A LOVE Worth Ruin

Chapter Three

Evelyn's Pov

I looked at the man I married, who was just standing a few paces away from me. He looked deeply irritated as he looked down on someone.

I couldn't see who he was referring to. I watched him closely, seeing the way he grinded his teeth - it made an indent in his jaw.

His side profile looked even more chiseled now as he frowned deeply.

Butler Smith appeared by my side again smiling gently.

“Well, it seems like Sir Kane would be handling this disturbance by himself,” he said pleasantly and started up again.

My eyes remained on Adrian. I watched him gesture to whoever it was to come up, before his eyes met mine. His frown didn't lessen as he looked at me. I averted my eyes quickly, a strange feeling of exposure washing down on me.

“Come one, Mrs Kane," Butler Smith called for me. As I tried to put one step in front of the other, I heard a hurried clacking of heels across the tiled stairs.

“Is she the one?” A female voice demanded. I turned around and found myself looking at a red haired woman with bright green eyes. She looked like she was straight out of a magazine.

Adrian took steps towards the both of us, but my eyes couldn't leave the face of this beautiful woman that seemed to be staring me down.

“Cassandra! quit it,” I heard Adrian’s cold voice. The woman grunted and looked at him.

“Well, she's quite the beauty, I must say,” she muttered, looking from him to me. I felt like a mute, as I stood between them, not moving, barely even breathing.

“Evelyn, go with the Butler,” Adrian ordered, staring down at me. I wanted to move, but I couldn't. I was transfixed there, between two people that clearly wanted me to excuse them.

“Evelyn huh?” The woman spoke again. “Adrian, she is a beauty, but did you marry a mute? Ouch”

I felt myself go hot with embarrassment. I turned and made to move, but Adrian's hard hands stopped me from taking another step.

“Get settled, then come back down. I need to introduce you to my guest,” he said and dropped my hand.

Butler Smith beckoned for me with his head and I didn't wait another minute. I went after him, forcing my legs to move faster.

As I left I heard the girl snicker.

“Well, Adrian…you got yourself quite the catch.”

I knew she was mocking me, but I decided to quit thinking about it.

The Butler led me to a door with an intricate design carved into it.

“This would be your room,” He announced and opened the door, with a dramatic flair.

As I stepped in, I held my breath.

The room was big, arranged and looking almost royal. The bed was a four-post bed and had white veils covering all its ends.

“I'm not staying with Adrian?” I asked slowly. The butler chuckled, as if he found my supposed ignorance amusing. He came closer to me and shook his head.

“Unfortunately, the master doesn't like people in his space. But don't worry, he may be coming at intervals to see you,” he said with a gentle smile resting on his face.

“Ohh.” I couldn't understand the wave of disappointment that washed through me, so I chose to not acknowledge it. I walked to the dresser and opened it. I saw some clothing there, frilly, simple clothing.

“Are these mine?”

“Everything in this room is yours. If they're not to your liking, then they'll be changed. But yes, they all belong to you.” the Butler went to the window and opened the curtain.

The sunlight rushed in, quite contrasting the gloom I felt in me.

I opened my mouth, wanting to ask a question that's been bugging me since he told me I wouldn't be in Adrian's room.

“Butler Smith?” I asked tentatively. He looked at me, his hand to his back.

“Where does Adrian sleep?”

“His room is just down the hall. About 3 rooms from yours,” He promptly answered and headed for the door. I wanted to tell him to stay, but I kept my mouth shut. He'd probably think I was a needy, naive girl who had no idea what she's been sold into.

“I'll be leaving now, Mrs Kane. Ring the bell if you need anything and help will come to you. Once again, welcome into the family, Mrs Kane,” he said and went towards the door.

“Please…” I called out to him as his hands touched the door handle. He stopped and turned to me, anticipating my next words.

“Please, just call me Evelyn..or Evie,” I requested, feeling my face grow hot. I knew I was going to be red in the face now.

He simply smiled and bowed again, and soon he was gone, leaving me standing there, alone in a situation I was completely regretting.

I went to the window and looked down. People were milling around the compound - guests of the reception, I supposed. My heart thumped with panic as I realized I was utterly alone in this place.

I left the window and went to the door….I couldn't remain in this room. I would completely lose my mind if I did.

I opened the door softly, then poked my head outside. The corridor was empty and that was encouragement I needed. I started moving slowly. My eyes went to the doors on the hallway.

His room was three rooms from mine, the Butler said.

I moved till I reached the third room. I heard some voices speaking in a hushed tone. I turned around, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, but then, I heard his voice.

“Quit this nonsense, Cassandra! I'm married now!” His voice was louder now. A voice responded, probably the lady Cassandra.

I couldn't hear what she was saying, so I leaned my head on the door.

As I did so, the door flew open and I fell face forward. I closed my eyes, ready to accept my fate.

But nothing…happened.