Marriage First, Love Second

Couple's Life

"Just because we had s*x doesn't mean I'm ready to marry you," I said, trying to sound firm despite my trembling voice.

Gideon's eyes narrowed, his face inches from mine. "What do you mean? We're already married."

I pushed against his chest, trying to create some distance between us. "That may be, but I didn't want this. I didn't want to get married yet. And just because we slept together doesn't mean I'm ready to commit to you for the rest of my life."

Gideon's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "So you're saying our intimate means nothing to you?"

I shook my head, trying to clarify. "No, that's not what I mean. I just...I need some time, okay? Let's just keep this arrangement until my grandmother signs off on the documents. And then...and then I'll ask for a divorce."

Gideon's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a calculating light. "Fine," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "We'll play it your way. For now."

Gideon shrugged and walked over to the bed, flopping down on the mattress with a sigh. I watched him for a moment, my frustration boiling over.

"Unbelievable," I muttered to myself, shaking my head.

I stalked out of the room, leaving Gideon to his own devices. I couldn't deal with him right now.

I settled into the main room, pulling out my laptop and getting back to work on my old job. I had to keep my mind occupied, otherwise I'd go crazy thinking about Gideon and our strange situation.

As the hours passed, my eyelids grew heavy and my typing slowed. I finally gave in to my exhaustion, closing my laptop and leaning back against the couch.

Before I knew it, I was fast asleep, my laptop slipping from my lap to the floor.

When I woke up, it was dark outside and the room was quiet. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and the memory of the day it all came flooding back - Gideon, our marriage, our strange arrangement.

I groaned, flopping back against the couch. This was going to be a long few days.

I woke up with a start, my heart racing as I realized I was in the bedroom, lying on the bed. I knew I hadn't come here on my own - I had fallen asleep on the couch in the main room.

The alarm blaring in my ear kept me awake, and I reached over to turn it off. As I sat up, I saw Gideon entering the room, a smile on his face.

"Good morning," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Come on, let's get you some breakfast before you head to the office."

I felt a surge of annoyance at his cheerful demeanor, but I knew I had to keep my cool. I couldn't let him get under my skin.

"What time is it?" I asked gruffly, rubbing my eyes.

"It's 7:30," Gideon replied. "You've got plenty of time to get ready. I'll meet you outside in 15 minutes."

I nodded, still feeling groggy from the sudden wake-up call. But as I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I realized that Gideon had already left the room.

And that's when I saw it - a small note on the bedside table, with a message scrawled in Gideon's handwriting.

"Good morning, wife. See you downstairs."

I felt a flutter in my chest at the possessive term, but I pushed it aside. I was not going to let Gideon get to me.

As I reached the dining table, I was taken aback by the spread before me. Gideon had prepared a delectable breakfast feast - fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, toasted croissants, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The sweet aroma wafting from the dishes was irresistible, and I couldn't help but take a bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue, and I had to admit, it was the best breakfast I'd had in a long time.

Just as I was finishing up,I walked out of the house, keys in hand, ready to start my day. But as I approached my car, I was surprised to see Gideon opening the passenger door and getting in.

"What are you doing?" I asked, confusion etched on my face.

"I need you to drop me off at the bus stop," he replied, his eyes fixed on mine.

I felt a surge of frustration. "Why can't you use your own car?"

Gideon's expression turned sheepish. "Well, I don't have a car anymore. I had to sell it when I went bankrupt."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "You're telling me that you, Gideon Robert, the billionaire businessman, don't have a car?"

Gideon nodded, his face unapologetic. "That's right. I'm afraid I'm not as wealthy as I used to be."

I felt my anger rising. "So you're using me for transportation now? That's just great."

Gideon shrugged. "Hey, I'm just trying to get by. You're not exactly being supportive, you know."

I shook my head, incredulous. "Supportive? You're the one who's been manipulating me from the beginning"

Gideon sighed, "Come on, Nora, let's not drag this out. Let's just get going."

I nodded curtly, still fuming. The rest of the car ride was silent, the tension between us palpable.

As we reached the bus stop, Gideon turned to me and said, "Well, have a nice day. And don't forget your lunch, it's in the backseat."

I felt my frustration boil over. "Just leave, Gideon. Just leave me alone."

But instead of leaving, he turned back to me and asked, "Can I have your card? I don't have any cash on me."

I was incredulous. "You're kidding me, right? You're asking me for money now?"

But Gideon just looked at me with a sheepish grin. I handed over my card, not even bothering to listen to his thanks. As soon as the traffic light turned green, I hit the gas, speeding away from the bus stop and leaving Gideon standing alone.

I banged my hands on the steering wheel, screaming in frustration. "Why did I let alcohol get the best of me?! How did I end up with my enemy, Gideon Robert, overnight?!, I can't believe this is who I am going to spend the rest of my life with".