1 Week Later:-
It's been a week since our marriage. Every day I wake up, hoping that today will be better than yesterday. But, all days are the same. Desmond didn't even acknowledge my existence. I greet him with a smile, on the other hand, him; Who didn't even bother to spare a glance at me. It didn't bother me because he didn't mock me. I'm happy that he is not passing any rude comment or showing any kind of dominance.
I woke up usually with the same cheer and joy. A new day; a new start. I stretched, I saw Desmond coming out of the bathroom. Our eyes met. I quickly put my hands down. His Bored eyes looked at me as I smiled at him,
"Good Morning!"I exclaimed. He scoffed but my smile didn't disappear. I got up and went to the bathroom. I took a quick shower.
We're having our breakfast silently.
"Ester," Finally after a week, Desmond called my name. I looked at him.
"Yes?"I asked.
"We are going on our honeymoon." He announced. I choked on my food. He looked at me with a look of disapproval. I drank water and looked at him. We stare at each other. His eyes show a hint of Anger.
"Do you have anything to say?"Desmond asked without breaking the stare.
"N-No. Y-Yes.".He raised his eyebrow.
"Speak. I haven't got all day for you." His stare turned into a glare.
"When are we going?"I asked. He stood up and looked at me.
"I'll tell you when the time comes."He said as he left.
"Fine then. Pack my stuff yourself then." I shrugged and he didn't reply and... he actually packed my stuff!
***
We've been driving for the past 2 hours. I am so tired and in a desperate need of peaceful sleep. First our flight, Now this. And he's not telling me anything at all. "Where are we going? I am hungry and tired." I complained. "Shut up, Ester." He said angrily. "I am hungry." I said sternly. He scowled and stopped the car. He took a bar of snickers and gave it to me, "Eat it and keep your mouth shut." I smiled when he gave me the chocolate, "Thanks." I said sincerely and began to eat it.
Finally, after a devilishly long ride, we came to a halt. We got out. My mouth was agape when I saw a beautiful house. It was the only house in the woods. There are woods in the surrounding area. I closed my mouth and looked at him. I smiled at him. He took out our suitcases. Looks like there is no one here except us. We entered the house. It was beautiful. Everything was made of fine wood and was beautifully decorated. He showed me a room,
"That's your room."
"What about you?"I asked.
"My room is in the opposite direction. I don't want to be in the same room as you."He rudely said as he turned to leave.
"And yeah, Don't come to my room. No matter what."He said.
"I am not," I mumbled and walked inside my room.
I smiled and looked down. I realized at that time, How he hated being in the same room as me. Tears brimmed in my eyes but I quickly wiped them. Why is he so rude? Okay, I get it he doesn't want to marry me but still.
He doesn't even want to see my face, so I decided to change into something comfortable. I wear a red tank and shorts. I need to calm my mind. Now, I am alone. I decided to read a book. I laid on my stomach, My legs were swinging in the air. I hummed to myself as I read the book. I got so lost in it, I didn't notice that I began to sing loudly instead of reading.
"Stop it, Ester!" The door opened revealing an extremely annoyed and angry Desmond. My whole body froze in fear when I heard his voice. I quickly sat up and looked down. My whole face turned red in embarrassment. He stared at me for a while. My heart began to beat fast. His eyes are observing me. He put his hands in his pocket and walked toward me. I clutched the blanket tightly. He stood in front of me. He looked down at me. His whole being is filled with dominance as usual. I didn't dare to meet his gaze. My breath hitched when he put his hands on either side of me. I crawled back as he towered over me. I looked at him in fear, I gripped the hem of my tank tightly. He leans in and said in a low voice,
"If you think you can seduce me, then you are wrong." His words are filled with loathing. " I am no-"
"Are you talking back to me?" He said in a deadly tone, making my whole body tremble in dread. I shook my head like 'No'.
"You got a tongue, right?"He spat. What's his problem? How can he find every single thing about me itching to his eyes?
"Y-Yes, I-I am s-sorry," I tremble in fright. He narrowed his eyes at me,
"You'll wear appropriate clothing all the time."
"Appropriate like what? A goddamn gown or-"
"Ester." He called my name sternly. I put my index finger over my quivering lips knowing angering him further might be unbearable for me.
"I understand.." My scared form manages to say.
He got away and turned away.
"Change. And then come for dinner."
"O-okay.." My voice came out like a vague whisper. He glared at me for the last time and left. I let out my breath which stopped and changed my shorts into trousers and wore a black shirt. Who knows that wearing such clothes will anger him. Well, he is always looking for new ways to mock me.
We were better when he didn't talk to me. His voice takes my life out of me in terror. He opens his mouth just to ridicule or to be angry at me.
I went to the kitchen and took a seat beside him. He glanced at me and began to eat. I also began to eat as well. Then, the realization hit me, We are alone. So, who cooked the food?
"Desmond?"I asked to get his attention.
"What?"He asked.
"Who cooked the food? I mean no-" Before I could finish my sentence he interrupted,
"I did. Do you have a problem with that?"He rudely said.
"No., "I said as I began to eat. "Your cooking is better than mine." I mumbled.
After eating our food in silence, we went to our respective rooms.
I don't want to think about anything. It will only break my heart. The more I think, the more I'm gonna realize his hatred for me and I'm gonna curse myself.
The next day, We're having breakfast. He was reading the newspaper. I looked at him and muster some courage and called him,
"Desmond..."He didn't look up from his paper and said,
"What is it?"
"Can I go out?"I asked him. He put down his paper and looked at me with curiosity,
"There is nothing, But woods. What do you want to see?"
"Uh. Woods.."I said, tugging a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"Don't be late," He said as he began to read the newspaper again.
"Thank you!"I grinned as I left my room to get ready. "Do you wanna tag along?" I offered. "No." Unpredictable answer!
I walked around the woods. I felt so calm. It was a heavenly peace that was bestowed upon me. All my worries disappeared when I got lost in that creation of nature. The woods are so beautiful. After satisfying myself, I decided to head back.
My whole body stiff when I thought that,
"Did I come from the left or the right?"
I shivered at the thought. I took a deep breath and took a left.
I roam in the woods for hours. I began to shed some tears in dread that I am lost. Soon, It began to rain and the sunsets as well, too much to my apprehension. An unpleasant feeling washed over me. I sat under a tree and hid face in my knees as the cold droplets of rain-drenched my petite form. The darkness surrounding the woods makes everything more deadly. I began to sob. I will never roam around anywhere ever again, Just please someone find me. I was shaking uncontrollably due to the cold. I put my chin on my knees as I sniffed. Please, someone, find me.
Please, Desmond... I silently prayed to God.
After feeling like I might freeze in that cold, I heard a voice.
"ESTER!!" My trembling form turned to comprehend where the voice was coming from.
"D-Desmond" I tremble. I said in a low tone but he heard it and walked towards me.
"Ester!"He stopped in front of me and bent on one knee.
"You Idiot! Where were you!?" He scolds me. I wiped my tears and sobbed again, "I-I got l-lost"
"You are not going anywhere alone. Ever again!" He angrily said. He grabbed my arm and I looked at him. His hairs are falling on his face and the rain is also soaking him.
He pulled my arms harshly and I squeaked in pain. He forced me to stand but my legs became numb due to the cold. My teary eyes met his angered Silver ones. His expression softened for a second as he looked at my weak and cold form. But, it disappeared in an instant as he scoffed,
"You are so weak and pathetic! "His words never cease to hurt me. I felt so disheartened. I pulled both hands away from him and rested them on the tree. He narrowed his eyes at me, sending shivers down my spine. I looked down and continued to cry. "Then you should have left me to die here." I said, wiping my tears.
I thought he'll actually leave me here but he wrapped his arms around me and picked me up like a bridal style. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hid my face in his chest.
"You are such a burden!" He rudely spat at me. I bit my lips to stop myself from crying.
"Then leave me behind!" I shouted. I am a disdain for him. Nothing more, Nothing less. Why am I so weak?
"I can't... I couldn't bring myself to..." He spoke the last part to himself but I heard it as I felt my heart flutter but I continued to sob, "Why? Do you wanna break my heart more?" I asked. He was looking away as a deep sorrow flickered in his eyes. He grit his teeth and replied in a hoarse whisper, "I don't want to."
"I hope you truly mean it and comply with it." I sniffed, finally my tears stopped.
We reached home. He put me down, My trembling form was about to leave for my room but he began to say,
"I'll set the fireplace for you. Warm yourself," I nodded.
"Thank you Desmond. And I'm sorry," I smiled weakly at him. He just rolled his eyes and went to the fireplace.
I changed my clothes, took a warm shower and sat on the fireplace. I smiled when I remembered him picking me up. He cares for me. Even a little, but he does. His hateful comments still hurt but, It's alright. I should give him some time. I just need some time to make him realize that I love him and always will. I wish he could be a little nicer. I was so lost in my thoughts that I failed to notice Desmond's presence behind me.
"Here," He said, handing me a cup of hot chocolate- my favorite. I smiled and mumbled a 'thank you'. He sat beside me and I turned my gaze away from him and fixed it towards the fireplace.
"I love hot chocolate," I said in a faint tone. "I know," He replied. I looked at him in disbelief.
"How?" I asked. He looked at me with those emotionless eyes, "You told me."
I shrugged my shoulders, I might have told him about it on our date.
"How are you feeling?" He asked. I smiled a little, "Fine."
"You will never go anywhere alone again, understand?" Desmond scolded me.
"It must have stressed you to bring back a contempt like me, doesn't it?" I said without thinking and instantly regretted saying that.
"You are my responsibility." That was his only reply. He stood up,
"I know you don't believe it. But, I don't want to hurt- never mind." He stopped mid-sentence and left.
I stood still dumb-found. He doesn't want to hurt.. me? Well, he is right, I don't believe it. I only believe in my delusions and other words seem like a lie to me. My mind filled with ceaseless pain only believes my fantasies.
I was sound asleep but then I heard a voice;
"Never leave me again.."
Being perplexed and unable to move, I considered it a dream and continued my sleep...