My mind was dizzy, unable to keep my head steady as everything around me seemed to accelerate, making it difficult to process what was happening.
He had deliberately kept me chasing after him, then disappeared without a trace, leaving me to fend for myself in confusion.
I struggled to find my way around and was finally helped by a kind Housekeeper who saw me struggling to move in my wedding gown.
She showed me to my room and I settled in wondering what I got myself into, I guess this was my life from now on.
...................
A few days had passed since we got married and I hadn't seen Hunter anywhere. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. Yes, we shared the same house and yet we almost never crossed paths.
He was avoiding me, avoiding everyone but at least I was relieved not to have to deal with his cold, indifferent attitude.
"Are you even listening?" my mother's urgent voice jolted me back to reality.
My mother had made a point of coming to visit me and see how I was fairing without her. Of course she only cared to see the house and boss the help around.
"Yes, Mother," I responded flatly.
She looked at me with concern. "You look pale. Did you get enough sleep last night?" she asked, her eyes searching mine, faking concern.
This was how she was, always trying to lower my guard down and then she strikes without warning. I was all used to it by now, so nothing fazed me.
"Of course, It's obvious. Why am I even asking? You're newly married," she said cheerfully, clapping her hands together.
Before us was the seating plan for the upcoming reception, a crucial step in making our marriage official.
According to my mother, we had been engaged for three months and married quickly because we couldn't stay away from each other, it was obvious, wasn’t it?
"Everything has been arranged. Just make sure you don't mess it up. Greet everyone with a smile, keep your words minimal. Remember, you're Mrs. McGregor now, act accordingly," she said, grabbing her Hermes bag.
Before I could speak she was already on her way out, leaving me with the plans I didn't care about.
It was already late in the afternoon, and with nothing else to do, I went to my room and took a long, relaxing shower. Everything was perfectly prepared for me, even my wardrobe was stocked with clothes I hadn't even bought.
I settled into bed with my nook, escaping into the fictional world of Pride and Prejudice for a while.
......
I woke groggily to find the moon had cast its shadow over the world. How long was I out?Checking my phone, I saw it was around 9:00 pm.
My stomach was rumbling, so I decided I should find something to eat. The house was large hopefully we wouldn't cross paths.
Since Hunter didn't bother to show me around I now had to find my way to the kitchen. I had gotten lost a few times and I was sure tonight was no different.
As I wandered past an unfamiliar hallway, I was struck by its bold decor and the grandeur that contrasted sharply with the rest of the house.
Large, ornate paintings hung on either side of the corridor, their frames catching the light, while a sleek black door stood imposingly at the end.
Nervous anticipation prickled at my skin as I approached the door, curiosity urging me forward. However, a low, slurred voice halted me in my tracks, emanating from a room just beyond the slightly a jar door.
Holding my breath, I edged closer, my body instinctively sensing that I was witnessing something private, even if my mind struggled to process it.
"Just like that, baby, don't stop..." a deep, husky voice murmured.
I immediately recognized the voice, Hunter’s.
Before I could stop myself, I inched closer and peered through the crack in the door, compelled by an inexplicable urge.
What I saw made my chest tighten with a mix of shock and heartbreak. A sexy blonde woman was straddling Hunter, completely naked, her body pressed against him.
Hunter's muscular arm caught my attention, his defined bicep nearly making me gasp, I hadn't fully appreciated his physique before.
My gaze lingered a moment longer, but the blonde woman's glance met mine, and suddenly, panic surged through me. I spun around and fled as quickly as I could.
My heart pounded loudly in my chest, fear and shame flooding through me. I hurried down the staircase on the left and found myself in a quiet room beside the gardens.
Wearing only my loose T-shirt and night shorts, I stepped outside.
The cool breeze brushed against my flushed skin, as I took deep, sharp breaths to steady myself.
What I had just witnessed was reckless, an act I knew could land me in trouble with Hunter tomorrow. Why then did he bother marrying me if he had another?
Seeking clarity, I wandered into the large garden, where the rustling leaves and swaying trees created a soothing symphony.
But the calm was short-lived, anxiety overtook me, morphing into a panic attack. My chest clenched painfully as I struggled to breathe, not again, my subconscious nudged.
I sank onto the soft grass, clutching at the cool earth as I fought to regain control. Suddenly, warm hands pressed gently on my back, startling me.
I looked up to see a handsome man with dark hair and piercing green eyes, offering silent comfort at that moment.
He was dressed in a plain white T-shirt and grey sweatpants with lopas. At first, I thought he was Hunter, but then I realized he was a stranger I had never met before.
"Breathe," he whispered softly, gently rubbing my back in slow circles.
I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. Confused and anxious, I wondered why a stranger was inside our house, well Hunter's house.
"Slowly, try to feel the grass beneath you. You are safe now, just breathe," he continued calmly, his eyes fixed on mine with reassurance.
His eyes were strikingly perfect, luminous green that reminded me of a dense forest. I felt as if I was gazing into a wild, untouched woodland, so intense was his gaze.
His sincerity was apparent, and with his gentle guidance, I took long shaky breaths and gradually relaxed.
He held me in a secure embrace, more like a bear hug, his scent divine and calming. It was the first time I had been held so close by someone other than Hunter.
After some time, I began to feel normal again. Aware of our proximity and worried that Hunter or someone else might see us, I gently pulled away.
"Sorry..." I murmured, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment, and then I swiftly turned and fled the scene not stopping till I got to my room.
I slid down my door wondering what the hell just happened.