One Year,Then A Divorce

Chapter 3

DAPHNE’S POV

Why is he looking at me like that? His eyes are so intense, almost like he can see through the robe I’m wearing. I look down at the sash, checking to make sure it’s tied tightly. It is, so why is he staring?

I clear my throat, snapping him out of whatever thoughts he’s lost in. His face hardens right away, like I’ve caught him doing something wrong.

“You should get dressed. We’re going to my grandfather’s house,” he says in a cold tone before turning and walking out of the room.

I sit on the edge of the bed, feeling annoyed. “He’s so weird,” I mutter. “He’s the one talking about boundaries, but he can’t even knock before coming into my room.”

The room feels too big, too fancy. The bed is soft, the bathroom is huge, and there are so many expensive things around me. But none of it makes me happy. It reminds me of my aunt’s house. That place was beautiful too, but it never felt like home.

I sigh, my heart sinking. “Thea probably knew about this contract. That’s why she didn’t fight to marry Miles. She’s probably laughing at me right now,” I say quietly, my hands curling into fists.

My chest feels heavy, and an awful thought creeps into my head. It’s one I’ve tried to bury for years. “I should’ve just died with my parents,” I whisper. My voice cracks, but I don’t stop. “Maybe I’d finally be happy... maybe I’d find peace.”

Tears well up in my eyes, but I wipe them away. I don’t want to cry. I won’t.

I stand up and walk to the wardrobe. When I open it, my mouth falls open. The clothes inside are gorgeous—way too nice for someone like me. My fingers brush over the fabrics, but my heart aches. These dresses weren’t meant for me. He must’ve bought them for the woman he actually loves.

Shaking my head, I grab a simple black dress and silver heels. They fit perfectly, but it doesn’t matter. None of this feels real.

When I step into the living room, I see him pacing. He looks annoyed, but the moment his eyes meet mine, his face darkens even more.

“Well, the queen finally decided to show up,” he says, his voice full of sarcasm.

I roll my eyes but don’t say anything.

“Let me make this clear,” he says, his tone sharp. “This is the last time you’ll waste my time like this.”

I want to scream at him. I don’t want to go anywhere with him. I don’t want to be here at all. But instead, I take a deep breath and keep my voice calm.

“It won’t happen again,” I say softly.

The ride to his grandfather’s house was painfully silent. He didn’t say a word, and I didn’t dare break the quiet. The atmosphere in the car was awkward, heavy with unspoken thoughts. I stared out of the window, watching the scenery blur past, grateful for the distraction.

When we finally arrived, I stepped out of the car, and my jaw dropped. The house—no, palace—was massive, grander and more elegant than Miles’ house. It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale, majestic in every way.

“Before we go in,” Miles said, breaking the silence, “you need to know something. Not even by mistake should you mention the contract to my grandfather. He’s sick, and I don’t want any stress affecting his health.” His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

“You don’t have to worry. I won’t say a word,” I assured him with a small smile.

“Don’t just promise,” he snapped. “You won’t say anything unless I tell you to speak. Don’t mess this up for me.”

“I won’t talk about the contract, and I’ll only speak when you tell me to,” I said calmly, though his attitude was beginning to grate on my nerves.

“That’s better,” he said, turning on his heel and heading toward the house. I rolled my eyes but followed him without protest.

The moment we entered, maids swarmed around us, bowing and greeting us warmly. It felt overwhelming, but I stayed quiet, letting Miles handle everything. We waited in the grand living room for his grandfather, and soon, an elderly man in his early nineties appeared, leaning on a walking stick.

“Miles,” the man called, his face lighting up with a warm smile. He looked frail, his teeth missing until he quickly adjusted his false ones, which made me chuckle before I quickly composed myself.

“Grandfather,” Miles said, stepping forward to hug him. “How’s your health?”

“We’re not here to talk about my health,” his grandfather said firmly, patting Miles on the back. “We’re here to meet my granddaughter.”

He moved past Miles and came toward me, his warm gaze settling on me. “You’re even more beautiful than in the photo,” he said with a kind smile.

“A photo?” I asked, confused.

“Miles showed me your picture,” he explained, still smiling. My eyes darted to Miles. A photo? How did he even get a picture of me? Of course—my aunt must have sent it.

“You’re breathtaking,” his grandfather said, taking my hand in his. His touch was warm and gentle, and it made me feel oddly welcomed.

“Thank you,” I said with a genuine smile.

“We have so much to talk about,” he said apologetically. “I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the wedding. The doctors wouldn’t let me travel, but trust me when I say I’m still the strongest man here.” He flexed his arm, showing off a weak muscle, and I couldn’t help but smile at his humor.

Then his tone shifted, catching me off guard. “How does my grandson treat you?”

The question hit me like a slap, and I froze, unsure of what to say.

“How do you expect me to treat her, Grandfather?” Miles said, his tone warm and genuine, almost enough to convince me. “She’s my wife and the most beautiful woman in the world, so of course, I treat her like the most precious person in my life.”

Grandfather smiled but held up a hand to stop him. “I want to hear it from my granddaughter, not you.”

I could feel Miles stiffen beside me, his confidence faltering slightly. It made me smirk inwardly.

“He treats me exactly as he says he does,” I said with a practiced smile. “I’m the luckiest to be with him.”

Grandfather nodded, clearly pleased. “I’m glad to hear that. Miles, always be the gentleman I raised you to be. Care for and love your wife dearly. That is the mark of a true man.”

Miles nodded, his usual arrogance subdued. At that moment, a servant entered, bowing slightly. Grandfather gestured to him, and the man announced, “Dinner is ready.”

As we moved to the dining table, my jaw dropped at the sight of the feast laid out before us. It was enough food to feed an entire village.

“I want you to eat a lot,” Grandfather said with a smile.

I didn’t need to be told twice. I dug in, pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the dinner was. The tense atmosphere I’d expected never materialized. Grandfather’s presence was warm and comforting, and I found myself relaxing.

As we ate, Grandfather began recounting stories of his late wife, memories filled with both laughter and sorrow. He painted vivid pictures of their life together, and his words made me smile.

I glanced at Miles, and something about him caught my attention. The cold, distant man I was married to seemed to vanish in his grandfather’s presence. His face softened, his expression filled with unspoken love and respect as he listened.

The sight made my chest tighten unexpectedly. Would he ever look at me like that?

The thought came unbidden, sharp and fleeting. I quickly pushed it aside. Expecting anything from Miles was pointless. He’d already made it clear he loved someone else.

“It’s time for us to head home, Grandfather,” Miles finally said, his tone laced with affection. “If I let you, you’d talk for hours without stopping.”

Grandfather chuckled, nodding in agreement. “You’re right about that.” He waved over a servant, who disappeared briefly and returned holding an envelope.

“This is my wedding gift to you both—a trip to Dubai for your honeymoon,” Grandfather said with a smile.

Excitement bubbled in me for a moment. Dubai had always been a dream destination for me. But the excitement faded quickly as reality set in. I doubted we’d even go.

“Thank you so much, Grandfather,” Miles said, taking the envelope.

“Thank you, Grandfather,” I echoed, hesitating slightly over the word.

Grandfather’s warm smile widened. “I bless your marriage with happiness and a strong foundation. May you both always remain together and be blessed with healthy children.”

His words felt heavy. If only he knew the truth.

The warmth of the evening evaporated the moment we returned home. As we stepped into the living room, I noticed someone standing there with his back to us.

“Who’s that?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The man turned around, and my heart stopped. My eyes widened as I stared at him.

“Reynold!”