Rejected by the Tycoon

Beatrice

The morning sun gilded the stone paths leading to the imposing church. As my heart beats rapidly, I approach the church entrance. I grip the arm of my dear father, concerned that the groom may not be waiting for me at the altar.

Three long years had passed since the last time I saw Edward Maddock. And now, here I am, ready to seal our fate in a marriage that, despite being formalized by a contract, carries the promise of a life together.

With each step towards the church, my pulse quickens, my heart pounding like a drum announcing the unknown. The soft music fills the air, accompanying the rhythmic beat of my chest. And then, I see him.

Edward stands next to the priest, imposing in his dark tailcoat, the epitome of elegance and masculinity that always impressed me. His dark hair is meticulously combed, his forehead slightly furrowed as he gazes ahead. I hold my breath, feeling a lump in my throat at the sight of him there, waiting for me.

Relief washes over me as I realize my fears have not materialized. Edward is waiting for me. A genuine smile plays on my lips as I walk down the church aisle and face Edward, hoping his eyes will smile back at me.

Finally, as I reach the altar, my gaze meets Edward's firmly, and my smile fades as I notice the expression on his face. His eyes, once filled with promises, now display a hardness that makes me hesitate. He watches me intensely, his gaze penetrating the depths of my soul. The familiarity of his features contrasts with the emotional distance he seems to create at this moment.

As I approach, a sense of joy mixes with growing uncertainty. The gentle touch of our fingers meeting at the altar sends an electric shock through my body, but the intensity of Edward's gaze is like a cold that makes me question everything that brought us here. The man who has always been the great love of my life is before me, yet something in his eyes makes me wonder if accepting a marriage by contract might have been the biggest mistake I've ever made.

The celebrant's words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man separate," echoed powerfully, making me shiver. I look at Edward, searching in his eyes for the same flame that existed when we were young, growing up together in Kent. However, all I find is a cold, emotionless gaze. I wait for what feels like an eternity, but the kiss I expected to receive at this moment does not happen.

The applause echoes, and Edward holds my hand as we exit the church. We walk slowly, forming a group with the guests awaiting us outside. Flower petals fall like rain, and laughter and hugs fill the air. Our family and friends are radiant with joy at our union.

From this point on, everything unfolds like a movie, where I am just a spectator, observing closely but not truly feeling a part of it. At the wedding reception, toasts, a brief speech by our father, who is visibly happy to fulfill an old dream: the union of his daughter with the son of his best friend and lifelong business partner. Dances also fill the night.

"Do you want to leave?" Edward asks, maintaining his usual courtesy.

"Yes," I responded with a sigh of satisfaction. "I believe no one will mind if we depart now."

He says nothing more, only holding my hand and guiding us to the table where our parents are, to bid farewell properly. No discreetly escaping from our wedding celebration.

"You haven't told me where we're going for our honeymoon," I comment with a smile when we're already inside the car. "I haven't even had a chance to pack because I have no idea about your plans."

I didn't intend to sound critical, but Edward's expression makes it clear that's how he interpreted my words.

"I haven't informed you of our trip's destination because there won't be a honeymoon - at least, not for now," he responds without looking at me. "We need to address the delicate financial situation of your father's company first. Once everything is sorted out, and the company is back on track, then we can travel."

I was breathless upon hearing his direct refusal.

"No honeymoon?" I couldn't hide my surprise.

"As you know, our marriage was motivated by the precarious financial situation your father's company is facing. I need to resolve these issues first. When everything is sorted out, and the company is back to where it was before, then we can travel."

There are a thousand questions I would like to ask, but the presence of the driver in the front seat prompts me to save them for a more appropriate moment. I don't want to discuss something so intimate in that manner. Edward had already mentioned that we would spend our first night as a married couple at his home in London, which brings me some relief. Perhaps, in the privacy of our new home, the atmosphere between us can return to what it was before.

I realized I was mistaken when he mentioned he would be in the library if I needed him. Edward took off his blazer and vest, leaving only his dress shirt and pants, right upon entering the luxurious mansion, something understandable as it was his home. I still needed to adjust to the place.

"Are you going to work today?" The question escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"I'll be brief," he replied, walking down the corridor. "That way, you can feel more comfortable getting ready."

When he mentioned "getting ready," my heart raced, and a spontaneous smile lit up my face. Of course, he was just being considerate, giving me a moment of privacy to change out of my wedding dress into something more suitable for our wedding night.

My bags and personal belongings were already in the house, something I had organized myself before the wedding. Edward arrived in England just the day before. I congratulated myself on my efficiency because if it had depended on him, nothing would have been planned. He did not get involved in any decision regarding our marriage.

These thoughts swirled in my mind as I put on the delicate lingerie I had chosen for our first night as a married couple. My first time with a man. I had always dreamed of this moment, the one where I would completely surrender to the man I loved. The man I was about to give myself to, Edward.

Hours later, with swollen eyes from crying so much and exhausted from waiting for my husband, I finally fell asleep. The weight of all the expectations I had created weighed on my shoulders. These were shattered by Edward, and I found myself facing an uncertain future, trying to find my place amid this new reality.

Beatrice

The next morning brought an unexpected emptiness. Opening my eyes, I found the space next to me in bed impeccably made. No sign of Edward. Uncertainty returned, and the doubt of whether he had or hadn't shared the bed with me on our first night of marriage hung in the air.

I might as well go down for breakfast, maybe I'll find some answers. However, the loneliness at the carefully set table only reinforced the feeling that something was amiss. The reality of the morning after the wedding was far from what I had imagined.

Each forkful felt heavy in my stomach, and the sound of utensils clinking against the plate echoed the emptiness I felt in that house. A mixture of disappointment and sadness seemed to suffocate my heart, a melancholy that I hadn't anticipated.

"Do you need anything else, ma'am?" Charles asked. "I can ask Mrs. Jeks to prepare something special for you."

"No, thank you," I politely declined, indicating that I had finished.

It was already past nine, and I assumed someone as energetic as Edward would have already had his breakfast. I wouldn't dare ask the butler about his whereabouts. It would be too embarrassing to admit that I had no idea where my husband was on the morning after our wedding.

I decided to explore the house on my own since Edward didn't offer to do so. I also wouldn't request Charles' company. For some strange reason, I didn't feel comfortable in the presence of the stiff gentleman. As I walked through the various rooms, getting to know the vast Maddox mansion, I ended up finding him in the library.

He greeted me kindly, but there was something in his expression that I couldn't fully decipher.

"Everything okay here?" I asked, trying to break the ice.

"Yes, just busy with some matters related to your father's company," Edward replied, with a somewhat distant tone.

An idea occurred to me.

"How about we do something together? We could explore the city, perhaps," I suggested enthusiastically. "I'm not used to coming to London, and it would be wonderful to visit some places together, like we used to."

"Today won't be possible, Beatrice. There's much to be done regarding the business."

Although his voice was calm, a hint of frustration passed through his words. It seemed that the weight of business was pressing on him intensely. I understood that maybe it wasn't the right time for my suggestion.

"I understand," I murmured, struggling to disguise the growing sense of disappointment within me.

Edward sighed deeply, and the exchanged glance made it clear that my presence there wasn't exactly welcome. I realized that I was intruding on his sanctuary, his place of work and concentration. Perhaps suggesting that we spend time together had been untimely.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you," I mutter, feeling a twinge of discomfort. "I'll leave you to work in peace."

Edward nodded, his expression softening slightly.

"Thank you for your understanding, Beatrice."

I left the library, gently closing the door behind me. That feeling of disappointment I was trying to contain seemed to grow, but I took a deep breath, reminding myself that it was important to respect Edward's space, especially at such a crucial moment for the business.

I walked to the garden of the house, seeking a refuge for my reflections. As I watched the flowers gently dance with the breeze, my mind wandered to the moments we shared in the past. Memories of our childhood together in Kent, the laughter, and adventure res we shared.

I remembered how we used to explore the surroundings, laughing at every mischief and creating memories that warmed my heart. However, the man in the library seemed distant from that cheerful and lively young man. A twinge of nostalgia hit me, and I realized how things had changed since then.

Over the years, our paths diverged, each following its journey. Now, we found ourselves united by a marriage that, despite having roots in our shared history, felt strangely distant and unknown.

I always harbored a deep passion for Edward, fueled by the fact that our families were inseparable. My father, George Paggett, and David Maddock have been friends since childhood, building together a vast legacy.

When Edward's father passed away, he was still too young to take on the responsibility of the business. It was at that moment that my father took the reins of the Maddock business, propelling remarkable growth and further expanding our family's fortune.

While my father supervised the Maddock business, Edward went to France to complete his studies. When my father's health began to fail, he called him back to London. My father hoped that Edward would take his rightful place at the helm of the business, a position my father knew he could no longer occupy due to a newly diagnosed serious illness. Daddy has Parkinson's disease.

Worried that the company was at risk of bankruptcy, my father seized Edward's return to propose a deal: he would run our business in exchange for a marriage to me, ensuring his position in the company. Though concerned for my father, I didn't feel prepared to take on a leadership role at just twenty years old, still a journalism student.

I didn't think much before accepting my father's proposal, as it wouldn't be a sacrifice to marry the man I love. The news of Edward's return to London brought a wave of happiness. Finally, I can reunite with my great love after three years apart.

I smiled without humor. Where is Edward I have known throughout my entire life? The four-year age difference between us was never an obstacle to our friendship or even the deep feeling I nurtured for him. However, everything now seems so different and perplexing!

My eyes returned to the garden, and a sigh escaped my lips, laden with fatigue. It's almost unbelievable that I'm here, lamenting on a Saturday morning, just a day after my wedding. Even more surprising is that it's such a sunny day, perfect for Londoners to spread out in the city parks, enjoying the English summer.

Edward emerged from his sanctuary only in the late afternoon. I was sitting in front of the massive vanity in our room when he entered, and I immediately felt my heart quicken in my chest.

"How was your day?" he asked, stopping a few steps away from me and observing me through the mirror of the furniture.

His interest surprised me. It was as if the Edward I had known for so long was back.

"I explored the house and met the staff," I replied, now feeling a bit embarrassed for not having more news to share.

He gave a simple nod.

"Great. I should have mentioned earlier, but if you need anything, Charles is at your disposal. He and Mrs. Jeks have been long-time employees of the house and can be very helpful in managing the estate."

I thanked him with a sincere smile.

"Thank you, Edward. That's very kind of you."

The atmosphere between us felt lighter at that moment. It was as if a small part of the barrier that had arisen between us was beginning to dissolve. As our eyes met in the mirror, I realized that maybe there was still hope for us, despite the uncertainties surrounding us.

"I'll get ready for dinner," he said, breaking the moment that seemed to have brought us closer again.

As he left, I continued to finish my makeup, feeling a mixture of expectation and anxiety to go downstairs and share that dinner with my husband.

Finally ready, I waited with growing nervousness, my heart beating faster than I would like to admit. I wanted that moment to be special, with the same connection that had always existed between us.

However, when we sat down at the table and started talking, something seemed different. Edward had chosen generic topics to discuss over dinner and the conversation was neutral. As we exchanged words, a silent sadness took hold of me. I lamented the lack of intimacy we shared before. It was as if we were two strangers, dining together out of courtesy. I tried to smile and participate in the conversation, but the feeling of emptiness persisted.

Beatrice

After a month of marriage, the situation with Edward hasn't changed. He continues to act politely but seems to maintain an invisible distance between us. We share the same room and bed, but he has never tried to get closer. Instead, he always locks himself in the library late into the night, always claiming work. It seems like he's avoiding me.

It saddens me, but I can't talk about it with my family or friends. My mother was against our marriage from the start, as she disagreed with the idea of the contract, and admitting that it's been a disappointment would confirm what she tried to warn me about. Additionally, my father is ill, so there are already enough concerns at home. I don't want to add more problems. So, I smile and pretend everything is fine when, in reality, I feel very alone.

Abigail, Edward's sister and my true friend called me that afternoon. She was passing through London and came to visit me. I was so happy with the news. She has always been a dear friend, and that hasn't changed in adulthood.

"Beatrice, darling, how are you?" Abigail hugged me tightly as she walked through the door.

"I'm so happy with your visit," I said, trying to control my emotions.

Abigail wasn't alone. She brought someone with her.

"Beatrice, this is my cousin Evelyn. She was curious to meet you."

I greeted Evelyn with a smile, but something about her made me uncomfortable.

"Pleasure to meet you, Evelyn."

Evelyn smiled, but her eyes were examining every detail of the place as if searching for something.

As we chatted, Evelyn began to talk about Edward strangely.

"Do you know anything about the time Edward lived in Paris? It seems like something important happened there."

I looked at Abigail, confused, before turning back to Evelyn.

"No, he never mentioned anything like that."

Evelyn seemed satisfied with my answer as if she had gotten what she wanted.

"Well, Edward had a romance with a French model named Louise Orleans. He was invest invest invested in it because of some issues."

I was shocked by what I heard. My head was filled with questions, but before I could understand everything, Evelyn continued.

"Edward asked Louise to wait for him. According to what she told me, you two got married through a contract, but for a short period, just two years. At least that's what she told me."

It was noticeable how uncomfortable Abigail was, not to mention my surprise at Evelyn's audacity to speak all that so... casually. It's my life, and she was being extremely offensive.

"I believe this is too personal to be discussed in this manner, Evelyn," Abigail commented, trying to put an end to the topic.

Evelyn smiled somewhat forcedly as if she were enjoying some internal joke.

"I'm sorry if I was impolite; it wasn't my intention."

I felt a mix of emotions: shock, curiosity, and, above all, anger. How could she just bring up such personal information in such a... crude way?

"No problem," I replied, forcing a polite smile.

But my mind was in turmoil, trying to process what Evelyn had said. The truth hit me suddenly. Now, knowing this, the fragility of what we had was clearer than ever.

As the conversation continued, my mind wandered. Edward had never mentioned anything about a romance in Paris. Feelings of sadness and indignation began to surface within me. He had hidden this on purpose, and now I wondered what else he might be hiding.

Soon, Abigail was bidding farewell and taking with her Evelyn, the cause of my internal turmoil. I received a call from Abigail an hour later.

"Beatrice, are you okay?" Abigail asked, sounding concerned.

Even though Abigail couldn't see me, I forced a smile.

"Yes, I'm okay. Just a little tired."

"I'm so sorry for what happened during tea. I had no idea she would bring up those things."

I sighed, feeling the mix of emotions within me.

"It's not your fault, Abigail. I don't know why she did that, but it left me quite shaken."

"If you need to talk about it, I'm here to listen. And about Edward, maybe you should talk to him too."

I nodded, contemplating Abigail's words. She was right. It was time to clear things up with Edward, to find out what he was hiding, and to decide what to do with the revealed information. However, I didn't have the courage for that.

I chose to search on the internet. It wasn't difficult to find articles about the relationship between English tycoon Edward Maddox and French model Louise Orleans. It was painful to see so many pictures of them together, exuding love and romance. Evelyn might have been cruel, but she wasn't lying. Even the French media reported the end of their relationship and Edward's subsequent marriage to a young Englishwoman, the daughter of a prominent business associate.

I smiled without humor. All this information was within reach of anyone. I just had never looked.

My emotions were in tatters. Anger, sadness, and a sense of betrayal mingled within me. I didn't know how to face Edward after discovering all this. Questions flooded my mind. Was he just fulfilling an agreement? And Louise... What did she mean to him? Did he still think about her?

A surprise call interrupted my somber thoughts. A genuine smile lit up my face as I recognized the voice of Sebastian, my dear cousin and friend.

"How's the newlywed in London?" he asked with a touch of humor.

"I confess, a bit bored," I replied, allowing myself a glimpse of honesty.

Sebastian and I always shared a special intimacy, and his voice brought instant comfort to the turmoil within me.

"I can imagine," he said, laughing. "From what I see, Edward is entirely focused on reviving the family business. I bet summer vacations at university haven't been exactly thrilling for you."

"My husband is just trying to keep the family business afloat, even if it doesn't seem like it," I defended Edward, despite my uneasiness.

"How about we go to our favorite pub? A drink always helps lift the spirits."