Elena's POV
We had just finished our exchange of vows and Ryan wrapped his arm around my tiny waist and pecked me on the cheek which made my cheeks turn red.
"Take out that grimace from your face and at least pretend to be happy. I don't want the media to think that you were forced into this." He whispered into my ears, to others it looked like he was whispering sweet things.
My mood went sour, just when I had started getting all giddy inside. A scowl made its way to my face and I didn't even bother hiding my displeasure.
Everyone was busy eating and socialising but I don't feel good about this.
"Hello, I'm Dave Green from the JuicyPress. I'd like to ask you both some questions about your union and the outburst from the bride's mother." An average looking man with thick glasses and a mop of bushy brown curls on his head approached us both.
"We'll give no interviews, today is a special day for us both." Ryan boomed, sounding a bit irritated.
The journalist took a step back in apprehension but still stood his ground, placing his microphone closer to us.
"What do you have to say about an alleged forced union between you both and the recent allegations of your involvement in gang activity?" Though he had an innocent look on his face, the conniving smile couldn't be missed.
"Mind your business and get the hell out of here. My husband may be civil about it but I'm nothing close to that. Today is supposed to be a special day but you plan on ruining it." I can't believe that I fought for us both, jeez this man is getting under my skin.
The journalist rolled his eyes at me. "Please, Miss or do I say Mrs. Redlands, you of all people should keep shut because if this union wasn't forced you would not have had the chance to be settled by now. I know about your shady life on campus."
Ryan growled and made a gesture with his hands then two bodyguards materialised from nowhere and carried the screaming journalist away.
"We should get out of here." He said simply and led me by the waist to an expensive and sleek car that I couldn't recognise.
He then opened the car door for me and I stepped into the vehicle, with him taking a seat too. We drove out of my father's compound and started driving east. I remained silent throughout the drive.
After about an hour, we drove into a heavily guarded mansion that had a large pool and garden.
"Welcome Sir, Ma'am." The bodyguards we walked past greeted politely but with their heads turned away.
"Come with me." He said, opening the large wooden front door.
"Hope I'd have my own space?" I asked fear gripping me because I'm not ready to get intimate with him.
"You'll sleep in a room next to me. There are rules that you must abide by if this will work."
Wait, am I some dog that he thinks he'd order around. He has no idea who he's dealing with.
"I don't think I heard you right." I folded my hands, throwing him a glare.
He paused from his walk and turned with an icy look. "I said you will abide by my rules if this will work."
"I'm not some dog that you'd order around."
"Well then behave like it. You will mind your business no matter what you see or who you see me with. This marriage is nothing but a contract. You can have anything you want, I'll give you a limitless black card by morning tomorrow. Also, do not harass any of my guests for any reason."
My eyes stung at the realization and my heart felt like it was being squeezed. I wonder why his words hurt me so much.
"Can't keep up with your babbling." I looked at my nails without a care in the world.
"You will respect me! Don't take my restraint for weakness."
"Where's my room at?"
He gave me a long look and sighed then continued to walk upstairs. I followed in tow and he paused at a room door.
"This is your room, everything has already been cleaned. Don't mess your room up."
"That's none of your business. This marriage is nothing but a contract right?" A wicked smile played on my lips.
"I should go now, press the red button beside your bed if you need a maid. They would come several times a day."
"I'll go down and get the ones I want."
He shrugged indifferently and walked out while staring at his watch. He silently closed the door and I poured my heart out.
I cried out in so much pain, my father just sold me off. My mother looked completely gone with her wild drug life. This was the first issue that tore their marriage to pieces. My own mother is not happy for me.
I didn't even realise when I had fallen asleep, I woke up, took my bridal dress off and took a long bath.
To my surprise he had everything placed from my skin products to even hair products. The clothes were my exact size.
As I rummaged through the closet in order to get something to wear, I heard a giggle downstairs.
The place was getting pretty dark. I tiptoed and gently opened my door. The voices got really close.
"Your wife must be asleep right now." The strange feminine voice said again.
"That's not an issue, she wouldn't disturb us."
I cleared my throat at the audacity.
"Who are you?" I looked at her with so much disdain.
She gave me a once over, unfortunately I was on a towel and didn't look like much.
"I understand why you would need me for sometime. Your wife isn't much to look at."
"Shut up, Jennifer. You will not disrespect her before me." Ryan growled to my surprise.
"Dont shut her up, if you didn't bring her here she would have had no right to talk to me in such manner. I regret ever agreeing to this nonsense."
"Ooo please, I've been with him for about six months. Where have you been?"
I stayed quiet and she laughed in clear disrespect. "This marriage is just a minor setback. He is mine, in fact this is the perfect time to break this news."
Both Ryan and I looked utterly confused.
"What is it, Jennifer?" He asked her.
"I'm pregnant!" The smile on her face made my heard drop.