• Rafe •Fay had asked me to see her at the Le Bain club in an hour so I thought to come home and reply to some pending emails -- home means; Eastmond's private residence. My small family lived in this big bungalow. Father and Mom didn't let me have a separate house because I was their only child. They said we had a big house and our family was very small so we didn't have to live separately. That's exasperating. They didn't ask for my opinion. They didn't see it my way that I needed my own space and privacy. That's why I was desperate to be a CEO as soon as possible so I could live my life like I wanted to. Mom and Dad won't be able to dictate me after that. I had already bought an apartment where I planned to shift. I spent some nights there in a month or two when I wanted to escape from my family, when I wanted to have some time alone. Anyways, I continued replying to my emails. I was sitting in the living room with my laptop on the center glass table and pile of files I brought
On monday afternoon I drove to Eastmond's office building anyway despite my reluctance, despite the fact that I shouldn't be going there after learning Rafe's feelings for me. I was just worried that if I won't go our families will doubt us. I'm still not sure what I should do with this new, uncomfortable marriage relation.I put on a printed midi dress and arranged my hairs loose on my back. I took help of some makeup to hide my weary face and shadows under my eyes which has become quite prominent. All my tiredness and grief can be seen on my face. But makeup has done a good job. Doing household chores is not childplay. Pain and acute tiredness has spread all through my body including my joints and ankles. Even right now I'm drained to the point that if I get to sit somewhere I will instantly fall asleep. I can sleep the whole day today if I just wouldn't have to be here. It's been like four days, I've been continuously doing labour work and I haven't decided to stop....not yet.I re
• Freya •The dance hall of the club was exactly the same as I wanted. Packed with enthusiastic people. Deafening music that can mute every other voice. Rafe was lost somewhere in the crowd, doing his own stuff. Couldn't be specific because I didn't try finding out. He would have probably found females' attention that explained his disappearance. Rafe easily attracted women due to his good looks. He was also popular in the business world as a young and successful heir of the renowned construction company so he had a built-up image. I danced with random guys that I found at the dance floor till I got tired. Then I took a break, went to the bar and ordered a drink for myself. Bar counter was at the other end of the hall where the sound of music became slower, giving people some peaceful environment to enjoy their drinks and snacks. After a few minutes Rafe came to me, "Are you done?" I turned my backless stool to him, "Yeah, tired." He had removed his blazer, looking different in jus
• Freya • I gave him a look of disbelief. That dumb! I didn't want his money. "Go away." I gritted, "I don't want anything." He was surprised at my reaction, "I'm unable to understand you these days." I ignored him. He left. Then I heard his voice again, "Hey, Fay let's make a deal." The bartender refilled my glass. I rotated my seat in his direction and asked, "What?" "If you'll get married successfully with Ben, you'll take me out to dinner at the city's most expensive and posh restaurant and if I win the CEO position, I'll do the same." What a jerk he is. I didn't answer him, but drank from my glass. "Actually, you know what? I'll take you on vacation to some nice places." I gestured him to leave right away with my hand, "Fuck it off." He laughed and got lost in the crowd again. I could go on vacation on my own. I would have to wait for him forever to take me anywhere. Reluctantly, I rotated my seat towards the crowd and searched for Rafe without any particular thought.
Someone shakes my shoulders so pressingly that I wake up scared. "What?" "You can't sleep here, Freya." Mom beseeches, "God. I don't know what to do with your carelessness." She settles my hair with her fingers. I take my time to recover from the thick haze of sleep. "The decision has been taken and here you're sleeping. You need to learn from your husband how he understands his responsibilities towards his family business.""What's the decision? Did Rafe pass?" I eagerly ask."Yes. It's hard to beat him."I widen my eyes, "Wow." "Now get up." Mom mutters in a warning tone, "Everyone is outside and asking about you." "Okay." I can't believe I actually slept here, in Eastmonds' office. Mom hurriedly goes out of the conference room. I compose myself and wipe out the grogginess from my face. I don't remember when sleep took over me. I was only planning to take some rest. I don't even remember for how long I've been sleeping here. I rise on my feet. My muscles have jammed and the ba
At the night of the party aka my wedding reception, I stay at home, utterly clueless whether I'm attending the reception or not. I haven't seen Rafe after that day in the office so I don't know what he has planned. As per Mom's timings, it's only an hour left since the party will start and I'm still in my Pjs, pacing to and fro in my room. One minute I consider the idea of calling Rafe and ask what to do then the next minute I brush it off because I know he's not going to take my call. I'm out of options about what should I do. We can't skip this event. It is our wedding reception. We're the guests of honour. And Rafe is the new CEO. We have to be there. I can't even go there without Rafe. People will doubt us, about our marriage and I won't bear their bizarre interrogations and stares all by myself. I sit down on the bed when my back pain escalates. I massage and press my shoulders with my hands. The back pain has become persistent.It doesn't disappear even after hours long rest.
• Freya • I met Rafe for the first time in one of these sumptuous gatherings. That day we got to know that our families already knew each other. Due to my disinterest in Dad's company, Rafe and I couldn't meet or else we could have come across maybe ten years ago. Our business relations were that long. After that we started noticing each other in every social event and found out that we almost attend the same parties. Our same opinions and complaints about our strict family cultures brought us closer and our friendship grew with time. In fact, Rafe became my best friend. "Hello, Freya. My God, you look gorgeous." A feminine figure appeared before us. The host of the event; Kaysha, the industrialist herself. "Thank you." I separated my arm from Rafe's as she stepped forward to give me a brief hug. "You are the one who is shining." I complimented her. She released me, "Thank you." and moved to Rafe, "Hello, Rafael Eastmond, always handsome and charming." "Hello, Kaysha. The party
• Freya •Just what had gotten into me that I placed Ben's ring in my purse instead of the drawer? At least my secret was safe there. Now it was dislosed to the world with a misunderstanding. Rafe's father gave a long speech. As it ended, spotlights turned to me and Rafe. My eyes narrowed to slits. I put my hand in front of them to stop flashlights of cameras, directed to me, reporters however continued clicking our pictures.I felt Rafe had been pushed to stand beside me. My knees became weak. I kept clutching the ring inside my fist."Mom, Dad listen to me." I begged them. They were standing at some distance posing in front of cameras. I face palmed myself, "Please. Let's go home."Mom faced me, put her palms on my jaws, pressed them, "Freya. My Freya, you made me proud of you today. Don't worry, the wedding will be soon." I grunted. It was not an appropriate time to think about this, but I was surprised at her adoration for me. It was the first time in ages, she appreciated me for