The Accidental Marriage

The evening breeze drifted through the garden, carrying the scent of roses across the field Brenda sat beneath a tree with a book open in her lap. She hadn't turned a page in nearly fifteen minutes. Her eyes remained fixed on the words, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Five years of marriage would come to an end the next day. Suddenly a voice drifted from behind pulling her out of her thoughts. His familiar scent of the expensive cologne filling her nostrils as he sat near her. A small smile tugged at her lips. "You're home." Drake Maxwell lowered his chin onto her shoulder. "What are you reading?" Brenda glanced down at the forgotten book. "I have no idea." He chuckled and the sound alone was enough to make her heart ache. Five years later when she thought she would not develop feelings she did at the last minute. She stared at him, the fading sunlight outlined his sharp features. He was breathtaking, everyone admired him including her but none of it mattered anymore.. Tomorrow he will no longer be her husband. Brenda closed the book. "I need to discuss something with you." Drake looked at her. Something about her tone made his expression change. "What is it?" She forced herself to smile. "I'll be moving out tomorrow." For a moment Drake didn't respond. Then he leaned back. "There won't be any need for that." Brenda blinked. "What?" "You can keep the villa." Brenda almost laughed. The villa was worth more money than most people would earn in several lifetimes yet he was offering it to her so casually. "No." Drake brow creased "No?" He repeated "We agreed before we got married." Brenda looked directly at him. "I wouldn't take anything from you." "Things change." "Not this." She replied Her smile remained gentle. "Yes we agreed that once the contract ended, we'd go our separate ways and yes you got the benefits in the contract." He paused. Brenda swallowed. “But who said I can't offer you more. You helped me without compromising and that alone makes you deserve more.“ Something unreadable flashed through her eyes. She was expecting more.. but all she could do was wish. "So you should take it." She stood slowly. "You've already done more than enough for me." "Brenda." He called She paused and for some reason his voice sounded different. "I appreciate everything," she continued quietly. "Truly." Then she forced a smile.. "I'll leave first." She had barely taken two steps when his hand caught her wrist. Before she could react, Drake pulled her backward. A startled gasp escaped her lips. She landed directly in his lap. "Drake." His arms tightened around her waist. "As far as I remember..." His warm breath brushed against her ear. "We're still married." Brenda felt her heartbeat stumble but then she held a grip of herself, s*x was part of the contract, he didn't feel anything for her. Only one day remained yet somehow that made everything harder. "We're getting divorced tomorrow." "Tomorrow." He emphasized the word. "Not today." His fingers brushed a strand of hair away from her face. The gesture was surprisingly gentle. That was the dangerous thing about Drake. He always made her feel comfortable and sometimes comfort was worse because it made her imagine things that didn't exist. His gaze lingered on her face longer than necessary. For a brief moment, Brenda almost wished things were different. Then Drake stood and lifted her effortlessly into his arms. "Drake!" "You said you're going in" "I did." "Good." He began walking toward the villa. "I'll help you get in." Brenda rolled her eyes despite the heat creeping into her cheeks. "You're impossible." "So I've been told." His smile widened. That night, they didn't mention the divorce again. Neither spoke about tomorrow instead, they pretended tonight was like every other night and maybe that was their biggest mistake. ****** The next morning. Brenda woke up alone, sunlight filtered through the curtains. Her body ached pleasantly beneath the blankets. She smiled the rest of last night.. It was memorable considering it was going to be the last time they'd have s*x. For several seconds she simply stared at the ceiling then reality returned. Today was the final day. The bedroom door opened. Drake walked inside already dressed in a black suit. It was grandfather's funeral Brenda sat up slowly. "Good morning." Drake crossed the room without saying anything, "Morning." Then he took the pills from the drawer and handed it to her with a cup of water. That was the normal routine for the last five years.. After s*x he'd always make sure that she takes it, Brenda didn't argue after all she wasn't really his wife. She took it and forced a smile. "You don't have to attend today." Drake suddenly said. Brenda looked up. "What?" "The divorce papers will be signed afterward." His voice remained calm. "You don't owe anyone an appearance." Brenda lowered her gaze. "No." Drake waited. She continued quietly. "Your grandfather was kind to me." More than kind, he had treated her like family when no one did. The old man had never asked questions, judged her or looked down on her. He simply accepted her and Brenda would never forget that. "I want to pay my last respect." Something softened in Drake's eyes. "Alright." He adjusted his cufflinks. "I'll have Morris take you. I'm stopping somewhere first." Brenda nodded. "Thank you." A few minutes later Drake left the room. Brenda remained standing by the window. Watching his car disappear down the long driveway. A strange emptiness settled inside her chest. If only she didn't suddenly grow feelings for him, it would have been easier. She would soon become a stranger again. Brenda closed her eyes briefly. Then she turned away from the window. The smile disappeared from her face as she went to freshen up. Then her phone vibrated. Brenda frowned. Almost nobody had this number. Slowly, she picked it up, it was a private number. A single message was on the screen. The color drained from her face. The message contained only six words. I know who you really are. Her heart missed a beat. Who had sent that message? And more importantly, how much did they know? Brenda stared at the screen for several long seconds. 'I know who you really are.' Nothing more, no name or threat. Yet those six words were enough to make her blood run cold. She had spent five years carefully building a life inside the Maxwell family. She had been playing the role well, nobody was ever supposed to find out anything.