THE MARRIAGE TRAP

CHAPTER5

“ With this ring I marry thee.”

As Serena Moreau placed the shimmering gold band on Adrian Calloways finger her voice was steady but emotionless.

Though her expression was unreadable she delivered the words flawlessly even though they felt like a chain tightening around her neck.

Adrian followed suit, tall and breathtaking in his black tailored suit. There was no affection or warmth in his deep blue eyes. He uttered the vows with the same lack of interest that she did.

In health and sickness, for better or worse.

A cruel joke. They were not in love. A contract filled with shallow assurances. Adrian leaned in as the officiating priest pronounced them husband and wife.

Serena became tense. Feeling his lips on hers was the last thing she wanted. However, his breath only lightly touched her cheek rather than planting a kiss.

He whispered so she could be the only one hearing him. “The cameras are everywhere, smile.

Around them cheers erupted and she forced a bright smile. Rich elites, business magnates and the best of society were among their guests and they were unaware that this wedding was merely a business deal.

Serena's nails sunk into her palm as they walked down the aisle holding hands for display. This was the start of her plans.

She had married into the Calloway family and she would soon be the cause of their downfall.

There was silence on their way home. As the chauffeur took them to the Calloway estate neither of them said anything.

Serena hardly gave the mansion a glance despite its grand architecture design.This was not a place she intended to call home.

Adrian released her hand and turned to her as soon as they entered. His face remained icy as ever. “To put it plainly, this marriage is nothing but a facade. On the outside we act like husband and wife. Together we attend events, pose as the ideal couple and smile for the cameras.”

With her emerald-green eyes narrowing Serena folded her arms. “ And behind closed doors?.”

“ Behind closed doors we are nothing to each other. Live your life the way you want and I will do the same. I'll stay out of your way and you stay out of mine.”

She scoffed. “Well, Adrian that makes two of us. Just like you, I don't want to be with with you.

A smirk formed on his lips. “Alright. That makes it simple.”

He then turned to face a maid who was approaching them . “Take her to her room.”

When a young maid stepped forward and bowed respectfully, Serena's jaw tightened. “This way ma'am.”

She wanted to scream at Adrian and call him a cold-hearted bastard for throwing her into his house like a common guest.

But she refused to let him enjoy her reaction. Keeping her pride intact instead raised her chin and silently followed the maid.

Its her room, not his. Serena was guided by the maid down a lengthy hallway that was far from Adrians bedroom. It was deliberate. He was very clear that he had no interest in interacting with her.

Serena went inside when the maid opened the door. Rich cream-colored walls and tasteful furniture adorned the lovely space.

But she was indifferent. She wasn't living here. Once more the maid bowed. “Ma’am would you like help getting out of your dress?”

“No," Serena calmly replied. “Go.”

After giving a nod the maid left gently shutting the door behind her. Serena approached the vanity mirror and gazed at her reflection. Although she appeared to be the ideal bride, this was all a lie.

She balked her fists. She had been written off by Adrian Calloway as if she were unimportant. It should make her happy. She expected this coldness from him.

Then why is she angry?

Her hair fell in dark waves down her back after she removed the pins. Then her phone rang out.

Her phone rested on the nightstand and looked at it. The sight of the name flashing on the screen sent shivers down her spine.

Evelyn Devereaux. Reaching for the phone Serena put it to her ear. “Evelyn.”

Her godmother's smooth voice, boomed. “My dear, congratulations," Evelyn said. “I'm really happy for you. Things are going as planned.”

With a sigh Serena rubbed her temple. “It is done. I married him. What comes next?”

“Now we move on to the next plan,”Evelyn said with a hint of excitement in her voice.

Serena's brow furrowed. “Tell me what it is.”

“I know of the perfect way to cause chaos within the Calloway family.”

With her pulse accelerating Serena straightened her back. “How?” she asked.

Evelyn laughed quietly. “Oh sweetheart you will love this.”

Serena tightened her hold on the phone. She felt cold when she heard her godmother's voice which was full of satisfaction.

“ Strike while the iron is hot,” Evelyn added. The Calloways are too busy with their lives to suspect a thing. The time is perfect to sow the first seed of chaos.”

Grasping the bed linens with her fingers Serena bent forward. “What do you suggest?”

Evelyn's tone dropped to a whisper of conspiracy. We intend to make Adrian go against his own father. We will tear them apart.

Serena froze.

“How about that?. Richard Calloway is the heart of the empire but Adrian is his pride.The only thing stronger than a father's love is a son's resentment.If we can make Adrian question his father's loyalty, his father's judgement. Then everything they've built will begin to c***k.

Serena paused. Richard Calloway was the reason behind her mothers demise she had hated him for years.

Adrian was not path of it.She wasn't sure how she felt about going after him.

Evelyn must have sensed her hesitation.Her voice became persuasive. “Remember the reason for this Serena. Your mother was ruined by the Calloways. We lost everything to them. Now we have an opportunity to make them pay.

Serena took a long breath. She was determined to finish this. Her godmother went on. “There are whispers and rumors regarding Richard Calloways past. A long-forgotten scandal. Their relationship will end if Adrian begins to feel that his father has deceived. And the Calloway Corporation will be exposed after that.

Then Serena swallowed hard. “What sort of scandal is it?”

Evelyn's voice tinged with satisfaction came after a pause. “An affair my love. One that might cause Adrian to doubt his fathers personality if it was revealed.”

Serena scowled. You want me to tell Adrian that his father had an affair? With whom?”

From the other end of the line came a slow laugh. “The best part is. We don't have to fabricate anything.All we have to do is bring an old wound back to the surface.”

Serena felt her heart race. For years she had thought Richard Calloway had betrayed her mother.

Could that be True?

Evelyn's soothing voice rang in her ear. “Serena, you now have al a new role.You are Adrian's wife. A perfect position to actualize our plans.”

“Yes, I will do whatever you say,” Serena agreed.

“That's all I want to hear. Calloway Cooperation will burn to the ground,” Evelyn cackled like an old witch.