My Arranged Marriage

His other side

Two weeks after the honeymoon and I still had not been able to figure out my husband.  I shook my head as I worked on a case.  Why the hell am I even thinking about him?  Yes he had a nice body, but a lot of people had nice bodies too but they did not have his unbelievable arrogance.

“We need to talk” I heard my husband say as he walked into the library.  I closed the laptop after saving my work and stared at him.

“It’s about time you start being of use” he said, scowling.

“And what might that mean?” I asked.

“There’s going to be a dinner party tomorrow night.  I need you to come with me.”

“Why not take those blondes from your office?” I asked, by now very much aware about the hoard of beautiful women he worked with.

He took in a deep breath.  “How can you be so stupid?  I take one of them and the paparazzi would be on my back.  They want to see Mrs McMillian” he said, obviously hating the situation as well.

I nodded.  “Fine.  Just let me know what time and I will be ready”

“I have a few rules” he stated in a tone that meant I had no say in it.

“Firstly, you will be meek and silent.  I do not want you to embarrass me in front of others.  Second, you are to dress accordingly, none of these clothes you keep wearing for work or even at home” he said and walked out.

I stared after him.  Did he enjoy being so much in control? I shook my head.  Well, at least I get to meet people, to uncover a whole new world.

The new world was an understatement.  It was a whole new planet altogether.  An in this new planet, my husband seemed to be the king.  He moved effortlessly around the room, everyone seemed to know him, everyone seemed to admire him.  Everyone, including Selena, the beautiful brunnette.

“Smile” he ordered as he got us drinks from the passing waiter. I put on my best smile and hoped it would be enough. 

“Mrs McMillian, it is so nice to finally meet you” a group of people walked over and greeted us.  I smiled and returned the compliment. 

“Damian is a lucky man to have you as wife” one even said and I felt my husband tense up.  I cringed inwards.  He was probably scoffing at the man for lying outright. 

He looked at me and smiled as he drew me towards him.  “Lucky indeed.”

I wondered if they could feel the heavy sarcasm as well.

Selena walked over to us and held onto my husband’s arm.  “Mind if I steal him for a dance?” she asked in her melodious voice and I nodded.  Please, he is all yours for all I care.

Standing alone, without Damian by my side, I felt like an outsider.  Everyone was important. We also had the company’s board of directors present, Victoria secret models, a handful of celebrities from the film industry.  They all were on their best and I felt the odd man out.

Not physically of course! Damian had entrusted the responsibilities of readying me for the party to James, his assistant.  I had a designer dress, designer shoes and one of Hollywood’s’ best expert make-up artist did my make-up.  Materially I was a part of them, but inward, I was a totally stranger.

“Can I dance with the new McMillian bride” a handsome young man asked as he held out his hand.  I glanced over to my husband, who seemed to be smiling at Selena.  I smiled at the young man and nodded.