Chapter 8 FIRST NIGHT

NAYA's P O V

We had been traveling in silence for an hour when we finally arrived at a residence that was fairly deserted. I looked out the window and wandered my gaze over the property, only to discover that not only was this location distant, but even the lawn appeared to have not been mowed in ten years.

When I considered the possibility that snakes could be residing in the grassy lawn, goosebumps rushed down all over my body. But what made me even more terrified was the idea that Raphael and I would be living together in this house as husband and wife.

''Get out!'' Those two words almost made me choke with my saliva.

Me getting out and going inside that house alone? No way!

''A-aren't you---''

''I still have some important things to do...'' His voice was even more icy now. ''Now, get out!''

The loudness of his voice caused me to flinch, and as I clutched the door handle, my fingers began to shake. After I had eventually managed to exit the vehicle, it sped off before I even had the chance to slam the door shut.

I let out a heavy sigh as I watched the car disappear from my sight.

I wasn't sure whether I would be glad at the fact that he left me here by myself and decided against following the tradition of newlyweds going on a honeymoon on the first night of their marriage, or if I would be unhappy that he left me here alone in this terrifying place.

I raised my head and took in the entire two-storey house that was in front of me. If I don't show some serious strength and bravery, I'm going to end up losing this fight. I guess it was best that events transpired in this manner; at least I was able to escape the depravity of Kelly and Clover. Having the knowledge that I won't have to see them every day has made me feel more at ease. Nico, my nephew, was the only thing that I had to think about. It was my sincere wish that my stepmother would keep her vow to continue providing financial support for his treatment.

With great caution, I made my approach towards the main door of the house, making certain that I only trod on the pathway that was reinforced with cement. As I turned the doorknob, I was taken aback to find that it was not locked. I searched blindly for the switch of the light, turning it on when my hand touched it. Moreover, the sight of the entire place came as an even greater surprise to me. Thin white fabric was used to cover the furniture and other things within, and the entire area was blanketed in a thick layer of dust.

As I released my sneeze, I covered my nose with my hand. How would I be able to relax and take a rest in a dirty place like this?

Damn! Even my belongings were not with me at this moment. It was my understanding that after the wedding ceremony, we would first return to the house in order to pack my things. It never occurred to me that Raphael Stewart had other plans, and one of those was to leave me here in this abandoned, filthy, and decrepit home, as if it were a haunted house.

I proceeded to move further into the house in order to look for some cleaning supplies. After making a beeline for the kitchen, I noticed a little door on the left side of the room. I assumed that this was the location where the cleaning supplies were kept. I tried to force it open, but I was met by a powder room.

After closing the door, I looked to my right for another door to peer through. As I walked towards the slightly ajar door, something big jumped out of it.

''Shit!'' I shrieked, placing my palm over my chest, feeling it hammering so hard as I watched the black cat run away from me. God, I've never been so scared in my entire life.

I paused for a moment to take a deep breath before moving on to grabbing the vacuum and the mop.

During the time that I was cleaning the place, I couldn't help but think about Raphael. At what point in time was he planning to go home? Based on the appearance of this residence, it appeared that no one was staying here. I was curious as to whether he went back to the casino once again and managed to find a girl to accompany him tonight and have sex like we did.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that accepting the role of a substitute wife would bring such chaos into my life. I had no idea what I did wrong to piss him off. I don't know the reason why he agreed to marry Clover. Might it be for love? However, how was it that he was able to fall in love with her when he had not yet seen her? Or had he already recognized me as his impostor bride?

I shook my head at the mere thought of it. He was not my concern at the very least. As what he'd told me earlier, I was a contracted wife. And a contracted marriage doesn't involve any emotion towards each other. We're only married in paper. I wasn't even his real wife because Clover's name was surely written on the marriage certificate if there was any.

I continued cleaning the house at the lower level until I realized that it was already past midnight. I was exhausted, but I was pleased with how the house turned out as a result of my cleaning and arrangement. The lawn was something that I would take care of tomorrow. For now, I need to get some rest.

After making my way upstairs, I began searching for a room where I could stay for the night. I made my way down the hallway, the chilly floor covering my feet as I went. I passed a corridor connected to doors, and I came to a stop in front of one of them. I pushed the door open, and my jaw dropped in shock when I saw what was within. The room was twice as huge as the one I had previously occupied in the White family, and everything else was also twice as big.

Spending a few minutes checking out the room, I noticed that the king-size bed had pristine white sheets, and it seemed like someone was using them. When I realized that I wouldn't have to clean it any longer before I went to sleep, I smiled in relief.

I walked into the bathroom and my heart tightened seeing my reflection in the glass walls. Because of the dust that adhered to the white dress that I was wearing, it had become a dirty white color. Clover even reminded me to take care of it since she wanted me to return it to her after the wedding.

My hair was in a tangled mess, almost turning to gray, making me look like an old bride. There was dirt on the side of my cheek, and I immediately bent down on the sink and washed my face.

Following a brief dip in the icy shower, I made my way back to the room and unlocked a wardrobe in order to locate an item of clothing to wear. I couldn't help but bite my lip when I realized that every single item of clothing I was looking at was geared for men. I took out a generously sized shirt and put it on. It was so short and just reached the middle of my thigh, but at least it was comfortable.

After using the towel to dry my hair, I laid down on the bed and continued to think about Raphael. On the first night of our wedding, he left me here alone in this cold and quiet house, as if I were an object. What my mother used to say to me before she passed away was something that I couldn't help but remember. ''I love you so much, baby, and I pray that you will meet someone who will love you for the rest of your life...''

The unfairness of my circumstances caused me to feel resentful. I couldn't help but feel sorry for myself. Why did my life take such a peculiar turn? I do not recall ever having committed any wrongdoing that would have resulted in a fate as terrible as this one.

As I allowed myself to drift off into a deep slumber, the thoughts running through my head caused me to shed tears.