Chapter 8 Chapter 8

Darcy

"I don't get to work?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

When Emerson said we were leaving the country, I was a little surprised and felt a bit guilty that I may not be able to keep my end of our agreement today, since his request came up late. I was already working on an apology in my head when he said the last bizarre words.

It wasn't just the words, it was the way he said it, like he had the right to move things around in my life.

"You are joking, right?" I asked, unable to stop the low, humorless sound that rocked my chest.

He shook his head, reached for the glass of water in front of him, and took a few sips. Then his gaze slowly returned to me, his eyes cold and entire demeanor calm as though this was normal.

I waited for him to speak, partly because he was my husband and, well, partner, might I add.

Emerson didn't speak, and I looked at my wristwatch, impatience rocking through my bones. '7:35 am,' perfect. Now I was going to be late. He lifted one hand, and the two maids who were in the dining room bowed and stepped back.

"First," he began, easing into his chair and lifting one finger, "we are leaving for our honeymoon, if we want this to be believable, we have to act like real couples, and real couples go on honeymoon."

"We don't need that." I argued, but he dismissed my words like they were nothing and held up a second finger.

"Second, you are not allowed to work, you stopped working the moment you said I do, yesterday."

I rolled my eyes internally, wondering why he was taking this a step too far. Why was he acting like I was his wife for life when this would be over in a year

"Are those enough? Or do you want more reasons?" he asked, his eyes boring into mine. Something dark and dangerous lurked in that gaze, as if daring me to defy his words. I swallowed, pushing the fear rising in my chest down my throat.

This man had a way of controlling the room, and I knew he didn't even have to speak. "I think there's a little misunderstanding, or should I say miscommunication?" I took a step towards the chair I had occupied a few minutes ago.

I placed my bag on the table and held on to the chair. "We may be married, but we both know the true status of the relationship. There's a line that we have to maintain, it can't be blurred because one of us got carried away playing a role." I stated in the calmest voice I could.

He narrowed his eyes, and I gripped the chair a bit tighter. He was used to giving commands and having them followed without question. I inhaled slowly, mustering every ounce of courage I could.

"We need to keep up appearances, which means we have to work as a team. If you want us to do something together as a couple, you inform me first, and I'll avail myself." That settles that of the honeymoon.

"How could I inform you when you spent over thirty minutes hiding from me in the bathroom and didn't step out till I left?" he asked, lifting a brow.

"I wasn't hiding from you." I protested.

He lowered his gaze to my chest, and I felt heat rush up my cheeks.

"Weren't you?" He dragged his eyes slowly back to my eyes, and I felt a tingle run down my spine. I shook my head, dispelling every spell he was about to use on me.

"I wasn't. And for the second part, I will work if I want to, it's not for you to decide."

"I make enough for us."

"I don't care." I snapped, surprising even myself.

I picked up my bag and stepped back. "Have a pleasant day, Emerson." I said, flashing him a stiff smile before strutting away. I could feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of my head.

When I stepped out of the house, I let out a breath. Dealing with Emerson was not as easy as I thought. I walked to the underground parking lot, thinking about how to better communicate with him.

He had his PA bring my things into the mansion yesterday, and that included my car.

When I got to the underground parking lot, I got in my car, started the engine, and drove off.

I pulled the car in front of the building and handed my car keys to the valet.

The glances I received immediately I stepped inside was no surprise. I wouldn't shudder, I haven't done anything wrong. If anyone should feel scared and small, that should be Paul.

So, I squared my shoulders and took confident strides forward.

I have been working at Celestial Entertainment Ltd. for the past five years. I began as an assistant and slowly rose to the position of manager.

Thinking about it now, I couldn't help but realise how naive and stupid I was. I auditioned as a model and was picked.

Excited about having achieved my biggest dream, I told the one man whom I thought wanted the best for me, Paul. We had just begun dating then.

Paul didn't react as I expected, he wasn't happy. In fact, after I told him about the wonderful opportunity and blabbered about how this was going to change my life for the best, he looked pointedly at me and asked me to pick between him and the offer.

He didn't like models after what his ex did to him. I had been so in love with him, so stupid that I chose him and requested a role as an assistant.

Then, Paul's excuse as to why he didn't want me to pursue a career in the modelling industry made perfect sense.

I joined the small group of people waiting for the elevator and crossed my hands over my chest.

I gave up my dream to be with him, and it ended with him dumping me for the same ex who was a model.

How ironic.

Just then, the murmuring increased, and I turned around like everyone else did.

Speak of the devils.

I gritted my teeth as I watched them walk forward.

Paul and his ex, Elana.

My eyes moved to their entwined hands, and I felt my chest swell with something unfamiliar.