His Volition

"Mom, what's going on here?"

I walked into our home and was met with two men armoured in expensive monochrome suits standing by the door and an older man probably in his 60's sitted on our black leather couch with my mother.

Even with the smile he flashed in my direction I could sense he was no good. The man had jet black hair with streaks of grey; sleeked back with gel and cut razor thin. Unlike his guards, he wore a crispy ironed plain white shirt and navy blue trousers.

"Carmen Honey, come sit" She tapped the space on the couch close to her.

I sat down. Unsure of what was going on and doubtful it was anything good.

"Honey this is Mr Whitney. He was a friend of your father's" I heard Mom say.

"Good to finally meet you" the man said, with a tight smile, extending his hands from where he sat.

I took his hands and forced a quick nod.

He turned to my mother and said;

"I believe I'm done here Maria, do well to review the documents and my lawyers will be in touch. I'm sorry once again for the death of your husband" The man concluded, standing up and heading to the door. His guards followed behind him.

I immediately turned to my mother's disgruntled face;

"Mom what just happened, what documents and what lawyers. How did dad know a man like that?" I rambled not caring how I sounded.

"Calm down and let me talk. That was your father's former boss and business partner"

"The same one that duped dad and cut him out of a deal that was his idea?"

" Yes the same one"

" What did that Bastard want? and why were you sitting calmly speaking to him? why wasn't he running off hands in his pants?" I half yelled at my mother irritated at her meekness to a man my father had said only terrible things about.

"He gave me this, that's why" She handed me a paper.

The heading caught my attention:

CONTRACT MARRIAGE BETWEEN SEAN WHITNEY AND CARMEN GARCIA.

"What the hell is this?" I was on my feet filled with rage and hatred.

" You're getting married Car" my mother said quietly and I let out a stiff laugh

"You're kidding right?"

"This is not a joke baby, you're getting married in two months"

" What are you saying mom? Getting married to whom? I don't even have a boyfriend, have you forgotten you asked me to leave Carlos"

" Mr Whitney..." I cut her off

" Absolutely no way in hell I'm marrying that monster" I barked and immediately regretted it when I saw the look in mom's eyes.

"Do not raise your voice at your mother!" She hissed, brows furrowed in frustration.

"I'm sorry mom" I quickly apologized

"Now listen to me, that paper is a signed contract between your late father and the man that just left here. A contract marriage that states that if one company ever faces any major crisis you'll have to marry Sean in other to merge companies and continue the legacy. Right now the Whitney's are experiencing a big blow and he has to merge with your father's company." She consoled

"I can't marry someone I don't know mom"

"You remember Sean? The one you had a crush on back in senior year?"

I rolled my eyes

" Of course mom, Heartbreak no.1. Don't Tell me he's the same Sean" I stared at her eyes wide in realization. I was going to pass out if my mother said I was marrying that Asshole. He's no better than his father.

"Yes the same Sean. I'm sorry Car" she symphatized

" No way! I'm not marrying him. There has to be another way. You know how much he humiliated me. I can't marry him." I shook my head in disbelief, hoping all of this was some sort of prank.

"There's no other way, you either marry into their family or they take over your father's company anyway and now that you're the CEO they'll take you too"

" They can't do that mom, it's just a threat." I spoke up already trembling in fear of what's about to happen.

"Take your time to review the contract dear, you'll understand that they can" Mom finished and went upstairs.

I sat there Wondering how she was so calm in the midst of this chaos. Wondering what led to the signing of that contract without my approval. Dad was a good man even though he was in business with devious men, he still maintained his integrity. This kind of thing was unlike him.

That bastard must have done something to make my father agree to this without consulting me. To think I was marrying his overpampered bully of a son only made matters worse. I've had a crush on Sean since sophomore year. l'd painfully watched him date multiple girls and break hearts. In senior year my best friend, Adrain, had convinced me to ask him out for prom.

I dreamt of what it'll feel like for us to win Prom king and queen. I was certain that he was the love of my life and pictured a family with him. All those dreams were crushed after he humiliated me in front of the entire school. That's a story for another day.

++++++

2months later

The day of the wedding came faster than I'd wanted. I spent the entire 2 months contacting the best lawyers in New Jersey and beyond, searching for a loophole in that contract but I'd found None. Mom had handled all the wedding preparations because I just wasn't interested.

Now I was standing in front of my number one Nemesis in a court room filled with only family and a handful of business associates. I was his wife, we'd gotten married after all, I couldn't believe it. I'd just walked into my biggest nightmare eyes open, sober and without hesitation.

The ceremony ended and Sean disappeared.

"You alright babe?" Adrian my best friend walked up to me after my new husband had abandoned me to attend to God knows what.

"You want brutal honestly? I hate him–so much, and this pretentious marriage, and his family and most importantly this ridiculously heavy dress" I grunted out in frustration and for some reason my bestfriend found it funny so he burst out laughing.

I wondered the kind of material they used to make the dress. It felt like I was wearing concrete.

"Oh honey, beauty is pain. You look gorgeous though" He patted my cheeks and his eyes thinned in a smile.

He had definitely done a good job with my make over but I wasn't giving him the satisfaction of saying so.

"I look like shit, this is just a mask, I'm dying inside" The last part came out in a soft whisper.

" You're the most gorgeous bride I've ever seen.". Adrain said dismissing the conversation and taking my hand

"Let's go, reception is in 15mins. The car is waiting"

* At reception*

It was time for the new couple to be introduced and my husband was no where to be found. His family had no idea where he'd gone and no one had seen him.

"Perfect, just perfect. Tommorow's headlines would read 'The bride that got dumped less than one hour after her wedding' I'd give anything for a chance to dissapear from these prying eyes right now." I thought to myself.

"Where's Sean?" My mom walked up to me and asked

" No idea, Mother" I said in annoyance.

I was still pissed at her for making me do this, we could have fought together to stop this but she did nothing to help me just went ahead to make wedding plans.

"I'll be right back" she squeezed my arm gently and went out of sight.

The wedding reception was terrible, we'd discovered that my husband left because he wasn't ready to put up with everyone anymore than I wanted. I was left to suffer the stares and whispering from Nosy guests.

It was morning and I was now a Whitney. I woke up in Sean's bed and he was nowhere to be seen.

Why does this man always disappear?

He hates me so much he can't even stand my presence?

I scanned the room. The window across the bed was huge and it let in sunlight that almost blinded me. The walls were painted a solid grey, there were little to no furniture. No dresser, just a side table. It had so much space that could fit a whole furniture set so I wondered why it looked empty, no pictures hanging on the walls or on the table, only three shirts in the closet.

I noticed one of the closets was locked; "creepy" I thought.

I'd slept well, it felt like I slept on clouds, the bed was the only comforting thing in this room.

My stomach rumbled reminding me I hadn't eaten since yesterday noon.

Walking down the hall I saw a door that was slightly open and walked close to peep, it immediately open and I was faced with my painfully attractive husband.

"What are you doing" his voice was a low growl, deep and sensual, making me unsteady and nervous.

" Uh-uhhhh I was uhm... I was looking for you" I stammered, mentally kicking myself for being such a freak.

His face was strong and still almost like it was sculpted and he looked at me furrowing his brows in confusion.

"What do you need me for?"

His eyes didn't blink or leave mine for a second. He obviously enjoyed seeing me whimper under his gaze.

"I-I-I uhmm I wanted to ask what you're having for breakfast" I lied hoping he doesn't see through the half baked lie.

"I didn't ask you to cook for me, you're never making my meal, you understand?"

What kind of human is this, heck! I doubt he's even human. His eyes reminded me of of the ocean, it had me hypnotized and drowning in it's depth, it's definitely the reason my words are so incoherent.

"Why? You've not even tasted my cooking, would you starve then? Because I don't see any chef or even a single staff in this gigantic house" I muttered looking anywhere but his eyes.

"Don't ask me questions, do as you're told" He shut the door behind him and started to walk away when I grabbed his hand, completely on impulse and without reasoning. His skin was smooth and soft, even with the web of veins scattered around his arm.

"Oh Carmen you're playing with fire" I warned inwardly

He removed his arm from my grip and I felt my stomach sink. His brows knitted, annoyed at my touch.

"Don't ever touch me. This house is big enough and we can stay here months without even running into each other. Stay away" His voice boomed and his eyes thinned with all seriousness. The last statement sounded like a warning that sent instant chills down my spine.

"What the hell is wrong with you? I don't even want to be married to you or live in this lifeless place. If we're going to do this at least act like a goddamn human!" I yelled and he simply stood there looking at me like I was a clown in performance.

"I don't want to be married to you either. This only has to work when we're in public. In this house you don't exist" He finished and walked away.

I stood perplexed and paralyzed. How did I end up here?

I wasn't letting him walk away from me like that if he thinks he's stubborn he just met his match.

I followed him into a room I'd seen him enter. It was no different from the one I woke up in. The only thing that distinguished them was the lighting. This one was dark and gloomy, it just makes you wonder what kind of person would stay here.

"I'm still talking to you" I said behind him. He dropped his laptop on the bed and turned to look at me.

"You really got nerves to follow me in here"

" I'm your wife incase it hasn't registered in your hard skull, I'm not a visitor that'll leave soon, I'm here to stay" my voice was stern this time.

He closed the gap between us and stared down at me. He was nothing less than 6'7 feet's tall. I looked like a mere insect standing in front of him.

"Then let's set some ground rules" He whispered close to me and goosebumps erupted on my skin so I swallowed hard and nodded for him to continue.

He took a step back giving me the chance to catch the breath I hadn't known I was holding.

" Firstly, you never cook for me" He looked at me, his eyes inquiring if I understood what he had said and I shook my head letting him finish before I speake.

"Secondly, you stay very far away from me, do whatever the hell you want in this house but stay away from me. We don't have to make small talks. Thirdly, all doors that are locked in this house should remain locked, don't ever open any doors without my permission. Those rooms and doors are restricted to me alone." He stated, placing his hands in the pockets of his slacks.

"Lastly and most importantly, No visitors allowed in this house, not without my consent. Do you understand?" He commanded and I opened my mouth to speak.

"Now you listen to me, I don't care if you starve and die so yeah I'm okay with cooking my meal alone. Asking me to stay away from you might be impossible, sorry" I shrugged and caught him glare at me but I ignored and continued:

" I don't care what's behind your restricted doors so I won't go snooping, be rest assured. Most importantly, I'd have visitors in this house and you'd do absolutely nothing about it" I smiled, happy I was frustrating him enough to have his teeth gritting in anger.

"Do not test me Carmen" I loved the way my name rolled off his tongue. It was the first time I heard him say my name and my body was tingling in excitement.

'Carmen you're pathetic'

"I hope this mirage would survive a month" I concluded and walked out the door, this time leaving him to wonder.

paperworks I had for the day but all I could think of was the woman currently living in my home.

To say I was stunned when she walked out this morning would be an understatement. No woman has ever walked out on me. Not even my late wife, Mira. They all knew their place, knew when to speak and when to be quiet but this woman didn't care. She was uncontrollably and ballsy, must I add.

I'd given her simple ground rules but she countered giving me her own. I hate when women tried to be in control. It triggers something in me, something dangerous and overpowering.

I enjoyed seeing her whimper. Women like her are Pathetic and weak I hadn't expect the attitude I got, to even think she's so young.

She doesn't have any idea what she's gotten herself into.

I was lost in thought and didn't notice my father walk into the office.

"Good evening son." His greeting brought me back to reality.

"Good evening Dad, what are you doing here?" I asked looking at my father. His grey hairs had multiplied within a short period. He was aging, I noted.

He sat down not waiting for my invitation and making himself comfortable.

"Now that the marriage is done it's time to talk about business" His cold voice Spoke.

"It's getting late already, let's talk tomorrow"

My father is the last person I wanted to see right now, I hated his audacity.

"We're going to talk right now"

"Alright" I sat back on my leather swivel chair ready to listen and get this over with.

"There'll be an event to celebrate the partnership and merging of the Garcia and Whitney companies, it'll be a huge event aimed at bringing in new investors and creating exposition. Since the Garcia companies have more Mexican clients, it'll be an opportunity for us to meet them and maybe expand to other countries as well"

I nodded in understanding

"When is this event" I asked

"It's tomorrow Evening, I want it to happen quick, now that the news of your marriage is still in the press so that this event would give us more publicity"

"Sounds good to me, I'll have Roland on it right away"

Roland was my assistant and head of management department. He was the one in charge of planning events like this.

"How's Carmen?"

I sighed, like he cares about her. The only reason he'd made me remarry was for the business. I never wanted to remarry in the first place, it's barely 4 months since Mira passed away, I was still processing the loss.

"She's at home I guess. Remember she's CEO of GARCIA industries so she has to be a part of this right?"

"Leave that to me, I have a plan. A woman cannot be in the same position as us in business. It's humiliating. I'd find a way to remove her from that CEO position, but right now let's focus on planning the event"

We spent the rest of my evening talking about business. I couldn't stand my father but when it came to business we always put our differences aside. The old man was a good business man, his dexterity wasn't questionable.

I walked into the parking lot of the company's building. I felt the hairs at the back of my neck stand in alert. Someone was watching me, I turned to look around but saw nobody so I got into the car and zoomed off making a mental note to install security Cameras in the parking lots and hiring bodygaurds.

After Mira died I fired all our staffs. Alot of things has changed since she passed away, too many things I wasn't willing to admit to anybody.

My doctor had said I was getting better but I didn't feel the slightest bit better. Everyday felt like a new Dawn of tragedy.

<<<<<>>>>>

20 minutes later I was stepping into the house when I heard voices coming from my kitchen.

I caught a glimpse of a Tall, blonde hair male figure, laughing and chatting with no other than my ignorant wife.

My fist clenched and hot fury burned through my blood streams as I watched them.

No fucking visitors is she daft or intentional trying to get on my nerves?

If I didn't get a hold of myself and control this growing rage someone was going to get injured.

The door of the Kitchen was open.They hadn't even known I walked in. Imagine it was an armed robber, she'll be there laughing with her lunatic boyfriend while they robbed the entire house.

I turned to walk away but found myself walking to the kitchen instead.

"Who the fuck is this?" My voice came out in a bark causing her to flinch and drop the wine glass in her hand, the glass and wine spluttered everywhere and she bent to clean the mess.

The tall man that looked like a terrible mimick of the Kevin character from Barbie spoke up;

"I'm Adrain, we didn't hear you come in" He extended his hand and I eyed it ignoring him and waiting for Carmen to speak up.

"He's my bestfriend, not whatever nonsense you're thinking" She intervened looking up at me as she placed the broken glass pieces in a towel.

"What's he doing in my kitchen"

"We're taking ballet lessons" she gritted with a sigh.

Her sarcasm only drove me madder, so I reached to grab her hand as she stood but her asshole bestfriend jumped in between us to block me.

"I don't know who you are and heaven knows I don't care, but you lay a finger on her and you'll wake up in a hospital bed before you know it" He threatened. His eyes was staring daggers into mine and my fist was itching to deliver the first punch.

"Threatening me in my own home? You have no idea what I can do to you. I won't waste my time on you just quietly leave my house before you loose a limb"

I looked over his shoulder at the woman behind him and I saw blood sipping through her fingers. Her deluded friend did not noticed ,he was busy staring at me with chest heaving like he'd run a marathon.

"Get lost" I pushed him aside and faced the wounded woman.

"The first-aid is in the top cabinet, get that cleaned and get rid of this excuse of a human. When you're done come find me in study". I ordered before turning around to leave.

She walked into the study minutes later. I was still dressed in my work clothes pacing around the room.

"I told you no visitors and you disobeyed me" I sounded immediately the doors shut behind her.

"You don't have any rights to tell me what to do, this house is mine as much as it's yours" She shouted back matching my tone.

I had already taken pills to control my anger before she walked in and the pills were kicking in because on a normal day she'd be begging for me to let her go right now. I approached her. We were so close I could hear her heart beating frantically. My presence unnerved her, interesting.

"This house is mine, you're an occupant, so you do as I say, no questions asked. The next time you disobey me the consequences would be cruel" I breathed into her neck and spotted the goosebumps that formed where my words had landed.

"You don't own me, I'm not a child don't tell me what to do" she remarked and I took her hand in a firm grasp that had her wincing in pain, exactly what I'd wanted.

"You're mine to own, the day you walked into this House, you became mine. I own you and everything you stand for"

" Let me go you're hurting me" she complained.

I looked at her and saw tears welling in those emerald green eyes, the sight of women's tears sent waves of adrenaline rushing through my veins reminding me I had the power to cause pain. Her wrist was already red as tomato when I released my grip.

"You're an egocentric bastard" She cried out rubbing her wrist and examining it.

I felt that instant migraine take over me. I wasn't going to let her see me weak so immediately ordered her out.

"Get out now!" My voice vibrated through the walls of the room.