Chapter 3 My Wedding Night

Ava's POV

What am I supposed to do? What should I do?

It is my wedding night and I'm expected to perform wife...duties. I haven't done it before and in all my years, I've dreamt of having it first with someone I deeply loved. Not some old man.

I paced around the room, still wearing the plain white dress Mr Miller got for me. My heart pounded loudly in my ears in panic.

What if he gets in here and wants to actually have sex with me? I mean, I can't stop him. I'm his wife.

As the word wife left my lips. It became clearer. It dawned on me as if a bucket of cold water had just been dumped on me.

I am really married to Mr Richard Miller? I'm now a Miller? It's still better than having my father's name with all the hardship that came with it.

Just then, the door to the room was thrown open. Mr Miller stood in the doorway, his right hand, perched on his walking stick while the left was in his pocket.

I got married to an old man? I still can't get over it no matter how many times I try to come to terms with it.

His silhouette stretched long and imposing by the soft glow of the bedside light. His eyes, which have been hidden behind thick glasses, were visible now, their sharp gaze piercing through me.

A wave of nausea washed over me. This was it. The moment I've dreaded since entering The Miller's mansion. My heart pounded like a drumbeat in my ears, drowning out the sound of my own rapid breathing.

Mr. Miller cleared his throat, the sound echoing in the silent room. His voice, when it came, was low and raspy, "It's late, young lady. You should be in bed."

His words hung heavy in the air, heavy with expectations. Fear and a strange sense of defiance coursed through me all at once.

This is my life now, a cage I can't escape from. But I swear that I won't make it easy for them to break me.

"I am in bed, Mr Miller," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We are married now, so call me Richard," he said calmly and I nodded, what else could I do? Refuse?

With a heavy sigh, I turned my back to him, facing the window. I should play the dutiful wife, and with that, I started unzipping my wedding dress.

I heard hurried footsteps as Richard rushed towards me. My heart raced like it could burst. I don't want this.

But instead of doing anything funny, he pulled the zip back up, his face stern. "What do you think you are doing? And why are you in my room?" He demanded, his voice a low growl.

"I-I thought... aren't we supposed to... isn't this how it works? I stammered.

He threw his head back in laughter and I felt stupid.

"Go to your room, young lady. You are coming with me to the office tomorrow, so get enough sleep." And with that, he dropped his walking stick and sat on the bed.

I felt stupid. Embarrassed.

"Um...Mr Mill...sorry, Richard?" I stuttered when I was half way out of the room.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Where is my room?" I asked, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What was I even thinking? Unzipping when he didn't say a word.

"Third room from mine," he answered kindly and I left.

****

There was a dress on my bed when I woke up the next morning. I knew it was from Mr. Miller. I quickly said my prayers and rushed to the bathroom. Few minutes later I was done, and already heading downstairs.

I took one last glance at my reflection and smiled. See how a good night's sleep made my skin glow beautifully.

The dining hall offered no comfort when I walked in as the face that greeted me had so much hatred and fury in them and it was directed at me.

"Good morning Mrs Mill..,"

"Keep your greeting to yourself," she hissed at me. I ignored her and moved to sit far away from her.

Mr. Miller walked in and I greeted him as well, earning a death scowl from Mrs Miller.

"You call him Richard now? Just because he slept with you last night?" She hissed with so much rage. "You whore! If you think for one second that I would sit and watch you...,"

"Enough Priscilla," Mr. Miller ordered, cutting her off. He called me to get up so we could leave.

I haven't even touched my breakfast yet.

"Where are you taking her to, Richard?" She asked, getting up to her feet as well.

"We are newly wedded, so do you expect me to be far from her for even a second? Goodness no, Pricilla. Not after all I enjoyed last night," he said with a mischievous smile and Mrs Miller stormed out of the dining room angrily.

Why did he lie?

The car ride was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine. I stole glances at Richard, trying to figure out what he's thinking and why he's taking me with him.

He appeared lost in his thoughts, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"So, what's the plan for today?" I broke the silence, my voice barely audible.

He turned to me, a small smile playing on his lips, "First, the office. I'll introduce you to the key players and give you a rundown of the business. You'll meet your trainer as well."

Wait what? Why is he getting me involved in his business?

"Why?" I asked, confused. Not sure that is the right thing to say in this situation but that was all I could think of.

"After that, we'll visit your sister," he added in a soft tone, ignoring my question.

A lump formed in my throat. She was so against this marriage but I don't regret this decision, as long as she gets to live.

I hadn't prepared myself for this. Meeting her after the wedding. What would she say? Would she hate me for marrying Richard?

Hours later, we were done with the office and on our way to the hospital. As I stepped into the room, my eyes landed on her bed but it was empty, the sheets folded to a corner.

Where the fuck is my sister?

Richard stood beside me, scanning the room as well. I rushed to the front desk, my hands trembling.

"Where's my sister? Where's Holly Rodriguez!?" I asked, my voice rising slightly.

"Didn't you come earlier to sign her discharge papers? You said your husband found a specialist," the nurse replied.

I froze, my heart pounding loudly in my ears.

Who took my sister?