Chapter FOUR

SELENA'S POV

Mother's voice dripped with sarcasm as she said, "Bravo, my child. You've made me proud. At last, you've accomplished something worthwhile."

"I don't need your applause. I'm doing this for Dad, not for you," I said, my voice firm.

"Take care of yourself, sweetheart," my mother said, pulling me into a tight hug as I stepped out of the house.

"I will. Look after yourself too, Mom," I managed to say.

"Selena, we're going to miss you so much," Laura said after she had put my luggage in the van.

"I'll miss you too. Please take care of Mom while I'm gone," I asked her before a man in a dark suit courteously opened the van door for me.

"Thank you," I murmured as I climbed inside.

The van started moving, and I waved goodbye to my mother and Laura, tears welling up in my eyes.

A few minutes into the ride, it dawned on me- where was Aiden? Wasn't he supposed to be here?

"Shouldn't we wait for Aiden?" I asked the driver, who didn't take his eyes off the road. "Mr. Aiden has already left," he answered shortly.

"Okay," I replied, feeling oddly relieved. Maybe he was as uncomfortable with this arrangement as I was. Maybe he would tire of me quickly and then he'd have no choice but to let me go. That would be perfect.

As dusk settled in, I wondered about the life that awaited me at Aiden Evans's house. "We're here," I whispered to myself as the van pulled up in front of an opulent mansion. As soon as we stopped, a bodyguard approached and opened the door for me.

"Welcome, ma'am," he greeted, offering his hand to help me out. "Please follow me," he directed, leading me into a grand room with a cozy-looking sofa at its center.

"Make yourself comfortable," he said before leaving me alone.

The place was like a piece of heaven. My eyes were drawn to the wooden coffee table decorated with books and a vase filled with fresh flowers when a soft voice caught my attention.

"Ms. Selena Vance?" it said gently, and I turned to find a young woman standing there. "That's me," I answered.

"Welcome to the Evans residence. My name is Felicia Rodriguez; I'm your chaperone," she introduced herself with an outstretched hand.

"It's nice to meet you," I said, though my laugh sounds strained.

"Ms. Vance, you'll be staying in the guest room tonight. The master is occupied with work and needs some space," she informed me.

I breathed a sigh of relief- I hadn't planned on sharing his room tonight anyway.

"I'll finish up here with your unpacking. Feel free to relax, and I'll show you to your room soon. Is that okay?" Felicia offered.

Once she left, curiosity got the better of me; I couldn't just sit there without exploring the mansion further.

As I explored the mansion, I found myself admiring the exquisite paintings and artwork. It felt like walking through an art gallery. The beauty was stunning, and I couldn't help but be captivated by it, despite my reluctance to admit it. And it was so vast; there would be plenty of room for me to keep my distance from Aiden.

I wandered toward the staircase, admiring the exquisite paintings and artwork- it felt like walking through an art gallery.

"Wealthy people," I mused quietly to myself.

As I passed by various rooms, a noise caught my ear- what was that? Curiosity drew me back even as my inner voice scolded, "Selena, not everything is your business." But something about those sounds from behind one particular door was unsettlingly familiar...

I hesitated at the doorknob before turning it slowly- nothing could have prepared me for what lay beyond.

Unbelievable. There was Aiden, entwined with another woman, on what was supposed to be our first night as a married couple. This had to be a nightmare.

I stood frozen, silently begging for someone to wake me from this dream while watching their intimate moment. With my eyes squeezed shut and jaw clenched, I struggled to contain the anger bubbling within me.

As I retreated, my elbow knocked against a table, drawing Aiden's gaze around the room. The last thing I wanted was for him to catch me spying.

Turning to leave my hiding spot, I collided with someone. Before I could utter a word, he interrupted, "Why are you here? Haven't you heard of privacy?"

Aiden's voice was cold, devoid of guilt.

"I'm leaving," announced a slender woman in provocative attire, presumably his companion.

"Take care, Loretta," he said as she approached him. She shot me a disdainful glance before pecking Aiden's cheek and departing. 'What does that mean?' I wondered silently. 'Cheap tramp,' I thought bitterly as she exited, leaving me alone with Aiden Evans.

"Now, why are you lurking around?" Aiden demanded, his hand slamming against the wall and making me flinch. His gaze turned icy and fierce.

"I was just exploring the mansion and got lost," I lied with feigned confidence. "You think I'm a fool? You were spying, weren't you?" he accused loudly.

"No, I wasn't. And why should it matter to you? You seemed quite content with your company," I shot back, hurt lacing my voice.

"Stop playing the victim, Selena," he retorted icily. "You lack self-control, Aiden. It's been barely a day, and you're already unfaithful. It's disgusting," I spat out, glaring at him.

"Expecting royal treatment?" he scoffed before his laughter faded into seriousness. "Leave now," he ordered, pointing to the door.

"Listen to me first," I insisted, but he paced impatiently, clearly done with arguing. "Do as you please, Aiden. Just afford me the same liberties," I declared defiantly.

He stepped closer, scrutinizing me. "We're here to settle your father's debts. In six months, this charade ends. You're free then. Now go," he insisted again, opening the door for me to leave.

With a heavy heart, I exited and hurried downstairs. The memory brought tears to my eyes. No, I couldn't cry. This man wouldn't break me. Determinedly wiping away tears, I sat on the living room sofa. Felicia appeared shortly after.

"Madam, your room is ready," she informed me gently. "Are you alright?" Felicia asked. "It's nothing. Just a headache," I lied smoothly. "I can get some medicine," she offered kindly. "That would be great; thank you," I accepted gratefully.

As she left, curiosity overcame me. "Is this typical behavior for your boss?" I asked Felicia.

Felicia paused and turned back with sorrow in her eyes. "I'm sorry to say you're not the first."

I reminded myself: only six months here. "One couldn't bear his infidelities," Felicia shared softly as if reading my thoughts. I reminded myself: only six months here.

"I'm not sure how you'll take this... but brace yourself for his ways," Felicia advised cautiously. "That's enough," I cut her off sharply.

"Alright, Ms. Selena. I'll fetch your medication," Felicia offered, but I interjected, "No, thank you. Just show me to my room. I'm worn out," I declared.

"Certainly, Ms.," Felicia complied, her footsteps guiding me to the guest room. "Here's the phone to reach me if you need anything," she indicated, pointing to the landline by the bed. "Wishing you a restful night, Ms.," she whispered before leaving the room.

The chill in the bedroom was unlike anything I'd felt before. I wished it could seep into my heart and numb the thoughts of Aiden. It all felt like a dreadful dream I was desperate to escape.

Why his past liaisons bothered me so much was a mystery even to me. Why does he matter to me now? I pondered as I disrobed. After a shower, I slipped into the nightgown Felicia had laid out and slid between the cool sheets, seeking solace in their embrace.

The thought of not sharing a room with Aiden was a relief. He would not affect me; I refused to allow it. I needed to stay strong. Moreover, I had to devise a plan- a plan to make Aiden's life miserable enough to tire of this farcical marriage. But how? That question haunted me until sleep took over.

Dawn's light filtered through the blinds, bathing the room in a soft radiance. My eyes drifted open, last night's scene still lingering in my heart. Rising, the sheets slipped away, unveiling a day still untouched by turmoil.

I approached the wardrobe, searching for my luggage, only to find my dress hanging there. Those bags meant everything to me. They were gifts from my father. I hoped Felicia hadn't discarded them.

Moving to the nightstand, I picked up the landline and dialed to summon Felicia. After a

three-minute wait filled with impatience, she was nowhere to be seen. I tiptoed to the door, my mind still adrift in slumber.

Reaching for the knob, I anticipated the usual click and swing, but it remained stiff. What's happening? Confusion creased my forehead as I twisted the handle, the metal chilling and stubborn.

A growing unease tightened in my chest with each futile attempt to leave. "Felicia! Felicia!" I called out, pounding on the door.

"Help! Someone please! I'm trapped!"

Then the pressing question loomed- Who could have done this?