The Husband I Hate

Episode 3

DAPHNE

“I still can’t believe you’re getting married to Kane, like the same ‘Kane’?!” Mia, my best friend since high school, gasps behind me as the makeup artist works on my face.

My hair is already styled in the stupid ‘bride’ look that I hate so much, but everyone keeps saying it is pretty. Who even said I want to look pretty for that pigface??

Such a joke.

“I can’t believe it too. Terrible nightmare,” I scoff.

I see the makeup artist gasp lowly through the mirror but who gives a f**k. I just hope she doesn’t go around spreading rumors that I hate my so-called husband.

“But he’s a hot catch, you know??” Mia grins.

“Hot catch? In what world?” I laugh out.

“Come on, Daphne. I know you don’t like him but at least you’ve got to admit this one. Everyone in school is freaking jealous of you right now. You should see them asking if it’s the same Kane they see daily on their TV and phone screens,” Mia grins.

I choose to keep quiet this time, simply because I don’t trust this makeup artist.

I don’t want to f**k with my plan with Kane, which is to get married and pretend in public that we love each other.

It sounds simple to me. I never actually wanted to get married. In fact, if not because of this, I would prefer to die living single, which would have sent my parents to their early graves.

So this is better. At least the marriage will be a great facade while I get to do whatever I want without any stupid commitment.

A win is a win.

***

I can see all eyes on me through the veil as I walk down the aisle with my arm linked with my father’s.

He is looking so happy that I'm almost convinced this wedding wasn’t planned because of business alone.

I won’t be surprised if both families already had us engaged together since I was five, because my dad—even my mom—is looking so excited as I see her sitting with the Ambroses.

I roll my eyes inside the veil as the low music continues and different camera flashes come from every direction.

Of course it is not a simple marriage. I never expected it to be just a simple one even though it has barely been two weeks since I was informed.

The hall is packed with important people—billionaires, businessmen and women, influencers, even celebrities.

I don’t know ninety percent of them since I have never been interested in the business world, but Kane is in the public eye.

He became the CEO of his father’s company as soon as he finished college three years ago and returned to the country, and the public is obsessed with him.

His arrogance must have doubled with all the titles and awards he has earned.

People gag at even the most silly thing he does. He even once collected an award for being the youngest CEO.

They treat him like a f*****g god. Nobody knows he is just an awful motherfucker.

“Daphne, do you take Kane Ambrose as your lawfully wedded husband in the journey of forever??” the priest asks.

“Yes, I do,” I say without breaking even a breath.

Trust me, I have been practicing for this moment.

“Kane Ambrose, do you take this woman, Daphne, to be your lawfully wedded wife in this journey of love forever??”

“Yeah,” he replies, and I almost roll my eyes.

The rings are exchanged immediately and claps and gasps start oozing from the guests.

“You may now… kiss the bride.”

Okay, this is what I am not prepared for at all. He better not think of kissing me because I don’t know what I might do.

Kiss who?? He wouldn’t actually. I trust he won’t.

But I think Kane has another plan, because he opens my veil, smirking at me like a devil, and before I know it, he pulls me closer by the waist.

“You might want to ruin this by not doing it right,” he whispers right before leaning even closer. Still thinking he is about to kiss me, but instead he places his finger on my lips before pressing his own lips on the finger.

More screams erupt from the guests, obviously falling for the trick and thinking we actually kissed.

I blink.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything just like you want,” he mutters before moving away.

Good for him. I would have smacked his ugly face if his lips touched mine.

“Smile if you don’t want me to stop trying either. I don’t have time for this,” he says between his teeth while still smiling at the camera.

Well, whatever.

I break into my most pretty smile, even waving excitedly and clinging onto Kane’s arm like I am the happiest b***h alive.

You wanna play? Well two can play better.

“You’re overdoing it, kitten,” he says.

“Shut up, shitface,” I snap, still grinning at everyone.

The pictures start right away. I make sure to piss Kane off even more. I even kiss his cheek and he almost kills me with his glare, but I laugh even harder.

By the time the whole party ends, it is about six in the evening.

I let out a groan as I enter the limo already waiting for us. I get rid of my heels first.

The after-party was the limit but I had to go with the flow. All this effort for a marriage that won’t even be affectionate??

Insane, if you ask me.

I look outside and see Kane coming over with some of his friends. They seem to be having a serious conversation until they stop, shake hands, and the other guys walk away.

I immediately close my eyes, pretending to be asleep before Kane enters the car.

He sits beside me and orders the driver to start.

He doesn’t make any attempt to touch or talk to me. Better for him.

I don’t know how long the drive is but I still pretend to be asleep. I even try to fall asleep for real but my spirit probably can’t do that with Kane beside me.

Finally the limo stops and I gulp. What will happen now??

“You can choose to sleep here. I won’t be able to stand you in the house anyway,” I hear Kane’s voice right before he gets down.

I open my eyes.

That fucker knew I wasn’t asleep.

Today is officially the worst day of my existence, all thanks to Kane for breathing.