Signed For His Hate

Isla's POV

It was 07:58am when I woke up to a text message from my dad that would change the course my life forever.

'How are you pumpkin? Come to the house as soon as you can, I'd like to see you today'

Of course at this point, I hadn't realized the weight such seemingly innocent message held. It looked like a mundane text from a father who just missed his only child whom he loved so much.

Ever since I moved out of my dad's house a few months ago to live on my own, I haven't really seen him much. He was always busy with one trip or another and often cancelled on our plans to attend several business meetings, so seeing his message this morning came as a pleasant surprise.

My mom died in a car crash when I was eleven years old and it was extremely terrible for my dad. I watched him go from the boisterous and funny young man that he was to an old sad man in a matter of months. My mom was the absolute love of his life and her death took something from him that could never be replaced.

Taking it upon myself to be the strong one of the both of us, I sucked in my broken heart and decided to take care of my dad. I learned to cook and do the laundry because we didn't have maids back then. As a result of all my effort to help my dad, I was slipping back in school, my grades depleted so bad my teacher had to call my dad in. That was when he awakened from his state of limbo and saw how I had been carrying the weight of trying to hold the little family of two together on my little shoulders and it broke him completely.

He worked on himself to become a better father, managed to get back to his old self a bit and we have been inseparable ever since. It was me and my dad against the world. So it was no surprise when I called my salon to cancel the appointment I had made for today and booked a later date.

My father always comes first.

At exactly 11:25am, I got to my dad's house and knocked on the door. I was hit by a wave of shock when I saw the man who came to open the door. This was not my father.

No.

He wore my father's face and had the same identical big smile and glint in his eyes whenever he saw me but this man's face was sunken in constant to my dad's chubby face. He looked sick, really sick.

I stood frozen to the spot for a few seconds, my dad's smile never vanished from his face as I took in the image of the person that has now been my father.

When last did I see him? Three months ago? Four? What happened to him? Has he not been eating well?

"Isla Mae my darling girl!" My dad announced, opening his arms. I went in. He had lost so much weight but the hug felt the exact same.

Warm and comforting.

"What happened to you dad?" I finally asked, still in his arms.

"Is that anyway to greet your father?" he scolded, flicking his index finger on my forehead playfully

"I'm sorry, how are you dad?" I asked as we went into the living room.

"I'm fine my dear" I doubted the sincerity of that statement, he looked frail and tired but I kept quiet.

I couldn't keep quiet for long, not when it came to my father's health

"Dad, are you sick?" my voice was small and weak, I was afraid to say the words out loud.

He looked at me and smiled, knowing that he couldn't keep it from me any longer, he said the words that shattered my heart to pieces.

"I have cancer."

My ears started ringing immediately. It felt like I had been slapped simultaneously on both side of my cheeks, leaving me almost deaf. I saw his lips moving but I couldn't hear anything he was saying? Had I really gone deaf? My vision became blurry.

Was I suddenly going blind too? The tears that had blurred my vision began trickling down my face in small droplets and in no time, it became a stream of waters.

His arms wrapped around me, consoling me, rocking me back and forth. He shouldn't be the one consoling me, I should be taking care of him.

"Is that why you have been avoiding me? I managed to ask without choking on my words.

He nodded. "I didn't know how to tell you, I didn't want to see you hurt and I was undergoing chemo, it took a toll on me"

It broke my heart even more to think that he went through that all alone.

"How long have you known?"

"A long time"

"You should have told me dad. You didn't have to do that on your own" I broke down.

"Isla Mae, look at me" he said cupping my face. I looked up at him "There's no need for you to cry, l don't want you feeling sorry for me because I'm happy. I have lived a good life with the most wonderful gift a father could ask for. A perfect daughter."

"Don't talk like that dad, you sound like you're already giving up." I wiped the tears from my eyes.

"Anyway, that wasn't the only reason I called you here today." A strange look crossed his face as he backed away from me and averted his eyes from my face.

"What is going on?" I asked feeling quite uneasy but took solace in the fact that no news, no matter how bad it was could beat 'I have cancer'

"First of all, I want you to know that, everything I do for you, is done out of love and to give you a better life than I had"

"What is it dad?" I didn't like the was this sounded already

"I have fixed your marriage" he said in a rush

I stared at my dad in shock. Surely I didn't hear him right.

"What!"

"You should hear me out first Isla" he said softly. I couldn't believe my ears.

"Wait, you did what!" I shouted louder this time, standing on my feet.

He winced and I regretted shouting immediately, I sat down next to him.

"Dad please tell me you're joking" I took his lean hands and pleaded.

"It's for your own good Isla, I won't be around much longer and I can't leave you alone in this world, knowing there's no one, no family to take care of you." The tears began to fall from my eyes again

"The person I found for you is a wonderful man from a very loving family, you will have the love and support from loved ones when I'm gone and you will never have to worry about money because he's from a wealthy home. You have to see that I'm doing this to take care of you even when I'm no more. God knows I will roll in my grave if any man ever dares maltreat you. I can't let that happen"

I suddenly felt numb, this was too much to deal with in one day. I know learning my dad had a terminal disease was the worse news of the two but how was I supposed to deal with the latter. He made plans to take care of me after his death, even though it was the worst plan I've heard of, it was the best thing any father could do.

"Dad, do you even know me at all? What on earth made you think I'd want to marry a complete stranger?"

"Because it's a wish from a sick father to his only child, let me do this for you, it will make me really happy to see that you're being taken care of. I would never marry you off to a stranger or someone I don't trust, his family approached me with the marriage proposal and I couldn't imagine a better family for you."

"Then who is it? Who is the sick psycho that wants to marry someone he's never met" I asked, getting angry for the first time since I came here.

"The son of my friend, Alexander Aldridge. I don't think you've met him, his name is Landon Aldridge"

My jaw hit the floor

Isla's POV

Walking down the aisle is one of the most epic and significant walks of your life.

I felt proud and totally loved when walking towards the altar. Next to me was the man who held my hand for a short while but my heart forever. The man who knew what I needed before I even asked him. That man who did not tell me how to live, instead he lived and let me watch him do it. He protected me, became my shield, and took great care of me. He gave me so much that he did not let me feel the absence of my mother.

I let my eyes roam towards the guest who were beaming at me. I smiled at them, everything seemed to go in slow motion. I wanted to see everyone and everything, I didn't want to rush since this would be a core memory.

The church was mostly decorated with rose flowers. I'm the front row was my future family. They were looking at me with pure happiness, I flashed a smile at them. I heard my favorite song 'A thousand years' playing. Everything was perfect.

I finally fixed my gaze on the most handsome man in the world. The man who had stolen my heart completely, my husband to be Landon. My very first and last love. It was love at first sight for me, I met him at a party and just knew. Since then, I admired and loved him secretly. Even though he told me to refuse my father's proposal that we get married, I just couldn't do it, aside from the fact that I wanted him, I could not say no to my father due to the amount of pressure he put on me. I had no idea why Landon told me to say no to this wedding, but I am fully ready to become a wife and perform my duties as such. I will do everything a wife should do for her husband without a second thought.

My love for him kept on increasing with each passing day, I guess it was time to finally express my emotions. I planned to confess my feelings to him once the wedding ceremony was over.

My train of thought was lost when I heard my father's voice. "I'm giving you my most valuable thing son, please cherish and take care of her." I was waiting for a response from Landon, but he didn't say anything, I was also disappointed when he didn't take my hand. I glanced up at him and saw his looking straight ahead with clenched jaw and fists. My heart sank. Something was wrong.

I ignored the sinking feeling and took my position in front of him. He looked so beautiful, his cologne was nearly intoxicating. He's tall and muscular while I looked like petite little girl in front of him. He had that kind of face that always made people stop and go for a second look. His eyes were the blue of every dancing sky, infinite hues illuminated by newborn light, his black waves perfectly combed to one side. He was the physical man infestation of every girl's fantasy, I was so lost in him that I almost missed what the priest was saying.

"Do you, Miss Isla-Mae Farrington take Landon Aldridge to be your husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

I gazed up at him, smiling and it broke my heart again that he wasn't looking at me. I decided to pay no attention to that, it was our wedding day, he was probably tired from all the stress of preparation.

I smiled and happily said I do.

The priest asked him the same and he shut his eyes and responded without hesitation through gritted teeth. "I do"

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride"

This was the moment I had been waiting for, for so long, my heart pounded in my chest in anticipation. He bent down and took my lips in his like we were at war and he was trying to hurt me. The kiss was so rough and angry, I winced in pain and he let go. I dared a look at my dad in hopes that he didn't see the kiss.

For the first time I asked myself the question I had been trying so hard to avoid. Was this marriage a mistake?

Landon's POV

Ever since she arrived, I never once looked at her. I felt disgusted with myself for even being here. This was betrayal to the love of my life Hailey. I should be standing at the altar with her next to me instead of this freaking gold-digging opportunist. She should be here, in the wedding dress, smiling at me. I have no idea why my dad chose Isla as my bride, but this girl, she can never replace my Hailey.

I remembered how distraught Hailey was when she found out I was getting married to another woman. She was heartbroken and felt betrayed, but I was left with no choice than to marry this woman standing in front of me, if I had refused, he would have willed all his properties to my younger brother Theo. That was why I asked Isla to freaking say no to this wedding, that way I'd get to keep my properties because it wouldn't be my fault that the marriage didn't take place, my father would be disappointed but at least not in me.

She didn't and now she's standing in front of me smiling. I always knew she was naïve but never realized how desperate she was to get married until now. I just wish I could wipe that smile off her face.

"You may now kiss your bride" My thoughts were interrupted by the priest's words.

I glared at her. Her eyes were round with anticipation and sparkled with childish softness and innocence. For a second, I was lost in her innocent hazel eyes, they were a radiating brown, sun warmed with inner gold. I quickly averted my gaze, no way in hell will I be attracted to the gold-digging bitch who has ruined my life. She will most definitely pay for it.

I closed my eyes and kissed her harshly, I tightened my grip on her arm and she winced in pain. Good, she deserves to go through the same pain I'm feeling right now.

She has not the slightest idea what she has just signed up for. She will now get to see the other side of me, the side that is exposed to only my enemies. Unfortunately for her, she has now become one.

I promise to make her regret this decision for the rest of her life because my hatred for her knew no bounds

Isla's POV

As I laid on the silk and soft bed, I cast my mind back to the event of today. The day was quite tiring. The reception was dull and boring except for the father and daughter dance, I enjoyed dancing with my father, he was such a terrible dancer and almost tripped on several occasions which cracked me up.

Landon on the other hand avoided me like the plague. He never once looked at me, whereas I watched his every move, I couldn't help it. He looked so dashing that I couldn't take my eyes off him. I could not hide how happy I was to be married to him even if I tried.

"Get out of my bed you gold-digging bitch!" His thunderous voice reverberated on the walls of our bedroom, but I don't think I heard him right. I jumped in shock and started at him in disbelief as his nose flared like a raging bull. I took a step towards him, and he stepped backward.

"Because of you I have lost the one thing that means the most to me, I have lost the love of my life! How could you say yes to your father when I specifically told you to decline his offer?" I was completely horrified by what he just said, he was in love with someone else, why didn't he tell me? God what have I done!

My feet went cold, and my knees threatened to buckle. I looked down in embarrassment unable to bear the look of hate in his eyes.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you. I want to see the face of the person who has subjected me to this miserable life." His voice was a low hiss, his words stung like a bee, bringing tears to my eyes.

"You could have told me if you wanted the money"

"You think I married you because of your money?" my voice cracked as I spoke

"Then what? Let me guess, you married me for the recognition, right? You've gotten what you want. Since you have decided to subject me to this marriage, I will show you how good of a husband I can be. You have no fucking idea what you just signed up for."

He stood so close to me that I was shaking with fear. His eyes were cold and emotionless as he stared at me. "Stay away from everything that belongs to me, I don't want your filthy hands soiling my properties" I gasped in shock at the heat amount of anger and hatred he had towards me

"Undress yourself." He commanded and my jaw dropped in sheer horror

"What's wrong my lovely wife?" his tone was very condescending and sarcastic, dripping with mockery. He raised his hand and was about to touch my face when I jerked away from his touch.

"This is what you want right? A husband, a marriage. Aren't you happy that I'm giving you what you want? As far as I know, a wife should fulfil her husband's every desire. You're naïve but even you should know that" He smiled devilishly as he watched me whimper and take several steps backward

The smile vanished from his face as he made another shocking statement "I want you as my mistress"

"No, I can't do that" I replied firmly

"I wasn't asking you, I was telling you. You don't have any other choice sweetheart, do you? You wanted to fulfil your father's wish and now you can do that to your heart's content. You must suffer in this miserable life that you have subjected me to the same way I'm suffering." A flash of emotion crossed his face.

"I didn't know you were in love with someone else otherwise I wouldn't have married you." I whispered in a low voice feeling extremely hurt that my life which I thought had turned out so wonderfully was merely a hoax. The person I love and got married to is not only in love with someone else, but absolutely hates me.

"Shut the fuck up and drop the innocent act. I sent you a letter when I was in Germany explaining everything. You can drop the good girl act now, we both know that's fake"

Which letter was he talking about? I never received any letter.

"I did not get any letter form you" I tried to explain

"Just stop it! This your act is irritating, did I not tell you to undress yourself? Take your clothes off and wait for me" He ordered and turned to leave the room and then suddenly turned back towards me after a few steps "I will ask my lawyer to prepare a contract. Don't you dare tell anybody about this or I swear I will make every minute of your life miserable" and with that, he left the room.

I slumped to the ground and let my tears fall. I could not get divorce, that would be even worse than disagreeing to get married, my father would not be able to take it.

I loved Landon but it was never my intention to trap him into a loveless marriage. If he was happy torturing me for what I have done to him then I will have to pay for it and endure in silence. I managed to cry myself to sleep.

I half wondered if I was in a dream. Most times dreams are better than reality. I blinked, shut my eyes, and blinked again. I sat up to take in the shafts of the light that burst in through the window but instead I saw a figure sitting in front of me. His eyes were fixated on me. This time, they showed emotion, but it vanished almost immediately I looked at him. His eyes darkened and face hardened into an expression of hatred. Once again, I was the enemy,

"Why the hell didn't you that you're a fucking virgin?" He ran his hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face.

My heart raced in horror once again when I remembered last night and the terrible sex he had with me when he came back. He practically forced himself on me and gave me no room to object or say anything. He just came and took what he wanted, leaving me totally shattered and in absolute pain. I looked down and the blood stain on the bed, only then did the pain I felt on my body return.

"Answer me" his eyes shot daggers at me

"I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't let me say a word"

"Don't consider what happened yesterday as love making, you are just a toy for me and nothing else." His words were like a sword that pierced right through my heart.

With that he took his coat and left and once again, I cried my eyes out.

After taking a long and very necessary bath to help me relax a bit, I put on a simple lose dress.

I feel more comfortable in lose clothes than inn tight ones. I also put on a little make up and stepped out of my room, wearing a fake smile on my face. I walked down the stairs and saw Alex and Olivia, Landon's parents having breakfast. They looked so happy, I couldn't help bur feel a tad bit jealous of them. I wished Landon and I had what they have, but he has proved to me that it was impossible.

"There she is, good morning sweetheart. We were just talking about you." Olivia said smiling beautifully at me

"Good morning Olivia, Hi Alex"

"Sweety are you alright? You've got dark circles around your eyes and you look pale" she asked studying my face in concern.

I remained quiet and averted my gaze from her, trying to male sure not to cry. A sensitive person like me will definitely burst out at any time.

"Alex cleared his throat. "Darling yesterday was her first wedding night, of course she'd be tired" Alex told his wife and she giggled in acceptance

I blushed

"Landon left home quite early today" Olivia remarked in confusion, obviously waiting for an answer from me, my smile faded a bit.

"Yeah, he said he had to attend to an important meeting"

Great! Starting my new life with a lie barely 24hours later, and the husband of the year award goes to... Landon!