Ensnared By My Bossy Husband

The day marked Scarlett Wallace's wedding, yet the man she was about to wed was a complete mystery to her.

With nerves fluttering, she rested her hands on her thighs, the fabric of her white wedding gown crumpled under her tense grip.

At that moment, Scarlett harbored a deep desire to retreat, but her circumstances held her hostage. Her grandmother's medical bills forced her into this union, despite the absence of any family members at her wedding.

"Why are you lingering here? It's time to proceed. Mrs. and Mr. Roberts shouldn't be kept waiting!" the servant reprimanded, pulling Scarlett forward with undue force.

Despite the sharp pain shooting up her arm, Scarlett found herself positioned at the altar's forefront, where she finally laid eyes on her future husband.

Her view, however, was hindered by the veil, revealing only the hazy shape of a tall man.

Though his features were obscured, a distinct chill seemed to radiate from him.

Was this the man she was to spend her life with?

Eager for a clearer view, Scarlett edged closer, intent on lifting the veil.

Elias Roberts, the groom, caught sight of her approach and his expression darkened, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes.

Instinctively, he recoiled, widening the gap between them.

Scarlett's heart ached at his evident aversion.

His grandmother had chosen her as his bride, and until now, she believed she was the only one reluctantly participating.

Yet, it seemed the groom was equally displeased with their arranged marriage.

She smiled mockingly at herself, aware he probably felt resentment against her.

His earlier demeanor hinted at his disgust.

Still, Scarlett had no other option but to proceed. She couldn't refuse.

The priest initiated the wedding ceremony before them.

Scarlett cast her gaze downward, going through the motions without truly hearing any words.

As the ceremony ended, the priest declared solemnly, "Now the groom may kiss the bride."

At that instant, Scarlett's attention snapped back. Her breath halted, and she clenched her hands, anticipating the lifting of her veil.

Then, the phone in the groom's suit pocket rang unexpectedly.

To the astonishment of all, the groom answered the call right in the middle of the wedding.

His face transformed upon hearing the voice on the other end. He turned and swiftly exited.

Before Scarlett could process what was happening, his grandmother Ella Roberts stepped forward, trying to stop him. She whispered sternly, "What in the world are you doing? It's your wedding! Are you trying to run away?"

"Grandma, I've fulfilled your wish by marrying her. I have no reason to waste my time here. There are more pressing matters I must attend to," Elias replied icily, his words cutting through the air and passing to Scarlett.

Watching his retreating back, Scarlett stood in shock. Was their wedding nothing but a trivial event to him?

"Mrs. Roberts!"

Startled by the servant's shout, Scarlett hastily lifted her veil, revealing her striking features.

As she saw Ella collapsing, Scarlett moved to assist her but was pushed aside by a servant.

"Move! You're not needed here!"

A sudden pain shot through Scarlett's ankle, causing her to fall.

Her face drained of color. Looking up, she saw the servants leaving with Ella, leaving her alone in the church.

Church staff murmured softly, observing the drama that had just unfolded.

"Poor bride, left all alone like this..."

"They say that family is wealthy. She seems quite unwelcome. How did she end up marrying into such wealth?"

"Maybe she resorted to some clever tactics? It's not rare to see poor girls marrying into wealth through some underhanded tricks. She might have brought this upon herself!"

"I think you're right..."

Upon hearing their words, Scarlett's hands clenched into fists, her nails pressing into her skin.

A year had passed, and Scarlett, now working at an educational agency, was driving to her job.

Over the past twelve months, she had adjusted to life without her husband.

She had been working hard to save money, aiming to pay back her grandmother's medical bills.

Once she had enough, she planned to file for divorce.

She was excited about her progress as she drove when a car sped around a corner and collided with hers.

Both drivers managed to stop their vehicles in time, yet the cars still collided, producing a significant crash.

Scarlett, regaining her composure, firmly grasped the steering wheel. Noticing the other car hadn't moved, she confidently stepped out and tapped on the driver's side window.

As it lowered, a strikingly handsome man came into view.

He gazed up at Scarlett, asking indifferently, "What seems to be the problem?"

His dismissive tone elicited an irate chuckle from Scarlett. "Well, your car struck mine. What do you think is the issue? You..."

Mid-sentence, she was interrupted by the man extending a check. "This should cover the repairs for your car. Will this suffice?"

Scarlett looked at him, her expression one of disbelief, as she tried to process the unexpected turn of events.

Elias, with growing impatience, furrowed his brow. "Miss, I have urgent matters to attend to. Please don't delay me."

A sudden flutter touched Scarlett's heart, prompting a slight furrow in her brow.

The harsh, detached statement stirred a poignant memory, instantly taking her back to the moment her husband left her stranded at their wedding a year prior.

The haunting phrase resonated within her: "I have no reason to waste my time here. There are more pressing matters I must attend to."

Did affluent people think their wealth could solve every problem?

Scarlett scoffed under her breath, inhaling deeply twice before firmly returning the check.

Her eyes, bright and framed by long, curled lashes that trembled slightly, revealed a blend of spirit and defiance.

"I don't want your money! I demand an apology this instant!" She locked eyes with Elias, her teeth clenched. "Do you reckon you can solve this with your wealth? That you can insult others on a whim just because you're rich?"

Elias was briefly shocked, apparently caught off guard by her rejection.

Scarlett articulated every word with deliberate emphasis. "Do you think I am wasting your precious time? You believe your time is the only one that matters? But just so you know, my time is equally valuable. Today, I have an interview. Your reckless driving damaged my car, disrupted my plans, humiliated me, and ruined my mood. Should my interview suffer, no money can rectify it. Apologize to me this instant!"

Elias, typically detached, showed a flicker of surprise. He hadn't anticipated such assertiveness from the woman.

Kyle Wright, seated in the passenger seat and a friend of Elias, was just as shocked.

Trying to regain composure, Kyle inquired, "Excuse me, Miss, are you aware of the man you're addressing? He is..."

Before Kyle could complete his sentence, Elias lifted his hand, signaling him to stop.

Unexpectedly, he muttered, "I'm sorry."

Kyle stared at him, bewildered.

It was unusual for the normally proud Elias to concede an apology.

Scarlett stood firm. "Your apology lacked sincerity! If you truly wish to atone, exit the car and apologize properly!"

With a frown, Elias complied, stepping out.

Standing before her, his tall frame cast a long shadow, nearly engulfing her. His scent, a mix of bitter wine and snow pine, exuded an intimidating aura.

Despite a flicker of fear, she maintained eye contact, unyielding.

To her surprise, he looked down and said, "I offer my sincere apologies. I am truly sorry."

The unexpected modesty from the usually cold and attractive man caught Scarlett off guard, marking a stark contrast to his typical haughtiness.

Regaining her composure, she replied, "Fine, let's leave it at that."

She then turned and walked back to her vehicle.

"Hold on. You've forgotten this!" Elias called out, extending the check as she was about to leave.

Scarlett, taken aback, glared back at him. "I've already said, I don't want your money!"

With that declaration, she quickly entered her car and drove away.

As Elias made his way back to his vehicle, Kyle couldn't resist teasing him. "Elias, why did you apologize to her? And stepping out of the car to show sincerity is unlike you."

Elias murmured, "I just want to avoid further issues."

The memory of the woman's defiant expression brought an unexpected image of a feisty yet adorable rabbit to his mind.

This thought unexpectedly made him smile.

She was indeed an intriguing woman.

"Are you actually smiling?" Kyle looked at him with a hint of surprise. "It seems that lady has caught your interest. What if your wife gets jealous?"

At the mention of his wife, Elias's smile vanished, and he replied icily, "Be quiet. Don't talk about her."

Realizing his blunder, Kyle chose to remain quiet.

At that moment, Elias's phone rang. It was a call from Ella.

"Elias, are you back in town?" Ella's voice, full of cheerfulness, came from the phone. "When you return this evening, we shall dine together. It's high time you reunited with your wife. It's been a year since you last saw her."

Upon hearing about his wife, Elias's brow furrowed, and he responded dismissively, "Grandma, I'm occupied."

Ella's tone turned stern as she commanded, "Elias, you've been away for a year. Now that you're back, you must come home tonight. Otherwise, forget about calling me your grandmother!"

She then ended the call.

Elias, with a gloomy expression, pocketed his phone, pondering the impending discussion about divorcing his wife.

Meanwhile, Scarlett, already upset from the accident and losing her job, received a call from Ella.

"Scarlett, hurry back. I've prepared a feast. We'll dine together tonight." Ella spoke softly.

Scarlett agreed without hesitation and took a taxi to Ella's residence.

Upon her arrival, Ella greeted her with a warm smile.

"Scarlett, I have exciting news. My grandson is returning tonight. You two will finally be able to meet again."

Scarlett stared at her in surprise, questioning, "Has he returned?"

The thought of seeing her husband, absent for a year, filled Scarlett with nervousness.

Sensing her apprehension, Ella offered words of comfort. "Don't fret, Scarlett. He departed abruptly a year ago. Now that he's back, he'll certainly strive to lead a happy life with you and compensate for his absence."

Yet, despite a lengthy wait in the villa, Elias did not show up.

Feeling let down and worried about Ella needing rest, Scarlett proposed, "Grandma, I'll continue waiting here. Please go upstairs and rest."

After a moment's thought, Ella consented and left Scarlett alone in her vigil.

Shortly thereafter, the sound of footsteps approached from outside.

Could this be her husband returning?

With her heart racing in anticipation, Scarlett raised her eyes to see.

"Hello, Mrs. Roberts. I am the attorney Mr. Roberts has appointed to discuss the divorce terms with you. My name is Royce White," Royce announced, promptly extending the prepared divorce papers. As it turned out, the person at the door was not Scarlett's husband.

Scarlett was taken aback, never expecting her husband would initiate a divorce the day he returned.

She reflexively inquired, "Is Grandma aware of this?"

Ella had orchestrated her marriage into the Roberts family, envisioning a life filled with harmony and joy for them.

Scarlett pondered whether Ella knew of Elias's decision.

Royce offered a vague smile and replied in a persuasive tone, "There's no need for her to know. If you sign this, you'll receive fair compensation. If you decline, you'll forfeit any benefits."

Scarlett took the divorce papers and read through them.

Although her husband offered a generous settlement, Scarlett firmly stated, "I can't consent to this agreement as it stands."

Royce's brow creased, ready to insist further.

Scarlett continued at a measured pace, "Royce, I am open to divorce, but I must draft a new agreement."

Royce, recalling Elias's directive, "As long as she consents to divorce, any condition can be negotiated," nodded in agreement.

"As long as you're willing to divorce, we can draft a new agreement," Royce concurred.

In the dark night, the top floor of the Roberts Group was still ablaze with light.

The door to the meeting room was ajar, and Elias, having finished a long meeting, walked out.

His assistant, Jude Green, followed with documents in hand. "Sir, you have a video conference with branch managers in ten minutes."

Elias nodded, then paused abruptly. Turning to Jude with an icy look, he asked, "What's the status of the divorce papers?"

Jude responded quickly, "Royce has been dispatched to meet with Mrs. Roberts."

Elias cast a chilling glance at Jude and questioned, "Mrs. Roberts?"

Jude quickly corrected himself. "I apologize. Royce just informed me that she's agreed to the divorce."

Elias, caught off guard, remarked sarcastically, "I expected as much. That woman won't be able to resist the compensation offered in the agreement. She married me for money, after all."

"Actually, Mr. Roberts, she declined your compensation. She's demanding a redraft of the divorce agreement to relinquish all marital assets," Jude revealed, his voice reflecting his astonishment. "Moreover, she asked Royce for your bank card number, expressing her intent to repay the medical expenses she owes, with interest."

Jude then presented the revised divorce agreement to Elias.

Elias was taken aback, not foreseeing that the woman would choose to repay the funds a year later.

He found himself questioning if she was as mercenary as he had believed.

For the first time, Elias felt a flicker of curiosity about his wife.

However, with an upcoming meeting, he dismissed these thoughts and signed the agreement without a second look. "Inform the lawyer to expedite this. I want the divorce finalized immediately."

Yet, Ella intercepted the divorce agreement before it could reach the attorney.

That evening, Elias received a call from Ella.

"Elias, how can you divorce your wife?! I don't consent to this. You cannot proceed with the divorce!"

"Grandma, I have no need for a wife."

Ella inhaled sharply and then stated, "I'm aware you've returned with a child this time. I won't pry into the child's origins if you prefer not to discuss it. Perhaps you can manage without a wife, but that young child surely needs a mother, doesn't he?"

Upon hearing this, Elias halted, a brief moment of uncertainty overtaking him.

Ella suggested, "Let's do this, Elias. Preserve your marriage for another three months, for the child's sake. If you still desire a divorce after that, I won't object."

After a moment of silence, Elias agreed reluctantly, "Fine, I consent."

With Elias's promise in hand, Ella promptly contacted Scarlett.

"Scarlett, I've secured an excellent job opportunity for you. It's a part-time tutoring role for a child with special needs, and the pay is quite generous. Would you be interested?"

The salary for the part-time position was significantly higher than any of Scarlett's previous jobs. After covering the medical expenses, she urgently needed the funds and promptly accepted.

"I'll accept the job. Thank you, Ella."

The next day, Scarlett made her way to the address Ella had given her, arriving at a grand villa.

The gates' detailed carvings were both intricate and elegant.

Scarlett pressed the doorbell and waited. Shortly, a servant emerged, inviting her in.

Moments later, in the living room, she caught sight of the villa's owner.

Her eyes widened in shock. "It's you?"

She recognized him as the man who had offered her a check previously.