Marriage Built On Lies And Manipulation

Chapter 5

Aria couldn’t stop smiling as she drove home. Every word Sebastian had said on the phone replayed in her head like a sweet song she didn’t want to end. For the first time since her wedding night, her heart felt light—like the weight of all her pain had finally been lifted. She imagined the evening ahead, how he might hug her, apologize sincerely, maybe even laugh with her like before.

She pictured them sitting side by side at the dining table, eating the food he cooked, sharing stories, and him telling her he was sorry for everything. That thought alone filled her chest with warmth.

“Maybe love just needs patience…” she whispered, smiling sheepishly as the traffic light turned green. “Maybe I gave up too soon.”

She hummed softly as she drove, holding on to that hope like it was the only thing keeping her alive.

A few minutes later, she drove into their compound. Her heart fluttered with excitement as she parked the car neatly and hurried out, clutching her bag. The closer she got to the door, the more her excitement grew. She opened the door gently, and immediately, a warm, mouthwatering aroma filled her nose.

“Oh my God…” she gasped, inhaling deeply. “So my husband can cook like this?”

She dropped her bag and called out cheerfully, “Babe! I’m home!”

From the kitchen, Sebastian appeared—wearing a plain white T-shirt and sweatpants, a towel draped casually over his shoulder. “My wife,” he said, smiling, “you’re home. How was work? I hope you’re not too tired?”

Aria blinked, almost unsure if she was dreaming. The man standing before her—smiling so gently, speaking so softly—didn’t resemble the cold, angry stranger she had been living with.

“Yes, my love,” she replied softly, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.

“This is too good to be true,” she thought, her heart swelling. “So Sebastian can still be sweet? Maybe… maybe that other side of him was just temporary. Maybe he truly wants to change.”

“Go and freshen up,” Sebastian said warmly. “Let me finish setting the dining, my love.”

Aria stood there for a moment, speechless. She couldn’t remember the last time he had called her *my love.* Her lips curved into a real smile—one that reached her eyes—as she nodded and walked toward their bedroom.

Inside, she quickly freshened up, letting the warm water wash away her worries. She changed into a simple silk robe and applied a bit of lotion. When she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she saw something she hadn’t seen in a while—happiness.

She brushed her hair back and whispered to herself, “Maybe this is a new beginning.”

When she came out, the dining table was already set—two plates, two glasses, a bottle of wine. Sebastian had really done it. She sat down, and he joined her, his smile calm and sincere.

For the first time since their wedding, they ate together—no arguments, no silence, no tension. Just laughter and small talk. Aria’s heart soaked it in greedily.

“I’m so sorry, mine,” Sebastian said suddenly, his tone soft and remorseful.

Aria looked up at him. His eyes were downcast, his fingers nervously playing with his spoon.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he continued. “I don’t know what came over me those past days. It was stress… pressure from my family. I acted out. I shouldn’t have.”

His voice cracked slightly, and Aria felt her heart melt.

“It’s okay,” she said gently. “I’ve forgiven you. But next time, when you’re not okay—when you feel stressed—please tell me. Don’t shut me out, Sebastian. We’re married. We’re supposed to face things together.”

He nodded slowly, and she smiled, relief flooding her chest.

For a moment, she allowed herself to believe this peace could last.

“I pray this feeling stays forever,” she thought, but a faint whisper in her heart warned her otherwise. Still, she chose to silence it. She wanted to believe in love again.

“Babe,” she said excitedly, “a few weeks from now, I might get promoted at work! Mr. Collins said my salary will double.”

Sebastian’s eyes brightened. “Really? That’s amazing news, my love. I’m so proud of you.”

“I just want you to know,” Aria continued, “that soon, you won’t have to worry about our expenses. You can focus on getting back on your feet, and I’ll handle things until then.”

Sebastian reached across the table, taking her hand gently. “Thank you, babe. I love you so much. You’re… rare. Women like you are rare.”

Aria blushed, smiling shyly. “You deserve it, my husband,” she said softly.

After they finished eating, Aria started to stand up to clear the table, but Sebastian stopped her with a gentle hand on her wrist.

“I’ll do it,” he said.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “You’ll do it?”

“Yes,” he replied, smiling. “You’ve worked hard all day. Let me take care of it.”

A warmth bloomed in her chest so deep she almost teared up. “Thank you,” she whispered.

They washed the dishes together, their shoulders brushing occasionally. She told him about her day—how Mr. Collins had praised her work, how Tessa had teased her in the elevator. He laughed softly at her stories, responding like the man she first fell in love with.

When they finished, he took her hand and led her into their bedroom.

The air between them changed instantly—softer, deeper. He kissed her forehead first, then her lips, tracing gentle patterns on her skin. His hands moved with tenderness, unlike before, making her tremble in both pleasure and disbelief.

For the first time, their intimacy felt real. His touch wasn’t harsh. His eyes didn’t burn with anger.

“I love you,” he whispered against her neck.

Tears pooled in Aria’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you, God,” she whispered. “This is the peace I’ve been praying for.”

When they finally made love, it was slow, warm, and filled with emotion—nothing like the cold, forceful nights before. It felt like love… it *had* to be love.

Afterward, Aria lay in his arms, her head resting on his chest. His steady heartbeat lulled her into a daze of joy. For the first time, she believed her marriage could truly be saved.

But moments later, Sebastian’s phone buzzed. He quickly reached for it and silenced it.

“Who’s that?” Aria asked lazily.

“Nothing important,” he murmured, kissing her again. “Just rest.”

She smiled sleepily, her heart full of peace.

When she drifted into light sleep, Sebastian carefully slipped out of bed. He took his phone, walked quietly to the balcony, and dialed a number.

“Hello,” he said in a low, cold tone. The warmth in his voice from earlier was gone.

“Yes,” he continued. “She’s starting to trust me again. Don’t worry—everything is going exactly as planned.”