MARRIED TO THE STRANGER

CHAPTER 4

The morning light filtered through the lace curtains in Treasure’s room, painting delicate patterns on the walls. She sat at her vanity, her fingers absently running through her hair. Today was meant to be a day of wedding preparations, but the weight of yesterday’s interactions lingered, casting a shadow over her every thought.

“Treasure,” her mother called from the doorway, stepping into the room with an encouraging smile. “We need to leave for the fitting in an hour. The seamstress made adjustments to the dress. It’ll be perfect.”

Treasure turned to face her mother, forcing a small smile. “Of course, Mother.”

Her mother approached, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I know this isn’t what you envisioned for yourself, but sometimes, life takes us in unexpected directions. You’ll see—things will turn out for the best.”

Treasure bit her lip, holding back the words threatening to escape. She wanted to scream, to argue, to tell her mother that the best wasn’t even on the horizon. But she simply nodded, choosing silence over confrontation.

The fitting took place in a grand boutique in the city, with walls adorned in soft pastels and sparkling chandeliers overhead. Treasure stood on a platform as the seamstress worked, pinning and adjusting the fabric of the gown. The dress was breathtaking—layers of ivory silk and lace cascading down in a waterfall of elegance. Yet, as Treasure stared at herself in the mirror, she felt like a stranger in her reflection.

“Beautiful,” her mother murmured, tears glistening in her eyes. “You’ll make a stunning bride.”

Treasure said nothing, her gaze fixed on the glass. The seamstress stepped back, admiring her work, and Treasure realized the room had grown quiet.

“Miss James,” came a familiar voice from behind her. She stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. Turning slowly, she saw Jake standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

“Mr. Roberts,” the boutique owner greeted him warmly, rushing to welcome him. “We weren’t expecting you, but it’s an honor to have you here.”

Jake ignored the pleasantries, his eyes locked on Treasure. “I thought I’d check in on the progress. After all, this is as much my day as it is hers.”

Treasure flushed under his gaze, her hands curling into fists at her sides. “You didn’t have to come,” she said quietly.

“I disagree,” he replied, stepping further into the room. “It’s important to ensure everything is in order.”

The tension in the room was palpable, and even the seamstress hesitated before returning to her work. Jake’s presence was like a storm cloud, looming and inescapable. Treasure wanted to tell him to leave, to demand some semblance of privacy, but she knew it would be futile.

The drive back home was silent. Treasure stared out the window, watching the world blur past. Jake had stayed for the remainder of the fitting, offering his opinions on everything from the veil to the shoes. His comments were polite but firm, a reminder of his control over every aspect of their arrangement.

Back at the house, her father was waiting in the study, as he often was. He called Treasure in as soon as she arrived, his tone leaving no room for delay.

“Treasure,” he began, gesturing for her to sit. “Jake and I have been discussing the reception arrangements. There’s a slight change in plans.”

She frowned, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “What kind of change?”

“The reception will now be held at the Roberts estate,” her father said matter-of-factly. “It’s a more suitable venue for an event of this magnitude.”

Treasure’s chest tightened. “But I thought—”

“It doesn’t matter what you thought,” her father interrupted, his voice sharp. “This is what’s best for everyone.”

Jake, who had entered the room moments earlier, leaned casually against the doorframe. “It’ll be a grander celebration,” he said, his tone almost mocking. “You should be thrilled.”

Thrilled was the last thing Treasure felt. But she swallowed her protests, knowing they would fall on deaf ears.

Late that night, Treasure found herself in the garden, the cool breeze brushing against her skin. The stars above seemed impossibly bright, their light a stark contrast to the darkness she felt within.

“You have a habit of wandering,” Jake’s voice broke the silence. She turned to see him standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets.

“I needed air,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming even in the open space. “You’ve been quiet all day.”

“What is there to say?” she asked, meeting his gaze. “You’ve already decided everything.”

Jake tilted his head, studying her. “You think this is easy for me?” he asked, his voice low. “You think I wanted this arrangement?”

“I don’t know what you want,” she shot back, surprising even herself with the boldness of her words.

He chuckled softly, a sound devoid of humor. “What I want doesn’t matter. Just like it doesn’t matter for you.”

Treasure’s breath caught in her throat, the weight of his words settling heavily on her. For the first time, she saw a c***k in his façade—a flicker of vulnerability that he quickly masked.

They stood in silence, the night stretching on around them. For a moment, it felt as though they were the only two people in the world, bound together by circumstances neither of them had chosen.

But the moment passed, and Jake turned to leave. “Get some rest, Treasure. Tomorrow will be another long day.”

As he walked away, Treasure felt a strange mix of anger, sadness, and something she couldn’t quite name. Jake Roberts was a mystery she wasn’t sure she wanted to solve. But whether she liked it or not, their fates were now intertwined.