Ruins of Our Love #wattys2015

Chapter 4

I gasp in shock. "I.. uh.. What are you doing here, Stephan?" I stutter, trying to change the subject. 

"I came to see you of course. You didn't just leave our family there for no reason. This marriage wasn't your idea, I presume?" I nod in reply. Not wanting to reveal my thoughts. He sat on the swing next to me.

"Why would you accept something you didn't even want?" he asks gently. I simply shrugged. 

Why is he so gentle? It's just his tactic to get to you Alexa. Don't fall for it. He's marrying me anyway. Why would he need to get to me? He already has the right to have me. After what happened, you know you can't trust your heart with anyone anymore. You are too broken inside. Just give him what he wants. I have to forget about Daniel. It's wrong and unfair for Stephan. Was this marriage fair for you? Gosh shut up!! 

I am literally internally debating with myself. "You're not much of a talker are you?" Stephan asks again. Not with you. I don't know you. I used to talk a lot. That was before everything. 

Say something, you idiot. I shake myself off the thought and replied,"No, not anymore. Why did you ask for my hand in marriage?"

"You mean, you used to?" he asks. I didn't reply, I simply changed the subject. "Why did you ask for my hand in marriage, Stephan?" I demand coldly. He seems annoyed with my change of subject, but didn't say anything about it. 

"Because I know I can expect what I need from a wife from you. Think you can do that? Everything I expect is in the contract our parents wrote. 4 years, is all I need." He claims.

"And I do not get any say in the contract?? Why would you need a wife anyway, if you only want me for 4 years?" I start to raise my voice, clearly frustrated with how my life is turning out. Shut up, you dumbass. You'll scare him away. I stopped myself from saying anything else. 

He smirks at my outburst. The cocky bastard. "I am one of America's most eligible bachelor. I inherited my parent's company at 21. My parents uphold family reputation more than anything else. They want me to settle down and not mess around with chicks in clubs drinking and such. I only agreed if they find me a wife who can serve me, but I do not expect a lifetime commitment. I would hate to live with someone I have no interest in. So, four years it is. I received your side of the bargain already. I assume it was your father who arranged it. " Stephan explains at length the background of all this mess I am in. There goes his gentle mask. Turns out he is an arrogant, spoilt rich kid always getting what he wants.

I didn't say anything else. There was nothing to say. My father is stricter than ever now. After what happened with Daniel. You can do this, you know. Serve him for 4 years and you are done. You can live alone in this cruel world. 

"Okay. 4 years." I reply. I got up to leave. He followed behind me. 

When I reach the house, his family was just leaving. I politely said goodbye and went up to my room without dinner. I haven't been eating right. I am naturally thin, I could eat plenty and not gain any weight. That was what I did before, before I constantly lack apetite. I climbed into bed with one of my few PJ's, ignoring my stash of favorite gowns and slips. I used to love wearing them. The cold seeps in my soul and I cry myself to sleep. That night, as usual, a dream came haunting.

"Good morning,sir. I am Daniel Carter." Daniel approaches my father. I saw him coming in from the stairs. Not daring to interrupt this huge moment I stayed upstairs and eavesdropped. I know how nervous Daniel must be.

"Good morning. I know who you are. Why are you here?" my father replies, inviting Daniel to take a seat on the couch. 

"I'll just cut to chase, sir. I would like to marry your daughter." Daniel asks with a steady voice. I knew why he is here beforehand but his firm and steady voice surprises and pleases me at the same time. My father looks stern and intimidating as usual. Daniel waits for an answer. I hold my breath. 

"No. You may not marry my daughter. You are not the man for her. Please leave." I let out a sob hearing my father say those dreaded words. Daniel looks stricken with pain. He shakes my father's hand and leave. I rushed downstairs to catch him before he leaves, forever. 

"Daniel! Please... don't go!" I beg. 

"You know this might happen Alexa. I'm sorry I didn't put up a fight. I know you won't want that anyway. And I know exactly why. You are leaving me, for Stephan Grant. If you are happy, I'm happy." He replies sadly holding my face in his comforting hands.

"I don't want to marry Stephan. I want you. I always have. Please don't leave me. You promised." I sob into his warm chest.

"Unfortunately you are. Forget about me, mon amour. You'll get the happiness you've always wanted. " Daniel says, his voice shaking. He hugs me so tight, then he leaves. For good. 

I'm at shock. My heart is literally shattering. Control yourself, Alexa. You can't show your dad how broken you've been. With a strength in me, I turn to face my father,"Why did you do that? I know that you know how I love him all this while. Why did you decline without my permission?" 

"I have other plans for you. What does Daniel have that can provide for you? The love you both have is childish, and immature. Forget about him" I can't help but let the tears fall, hearing my father's painful words.

I can't shake off the look on the Daniel's face when he mentioned Stephan.The disappointment. My father heads inside. I head to my car, and drive off. Not knowing where to go. My tears fall freely. The pain going through my veins, searing to my chest. He's gone. Stephan is where I'm allowed to be. 

"No!!" I wake up with with a jolt,sweating with tears-stained cheeks. My breathing is ragged. I got out of bed. I huddled into a corner of my room and hug my knees. I feel numb with pain. My head hurts. I'm not going to cry anymore. He's never coming back. The dream made me realize. 

A new mask, Alexa. You're Mrs Grant. Just hold on, your happiness will come. My subconscious tries to comfort me. Tired after the dream, I fell asleep again, hoping no dreams will come, that my happy day will come.

Hey guys!! I'm sorry for not updating sooner. Anyway, this is the reason why Alexa is forced to marry Stephan. And Alexa's dream is also a flashback of what made Daniel leave for good. Did you cry reading this? Let me know what you think! xo EllaJ

P.S. There is a photo of Stephan talking to Alexa! :D