Miserable person

Layla’s Pov

I threw the bouquet of flowers into the air, watching the young girls catch it. 

How could they want this thing called marriage? Right now, I was probably the most miserable person in the world. 

Notwithstanding, I maintained the plastered smile on my face and curtseyed ever so often as big shots from various 5-star companies came to congratulate us. 

I glanced up at Ethan. His firm jaw and well carved out features looked as stunning as they did in the pictures. His arms were linked through mine, as we got into the limousine, portraying the image of a loving husband. If he was planning on fooling those people, then I had to give it to him, he made a fine actor. 

I on the other hand had gotten a glimpse of the real devil that he was. I could even feel him glaring at me from the corner of his eyes. 

Once we got into the car, he let go of me and leaned against the window. The look in his eyes were quite readable. As far as he was concerned, I didn't exist anymore. 

I frowned. I was not about to be treated like trash for the rest of my life by some man who got to act like he was the only one displeased by our arranged weeding. Every vein in my body throbbed in indignation. 

“Since we're going to be stuck with each other for a long time,” I ventured in a low voice. “We might as well try to make it workout.”

He scoffed. “Who said I want this to work?”

I bit my lower lip. I never really had an impression of him but this... This was kinda disappointing. 

He took out his handset and ignored me for the rest of the journey. 

How I longed for my simple teenage years where all I had to do was study to make my father proud. 

I stared at him who was now sitting at the far end of the car. His jet black hair fell over his face as he typed on the phone furiously. He was avoiding me, I wasn't surprised, I might have done the same. 

I wanted to believe that there was more to Ethan Crawford than meet the eye. 

Somewhere there, there wan a fine gentleman with a heart of pure gold... Wait scratch that... The point was, I wasn't going to give up without trying. 

The mansion took me by surprise. The moonlit view of the three story mega villa was definitely die for.

There was even a water fountain in the middle with two chairs by the side. Very romantic, I thought. 

The car parked by the main building where a flight of stairs lead up to the next story. 

Stepping down front the car, the neon blue lights emanating from the windows cast a faint glow on our faces. I tried to register the fact that this had become my new home. 

The mansion was huge, such that with appropriate timing, we might not even see each other for half a year. I felt almost happy. I know I said I'd try but honestly, we could just as easily avoid each other. 

He glanced at me reading my expression, then held out his hand to lead me inside. 

“People aren't here,” I said hurt. “You don't have to keep pretending.”

“You talk a lot.” He noted. 

I bit my lip slipping my hand into his. 

He led me through the foyer and into the living room. 

A flight of stairs spiralled up at both sides of the large rooms and golden chandeliers hung off from almost every corners. If I didn't hate the man beside me, I might have felt some endearing sensation to this magnificent building. 

“Are we sharing a room?” I asked. 

He let out a short laughter. “You sure dream don't you.”

My fist clenched beside me. If this spoilt tycoon would give me a penny for every time he humiliated me, I would already be half as wealthy as he was. 

He pulled me roughly to his side and lifted my chin to meet his eyes. “Look around you Layla, you can barely count the number of rooms on this building. I am the fucking CEO of the Crawford family business. Congratulations on your well played act, this is as rich as you'll ever get in your life and afterlife.”

“What the hell are you talking about!” I pushed him away, tears gathering at the corner of my eyes. 

The bodyguards that followed us into the house stood motionless by the door. 

Ethan smirked devilishly and advanced towards me with errie calm.

The room suddenly felt claustrophobic... Was he going to get violent? He already said he was going to make my life hell... What exactly did he want from me. 

I was pinned to the wall and Ethan whispered in my ears. “You might have accelerated the wedding to make sure I got married to you, but if you think a one night stand was enough to make me love you,” 

His laughter echoed in my head. “Then you're sorely mistaken.”

His lips brushed against my ear lobe as he drew back. His gaze lingered on my scared figure for half a second before he diverted his gaze with a shake of his head. 

“Truly pathetic.” His last words struck me, stinging painfully through my whole being. 

“Show her around,” He added casually to a maid before taking the stairs. 

As his shoes echoed on the transparent marble tiles, everything he said rung endlessly in my head. 

The hotel saga, he thought I had it planned... Was that why he hated me this much? Was I cursed to continue living like this... I could still run away couldn't I? Make it out of the city, start another life.... 

My father's face loomed over me, smiling sweetly at the thought of his daughter getting married to a successful handsome man. Nicole's face jeered at me with a smug smile. 

“Truly pathetic...” Ethan's voice hunted me. How could a man be so wicked? 

I collapsed to the ground and sobbed uncontrollably.