THE HUSBAND WHO NEVER LOVED ME

Chapter One: The Wedding Night Amelia stared at herself in the mirror, trying to convince herself not to cry. She was finally married. The words should have made her happy. Instead, her heart felt strangely heavy. She slowly touched the wedding ring on her finger. “Mrs. Adrian Cole…” She whispered the name, a small smile appearing on her lips. Maybe everything would be different now. Maybe after tonight, Adrian would finally see her as his wife. Maybe he would learn to love her. The bedroom door suddenly opened. Amelia turned. Adrian walked in. He had removed his suit jacket, and the first few buttons of his white shirt were undone. He looked calm—almost too calm for a man who had just gotten married. Their eyes met. Amelia nervously stood. “Adrian…” He didn't answer. Instead, he walked toward the table, poured himself a glass of water, and drank it slowly. Amelia watched him. “Are you okay?” He placed the glass down. “There's something you need to understand.” Her smile disappeared. “What is it?” Adrian finally looked at her. “I didn't marry you because I love you.” Amelia's heart stopped. She forced a small laugh. “I know we haven't known each other for very long, but—” “This isn't a love marriage, Amelia.” His words were cold. She stared at him. “Then why did you marry me?” Adrian stepped closer. “Because I need something from your family.” “What?” He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “Revenge.” Amelia's face went pale. She took a step backward. “Revenge?” “Yes.” “Against my family?” Adrian smiled without warmth. “You'll understand soon enough.” He turned toward the door. “Where are you going?” “To sleep somewhere else.” “Adrian…” He stopped but didn't turn around. Amelia swallowed the lump in her throat. “Did you ever want to marry me?” There was silence. Then he answered. “No.” The door closed behind him. Amelia stood alone in the middle of the bedroom, tears finally falling down her cheeks. She looked at her wedding ring. For the first time, she wondered if she had just made the biggest mistake of her life. What she didn't know was that Adrian had lied. He had wanted to marry her. He had wanted her for years. But there was one secret he could never tell her. He had fallen in love with Amelia long before she ever knew his name.