I married him to save my family

Chapter4

I pulled out my notepad and went through my notes. I had devised a plan and if everything went accordingly, in about ten months, I’d be back with my family. All I had to do was give birth to the heir and I’ll be free forever. Simple and short.

I nervously unwrapped the lingerie and robe Mrs Canon gave me. She said black was his favorite color and when he sees me in it, he’d have no choice but to fall for me.

I slipped into the lingerie. It was uncomfortable, I’ve never worn anything like this before. I let my hair cascade down my back and I brushed my curls out. Was this sexy enough? I stared at my reflection. This wasn’t me. When did I become a woman who tried to seduce a man?

I could taste the disgust in my mouth.

All I could think of were Lucy and Mike and their sad eyes. I missed them so much, there’s nothing I wouldn’t give to be cuddled up in bed, watching TV late at night, even though I knew mama wouldn’t approve. I wasn’t doing this because I wanted to be free, I was doing it for my family. If I failed to give the canon family an heir, they’d come for other members of my family.

I sprayed some perfume and applied layers of lip gloss. Tonight, I was going to consummate my marriage and in a few months, I’ll be free.

I had watched a lot of videos and read a lot of books that had to do with seducing men. I’ve never used the skills I learnt before but now was the chance.

I took in a deep breath as I stepped out of the room. The cold evening breeze blew against the flimsy material of my lingerie. Lincoln was no different from other men, he’d sleep with anyone and anything.

I walked briskly, hoping no one else would see me. Lincoln’s room wasn’t hard to locate, it was just down the hall, the butler had pointed that out to me earlier.

As I approached his room, my steps got slower. My heart was racing, maybe this was a stupid idea and I should go back to bed but my legs moved forward against my will.

His door was slightly ajar. I heard voices. I stopped in my tracks, contemplating my mission.

A woman’s voice. Were they arguing? I strained my ears but I couldn't make out what they were saying.

Boldly, I moved closer, peeking my head through the door.

I had never imagined myself getting married but according to what people said, the wedding night was special and it was something a bride should look forward to. Rose petals on the bed, scented candles, fruity wine and a soft jazz playing in the background. Laughing and recounting all that happened at the wedding ceremony and of course, the best s*x of my life.

What no one told me was that I would find my husband with another woman.

I tried to leave but my feet won’t move. I watched as the lady's breast bounced, Lincoln steadying her against his hips. His body glistened with sweat.

His body was covered with tattoos, I tried to take it in all at once but I was distracted by how powerful and skillful he was. How he could lift the lady with one hand and do things that made her scream.

I had been standing for a few minutes, listening to the croaking of the bed and their labored breathing.

A sharp croak cut through the air.

Lincoln’s head snapped towards the door. We locked eyes. He looked furious.

“What the hell are you doing here?” His voice thundered across the room.

The woman underneath him gasped, clutching the sheets to herself.

I tried to speak but no words came out.

“Are you spying on me?” He barked, stepping away from the bed. “What the hell do you want from me?”

I hated that my mouth failed me. I’ll forever remember that my first interaction with my husband was him yelling at me but it hurt more that I couldn’t bring myself to say something back.

“Nothing. I came to…”

My voice was barely a whisper.

“To what?” He cut in sharply. “Aren’t you grateful I decided to marry to save your family? Out of the goodness of my heart, I’ve provided you with everything you did. What else would you want from me?”

My fingers clenched the edge of my flimsy robe. I could feel his eyes over me and suddenly I was conscious about how my body looked. I had made a fool of myself in front of my husband’s mistress. I imagined them laughing after I left.

“I’m your wife. We are supposed to have a baby,” my voice broke despite my efforts to sound strong.

His expression didn’t change, if anything, it hardened.

“Get out,” he said flatly

I blinked and the tears spilled over. God, I hated this so much. My tears could have waited till when I was in my room.

“I don’t know what your plan is,” he continued. “Tonight means nothing to me. You’ll never mean anything to me.”

Each word landed like a blow to my chest.

I didn’t care to mean anything to him. I just wanted to give his family the child they wanted and return to mine.

The lady on the bed shifted uncomfortably.

“Don’t ever come here without my permission. Now, go to your room,”

I turned quickly, not wanting him to see how much his words got to me.

So this was my reality. This was the kind of man I had to bear a child for.

By the time I got to my room, I was shaking. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it as the sobs came louder.

For the first time, my freedom felt impossibly far away and the thought of reuniting with my family was nonexistent.