You're an artist?" She asked in surprise. My face warmed and I gave a small nod. I'm not embarrassed about the fact that I play. It was quite the opposite, I was pleased that she acknowledged music as a form of art. People mostly say it was an impractical thing to do.

"I would love to see you play someday!" I rummaged through my bag and finally found what I was looking for. A ticket for the coming recital. "You can come if you're not busy," I said giving her the ticket.

All performers are given free tickets to bring someone. I never use mine, I gave Richard the tickets a few times but he never showed up. I expected her to refuse saying she couldn't come. I was caught off guard when she hugged me, " off course I'm going to come." She pulled away, "I'm so excited! I've never been to a music recital before. I'm going to make sure I show up. Thank you." She hugged me again and went back to what she was doing.

I found myself smiling. I finished my breakfast and helped Ciara do the dishes. When we were done, I said goodbye, carried my bag and went out.