[ Rain ]"I can't tell you how much I missed you both but you didn't come to meet us the day you returned from your shortened honeymoon." Maa complained looking at I and Nicholas whose attention is fixed on his plate whereas Papa is giving us an indecipherable look which grows my anxiety even more.What if they smell the tension between us."Sorry, Maa. We're sincerely sorry for not visiting you earlier. Actually I caught viral fever and cold. So, the doctors advised me to live in quarantine so the other won't catch the virus. Nicholas was aiding me, that's why he also stayed indoors." I lied through my teeth and felt guilty.Nicholas's eyes snapped at me. Obviously he didn't expect me to cover up for him."Oh My God! You were sick and you are telling us this now?" Maa's face welcomed the look of panic."See, that's why we didn't tell you. We knew that you will be worried and come to visit us. We didn't want you or Papa to fall sick. I suffered for a week but for the last two or thre

[ Rain ]I don't remember when the last time I felt my heart hammering at this pace. I can't figure it out but the void is there, constantly sinking my heart in it's depth as I stare at Nicholas laying on the hospital bed. His face turned pale and lips blue yet he manages to look handsome as ever.My heart squeezes seeing him in such condition and partially I blame my parents for it and mostly his parents.The conversation I had with his father keeps playing in my mind on repeated mode. The whole reason behind our last minute marriage was planned out.The letter, Roselie running away and my parents to beg me and I agreeing on marrying Nicholas. It was all pre-planned by Nathan Blackwood. If he really wanted me as his son's wife then why all such lies and drama? He could had arranged it between us."Ma'am, please take some rest. You haven't blink your eyes since the last night. I'd inform you if Mr. Black wakes up in your absence." The soft voice of the nurse who is assigned to monitor

[ Rain ]I give up on my hope to see my husband as Nicole strictly ordered the guards to not let me go inside. I feel completely helpless. His parents consoled me before leaving. They also feel ashamed of their deeds. They should be but why am I being punished? Does he really think that I am also involved in this sham?I have no right on my own husband.Am I really married?All these thoughts created a mess inside my head. I can't see my future in the mist of deception and uncertainties."Rain."Xavier's soft voice snaps me out of my trance. I spring up from the chair and rush to him and Mason who just walked out of Nick's ward."How is he?" I ask him the same question I asked his parents.Instead of answering my question, Xavier pulls me into a hug and rested his chin on the top of my head."He is fine, probably gets discharged by tomorrow." He tells me. Nothing new."I mean how is he dealing with the-"I pause not having the courage to remember the bitter truth of our marriage."He

[ Nicholas ]I feel guilty after Rain left. I can't erase the image of teary face. I hurt her for sure but she has to understand from where I am coming. It's not easy for me to trust people now, at least the closest one around me.She has feelings for me and it's not unknown to me but what I feel for her is beyond the vocal description. It's more than mere infatuation, perhaps the first stage of falling in love but again the bitter truth eclipses the feelings. Our marriage has been a play directed by my parents, including hers.How can I decipher my love for Roselie after knowing that she was mostly innocent in this charade. In fact, a victim just like Rain and I.The creaking of the door brings my thoughts to an abrupt halt. I raised my head to look at the intruder and a smile automatically appears on my lips as I see my only source of happiness rushing towards me."Uncle Nick." Breece climbs up on my bed and throws her tiny arms around my neck. I wrap my hands around her small fram

[ Nicholas ]Mason drives me back to my home and I have this sinking feeling that something isn't right but I can't point why. A very excited Breece is jumping on the backseat of the car to meet her Cinderella.On the other hand, I'm dreading to face her after the incident at the hospital."Come on, Nick. Rain isn't one of those clingy wives who'd be waiting for you at the doorstep with a broom in her hand to beat your ass up. I bet she'll forgive you if you talk to her nicely and explain her your state of mind and why you snapped at her." Mason says. He isn't one of those friends who talks of serious subjects. In fact, he can never be serious for more than five minutes."My sister's effect is quite visible on you, bro. You're talking like a grown up man now." I smirk at him who has a slight blush on his cheeks."Agreed. She doesn't like me behaving like a clown all the time." He air quotes the word clown."She's my sister." I state proudly and again the same uneasiness settles in my