Chapter 3 A Deal on the Wedding Day

The car glided smoothly down the long driveway of the Hamilton estate, the sound of the engine purring softly beneath them. Amelia sat in the back seat, her eyes fixed out the window, watching the world she had known shrink away. The lavish wedding had come and gone, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was no longer in control of her life. Her father's promises, Cassandra's manipulation, and now this strange man beside her-her husband, Ethan-who she knew so little about.

Amelia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, casting a quick glance at Ethan. He sat beside her, silent and composed, his gaze focused out the window as if lost in thought. He hadn't said a word to her since the ceremony. She couldn't decide whether his silence was a blessing or a curse. On one hand, it meant she didn't have to face the awkwardness of trying to make small talk with a man she had just married; on the other, it left an emptiness between them-one that had been there since the moment they had exchanged vows.

She sighed, feeling the weight of her own thoughts pressing down on her. What kind of marriage would this be? One of obligation, of duty, where neither of them truly cared for the other?

Her train of thought was interrupted by the sudden buzz of Darius's phone. The assistant, who had been driving in front, answered the call immediately, his tone polite and professional.

"Yes, Mr. Thornfield," Darius said, his eyes glancing briefly at the rearview mirror. "I understand. Of course. I'll inform Mr. Prescott right away."

Amelia furrowed her brow. Mr. Thornfield? She hadn't heard the name before. But judging from the serious tone in Darius's voice, it was clear that this was no ordinary conversation.

Darius paused, clearly listening intently to the caller on the other end. His brow furrowed in hesitation, and he glanced quickly at Ethan, as though unsure whether to interrupt the silence between the newlyweds.

Ethan, however, had already overheard the conversation, and his posture stiffened slightly. His voice, low and calm, broke the silence in the car.

"Darius," he said, his voice firm, "Hand me the phone. I'll speak to him."

Darius hesitated for a moment before handing the phone to Ethan, his expression betraying his surprise. This wasn't the plan. Darius had been hoping that Ethan would take the day off from business. After all, it was his wedding day, a day that, by all accounts, should have been about him and his new wife, not business. But Ethan didn't seem to care.

"Mr. Thornfield," Ethan's voice was smooth and controlled as he spoke into the phone, the faintest hint of authority in his tone. "What can I do for you?"

Amelia glanced at him, surprised. This is really happening, she thought. On our wedding day, he's already diving into business.

Darius, sensing his own discomfort, kept his eyes on the road, but even he couldn't fully hide his surprise. Is he really going to go through with this?

Amelia's frustration began to build. She had barely had a moment to adjust to the idea of being married, let alone being married to a man who seemed more interested in business deals than spending time with his new wife.

Ethan's voice was low as he listened to Thornfield's proposal. "Yes, I'm available," he said. "I understand the details. Let's meet in an hour. I'll send my driver to pick you up." He paused for a moment before speaking again. "I'll have Darius brief me further once we meet."

Amelia blinked, trying to process what had just happened. Ethan, her husband, had just agreed to meet with a business partner, leaving her behind without a second thought. This is my life now? she wondered bitterly.

"You're going to leave?" she finally asked, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Ethan didn't immediately respond, as though the question was too simple to require an answer. He handed the phone back to Darius, who quickly resumed his position in the front seat, taking the phone and ending the call.

"We'll be going to the mansion first," Ethan said, his voice calm but with an edge that suggested he wasn't in the mood for a confrontation. "Amelia, you'll stay there. Once we drop you off, Darius and I will head to the office."

Amelia opened her mouth to protest, but the words died in her throat. What was the point? He had made up his mind, and nothing she said would change it. I should have known, she thought bitterly. He doesn't care about me. I'm just a part of his world now-a world that has nothing to do with me.

She glanced at Darius, who gave her a quick, apologetic look in the rearview mirror. It was clear he didn't approve of Ethan's decision either, but like him, Darius was merely a subordinate. He had no say in the matter.

Amelia slumped back in her seat, staring out the window, the world outside blurring as they sped down the road. She couldn't help but feel a wave of bitterness wash over her. I'm his wife, she thought. And yet, here I am, left alone on the very day that was supposed to be mine. This is what my life has become.