Marriage To The Heartless Man

Chapter 1

Lhianne's P.O.V

"What?! You're already married?! How?!" Vinze asked, his voice filled with shock.

Vinze is my boyfriend. We've been in a relationship for one year and six months. And now, I'm telling him that I'm already married.

"Is that why you're breaking up with me?" he asked, his tone laced with pain.

"I-I'm sorry, Vinze," I said, struggling to hold back my tears.

"No, love. Please tell me you're joking. Please! This is just a prank, right?" Vinze pleaded desperately.

"I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Vinze. I didn't want this. I had no choice... I'm sorry," I sobbed, begging for forgiveness.

"Sht... This hurts. Haha. It's so cruel-just yesterday we were happy together, and now you're telling me you're already married. Fck!" Vinze slammed the table at the coffee shop where we were talking, startling me.

"This is absurd!" he shouted before storming off, leaving me crying at the table.

"I had no choice... I'm sorry," I whispered to myself, knowing he couldn't hear me anymore.

"Where have you been?!" I was startled when someone suddenly grabbed my arm tightly.

I trembled as I saw Zyrus, his eyes blazing with anger as he gripped my arm painfully.

I had just returned from the coffee shop where I had broken up with Vinze. I ended things to spare us both from further pain.

"Z-Zyrus... W-what are you doing? You're hurting me," I said, almost in tears, trying to pull my arm away from him.

"It hurts, huh? It hurts?! Then answer me! Where the hell have you been?!" he yelled, dragging me to the sofa in our house and roughly shoving me down.

Yes, our house. We live under the same roof, though we sleep in separate rooms.

"W-with a friend..." I answered softly.

"A friend? Really?! Are you itching that much? Is that why you met your lover to scratch your itch? How shameless can you be?!" he spat, not caring if his words hurt me.

I bit my lip to stop my tears. I gasped when he grabbed my chin, lowering his face to meet mine.

"My dear wife! You don't need someone else to scratch your itch because I can do that! Your husband can do that very well!" Zyrus said firmly before forcing a kiss on me.

I whimpered and struggled as he deepened the kiss. I pounded on his chest to push him away, but his strength overpowered me.

He only let go of my lips when we were both out of breath. I tasted blood from the cut on my lips.

"That's your punishment! Don't you dare see that a**hole again, or I'll k*ll him," Zyrus whispered in my ear before leaving me in shock.

Sh*t! He's a monster!

Lhianne's Perspective

I sighed deeply before heading to my room, my lips still throbbing from the wound Zyrus left.

As I ascended the stairs, I saw him rushing downstairs, talking on the phone. He didn't even acknowledge me as he passed by.

"W-where are you going?" I asked hesitantly, stopping him mid-step.

"Why do you care?" he replied with a raised eyebrow. I couldn't answer before he turned and walked away again.

"Will you be back for dinner?" I asked softly.

"No! I don't want to share a table with a b*tch!" he shouted before slamming the large front door behind him.

I glanced at Manang Elsi, who came out of the kitchen. Manang Elsi is our only helper. She's kind and understanding-the only one who knows what's been happening between Zyrus and me in the three days since we got married.

As for my parents, they left for a business trip right after the wedding. And here I am-alone again.

"Are you okay?" Manang Elsi asked. I gave her a faint smile and nodded.

"Go and rest. I'll call you when dinner is ready," she said warmly, her tone almost bringing me to tears. She reminded me so much of my mom when I was little.

"Okay," I replied softly and went upstairs to my room.

"Manang, please eat with me. I don't want to eat alone," I said, inviting Manang Elsi, who stood by the side of the dining table.

"A-ah, but, ija-"

"Please, Manang. I lose my appetite when I eat alone," I said, almost like a child.

"Oh, fine, fine. I'll join you. But you'd better eat, okay?" she said.

I smiled sweetly as she sat beside me, joining me for dinner.

"Where's your husband? How could he leave you here alone?" Manang asked as she chewed her food.

"Probably out with his friends," I replied simply, and Manang fell silent.

I shot up from the sofa when the front door opened. My brows furrowed as Zyrus stumbled in, clearly drunk. It was already midnight.

"Y-you're drunk," I said softly as I approached him.

"It's obvious, isn't it?!" he said sarcastically.

"Why are you still awake?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

I sighed, noticing how handsome he was-his perfectly arched brows, piercing eyes that seemed to burn through me, the sharp bridge of his nose, his soft yet thin lips, and the strong jawline that clenched whenever he was angry.

"Hey, woman! Stop staring at me like that. You're creeping me out!" he said.

"I was waiting for you," I replied simply.

"Oh really?! Why? Because you want me to scratch your itch, huh? My b*tch wife?!" he sneered.

"You're drunk. Let me take you to your room," I said, reaching out to support him, but he stepped back, almost falling. Thankfully, he caught himself.

"Don't! Don't touch me. I can handle myself without you!" he said, starting to walk unsteadily past me.

I quickly grabbed his arm when he nearly fell over.

"Let go," he protested, but I tightened my grip.

"Stop being stubborn. I'll just take you upstairs and leave right after," I said softly, helping him walk up the stairs.

This time, he didn't resist and let me assist him. Thankfully, Manang Elsi didn't wake up from all the noise we made.

"Ugh... you're so heavy," I complained to Zyrus as I struggled to drop him onto his bed.

"Then why did you do that?" he asked.

"Because you're drunk," I replied with a grimace, starting to take off his shoes so he could sleep more comfortably.

"What are you doing, btch? Are you going to fcking r*pe me?!" he accused, attempting to get up, but I quickly pushed him back down.

"I'm not a b*tch!" I snapped. After removing his shoes, I adjusted him into a more comfortable position on the bed.

"Yes, you are!" he insisted. Just as I was about to leave, he grabbed my arm and pulled me down, causing me to land on his chest.

I caught a whiff of his cologne-it wasn't overwhelming. In fact, it was enticing.

"You're really a b*tch," Zyrus muttered again. I looked at his face, stunned. How could this heartless man still look so handsome even while drunk and disheveled?

"I'm not a b*tch... Why do you keep insisting that? Why are you so mad at me?" I asked boldly.

It was true-I didn't understand why he was so angry with me when I hadn't done anything wrong.

Before I could react, he suddenly pinned me to the bed, positioning himself on top of me.

"Z-Zyrus, w-what are you doing?" I stammered, pushing him away, but he didn't budge.

"Yes, I'm mad because you're a b*tch!" he spat, his piercing blue eyes glaring at me.

Those beautiful blue eyes... they always seemed to melt me.

"A b*tch that can control a beast," he added, making me frown in confusion.

What's he talking about?

"Wha-"

Before I could finish, he kissed me. It wasn't rough, but it wasn't gentle either-just the right amount of pressure.

I tasted the alcohol on his lips. My eyes closed as I gave in to the softness of his lips and the warmth of his kiss.

"Tch. My kisses are sweet, right?" Zyrus smirked when he finally pulled away, both of us catching our breath.

I stared at him, still dazed, while he grinned at me.

"Leave now," he said, rolling off me and lying back down.

I wasn't sure how I made it back to my room, still in a trance and touching my lips.

Sh*t! I don't know how, but... I loved his kisses.

Frustrated, I got out of bed and ran my hands through my hair, ruffling it messily. I grabbed my phone and checked the time.

3:16 AM, and I still couldn't sleep. I wanted to cry out of frustration, but no tears came.

I slapped my forehead, trying to erase the memory of Zyrus kissing me earlier. Sh*t! His sweet kisses and soft lips...

I climbed out of bed and left my room, heading to the kitchen. I paused on the second step of the stairs when my eyes landed on Zyrus's bedroom door.

"Hah... He's probably asleep. Lucky him, hmp!" I muttered, rolling my eyes before continuing down the stairs.

Yawning, I walked toward the kitchen, but I froze when I saw a shadow seated at the dining table.

My heart raced. Was there a burglar in the house?

I frantically looked around and grabbed a flower vase nearby. Gripping it tightly, I whispered to myself, "Don't be scared, Lhia. You need to catch this thief."

Despite my trembling hands, I cautiously approached the figure. Taking a deep breath, I raised the vase, ready to strike-

"What the fck are you doing, btch?!" Zyrus's voice startled me as he turned around.

"Z-Zyrus... It's you," I stammered, lowering the vase.

"Who the h*ll else would it be?" he snapped, irritation evident in his voice.

So early in the morning, and he's already grumpy. Must be on his period again.

"Why are you up so early?" he asked, annoyed, before sitting back down.

I rolled my eyes behind his back and only stopped when I felt light-headed.

"I couldn't sleep because I kept thinking about you," I whispered to myself as I walked to the table and set the vase down.

"What? What did you just say?" Zyrus barked.

"Nothing," I replied quickly, heading to the fridge for some water.

"What the?! Anyway, are you still going to school?" he asked.

"Oum..." I answered while sipping my water.

"What the h*ll is oum?!" he asked, clearly annoyed.

"Yes, I'm going back to school. I'll return on Monday since I only took a week off for the wedding," I explained. I frowned when I noticed him staring at me blankly.

"Why are you here? Why are you up so early too?" I asked.

"I didn't sleep," he replied, avoiding my gaze.

"Huh? Wait, are you still drunk?" I asked, confused.

"Just hungover. But why the h*ll am I telling you this? Go back to your room!" he snapped again, his tone sharp.

"Fine... Good mornight," I muttered, turning to leave.

"What the? Good mornight?!" he echoed, bewildered, as I giggled while climbing the stairs.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

"You're off to school already, huh?" Zyrus teased as I came down the stairs.

Yes, back to school for me. There's no longer a reason for me to stay exempted from classes.

"You? Aren't you going to school?" I asked, mimicking his teasing tone.

"What the-? Are you insulting me?!" And there it was again. He's annoyed. My husband is in one of his moods again.

Joke! It's so much fun to tease him. Haha.

"Eh? And why would I do that?" I asked innocently.

"Fuck! Just leave!" he snapped before stomping off to the living room. I followed him with my gaze, trying not to laugh as Zyrus stomped up the stairs to his room.

"Are you leaving already? Have breakfast first," Manang suddenly greeted, stepping out of the kitchen.

"No need, Manang. I'll just eat at our cafeteria," I replied with a smile.

"Alright then. Your husband seems to be in a bad mood early in the morning," Manang Elsi said, grinning, which made me pout.

"I don't know what's up with him. Isn't he going to his office? It's Monday," I said with a pout, heading to the kitchen to drink some water.

"Why don't you ask him, hija? He usually leaves early for your company. It's surprising that he seems uninterested in working today," Manang said, following me into the kitchen.

"Never mind, Manang. He's probably on his period again," I joked, laughing, which made Manang laugh too.

"He's like that every day!" I added with a chuckle.

"Oh, so it's funny, huh?" My eyes widened as I saw Zyrus standing in the doorway, expressionless.

I was startled, realizing he had just showered. Even from a distance, his alluring cologne was unmistakable. I glanced at his outfit business attire. He was probably heading to work now, just feeling lazy earlier.

"Uh, M-Manang, I'll be off now," I stammered, bidding goodbye to Manang.

"I'll go ahead," I added quickly to Zyrus before walking past him.

I walked briskly to the door, almost running to get outside. Why did this house our parents gave us have to be so big?

"Hey, woman!" I stopped at the door when Zyrus called me. I turned to him, frowning.

"What?" I asked.

"I'll drive you to school," he said and walked past me, heading to the garage for his black Ford.

"Why are you taking me to school?" I asked Zyrus nervously as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. He was driving so fast. Sh*t, I'm not ready to meet Death yet.

"Sh*t, Zyrus! Slow down!" I screamed when we almost hit another car.

"Are you c*rsing me, woman?!" he asked angrily. I glared at him, fuming.

"Yes! The way you're driving, it's like Death is chasing you! I don't want to die yet, Zyrus. Stop the car-I'll get out!" I yelled, tears of frustration forming in my eyes.

"Tsk. I'll slow down now," he muttered in annoyance. I stayed silent, turning to look out the window and clutching my chest.

My heart was still pounding from the near accident. It's a good thing I wore my seatbelt, or my head might have hit the dashboard. I glanced at Zyrus, who was now driving slower.

I sighed in relief when I saw the tall metal gates surrounding our university.

"I'll fetch you later," Zyrus said, stopping the car in front of the gate. I frowned at him.

"W-Why?" I asked, confused.

"Tch. Get out," he ordered, ignoring my question.

"Why are you picking me up later?" I insisted.

"Tsk! Why are you so stubborn?" he snapped.

"Just answer me," I said, pouting.

"Manang Elsi said you're my responsibility because I'm your husband! There, happy? Now get out of my car!" he said irritably.

Him? Driving me because I'm his responsibility? Because I'm his wife?

I don't know why, but I felt butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach.

"What now, woman? Get out!" he yelled, and I hurriedly opened the door and stepped out.

"Thanks for driving me. Be careful and don't overwork yourself," I said with a smile. He didn't listen, though. He sped off, making me sigh and shake my head before walking into the university.

I took a deep breath before entering our university. I think I need to prepare my ears.

"Oh gosh, there she is! Is it true that Mr. Dillesh is married to her?"

"Yes, I'm sure! My sister works at the Dillesh company."

"She's pretty, but it's unfair for her to marry Mr. Dillesh when she has a boyfriend! What about Vinze?"

"I agree! She's already rich and married the richest and most famous man in the world! Gosh, what's the point of all that money?"

"How can us poor people rise up if the rich keep marrying the rich?!"

"Tsk, such a gold digger!"

"Sl*t and seductress!"

"A cheater!"

The whispers of the students I passed reached my ears. I just rolled my eyes. Whispers? Why don't they just shout?

"Is it my fault I was born rich?" I muttered to myself.

"No, it's not your fault. They're just insecure," someone suddenly said beside me.

"Andrew!" I exclaimed, surprised to see my classmate.

"Yeah. You were daydreaming, so you didn't notice me," he said, smiling as he walked with me. I nodded and smiled back.

"I saw you with your husband," Andrew remarked, making me glance at him.

"Ah, yeah. He brought me here," I replied simply as I climbed the stairs to the second floor, where our classroom was located.

"How sweet," Andrew teased. He followed me since we were heading to the same room.

"Hmp!" I scoffed and quickened my pace.

"Go ahead. I'll stay here," I told Aliana and Kara as we walked out of the university together at the end of our classes.

"Huh? Why? Come on, we'll drop you off," Kara insisted.

"Zyrus is picking me up," I replied with a smile, which made them grin mischievously.

"Ohhh, I see! Let's go, Aliana. Our dear bestie is waiting for her hot hubby," Kara teased, laughing.

"Yeah, let's go," Aliana agreed, smirking. I could only pout at their dirty minds.

"Alright, we're off. Take care!" Kara said, waving goodbye. I just nodded and smiled in response.

"Have fun on your honeymoon!" Aliana added with a laugh, making me glare at her before eventually laughing along.

I sighed and headed to the waiting shed near the university. Glancing around, I checked if Zyrus was arriving soon. When he didn't show up, I sat on the bench to wait.

The sky darkened, but there was still no sign of him. I pulled out my phone from my bag to check the time 7:00 PM. We'd been dismissed at 5:00 PM, meaning I'd already been waiting for over an hour.

I stood and looked around again, hoping he'd finally appear, but there was no sign of him.

"He said he'd pick me up... Why isn't he here yet?" I muttered, starting to feel nervous.

I stepped back into the shed when I noticed a group of drunk men approaching. I scanned the area for any remaining students or teachers, but it was deserted.

My anxiety spiked as the men neared the waiting shed.

"Bro, where's our babe?" I overheard one of them slur as they staggered forward.

"Maybe this is our house," another drunk man replied. My heart pounded harder when their bleary eyes focused on me.

"Bro, why's there a sexy lady here?" asked the one with shoulder-length hair, his eyes heavy from drinking.

"Yeah, let's check her out," said his skinny friend, grinning. I instinctively stepped back as they approached the shed.

I swallowed hard, panic surging through me. Sht! What do I do?

"Miss, why are you alone?" the skinny man asked as both of them stepped inside the shed.

"I'm waiting... for my h-husband," I stammered, trembling with fear.

"Ohh, you're married? But you look so young," the long-haired one chimed in, leering at me.

"I-I should go," I said nervously and tried to walk past them, but they blocked my path.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself. This can't be happening. Zyrus, where are you? Please, show up!

"Leaving already? Come with us instead," the skinny one said with a malicious grin.

"Yeah, come on," the long-haired man added, brushing his hand against my arm. I flinched, chills running down my spine.

"P-please, let me go," I pleaded, my voice shaking, tears welling in my eyes.

"You'll like what we'll do to you. Right, bro?" the skinny man sneered.

"Right, right. Hahaha," the other agreed, laughing as they grabbed my arms.

"No! Let go of me! Please!" I cried, struggling to break free. But they only tightened their grip, dragging me with smirks plastered on their faces.

" I screamed desperately, tears streaming down my face.

Suddenly, the men collapsed to the ground, unconscious. I gasped, covering my trembling mouth with both hands.

"Are you okay?" a voice asked, panting.

"Andrew!" I cried, rushing toward him and breaking into uncontrollable sobs.

"Shh, you're safe now. Stop crying," Andrew reassured me, pulling me into a comforting embrace.

"I-I just want to go home," I sobbed. Andrew nodded, stroking my hair gently.

"I'll take you home," he said firmly, guiding me toward his car. My entire body was trembling as we made our way to my house.

"What were you doing there? Why didn't your husband pick you up?" Andrew asked through clenched teeth.

"I don't know," I whispered. Andrew sighed but didn't press further.

Zyrus, I hate you! You're such a jerk!

We stayed silent until we reached my house. I unclipped my seatbelt and reached for the door, but Andrew beat me to it, opening it for me.

"Thank you," I murmured, handing him his leather jacket, which he'd draped over my shoulders earlier.

"Keep it," he said curtly before walking to the driver's seat. He honked once before driving off.

When I entered the house, I froze. Zyrus was lounging on the sofa, a glass of whiskey in hand. His jaw was clenched, and his fiery eyes locked onto mine

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

"Zyrus!" I shot up from the single couch in our living room as Zyrus walked in. It was already 12:06 AM.

"Why are you still awake?" he asked, frowning as he stood by the door. I walked toward him.

"Where have you been?" I questioned as I stood in front of him. He looked at me, confused.

"Why?" he asked, furrowing his brow and running his fingers through his messy hair.

I bit my lip as I noticed how attractive he looked. I shook my head to push away the foolish thoughts running through my mind.

"Why are you home so late?" I asked again.

"Tch." That was his only response as he walked past me and headed to the living room.

"What do you want?" he asked once seated on the sofa.

I didn't answer him. Instead, I noticed his reddened hands. Frowning, I approached him and sat beside him. Grabbing his hand, I examined it closely.

"What the f*ck are you doing?!" he asked irritably. Ignoring him, I got up and went to the kitchen to grab some ice and a thin cloth.

When I returned, his face still carried a frown. I sighed and sat beside him again.

"What happened to your hands?" I asked, avoiding his gaze as I inspected the back of his hand.

"You punched someone, didn't you?" I asked while pressing the ice-wrapped cloth against his reddened hand.

"Yes," Zyrus admitted curtly. I looked up at him.

It was impossible not to admire his perfect, handsome face. His sharp nose, soft lips, and chiseled jawline made him look so flawless. Then there were his blue eyes-intense and captivating.

I shook my head when my thoughts drifted to his body. Even though I hadn't seen him shirtless, I knew he had a well-maintained physique from his dedication to the gym in our house.

"Are you done staring at me?" he asked with a smirk, making me pout.

"Of course not," I denied, focusing on his hand again.

"Tch. Stop pouting," he said irritably, but I ignored him. What's wrong with pouting anyway?

"Have you eaten?" he asked. I wanted to say yes, but knowing he probably hadn't eaten either, I decided to lie.

"Not yet. I didn't feel like eating alone," I replied without looking at him, though I knew he was frowning again.

"Tch." He suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"Let's go to the kitchen. Let's eat together," Zyrus said, pulling me toward the kitchen.

"Am I dreaming?" I mumbled to myself. Wow. In all the time we've spent together, this was the first time he invited me to eat with him, let alone asked if I'd eaten.

"What?" Zyrus asked, frowning as he looked at me. I hadn't realized he heard me.

I lifted my left hand and placed it on his forehead, then checked his neck. I frowned. No fever.

"What the hell are you doing, Lhianne?" he asked casually.

And most surprising of all, he called me by my name. This wasn't Zyrus.

"Are you still going to school tomorrow?" Zyrus asked while we ate, his brows knitted together.

"Yeah," I replied simply, chewing my rice.

"Who... who did you punch?" I asked hesitantly, glancing at him only to find him already looking at me.

"The poison in this world," he said firmly, his jaw clenching in anger.

I stopped eating, my attention fully on Zyrus. Poison? Who's the poison?

"What? Are you full already?" Zyrus asked, setting down his utensils. I nodded.

"Yeah... I'm already full. Falling in love with you," I teased, hoping to ease his frown. Wrong move-it only deepened.

I pouted and looked down in embarrassment. I thought it would work, but it didn't.

"Tch," he muttered, taking my plate as he stood up and walked to the sink.

I got up to help clean, but someone snatched the plate from me.

"I got this, ija," Manang Elsi said with a smile as she suddenly appeared.

"Go upstairs to your room. I'll take care of this," she said, ushering Zyrus and me out of the kitchen.

"I'll take you to school tomorrow," Zyrus said when I reached the door to my room. I looked up at him, realizing I only reached his neck.

"There's no need. I can manage," I declined with a small smile. I was startled when he suddenly hugged me-actually hugged me.

"Z-Zyrus," I stammered.

"I'm sorry," he said, burying his face into my neck. His breath tickled my skin.

"I'm sorry for what happened. It won't happen again," Zyrus said firmly, tightening his embrace.

"Ugh! I just want to sleep!" I whined, on the verge of tears. I wanted to rest, but Zyrus wouldn't let me.

His tight embrace and his face buried in my neck kept me awake.

I checked the time on my phone. "I still have school tomorrow," I muttered before collapsing onto the soft bed. Then there was a knock at my door.

"Who's knocking? It's 2:12 AM. It couldn't be Manang Elsi," I whispered to myself as I got up to open the door.

"Z-Zyrus? W-What?" I stammered, surprised to see him with his messy hair and sleepwear.

"Can't sleep," he said shamelessly, walking past me and lying on my bed.

"W-Why?" I asked in confusion, closing the door and moving to the foot of the bed.

"Tch," was all he said before closing his eyes.

"Fine, you can have the bed. I'll sleep on the sofa," I said, turning to leave when he grabbed my wrist and pulled me onto his chest.

He lay down, bringing me down with him.

"Let's sleep together," he whispered, sending shivers down my spine.

"H-Huh?!" I exclaimed in shock.

He didn't respond, simply moving me to lie beside him and burying his face in my neck again.

"Z-Zyrus," I called softly.

"Shh... just sleep," he murmured, wrapping his arms tightly around me.

"Are you sure you really want to go to school today?" I've lost count of how many times Zyrus has asked me that.

I looked at him, my brows furrowed. He's been acting weird since last night.

"What?" he asked, noticing my confused stare.

"You're acting strange. Are you okay?" I asked, and he quickly avoided my gaze.

"I'm just asking! That's all!" he snapped, standing up from the sofa.

"Where are you going? You said you'd take me to school," I said with a pout as he started heading upstairs.

"Ah-uh... I forgot my key," he replied before disappearing into his room.

I pursed my lips and busied myself arranging my things, ready to leave as soon as he came back.

I couldn't stop thinking about last night. I don't know what happened to him, but it made me happy. We slept together. It was a night I'll never forget.

"Let's go!" I jumped when Zyrus spoke suddenly behind me. He looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Tch. Let's go, or you'll be late," he said, grabbing my hand. I smiled as we walked out, my eyes drifting to our intertwined fingers.

"Why are you smiling?" he asked as we reached his car. I frowned when he let go of my hand to open the door for me.

I climbed into his car with a pout, but before I could settle in, I felt his hand gently guiding my head to keep me from bumping it.

"I didn't know smiling was a crime now," I quipped.

He frowned, closed my door, and walked around to the driver's side.

"No, it's not that... It's just that... you... you're cute," he stammered, catching me off guard.

"Seriously?! You're stammering? The great Zyrus Clark Dillesh is stuttering?!" I teased him.

"Tss. Shut up!" he replied, clearly annoyed, which only made me giggle.

He started the engine and glanced at me before driving off.

"I don't understand what's happening anymore," I said, leaning back against the seat and closing my eyes. I was still so sleepy-I barely got any rest.

"What the hell are you thinking, Lhianne?" Zyrus asked.

"The moments last night," I began, but he stayed silent.

"And now... I don't know what's going on with you, Zyrus," I said, opening my eyes to look at him. He didn't respond, keeping his focus on the road.

"I'll admit it. Before we got married, I was scared of you. After all, you've always seemed like a heartless man."

His eyes briefly flicked to me, showing some emotion, though I couldn't tell what it was before he turned back to the road.

"How did you come to that conclusion?" he asked suddenly, his tone carrying a hint of hurt.

"Because of how you treat people. You're the kind of person who can make anyone kneel before you. You're like a god," I replied.

"Zyrus," I called when he didn't say anything else.

"What?" he asked, still not looking at me.

"I... I'm not pathetic," I said, my voice trembling.

He glanced at me, his brow furrowing.

"I'm not a sl*t like you think I am. Believe me, I tried everything to stop the wedding... but it was all useless," I continued, lowering my gaze.

Zyrus clenched his jaw, his hands tightening on the steering wheel.

"Zyrus, are you playing with me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What?! How can you even think that, Lhianne? No, I'm not!" His voice was sharp, laced with anger.

"I... It's just that... what you did last night-it confused me," I admitted, lowering my head further.

The car came to a stop, but I didn't look up, unsure if we were at the university or somewhere else.

To Be Continued...