Ex-husband Wants Me Back

Chapter 4

Jade's pov

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss your bride." The minister announced and Silas placed a chaste kiss on my lips as the blinding light of the camera went off.

I went about the motions like a ghost who was merely observing everything from a distance.

This was really happening...

The few people in the chapel congratulated us on our union with forced smiles and I could feel Silas stiffen beside me.

The photographer asked us to stand together to take some photos and my heart beat wildly in my chest as Silas and I feigned affection we certainly didn't feel, for the benefit of the camera. After a very awkward and prolonged celebratory lunch, Silas and I made our way out.

The ride to Silas' house was tense and silence rang throughout the car.

"At least they caught us in a good angle," I commented, referring to our wedding photo as I scrambled my mind for ways to break the awkward silence.

Silas glanced my way for a second before returning his gaze out the window without a word and I followed his lead as I got the memo.

We slowly rolled into Silas' home which looked like a scenery straight out of a movie and I couldn't help but wonder just how rich this man was.

"Welcome home." Silas bit out as we walked through the front door.

He continued walking and I was unsure whether to follow after him.

"Silas," I called out to him and he turned.

"What now?" I asked, hugging myself.

"Now, you are my wife and would be acknowledged as such in public but that is all this marriage will ever be." He informed me.

"What do you mean?" I asked even though I had a pretty good idea what he meant.

"We will both lead separate lives, we do not need to see each other unless it is to attend a social function. Your luggage has been placed in the east wing and I'm sure you'll find everything to your satisfaction." He explained.

"Where will you be staying?" I inquired.

"I'll be away on business most of the time and when I am home, I will stay in the west wing. As far away from you as possible." He sneered and my heart dropped.

I swallowed a heavy lump which was lodged in my throat as a tear rolled down my cheeks.

"What about our honeymoon? My father gave me two tickets to a resort as a gift." I whispered.

"You can go if you want but I'm busy. Take note that the company won't pay you for your days of absence because you aren't on leave." He informed me.

"I know none of us expected things to turn out this way but at least we can be friends instead of living in hostility for the rest of our lives," I suggested but Silas' cold eyes flashed in anger.

"I want nothing to do with you so no, we will never be friends and I will ensure you feel as miserable as I do in this marriage." His words were laced with venom and I knew he meant every last thing he said. Without another word to me, he turned and walked away and I was left staring after him.

"Right this way ma'am." A voice startled me and I turned towards the old woman.

"What?" I sniffled.

"I'll show you to your room." She looked at me with pity and my heart clenched as I wordlessly followed behind her.

Bile rose within me as she opened the door and I ran towards a door I suspected was the bathroom. I had barely reached the toilet before I spilled my guts out, soiling my dress.

"Are you alright?" I heard the old woman ask as she gripped my hair out of my face and caressed my back. I clutched onto the toilet for support and let out a sigh of relief as I had nothing left within me.

"I'll go get Mr. Thornfield," the woman told me and before I could stop her she was already out the door.

I rose on shaky legs, rinsed my mouth, and splashed some water on my face before I made my way out of the bathroom.

"Leave us," Silas told the woman as he glared at me.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked the second the door was closed and we were alone.

"I tried to tell her not to disturb you," I muttered.

"Is this what you plan to do for the rest of our lives then?" He curled a brow at me.

"What are you talking about?" I stared at him in confusion.

"Manipulate me and play the victim to get my attention." He clarified and my heart dropped...he thought I was pretending.

"Even if you think I'm that good of an actress, I wouldn't hurt myself just to get your attention, Silas." I gritted out. I understood he was angry and hurt at the situation but I was a victim as much as he was so he had to stop acting like I was the villain here.

"It's Mr. Thornfield to you, you are still my employee and we may be married on paper but that's all it is...a piece of paper." He sneered as I plopped down onto the bed.

"Why did you even come here in the first place?" I breathed out but he merely stared at me blankly for a second before he made his way out of my room.