Chapter 5 Jealous Bride

AALIYAH:

"You may now kiss the bride."

I froze.

It's as if the world froze too. I felt he was going to walk away. And that would be so embarrassing.

But then it resumed spinning so fast when he kissed me.

As Damon's lips met mine, I felt a jolt of surprise. His kiss was firm, almost demanding, and he cupped my face with one hand, his fingers wrapping around my jaw. At first, I thought it was a romantic gesture, but as his grip tightened, I realized it was more possessive than loving.

As he tried to pull away, I found myself leaning in, my lips still touching his. It was a bold move, but I wanted to make a point. I wanted him to know that I wouldn't be easily dismissed.

Finally, we broke apart, and I saw a flash of anger in his eyes. "Don't overstep your boundaries," he growled with sheer repulsion.

I smiled sweetly, my heart pounding in my chest. "That's for wasting my time by showing up late," I replied, "I won't be kept waiting."

As he met my gaze, his fingers tightened around my jaw, and I felt a surge of pain. I winced, trying to pull away, but he held me firm. "You're hurting me," I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

But he just smiled, his eyes glinting with a cold, hard light. "Good," he whispered back, his breath hot against my ear. "Maybe next time you'll think twice before crossing me."

Once he let go, hot pain flooded my face. Everyone clapped oblivious to the tension between us. I winced, trying so hard to smile despite the crazy pain I was feeling.

***

The reception began and Damon was no where to be found. I was feeling really jittery and uncomfortable. Even when I changed from the wedding gown to a sweet evening gown, my discomfort didn't abate or show signs of planning to.

Where's Damon anyways? He just disappeared.

I rushed up the stairs feeling pressed. I need to find a bathroom right now. As I turned a corner, my heart froze at the sight in front of me

Damon was smiling down at a lady, holding hands. I've never seen him smile even with his mother.. who's this girl. His smile was so attractive, bright, making his features more irresistible but I refused to be distracted.

Who is this girl??

They got into a room and slammed the door close. I had the craziest feeling that they were kissing.

Jealousy filled me to the brim as I stood there, seething. Something propelled me to move forward. I thought of yanking the door open but of course, I don't have the guts.

Shit. What now?

The door gave a slight creak and before I could turn, they emerged, still with that cute couples smile.

My cheeks burned.

"Oh." The girl gasped, spotting me, inches away from the door.

"I... I... thought that's the rest.. restroom." I stammered, flushing.

We've barely ended the wedding and my husband is already cheating on me.

"Oh, hey Aaliyah." She grinned mockingly, her hands still deeply locked with his.

My skin was itching with a burning, uncomfortable sensation as I stared at her with envy. Who is she? And why is she acting so possessive?? What's going on here?

"Damon, we really need to talk. You haven't called me in days." She whined, looking up at him.

Damon smirked and I couldn't ignore the handsomeness in that smirk. "Well, that's because I've been busy dealing with appalling scenarios."

He threw a cruel glance at me and I lowered my eyes, hurt. I knew he was referring to our marriage and even meeting me in the first place.

"I miss you, jerk." The girl threw a kiss at Damon before sashaying away. I felt my cheeks burning with anger and jealousy.

"What was that all about?" I couldn't control my indignation. "For God sake we're married! You can't be doing this!"

"Doing what, Aaliyah?""

I gaped, trying to swallow my anger.

Damon raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "What are you talking about, Aaliyah?" he repeated, his voice low and detached.

"Don't play dumb with me," I snapped. "That girl, who is she? We're married!" I found myself whispering.

Damon shrugged, "Just someone I know. It's none of your concern."

"None of my concern?" I repeated, my voice rising. "We're married, Damon. I think I have a right to know who you're...who you're involved with."

Damon's expression turned cold. We're not in love, Aaliyah. We're in a contract. You don't get to question me about my personal life."

"That may be true," I said, my voice slightly faltering. "But I deserve some respect. And seeing you with another girl hurts."

I hated being cheated on! It makes me so angry and weak.

Damon laughed loudly. "You're hurt?" he repeated. "Don't be dramatic, Aaliyah, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into by marrying me. I'm not a romantic, and I never pretended to be. So don't expect me to behave like one. And if I were to sleep with someone else, I'd do it on our bed with you watching."

Without thinking, I slapped him hard in anger. How dare he say such things? He's the worst!

Damon smiled for a second...

Then his face darkened like thunder.

I found myself faltering under his cruel gaze.

Immediately, he grapsed my hand in a steel-like manner, and I swallowed the hot pain that flooded me. His grip was so tight, that my wrist exploded with agonizing pain.

"You'll regret that slap." he smirked, tightening the hold. "trust me."

"I won't, " I said confidently, surprised at my courage despite my pains. The urge to scream out was overwhelming.

Damon just smiled, touching his jaw slightly. He then let go of me, pocketed his hands, and walked away.

"Shit!" I screamed out, the pains crazily unbearable. It's as if he wanted to crush my bones. "I hate him!!"