Not Staying
"Nothing for you to concern yourself about," Cullen said sharply to Cyrus, then turned back to his mother. “I don’t know why you decided to do all of this, but Sarah is my wife, and we’re not staying here. Sarah, come.”
He said it like a command, sharp, final like I was some pet to summon.
But I stood frozen, caught between two voices that held power over me. One was my husband’s, the man I barely knew but had been bound to for life. The other was my mother-in-law, the woman who had shown me unexpected warmth and familiarity in a house full of strangers.
I turned toward her instinctively, searching her face for direction. She sighed, slow and deep, then finally spoke.
“Your father and I thought it would be better if you and your new wife stayed here for a while,” she said gently to Cullen. “Just until you both get to know each other.... before taking her to live with you in the city.”
Cullen’s jaw tightened. “What you’re actually saying is you want to monitor us, to keep an eye on us and our relationship.”
“You can’t blame us,” she replied softly, but firmly. “After what your brother did, this is a precaution. We just want to make sure everything is all right.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Cullen muttered, voice low with frustration. “Cyrus screws up, and I’m the one paying for it? Classic. Cyrus makes mistake after mistake, and when I try to do the right thing, everyone assumes I’ll mess it up just like him.”
That’s when Cedric Cincinnati appeared, stepping into the conversation with the weight of authority. “There’s a lot on the line here,” he said, his voice steady. “We’re talking about another family...the Irish, and we are not going to take their daughter’s life and well-being lightly.”
He looked between us, voice unwavering. “So you and Sarah are staying here. Whether you like it or not."
Cullen glared at his father. Cedric sighed before he continued,
“This decision is not only about you,” Cedric Cincinnati continued firmly. “It’s also about security... making sure both of you are safe. Sarah doesn’t come from our life, and if something happens to her, it becomes a problem for all of us, including our contract with the Irish. We have to make sure she’s in a secure place, protected, so nothing jeopardizes that relationship. Do you understand?”
“Not really,” Cullen muttered, shaking his head. “The apartment I got is full of security. I even assigned a personal guard to her. She’s going to be perfectly safe. It’s not like she’s wandering off anywhere, so I don’t see how this is even a problem. You just want to....."
“Stop it right there,” his mother cut in sharply, raising a finger at him.
Cedric didn’t wait for more. “Cullen, meet me in my office. Now.”
Then he turned and walked away.
I remained where I stood, unsure, my heart thudding. Cullen went after his father. Cyrus remained, he looked at me his expression unreadable, with something close to pity… or sadness… or maybe just resignation flickering in his eyes. I couldn’t tell.
Then came the voice that broke through my daze.
“Hey, Sarah, are you coming?” Mrs. Cincinnati called from the stairs.
She was already halfway up.
“Yes,” I said quickly, as I followed her up the remaining steps.
As we reached the landing, she gestured gently. “This side,” she explained, “the right wing is where Cedric and I live. But this left-wing here, it’s where our kids stay. And now that Cyrus has moved out… well, it’s yours and Cullen’s.”
I could only smile at her. It seemed like the safest, most polite response I could muster.
We walked together through the wide corridor. She pointed out rooms as we passed them. “This could be an office,” she said. “That one, maybe a nursery. There’s enough space here for you to grow into a family when the time is right.”
Eventually, we reached the end of the hall, where two tall double doors stood closed.
She turned to me with a gentle smile. “This is yours and Cullen’s master bedroom.”
I nodded silently, swallowing the storm inside me. I walked in and was surprised by how much thought had gone into the room.
The colours blended harmoniously from soft feminine tones to subtle masculine hues. As Mrs. Cincinnati showed me around, I couldn’t help but admire the setup. Everything was beautifully created and thoughtfully decorated. It felt like someone had carefully considered both of us.
She led me into the closet, grand and spacious, with sections already neatly arranged. Then we moved into the bathroom, thoughtfully divided with two separate vanities Cullen's space and my space. There was even a small veranda tucked off to the side, perfect for when I wanted a moment alone at night, maybe to breathe, maybe to think.
When she opened the large windows, I stepped out for a moment and saw all the greenery below. It stretched out like a living painting, peaceful and serene. It was the kind of view I could sleep to… wake up to… and I had to admit—I loved this bedroom.
The only problem with it was that I had to share it with Cullen. A man who didn’t even want to share it with me. I didn’t know why, but the words escaped me.
“Has Cullen seen it?”
“No,” she answered with a soft smile. “He hasn’t. So it’s kind of a wedding gift from Cedric and me. A surprise for both of you.”
“Thank you,” I murmured.
For a second, I wanted to hug her, but I hesitated. I wasn’t a hugger. My father wasn’t a hugger. I couldn’t even remember the last time someone hugged me probably our cook, back when I was little.
But Mrs. Cincinnati didn’t wait. She pulled me into a warm embrace and kissed the top of my head.
“As you saw, the clothes your family brought are already arranged in the closet,” she said gently. “I also asked your personal maid what items you were used to at home. She gave me a list, and I made sure to get them all for you. I hope you like everything. And if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Okay… thank you,” I said, truly grateful. “Thank you for being so kind.”
“Of course, dear. Don’t worry about a thing. I would’ve loved to spend more time with you today, but as you saw… it’s been a long day. We’ll have time to talk more soon.”
She gave me another soft kiss on the forehead before turning to leave. “Go on, take a shower and rest. I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Okay, thank you,” I said quietly.
And just like that, I was alone.
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