Chapter 6

• The ray of sunlight that pierced its way through the open curtains, blinded her eyes the moment she opened them. Although she was still able to see the maid who was spreading the curtains open. Then it dawned on her that it was morning already.
• Her head ached so badly as she tried to sit up on the bed. It was as if she had over drank all night. Yet, that was never the case.
• The moment the maid saw that she was wide awake, she stopped to bow her head in respect.
• “Where is my husband?” Alexia asked first.
• “He is in the bathroom.” The maid answered.
• “Oh,” Alexia could only say. How come she could not hear the sound of rushing water? “You may leave. I will call for you when you're needed.” She later said. And the maid left without any hesitation.
• She sat for a while in silence, thinking of nothing else but the past night. She was still in disbelief at how she had slept for so long, all through the previous day.
• Alexia looked over to the other side of the bed. She let her hand run through the sheets which showed that someone had actually slept on it with her. For some unknown reason, Alexia found her heart beating faster, and a smile curved up her face as she kept on caressing the sheets like it was Dane.
• Her heart flurtered at the memories of how Dane handled her sweetly with his touch the previous night. Each of his kisses which traveled all over her body made her feel the intensity of how much more he wanted her.
• Then, she thought, could this be what they called love?
• For Alexia, that was the first time she needed to do a reality check on herself and the arranged marriage she got herself into.
• When they made love, she was forced to believe that Dane was nothing but a sweet man. Just like his sister had said. However, the moment she thought of him as that, memories of him in his apartment with Ciara flashed quickly into her head again.
• There was no way it was going to be so easy for that moment to be erased from her head.
• Unfortunately, even with the love they made overnight. For an half naked lady to be found in a married man's home, a lot of questions needed to be asked. And the first was, what relationship did Ciara have with Dane? Who exactly was she?
• She could still recall the faces of every guest from her wedding because her mother in law took it upon herself to introduce her to each and everyone of them.
• She could tell that Ciara wasn't one of the guests at her wedding.
• “What are you still doing here?” She suddenly heard, the voice bringing her back to reality. She looked ahead of her to see Dane standing, his pure white towel tied around his waist while water still streamed down his body. She couldn't help but drool over his perfectly fit body, his abs screaming right into her face. If she had the chance to leave a comment, she would say he looked hotter when he was half naked than when he had his clothes on.
• “Have you suddenly gone deaf?” Dane asked again, his voice loud and glaring enough. She quickly adjusted herself. However, she wondered why he was suddenly sounding rude. When she looked back at him, she saw the frown magneted on his face.
• “Dane. I don't understand what you mean by such a question. Am I not supposed to be here? This is our matrimonial room after all.” Alexia said, trying to sound pacifying so as to reduce the tension that was already flying around.
• “Get out now.” Dane ordered.
• “What?”
• “You heard me Alexia. Or, do I have to repeat myself?” He half yelled, irritation filling his voice.
• Alexia paused to stare at him in disbelief for a while.
• What was happening? That was the only question that could play around in her head. When she saw the frown on Dane's face deepen, she knew she had to do just as he had ordered.
• The moment she got to the door, she took one last look at him before leaving completely. It was when she shut back the door that she felt a drop of tear trickle down her cheeks.
• •••••••••••
• Just about an hour ago, Alexia had cried her eyes out because of Dane. Amidst that period of time, one of the maids had come to meet her, showing her the new room Dane had asked that she be given. It was just three rooms away from his.
• Despite how hurt she felt, Alexia didn't think she was in any position to complain. It wasn't as if she had anyone to complain to. Instead, she thought of a better way to lighten up her mood. She couldn't be giving everyone the slightest chance they get to ruin her life. And that was preparing breakfast.
• “What are you doing?” She heard and turned immediately to see who was asking.
• Great. It was her not so friendly mother in law. Alexia quickly stopped stirring and turned to face her properly.
• “Good morning mother. I just -”
• “I asked what you're doing here. There is no need for any greetings.” Mrs Belmont said, her stoic expression unchanged. While her voice filled the kitchen.
• “Uhm…” Alexia turned a bit. “I just decided to prepare breakfast.”
• “And who told you that you're in a position to do that? Did we fire our cook? Or, were you employed as one in this house?* Mrs Belmont questioned, her eyes not leaving hers.
• “None of the above. I only -”
• “Another rule of being a Belmont lady, Alexia.” She cut her short. “We don't serve, nor work. Neither do we have a place in the kitchen.” She said.
• Upon hearing that, Alexia stared dumbfounded at her. But for the few days she had spent as a newly wedded wife, she had learnt better.
• “Now, get yourself to the dinning table.” Mrs Belmont finally said. And without hesitation, Alexia did as she was told.
• “Hmm. Let me guess. She gave you another rule to being a Belmont lady.” Lily said rather than ask. Her eyes were still on her phone, but she knew when Alexia walked in.
• “You can never be wrong.” Alexia answered, her voice filled with displeasure. She equally heaved a sigh.
• Lily couldn't help but chuckle as she finally dropped her phone on the table.
• “Honestly, I think this is the best time for me to get myself a job.” Alexia continued, pulling herself closer over the table to Lily who sat across from her.
• “Don't even think of that.”
• “Why? Another rule to being a Belmont lady?” Alexia asked.
• “You know it “
• “Great!” Alexia pressed herself back to her chair. “I could as well turn to a statue. I can't even imagine sitting idle until God knows when.”
• “Well, you won't be idle in a few days time.” Lily said.
• “Why? What do you mean?” Alexia stared back at her with folded arns, and a confused look on her face.
• “We're having a dinner party to celebrate a successful wedding, and something else I don't know about.”