Chapter 3 We Will Compensate You

Elizabeth's POV:

With the help of Mrs. Sinclair and the older woman who’d walked me down the aisle, I finally made it back to the hotel suite and changed out of the wedding dress. Still, I couldn’t stop crying. Something inside me cracked. I hated them for this.

“It’s okay, dear. Jax is just upset with Talia, that’s all,” Mrs. Sinclair said gently as she removed the pins from my hair. “Trust me, he has nothing against you.”

I gripped the bedsheets tightly. So he was upset with Talia, and that’s why he walked out and left me to suffer all the humiliation meant for him?

“Once you move in with him, I’m sure he’ll treat you well,” she added.

My head snapped up. “Move in?”

“Yes, Beth. Shouldn’t married couples live together?”

I stood abruptly, causing Mrs. Sinclair to look at me with raised brows. “I agreed to marry him because the family’s reputation was at risk, but how can you expect me to move in with him, Aunt?”

She gave me that soft, familiar smile and stepped closer, but I took a step back. “Listen to me, Beth. The thing is, Jaxon is already getting older, and it will be tough finding another well behaved bride for him. You’re already married, so why not work on the marriage?”

Tears blurred my vision again. “Aunt…” I choked on my words. “Would you ask your own daughter—who just turned eighteen a week ago—to move in with a thirty-year-old stranger?”

She shook her head as a tear slid down her cheek. Camille Sinclair had always been kind and caring, always there for me when I was sick or when I had my first menses. But now, I couldn’t look at her the same way.

“Jaxon isn’t a stranger, Beth. He’s my son. I know he has his… traits, but he’s not a monster. I’m sorry for putting you through this, but please, don’t abandon him too. Don’t run away,” she pleaded, folding her hands as tears streamed down her face. “You’re the most determined and patient girl I know. Who better to be with Jaxon than you? Please, do this for Aunt Camille.”

I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. Were they seriously doing this to me?

“How… how about my studies? I just finished high school.”

“That won’t be a problem. I’m sure Jaxon won’t mind sponsoring your studies and taking care of you.”

“Sponsoring my studies?” My brows furrowed. Mr. Sinclair had always paid my tuition—now, just because I married Jaxon, they expected him to take over?

“You’re his responsibility now, Beth. Jaxon never liked us interfering in his affairs, so he might get upset if we keep doing things for his wife.”

Maybe—just maybe—if they had interfered in his life before, he would’ve turned out differently. Maybe he could have been as kind and respectful as Talon. Just maybe.

Suddenly, the door swung open and Old Sinclair entered. He scanned the suite, frowning. “You’ve been in here forever. I thought someone had died,” he barked, making me flinch. How could they expect Jaxon not to have a temper when he grew up with such a man?

“Come on, get in the car already. Camille, have the servants pack her things and send them to my grandson’s house.”

I clenched my teeth. I had so much to say, but I couldn’t bring myself to defy him. His frown deepened when he saw we were still standing there. “Hurry up,” he snapped, and Mrs. Sinclair nodded, giving me a quick smile before leaving the suite.

Now, I was alone with Old Sinclair. I picked up my purse and glanced at the wedding gift I’d bought for the couple—turns out, I was buying a gift for myself. I left it, ready to walk past Old Sinclair.

“Stop,” he ordered, and, like a programmed robot, I froze. I didn’t dare look at him.

“Don’t get on my grandson’s nerves. He works hard every day and won’t appreciate being a babysitter to you, so stay in your lane. Understood?”

I turned and looked at the old man—well into his eighties, a little taller than me, with a full head of grey hair.

“You owe your life to the Sinclair family. I believe we raised you well, so don’t you dare think about taking advantage of my grandson.”

I swallowed hard. “Take good care of my grandson, and the Sinclair family will compensate you.”

With those final words, he walked out, and I let out a bitter laugh, hurling my purse at the wall. Compensation for taking care of their son? Could they ever repay me for marrying a cold-hearted monster no other woman wanted?

How did my day end up like this? Why did I say yes?

I crouched down, burying my face in my knees, sobbing. I’d been so excited to start college and experience everything a teenage girl should. Instead, here I was—married.

Rosaline would lose her mind when she found out. Just this morning, we were talking about the cute boys at the entrance exam, and now, I was tied down to a man.

“Beth?” a familiar voice called. I looked up to see Talon crouching beside me. He brushed hair from my face, his hand gentle on my cheek. “It’s okay. Don’t cry.”

“Talon…” I sniffed and tried to catch my breath through my tears.

He gave me a sad smile and pulled me into a comforting hug. “I’m sorry my family put you through this.”

I shook my head, and he hugged me tighter. “You believe me, right? Trust me—everything will be fine.”

“Get your fucking hands off my bride,” a sharp, hoarse voice cut in. Every hair on my body stood on end. Talon and I looked up to find Jaxon. His glare was so intense, I felt my blood run cold.

Why was he here? I thought he’d already left.