Substitute Bride For The Bully Billionaire

Chapter 3

AMORA'S POV

The tip of my index finger grazes along my lips tenderly as I stare absent-mindedly at my reflection in the full-length mirror in my new room. Right after the wedding, I wasn't spared a second more as my father already packed up my luggage, and I immediately had to leave with my husband for my new home, well, temporary home.

Bridget made sure to remind me severally not to even dare to feel at home at the Kingstons mansion, since I found out he lives alone in this huge home with only the in-house staff for company. Not surprising, as expected of a renowned young and successful billionaire.

"That arrogant, mean jerk," I muttered out loud, letting myself drift back to that very moment before the priest. Evan had looked so uncertain and took a while before he eventually leaned in and kissed me. A kiss that was more like a brief lingering peck on the lips. I wonder if he distastes me that much already that he would've rather not kissed me at all.

All through our meeting to this moment, he's been nothing but rude, cold, and indifferent towards me. Not like I cared a bit about him, though, but being treated this degradingly by a supposed husband wasn't such a great feeling.

Well, what did I expect? I didn't dare expect anything when I consciously walked into this fake marriage. Still, it wouldn't kill him to be nice.

I've endured a lot so far, I don't wish to go through any more suffering than I've had to go through.

My eyes traveled to the diamond ring sitting beautifully on my ring finger. I gave up on so much already because of this... something so fake, something so uncertain. It could all be over the moment Thea returns. Perhaps it would be over in a few days, a few weeks, some months, or even years. Well, years? I hope not.

I retrace my steps from the mirror and sank into the soft and warm moderately large bed. Everything I've seen so far in this mansion was lovely and magnificent, screaming excess wealth. This was one of the numerous guestrooms, so I heard.

I found out earlier when Evan had introduced me to the house staff and had left me in their care before he disappeared to wherever. I couldn't be bothered to know his whereabouts at the moment. As far as we're both out of each other's face, this could go on smoothly until it's over.

How did I get here? Hmm, I've asked myself that several times already... The last I noticed, Thea was thoroughly excited and entirely ready to get married. So what now happened to her? Or was she kidn*pped like what we read in novels these days? That can't be because she left a note.

___

"You've seen the kitchen, the library, the game room, and most of the other parts of the mansion." I nodded positively at the assistant cook, Crystal.

Her blue eyes glistened with excitement as she continued. "Now, I'd show you the gallery."

My eyes widened with excitement instantly. A gallery... There's a gallery here...

"Please do, I'd be delighted." I beamed at the young woman.

"You most certainly will." She smiled in return, and I decided at that moment that I like her. Evan could stay away from his house and myself for all I care, but he at least has a friendly and easygoing human in this mansion. Well, all the other house staffs are friendly. But none as positively enthusiastic and somewhat charming as Crystal. Funny how I'm concluding when it's been barely six hours since I arrived here. And oh, there's a gallery too...

Wait, would Evan permit me to feel so comfortable in his home? Wouldn't he be upset if I decide to frequent his gallery? Wouldn't Crystal be in trouble for showing it to me?

Damn all that! I'd worry about it another time. But certainly not now...

And so, I followed Crystal's lead down a hallway on the ground floor, right behind her heels as she took a turn towards the right and soon we arrived at the entrance door of what I supposed was the gallery.

"Oh my goodness! This is absolutely stunning!" I gasped in almost disbelief and amazement the moment Crystal opened the door and my eyes beheld the most beautiful gallery I'd ever seen.

The local gallery I frequent back home already paled in comparison to this. I needed no further invitation as I stepped inside and began to check out the exquisite paintings and drawings of nature and so much art I couldn't have imagined while holding my breath.

But I soon noticed a closed door that possibly led somewhere else or probably a study in the gallery, and my gaze lingered on it.

"That's Mr. Kingston's study I believe," Crystal offered when she noticed my lingering gaze. "No one is permitted to go in there except himself." She continued.

"Ah, I see." I nodded my understanding, momentarily wondering what would happen should I enter there, while also wondering what private instructions Evan must have given to his house staff before my arrival. And I also wondered if he had told them the real deal about our marriage.

____

Tears clouded my vision as I ran, trampling on whatever stood in my way. I dare not look back, not when they're right at my heels.

I panted as I ran, my tears, sweat, and the unmercifully pouring rain soaking my green fitted dress. It didn't matter that it was raining; they were determined to catch me and do something evil to me.

I can't let them...

"Mother!" I screamed as I ran, hoping she would hear me. If anyone at all could hear me...

But I suddenly tripped, my body falling flat against the hard, wet floor. Without a second's delay, I got up again, feeling sore all over my arms, knees, and face where I'd bruised against the earth.

My fears increased as my pace also increased. These bullies mustn't get to me. But they were already close, too uncomfortably close. I could hear their curses and their panting...

"Please leave me alone!" I screamed. "Help!" But that was all I could do because I soon fell hard again, my vision blurred by tears, sweat, and rain. And this time, I couldn't get up again.

Four of them surrounded me, their deadly smirk taunting me, daring me to try and run again. One of them pulled roughly at my hair, and another tore at my dress while the others patiently waited, taunting me forever with their evil smiles.

“Robert! Please, I beg you!” I collided my two palms, rubbing it against each other, but all my actions fell on deaf ears. If I was going to fight this off, I have to rely only on my strength which had become too weak.

And with all the strength left in me, I let out an ear-piercing scream…

I woke up with a start. I was sweating so much, and fear was eating deep into my system. I thought it was all over, but this incident from my teenage age was determined to haunt me for life.

My arms hugged my knees desperately as I shook with fear. I noticed I was on the bare floor. I must have rolled off the bed in my sleep.

My eyes located the small clock sitting on my bedside drawer. It's past midnight already.

I managed to stand up from the floor and weakly sank into my bed again, hugging my knees as tears rolled down my cheeks. I buried my face between my knees and sobbed like my whole life depended on it. Except that it is! I want to be over this shadow of my past!