My new friends eyed Aaron and I curiously as we came back into to living room. We sat together holding hands and made small conversation.
All I could think of was: how long will Aaron be able to keep up with this act. It hurt me terribly that he couldn't stand being close to me. Sure this is an arranged marriage but I've known of a lot of them. My own cousin was married off and now she's happy and in love. Why can't it be the same with me? I know Aaron can't love me in such short period of time, I don't love him either, but we could at least give it a try. But that goes against everything he ordered.
"Food's ready." Rita came into view.
"We'll be right there." Aaron got up and so did all of us.
He grabbed my hand again and we lead my friends to the dining room.
"Please sit." Aaron smiled.
Was I the only one that noticed how he always ordered you to do something?
"God this is delicious." Greg moaned.
"Greg!" Leah scolded.
"I'll make sure to tell our cook how much you liked the food." Aaron smiled.
Doesn't his face hurt? He's not used to smiling this much.
"What do you guys usually do when you're alone?" Alice asked in that imprudent way of hers.
"Alice!" Leah shook her head and looked at us embarrassed. "Forgive her she didn't take her meds today."
The rest of the guys laughed and Jared even wiped away tears. Aaron frowned but smiled as soon as Alice looked at him.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"No, you didn't. Curiosity is not bad, when moderated." Aaron's smile vanished and he looked at Alice with that bored and indifferent gaze. The whole table went quiet.
Then he grinned in a blink of an eye. "We like to keep our private life that way, private."
"I-I'm sorry." Alice blinked and looked away.
"Why don't we get started on my work? I've got a lot to catch up to." I said cheerfully and sent a warning glare at Aaron.
"Of course!" Elliot got up with a jump.
"I can't wait to bury my head in numbers. Isn't calculus just beautiful?" Greg sighed and also stood up.
"I'll sit by Regan, I want to do a close study of what she writes. Don't want her making any mistakes." Jared winked.
Aaron cleared his throat and the smile was gone and I have a feeling it wont be coming back.
"I would take care on how you treat my wife, we don't-"
I placed a hand on Aaron's one and squeezed, making him look at me.
"I'm sure Jared was joking."
We stared at each other for what seemed like centuries and then Aaron sighed.
"I've got to run to the office. I'll see you tonight." he got up and placed a firm kiss on my lips and then my forehead. "You guys are welcomed anytime."
Aaron ran a hand down my hair and finally left.
That was way too touchy for him. Don't tell me he got jealous because of Jared's comment? The thought exited me. I mean, we're married. We're going to be married until we die, might as well enjoy the ride. Plus Aaron is really handsome and maybe, maybe, deep down he's got a soft spot.
"Possessive." Jared chuckled.
"And too damned serious." Elliot shook his head.
"Guys, its her husband! Stop talking about him." Leah shook her head and looked at me with an apologetic glance.
"Alright, let's get to work."
It was three hours after they left that I took a shower and kept replaying this past week events. Surely Aaron can't be this cold. There has to be something. I know he had a wife before me, but I knew nothing about her except that she died. How? I haven't the slight less idea.
Through my mother I learned that the Scarlatti's paid a lot of money to erase any personal interviews and reviews about Aaron. One night everyone knew about his every step and the next morning he was a mystery. That's why no one really recognized me on the street as his wife, only close friends and coworkers did. And that's because we attended a lot of dinners, fundraisers and business deals. I have to attend all of these events so of course they'll know who I am. What I didn't get is why certain people eyed me with disdain and sadness and looked at Aaron the same. I've been meaning to ask, but Aaron is hard to talk to.
My mind raced to today's lunch. How he was about to threaten Jared, a friend, because of a simple joke. Aaron is just so unpredictable and I simply don't understand him. Even if I wanted to it'll be impossible, he'll never let me in.
I sighed and walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body and the other around my head. I grabbed my underwear and after putting that on I slipped on my pajama shorts. And I have to admit I had a soft spot for pandas so my pajamas had printed pandas all over them.
The knock on the door made me jump, had my heart racing.
"Y-Yes?"
"Can I come in?" Aaron asked politely.
God, I wish he'll scream or something. His politeness isn't helping me keep my sanity intact.
"Just a second!"
Where did I left my shirt? I always leave my shorts and shirt in the same place. I searched my room frantically. My eyes ran wildly all over the place and then I spotted it. It's just behind...
The door opened.
"Regan I-"
My eyes widened and Aaron just looked at me with that bored look of his.
"I'll... Uh..." I held up one finger and went to grab my now not so lost shirt, I slipped it on in a blink of an eye.
"You were saying?"
"I just wanted to let you know I wont be having dinner with you. I'll be at the studio."
"That's fine. I was going to let you know I couldn't accompany you either."
Aaron narrowed his eyes at me.
"Why?"
"I'm having a solo slumber party. In honor of my first day of school and successfully making friends." I smiled sweetly at him, knowing damn well how mad he is right now.
He can ignore me but I cant do the same? I'm not having that. He wants to act indifferent, then so will I. I'm not going to dedicate myself to make him want me when he already doesn't. Even though I'm dying for him to give me a real smile, to say sweet things to me, to touch me. I wont beg, though.
"That friend of yours, Jared. I don't like him."
"I do." I said.
I noticed how Aaron's face turned hard with anger.
"Not like that. God, I'm with you. I married you. I'm not about to start cheating. I wont. Ever. Who do you take me for?" I sighed and went to comb my wet hair. "He was just joking."
"Well I don't take liking to such jokes. What would others say-"
"Ah, that's it isn't it? That's why you're worried. I don't give a damn about what others say but since you do, I will do as you please. I'm going to be the perfect wife. No one, not even you, is going to have a doubt about that." I said in a calm tone, even though I'm exploding on the inside.
"Good to know we're on the same page. I'll be in my studio. Goodnight Regan." Aaron nodded in acknowledgement.
"Goodnight Aaron."
That night I cried myself to sleep.
The next morning was as eventful as the day before. I woke up, showered, dressed into a pair of white shorts and a spaghetti strap blue shirt, sandals and this time I pulled my hair into a messy bun. No make up today. I grabbed my bag, making sure that my work out clothes was still in there as well as my wallet.
I saw Rita making her way to the studio and stopped her.
"Mr. Scarlatti hates to wait for breakfast." she winced.
"Tell him I am off to school."
She nodded and hurried away.
Not feeling hungry at all I walked out of the house and inside the car, where Grant held the door open.
We arrived at the school ten minutes later and as the day before, I got a lot of attention.
"Thank you, Grant. Please be here at the same time as yesterday."
"Yes, ma'am." he nodded and left.
Feeling nothing less than miserable I walked inside the school and searched my locker. It was filled with books and other things. I grabbed the one needed for Calculus and started making my way there.
"Why the long face?" Elliot came beside me and put his arm around my shoulders.
"I'm not feeling so well." I mumbled.
"Hmm." Elliot touched my forehead and cheeks. "You don't seem to have a fever."
"I'm sure Aaron won't like it for a boy to touch his wife." one of the triplets said in a nasty tone.
I did my best to mimic Aaron's bored and indifferent glance.
"It's Mr. Scarlatti for you. And I don't appreciate the likes of you getting on my personal life." I said in an emotionless tone then kept walking towards the classroom.
Elliot whistled. "That was cold. Amazingly cold."
I didn't comment on it. Elliot went to his class and I sat staring at Ms. Callahan talk about numbers.
The whole day was a blur. I couldn't concentrate on anything, my mind kept wondering to Aaron. He said he didn't found me disgusting, but then how? He's so cold and his disinterest keeps eating me away.
In only a week I'd come to care for him. If something were to happen I would cry for him. But I have a feeling he wont do the same. It's like he's not capable of feeling anything.
"Regan watch out!"
"What?" I turned to look at Elliot but something big and orange came to touch my face.
"Regan, are you okay?" Elliot came to my side as I shook my head to clear it.
"What?"
"Jenny threw a basketball at you."
"She has good aim." I mumbled, and a strong arm since she's standing on the other side of the gym.
"Are you okay?" Elliot helped me steady myself.
"Yeah." I mumbled and rubbed the side of my face.
In my favor the bell rung and Elliot helped me make my way to the entrance. I didn't even bother to change out of my work out clothes.
"She did it on purpose, you know?" Elliot let me know.
"Why would she do such a thing?"
"Because of what happened this morning. Let's say the triplets like to always have the upper hand." Elliot shrugged.
"Whatever. I'm not going to lower myself to their class." I said in a nasty tone.
"You really are something." Elliot chuckled.
I saw all the rest of his friends coming our way.
"Hey, can you please excuse me with the guys? I don't feel so good."
"Of course." he pulled something out of his pocket. "Here's my phone number. Call me if anything."
"You carry papers with your phone number on -"
"The guy is waiting for you. Go. Go!" Elliot pushed me towards Grant and I walked fast in order to not have to make conversation with the rest of the guys. My head is killing me.
"Ma'am, what happened?" Grant said with concern lacing his eyes.
"It's nothing, Grant. Please take me home."
"Of course ma'am."
When we got home all the servants kept asking what had happened. My head began throbbing all over again. What's the big fuss?
I walked to the nearest mirror and saw the reason. The left side of my face was bright red and it seemed as if a bruise was forming. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I bruise really easy. If someone squeezes me too hard I'll have a bruise. It sucks really. And now I have a bruise forming on the side of my face.
"Please bring me an ice pack and some Tylenol or something to stop this headache." I informed the staff not caring who brought what.
I went to sit at the living room and closed my eyes as I leaned back.
"Worst day ever." I mumbled.
"What's with all the fuss?" Aaron asked.
I opened my eyes and saw him. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans and a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbow and the first two buttons undone. Why does he have to be so handsome?
"What happened to your face?!" he was by my side in a blink of an eye.
The concern on his face was gone in a blink.
"I got hit with a basketball." I winced.
"It looks like someone punched you." I noticed how he was controlling the anger from showing on his voice. It's not really working.
"No one did. This girl threw the ball at me. I bruise easily, that's why I have this..." I motioned to my face.
"Here Mrs." Rita handed me a cup of water and a pill. I gladly took it and then grabbed the ice pack and pressed it to my face.
"We can cancel the dinner. I'll just-"
"No. We're going." I sat up straighter still holding the ice pack to my face.
"But your face," Aaron started.
"Nothing make up can't hide. Don't worry Aaron, no one is going to think you hit me." I waved a hand at him.
"I don't care about that. You look like you could faint any second." Aaron's concern made me feel a little warm inside.
"I'm not going to..." and I blacked out.
"Regan. Regan. Wake up, darling." I heard Aaron's voice and felt a hand on my face.
"Huh?" I opened my eyes slowly. "What happened?"
"You fainted." Aaron leaned away from me to pace around my room.
How did I even get here?
"I'll call the Roland's and tell them-"
"Aaron, I'm fine."
"You fainted!" he snapped. There was fear below the anger. What's wrong with him?
"I haven't eaten anything all day, the ball didn't help. I'll be fine once I eat something." I reassured and got up from the bed to examine the bruise on the mirror. "Yeah, I can cover it up."
"Alright then. But if you start feeling ill we'll come back." Aaron said and then walked out the door.
Was he really concerned for me?
Minutes later Rita came in with a tray filled with food.
"Mr. Scarlatti said you'd like your food here." she set down the tray on a small table by the cushions.
"Thank you, Rita. Let Aaron know I'll be down when I'm ready."
Rita nodded and walked out. I sighed and sat down to eat alone. It doesn't really make much of a difference. Eating by Aaron is like eating alone. He doesn't make any small conversation even when I ask something he gives me one word answers. So I stopped trying.
When I finished eating I decided to take a thirty minute nap hoping that it'll help with the headache. So I set up the alarm and laid down on my comfortable bed.
Imagine my surprise when I woke up and the alarm kept going on and on after two hours. Two hours! I got up with a jump and went to have the quickest shower I've ever taken. I put on some black underwear and started blow drying my hair, when that was done I ran to my closet and searched for my black dress.
God, where is it?!
I ran to my bedroom's door and looked both left and right, no one was in sight, Aaron's bedroom door was closed. So I walked over to the rail near the stairs.
"Cindy!" I yelled.
"Yes, ma'am?" she ran and looked up at me.
"Where is my long black dress? I don't remember placing it in the laundry."
Cindy blushed. "I grabbed it so it could be ironed."
"Oh, okay. Thank you. Um can you bring it up? I'm already running late."
"Yes, ma'am." and she hurried away.
I turned around and squealed as I saw Aaron standing outside of his bedroom.
"Why are you in your underwear?" he asked curiously.
I couldn't help but let the blood rush to my cheeks.
"Uh, I-I'm getting ready. See you in thirty!" it was me who ran inside my bedroom and closed the door after me.
That was so embarrassing!
But I don't have time for that. I went to get my hair in a wavy mess and then pulled half of it in a sort of half pony tail but with just pins. Then started on my makeup. I glanced at the clock, I have ten minutes to be downstairs. Damn, damn. I put on the jewelry and the high heels. Where is the dress? I was about to risk going outside, this time with a towel, but Cindy came in with the dress.
"Thank you!" I grabbed it and slipped it on and then grabbed my purse. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful Mrs." Cindy smiled.
"Thank you. Is Aaron ready?"
"He's waiting for you down stairs." she informed and we walked down.
Why does he have to be so handsome but so irritating? He wore a black suit with a white shirt under it, no tie and the first two buttons undone. Handsome and sexy.
"Good, you're ready. Let's go." Aaron started walking to the main door without even waiting for me or saying anything about how I looked.
I sighed and followed him, then we got inside the car and Grant started driving away. We sat there in silence during the whole ride. It was when we entered the Roland's drive way that Aaron finally spoke.
"Keith married a young girl, probably around your age, so that's a new face for you. I think her name is Kara, she's a bit shy. And while we must act as the perfect couple don't-"
"Be clingy." I finished for him. "I know the drill Aaron. I've been doing it for a week, another one and I'll be a robot."
"Good." was his answer, as usual.
As soon as we stepped out of the car the acting began. We walked up to the door that someone opened for us. I heard one of the guards say that we were here. We walked to the living room where the whole family was sitting and got up as soon as they saw us.
"I hope your face doesn't hurt from all these smiling." I said through gritted teeth.
"Don't do anything stupid, Regan." Aaron whispered in my ear, and damn him I shivered.
"Regan, honey, it's so good to see you again. Look at her Ben, she's gorgeous!" Ellie Roland smiled warmly at me and came to hug me. She then started with Aaron.
"Oh you're a lucky man, Aaron. You've got yourself a jewel here, my boy. Oh, you're handsome." Ellie pinched his cheeks and I let out a giggle at his expression. Aaron shot me a glance and I turned to hug Ben Roland.
"It's good having you both here." Ben smiled. "Come take a sit while the food's ready."
"Hey Regan." Keith smiled and shook my hand. "I'd like you to meet my wife, Kara."
"Nice to meet you." I smiled and kissed her cheek. She's a pretty thing.
"How's the new business Aaron?" Ben asked as we sat.
"Great. The contract's ready to be signed." Aaron grinned.
"You're a beast, just like your father." Ben shook his head.
We kept chatting and then we were called to the table. To be honest, I have no idea what we were eating. It tasted like roast beef but then like chicken and then there was this shrimp salad. I had to swallow everything down even though I hated the taste. Aaron seemed to be having the same problem as me.
"Keith and Kara are already thinking about having babies. How about you two?" Ellie grinned.
Aaron started choking. Good thing I stopped myself before drinking the wine or else I would've sprayed it all over the food.
I rubbed Aaron's back. "Calm down honey, that's right. Take deep breaths."
"We've only been together a week. We want to wait before thinking about making a family, right Aaron?"
He glanced at me somewhat panicked and I saw the fear under that again. There's something he's hiding from me.
"Of course."
"I want a bunch of kids. Maybe six? I don't know. But we'll start working on it right away, right Kara?" Keith chuckled and kissed his wife's cheek.
Kara blushed deep red and mumbled: "Six?!"
Keith laughed and hugged her. "Isn't she adorable?"
I turned to look at Aaron, his eyes widened a little and he then turned away. He doesn't love me and I don't think he'll ever want to.