I opened my eyes to see 2 ladies and a man in white standing beside me. Am I dead? I asked and the doctor replied with a smile no, Mrs. Anderson and I somehow felt disappointed with his reply. You’ll be discharged soon, the doctor said and walked out of the room with the nurses tagging along.
I sat beside Lucas in the doctor’s office looking everywhere but his face as the doctor addressed us. Mr. Anderson, your wife collapsed as a result of stress and she seems to have a lot on her mind. If care is not taken it could lead to depression, the doctor explained. Thank you doctor it could be the stress of the wedding, but now she’s free from that he replied with a warm smile and a concerned look on his face. Did I see that well or am I mistaken I thought.
Back in the car, I was staring out of the window and didn’t say a word to Lucas as I couldn’t bring myself to forgive him for raping me. He moved closer and held my hand and in a soft voice he said Valerie, I’m so sorry for what I did last night. I didn't mean to hurt you, you pushed me too, you should understand that I’m your husband and you have to obey all my wishes he explained calmly. I looked at him wondering if that was meant to be an apology or an explanation of my offense. I nodded my head and turned back to the window watching the trees as we drove through.
I laid down on the bed trying to sleep but my eyes refused to remain closed. I kept changing my position as I was feeling uncomfortable lying on the same bed with him then my eyes fell upon Lucas who was sleeping comfortably on the bed. I watched him snoring softly. How could he sleep comfortably when my life is a living hell? Should I just sneak out of the mansion? Should I just kill him in his sleep and become a widow? Crazy thoughts were flying around in my head. He isn’t so bad for his age I thought as I scanned his muscular body, his eyebrows were properly arched, his beards full and beautiful, his dimples sitting pretty on his cheeks. I let my eyes wander on his body letting it rest on his broad shoulders. Maybe I should try and be a good wife to him and enjoy all this luxury in peace. After all, I don't have a choice, I’m stuck here. I kept talking to myself thinking about my future and wishing someone was there to listen to me as the warm hands of sleep embraced me.
Good morning miss, I woke up to see a beautiful young girl of my age standing in front of me with a beautiful smile plastered on her face. I tried to sit up on the bed but a migraine made its way to my head coupled with a burning fever. I managed to sit up and gave the lady a small smile. She noticed my predicament and with a concerned look she asked
Are you okay, miss?
I shook my head in affirmation I just need to rest longer I said laying back on the bed. Alright ma, call me if you need anything. What’s your name? It’s Anna Ma, she responded and made her way out of the room. I’m fine, I reassured myself, I have a headache because I didn’t sleep well last night, and then I realized that my husband wasn’t in bed and the room. Good riddance I smirked, I don’t want to see the devil's face anyway I said out loud and closed my eyes hoping all my troubles would be gone by the time I woke up.
Good afternoon, dear, I opened my eyes to see Lucas with a big smile plastered on his face seated beside me holding a cup of hot coffee. It’s afternoon already and you need to get up, shower, and get something to eat, he said. I sat on the bed and with a wry smile, I collected the cup of coffee from him avoiding his gaze. I was told you have a fever. I hope you’re fine now, he asked.
And why do you care? I replied, rolling my eyes at him. He held my hand softly and said, we have a family dinner party by 6 pm. My boys will arrive today and will be joining us for dinner. They want to make up for missing the wedding and can’t wait to see their stepmother, he said lovingly caressing my hand. They might arrive early so be prepared, he said and planted a kiss on my forehead before leaving the room.
I sat there frozen looking at his retreating figure. Is this the same man I married? Why is he acting all nice toward me? Is it because of the doctor's advice? I hope this lasts, I thought and gave up on the series of questions that were beginning to pop into my head. I got up and went to the bathroom to get ready for my step sons’ arrival who I believe are older than me. The thought of that alone made me tremble in fear but I braced myself and walked towards the bathroom. I was humming my favorite song to calm myself as I had my bath.
Mrs. Anderson, the wardrobe has been filled with different dresses but if they are not to your taste let me know and we’ll have them replaced Anna said when I stepped out of the bathroom. How long have you been here? I asked, and please, call me Valerie, I added. Not quite long Mrs. Anderson oh sorry, Valerie she said with a chuckle but I wouldn’t call you that when Mr. Anderson is around.
Deal?
Deal I said smiling.
I had difficulty picking up what to wear before settling for a nude sleeveless, V-neck gown. I put on light makeup that matches my skin tone and tied my hair into a ponytail. I had my meal in my room and after Anna left with the dishes, I put on the TV to watch my favorite show while waiting for the arrival of my stepsons. I couldn't concentrate on the show as I had this awkward feeling that couldn't be explained. I had this feeling that something bad was about to happen but I couldn’t figure out what it was.