LOVELESS MARRIAGE

Today is my second wedding anniversary with Charles. He gave me the gift of a grand party at a hotel for us. However, when I arrived there, I saw him embracing another woman affectionately.

“I know, Victoria. But I need time,” Charles said in a low voice.

“You always have an excuse, Charles,” replied the woman, whom I recognized as Victoria Harrington. She is one of Charles’s close friends I often see at family events and has even come to our house a few times. “Two years! I’m sick of waiting. If you really love me, you’ll get rid of her right now.”

I hid behind the wall, holding my breath. What does she mean? Get rid of who?

“I’ve told you, I’ll do it. But not now,” Charles sighed in frustration. “I need to make sure everything goes smoothly. You know I can’t be reckless.”

“Smoothly? You married that stupid woman only for your grandfather’s inheritance!” Victoria snapped. “You don’t even love her. So why hesitate? Get rid of her quickly!”

My heart froze. What does all this mean? Inheritance? I didn’t even know anything about this.

“Yes, I don’t love her,” Charles said flatly. “But I can’t make my grandfather suspicious. Ana is still useful. Once she’s no longer needed, I’ll marry you right away.”

My knees weakened, and tears began to flow uncontrollably. So Charles never truly loved me? Our marriage wasn’t built on love—it was an arrangement. I didn’t even know what kind of agreement my parents had with Charles’s grandfather, but I thought that was the only reason. Turns out, it wasn’t.

“Charles, you’re too slow!” Victoria kept pressing him. “If you don’t act soon, I’ll do it myself. I have plenty of ways to handle this.”

“Don’t do anything rash, Victoria!”

“What, are you starting to care about her? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen in love with her?” Victoria’s voice was sharp and pointed.

“Love? Don’t be naive! If not for making her believe me, I wouldn’t even touch her. I only want my grandfather’s inheritance, that’s all! Just be patient a little longer,” Charles replied. “I already followed your wish not to pick her up here. Isn’t that enough proof that I choose you over her?”

I covered my mouth, holding back a gasp. Charles had indeed asked me to come to this hotel on my own, saying he needed to finish something first. It was because of Victoria? But how did I end up in this hotel room? Is this Charles’s plan too?

I couldn’t clearly remember what happened earlier. The only thing I recalled was my car breaking down on the way, so I took a taxi to get here.

“No! I just want you , Charles. Leave her immediately!” Victoria demanded.

“Fine, I’ll do as you wish.”

Victoria wrapped her arms around Charles’s shoulders, stood on her toes, and kissed him.

I couldn’t bear it any longer. My body trembled, and my chest felt as if a thousand sharp knives were stabbing it. Slowly, I turned away, trying to escape before they found me there.

A few steps before reaching the ballroom, I stopped. I couldn’t show up in this state. Grandfather would worry, and I didn’t know how to explain everything to him. His health hasn’t been good lately.

I turned around and headed to the restroom to calm myself down. No one could know about my condition now.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I wanted so badly to smile, but it felt impossible. The beautiful world I thought I knew had crumbled in an instant. The man I believed loved me turned out to be a traitor. The marriage I thought was happy was nothing more than a game. Was it wrong of me to hope for love from Charles, even though our marriage was arranged?

I tried to hold back my tears, but then someone gently tapped my shoulder. I hoped it was Charles, but it wasn’t.

One thing that came to my mind now was that I needed to protect myself.