12: Sham of a marriage

LILLIAN

But that thought didn’t last for long.

It had been four excruciatingly long hours since Xavier had dropped me off at this place like I was some kid that should be left in daycare. His attitude grated on my nerves, fueling the irritation I have been feeling since this whole charade of a marriage began.

And even though the suite was luxurious and had everything I needed, it still felt stifling without his presence to enliven it with his aggravatingly confident charm and smugness. I wouldn’t stop pacing restlessly, feeling both resentful and abandoned.

I tried to buy him some time. I spent a rather long time in the bathtub and I expected Xavier to come back while I was still inside so that I’ll ignore the heck out of him and see that vein on his forehead almost pop.

But even after an hour and a half in the bathtub, he still didn’t show up.

I didn’t allow that to bother me at that point, at least not yet. So, I started arranging everything in my box into the closet, intentionally leaving all his things out.

I am not his fucking slave and I won’t put myself in the position to be treated as one.

I took my sweet time arranging everything I had into my box even though it wasn’t a lot, expecting that the door would burst open and he’d walk right in with a scowl, a smirk, or whatever plastered on his face, but there was still nothing.

Not even an attendant coming here to me where he was or when he’d be back

And definitely not even as much as a phone call from him letting me know where he was.

He literally just dumped me here.

And then, it occurred to me that he didn’t actually bring me here for a honeymoon. He came here for a business meeting and still wanted to keep an eye on me, so he brought me along— or rather, forced me along.

That son of a bitch.

“Okay, Xavier. Two can play this game.” I muttered, my voice edged with irritation.

I crossed the room and made my way to the closet. Sorting through the array of designer clothes I brought with me— more like smuggled, with me, my eyes settled on a velvet emerald green sleeveless dress that exuded allure.

It featured a plunging neckline and a daring thigh-high slit. Then I picked up a pair of strappy stiletto heels adorned with glistening crystals to go with it.

With a satisfied smirk, I laid the dress out on the bed before moving to the vanity to make my face up. I enhanced my gray eyes with a touch of smokey eyeshadow and applied a blood red lipstick to my lips as a bold finish. Then I styled my honey brown hair in loose waves, allowing it to cascade down my shoulders.

After slipping into the dress, I looked at myself in the mirror, admiring myself at every turn. The dress hugged my curves confidently, the neckline and slit adding a daring elegance to my entire look.

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride as I smiled at my reflection.

Perfect.

Xavier won’t know what hit him by the time I’m done with him. He might not have brought me here for a good course, but I’ll make my stay in Santorini worth my while. I won’t let him ruin this for me.

“He’s missing out,” I declared to my reflection, my tone defiant. “And he can go to hell for all I care.”

I pulled out my phone and began to research the nearest clubs to the hostel. In that moment, a knock on the door echoed through the room, causing me to freeze. Thinking it was Xavier that just got back and ruined my entire plan, my heart raced with apprehension.

“Room Service!” A lady’s voice announced instead, dispelling my fear.

Thank goodness.

With a sigh of relief, I made my way to the door and opened it, revealing the lady holding the handle of the wheeled tray with so many delicacies and goodies. I watched as her eyes scanned my appearance, a slight shock marred across her face.

“Yes?” I folded my hands across my chest.

“Oh,” she caught herself, quickly plastering a smile. “Mrs. Santos, your husband thought you might be bored and sent all this for you,” she gestured to the tray.

I eyed the tray and chuckled humorlessly.

“My husband thought I might be bored and his best options to keep me company are junks and carbs,” I glared at the attendant.

“Ma’am I-I uhhh…” she didn’t even know how to respond to me.

“Get this nonsense out of my face and call me a car,” I ordered. She blinked, as if she was trying to make sense of what I just said “I'm sure you heard me because I know I didn’t stutter,” I said.

“Y-yes ma'am,” she stuttered, scurrying away and leaving the tray. Looking at it annoyed me.

“What did I say about this?” I pointed to it, unable to mask my irritation. She turned back to drag it away, muttering fits of apologies that made me roll my eyes.

In less than ten minutes, I got a call that my car was waiting for me and I smiled as I made my way to the elevator that will take me down.

I am going to lose myself tonight and forget about my absolute sham of a marriage, if only for a few hours.