Shattered_An Innocent Wife

Spring Flower

Lifting her head up she looked at the walls and the whole of the dark-colored room as she sniffed and swiped a lone tear from her left cheek. A very big portrait of her husband was adorning the room. Who was he? Her breathing was again heavy. All of the things were intimidating her. She felt caged but hungry and sleepy too.

Getting up from the floor she walked to the bed while her eyes still wander around. But the view of the portrait always caught her attention. Laying in the bed she hid under the covers. It felt weird. Never in her life, she was on a bed this big. Maroon colored sheets felt soft and warm. Tucking herself into the bed she started thinking about the situation more calmly. She was not with that ugly man and also not under the ground. She was not free like she wanted but still, she didn't need to worry about a roof overhead either.

I will talk to him. There is no way that I can live with him. I don't even know him.

But there were so many questions in her head. Why he married me? Is this some kind of trick? I am no beautiful, smart, or rich. Why anyone would want to marry me? So, this has to be some other thing that I can't understand right now.

With all of these thoughts, she gives in to sleep and only stirred when someone was knocking on her door. Her breath hitched. She stayed silent until she heard a feminine voice saying. "My lady, I bought you dinner."

"Come in," she replied timidly.

A girl in her 20's entered the room with her head down. She set the food on the table while Sydney's stomach was in knots with hunger. After completing the work she stayed there silent.

"Are you not leaving?" Sydney asked with a little confusion.

"If you don't need anything I can leave." The maid replied this time looking at her. Sydney saw how beautiful she was with her blue eyes and beautiful smile. But then something changed in her eyes. Before Sydney could understand, the maid said. "Should I prepare a bath for you. We were only informed yesterday about your arrival. So, there is not much collection in the wardrobe. But we arranged some dress and night wares for you."

Sydney looked at the bridal dress that she was still wearing. She was so tired that she didn't even mind the dress earlier. But it was indeed uncomfortable to sleep in.

"I will be really thankful if you can get me anything comfortable." Sydney requested her humbly.

In her subconscious, she was ready for the maid to yell on her but nothing like this happened. That maid simply nodded and get into the door that was installed to the right side of the bed while Sydney stayed there contemplating her options. She slowly walked to the table and noticed several kinds of foods. She gets herself a glass of water and started with the steak first. The taste was good. She was taking her fourth bite when that maid came out and informed her about the completion of the said task.

"Thank you," Sydney whispered looking at the maid. Maid elegantly nodded and left the room.

She too noticed that she was being treated nicely. But every time she thought that things are fine they always went terribly wrong. So, she didn't hope much. Only after taking three more bites, she didn't feel much hungry but the food on the table smells so good. What a waste if I don't eat this? At least I should taste these. Taking a spoon of everything on her plate she tasted every single dish before covering all the food back. Her huge dress was hindering her movements but still, she couldn't stop admiring the dress. Never in her life, she had seen such a bridal dress. Catching her dress in her hands she made her way to the same door from where that maid appeared.

Unlike the bedroom, it was a well-lighted room. She found that it was a long wardrobe. Manly suits, shorts, polo t-shirts, shoes were neatly placed or hanged while on her right side a huge transparent glass door was encasing a spacious bathroom. It made her feel like she walked into someone's life. But someone completely unknown to her. On her left side, one whole wall was a huge mirror making her look at her herself in that heavenly dress again. Her long hairs in loose curls were adorning her beautiful face.

Do I look beautiful? She wondered but her mind took her to a conversation.

Flashback

"Same here, It creeps me out whenever she is around," Sarah commented on something Mariah said.

"I wish she wasn't living with us. I mean, I don't understand when we all know that she is supposed to get married to uncle Arthur she should be sent to him now. Why do we have to wait for her to be 18?" Mariah replied.

"Please, girls, I still don't want uncle Arthur to get married to this shadow of a ghost. It's so unfair to him. Have you never noticed her dark circles and cold creepy fingers?" Rose pouted while Sydney who was cleaning a vase placed right beside Sarah's bedroom walked out of there. She doesn't want to listen to anything that she shouldn't be hearing.

Flashback ends.

This beautiful dress and me. I shouldn't be wearing this dress if I like this dress even a little. Thinking this she start looking for something that maid had left for her. She gets into the bathroom where the bathtub was all ready for her to slip in. But it was surrounded by beautiful scented candles and petals. This is when she also noticed red lingerie with a red silky robe hanging on the right side to her.

She could feel a lump in her throat while chewing on her lower lip. But then she recalled that Jasper told her that she has three days until she sees Michael again. Gulping hard she unzipped her bridal dress and let it fall. Walking out of the dress she first hanged the dress right beside that lingerie before getting into the tub. The last time she was in a tub was when her father was still alive. It was such a long time ago. The scented tub was so relaxing to the nerves. But she was having things she hasn't earned. "Living in this luxurious life requires some payback." Isabella's voice echoed in her brain.

Suddenly, she felt out of place. This time she doesn't want to give anything for any luxury. She doesn't want it. But it doesn't seem like she can leave. Michael helped her getting out of that hell. She doesn't want to make any mistake. What if he got annoyed and sent her to that hell?

A lot of scenarios keep running in her mind except one that someone might really be interested enough to actually marry her. Being done with the bath she put on the lingerie followed by the robe. Switching off the lights of the room she walked to the spacious terrace just for being awed by the vast estate covered with well-trimmed grass and beautiful sunset.

"Wow," admiration escaped her mouth. Taking one of the chairs she admired the view until it was dark.

Things are good, Sydney. You will make it. Every sunset only takes this sun to make it rise again. All you had to do now is to talk to that person. You might ask to have a job here. This palace has so many servants or maybe at some other estate because here everyone knows me as his wife.

She let the drapes fall and switched off the lights. Loosening the knot on her robe she tried to sleep but a lot of things keep playing in her mind and with all of the memories, this huge room looks scarier in the darkness. It feels lonely and scary. All she could hope that she doesn't have any nightmare tonight.

***********************

His flight got canceled because of the weather forecast.

Returning to his mansion took him an hour. Though he could have stayed in one of his hotels, the thought of checking on his bride, affected his decision. Getting into his place he routed for his study and started looking at some crucial on going projects. After making endless calls, analyzing a number of reports, and burning a whole pack of cigarettes he was beyond tired. This is when he heard a knock on his door.

"Come in," Noah said letting Jasper enter into his study.

"Sir, you came early?" Though Jasper didn't want Noah to know the worry in his voice, it was not completely unnoticed by Noah.

"Is there a problem?" Noah asked.

"No, it's just...I wanted to ask what would you like to have at breakfast." Jasper tried to mask his earlier blunder.

"I won't be taking anything. I will be leaving at 6 in the morning." Noah replied in his stern tone.

"Very well," Jasper replied and then left. Only he knew that Mrs. Miller was never gonna trust his words.

Noah went to his room to be welcomed by darkness. Switching on the lights he was about to make his way to his wardrobe when his eyes fell on his bed.

Setting aside the light fabric that was casing the bed he looked at his beautiful wife. His eyes were a shade darker when he found her in the red lingerie. She looked so innocent and fragile. He stood there to notice the perfect rhythm of her breathing. Her white pale skin looked perfect on his bed. She was terribly thin and weak but he could see the beauty. After all, he was an artist under his business clothes. His throat was dry with desire but he knew he can't have her. Not now.

It was nothing less than looking at your favorite meal but not be able to have it. Gulping hard he went into the wardrobe to get changed. After being finished with his night hygiene he got into the bed. He couldn't help but stare at her innocent face. Removing a random lock wandering on her face he leaned closer.

Her lips were so inviting. But suddenly, her face looked tensed. He assumed that she is having some nightmare. Her breathing was uneven and her forehead started sweating. Her hand that was already resting on the pillow clutched the pillow tightly.

"No, please no more." She breathed out the words. Without any second thought, he took her into his arms and hugged her. Making circles with his palm on her back, he whispered the words in her ear. "Relax,... You are fine." A little after that her body was relaxed but now she was hugging him with her face buried in his chest. He, too let his face rested over her head. Though he can't have her, he will surely give her something for his presence to be known.

The sun that was surely meant to rise again, appeared on the horizon. The drapes she closed were removed, letting all the sunlight came into the room to wake her up. She stirred and woke up rubbing her eyes. Sitting on her bed she didn't know what to do. Just yesterday she was cleaning the hallways for Blake's but today is too uncertain.

Forgetting everything for a moment she just stared at the sunrise. The view from her room was magnificent. The sunlight gave her skin much-needed warmth. She was so much awed by the beauty that she didn't even blink. But then a knock on the door took her out of her trance. Setting her robe back on her shoulders and securing the knot she replied to the knock with a "come in,"

Two maids with a dresser rail entered the room followed by Jasper. "Good morning, Mrs. Miller," Jasper said the greetings while the maids in white uniform had their heads down.

Something swirled inside her after listening to this name but she still looked composed.

On the other side, Jasper feared that she might be hating him for lying to her. But it wasn't his mistake. Mr. Miller came at the last minute.

When she didn't budge he continued. 

"This is such a good day. I would love to give you a tour of the estate. But let's just say have breakfast first. These maids here are for your service. Feel free to ask for anything."

"I don't need help. Just leave the dress here. I will get ready." Sydney replied looking at Jasper.

Jasper motioned the maids and they went into the wardrobe to set the dresses and accessories.

"So, how your stay is going?" Jasper asked.

Why are you interested, Jasper? The last thing I want is to do something you come up with. She wanted to yell on him but then guilt instantly stabbed her. Whatever the situation is, they indeed saved her. And about this Mrs. Miller's situation, all she needs to do is talk to Michael.

"I guess, I never thank you for helping me." She said looking out of the large windows.

"Pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Miller," Jasper replied and left. Maids who were busy in her wardrobe came out. They were leaving the room when she felt something sliding on her chest. A beautiful pendant was hanging around her neck.

"Who was in my room last night?" She asked from the maids. Fear was so evident in her voice.

The question was so unexpected that it left maids a little puzzled. But the one with the long brown hair replied.

"There was no one except you and Mr. Miller."

They left but she didn't know how to process this. She looked at the beautiful pendant again. "Am I captured?" She whispered the words.

She didn't know what to feel anymore. She could sense that Noah or Michael whoever he is, has something in store for her. She couldn't help but feel scared every time she think about being in the same bed with him.

She chose a full-length dress for herself. Use the matching accessories and made her hair into a simple low bun with a little makeup.

On the breakfast table, she was more focused on checking out the pictures hanging on the wall with all their might. It was a long hall having space for more than 50 people to sit around. But she was alone sitting on the head chair. The maid left after serving her. She did ask about Noah from that maid and was informed about his departure.

She was taken to the beautiful garden afterward. She was offered a tour that she declined humbly. The maid left to take some comfortable chair for her.

The garden was beautiful and quiet. The fragrance was calming her nerves. She couldn't help but think about her future. There was no way she could play someone's wife. She doesn't have this in her. She was walking aimlessly when she heard some little kids in an argument. She saw two boys almost around 10 and a girl who looked half of their age. They were arguing about who is the winner. The little girl's nose was flaring as she was threatening them. Sydney was looking at their fight with curiosity.

The girl was the first one to notice Sydney. 

"Look, the lady of this house." She said and both boys look at her. Three of them seem worried about something. In the meantime, the maid came out.

"You were told not to leave your quarters." The maid said with a disappointment in her voice.

"Now, hurry up and go." The maid said and kids followed.

"Who are they?" Sydney asked. 

"They are the kids of the people who work here." Maid replied.

"How many people work here?" Sydney asked. 

"Around 150." the maid answered.

"Everyone's family lives here?" Sydney asked again. 

"No mam, only the women who are single mothers and don't have any family are allowed to have their kids here."

"I am so sorry if they disturbed you. We advised them not to come out until your stay." The maid continued.

"Is it because of me that they are not allowed to play around?" Sydney asked with an utter shock in her eyes.

"My lady, they are 22 in total. If we allow them they will be everywhere. Don't underestimate them. And it might disturb your peace." The maid informed her.

"I won't be disturbed. Please, allow them. It is their house more as they live here." Sydney said and left for her room. 

The maid was indeed right. The house that had utter silence for the last whole day have kids shouting all the time. She could saw them from the terrace.

The house seems lively. It wasn't intimidating her anymore. It looks like a beautiful kingdom in which everyone was happy.

She came to know that some kids don't even have their mother. This also made her wonder that not every orphan is treated badly in this world.

And it is all because of Noah. He has the power to get these kids out of here. But he didn't. Sometimes he seems like a nice guy. Maybe I can make him talk to my interests and get him agreed. Her thoughts were so jumbled.

Surprisingly, she didn't have any nightmares that night. The next day was the same but she heard some kids bragging about seeing the lady of the house. They would praise her beauty but it was so evident from their accent that they were trying to make the rest of them jealous. She rolled her eyes in disbelief. She spent her whole day listening to those kids' stupid jokes, believes, and stories. She also came to know that Mr. Miller bought someone 6 years ago. After that, no one from the Miller family ever came to her except Noah's late father. She wonders who that girl was but didn't give much thought to it.

Kids were really a nuisance but in the meantime a good source of spending her time.

The third day when she was en route to her room she saw Jasper coming to her way. "Mrs. Miller, there is something we wanted to show you."

"Is this important?" Sydney asked.

"You can come and see." He said with a smile. She turned the hallways until they were in a big hall. The hall had almost all the kids but they had their attention on something going inside some room.

"What is it?" She asked. 

"We call it a hall of fame. Kids are just curious." Jasper replied.

All of a sudden she was curious too. She walked to that room but the moment she passed the kids some little girl said. "I wish I could see this room." and that was it.

Though Jasper tried to convince her that there is nothing that could interest kids, all of them were inside.

The pictures or paintings were even dated back to the 1700s. Some pictures were of couples. Under every pic, there was a brief history of that person. After one or two pictures she stopped reading them. The kids were taking pics like they were in some museums while Sydney was just walking without any interest. She couldn't understand why she was supposed to be impressed by this until she came across her husband's pic. Her eyes almost popped out as she looked at the frame that was beside that picture. It was Sydney herself with Noah Miller. And they were kissing.

She could hear kids giggling or gasping. They started taking their pictures in front of that frame.

"Is this one going to be here too?" Sydney asked with utter panic.

Jasper didn't want her to panic. So, he tried to give her an answer that could relax her.

"No, it will keep changing. Let's say you two go on a good trip or have kids. You know...

She didn't let him complete that sentence as she stormed out of there. Getting into her room she removed that pendant around her neck. What if Jasper is right? What if he doesn't agree.

In the morning maids came and bring her a beautiful red dress. They left the dress and accessories. She got ready and waited for Mr. Miller to come. Her dress has no sleeves so she hid the marks on her arms with makeup. She had her hair tied up. Maids asked her if she wanted all of her dress to be packed but she denied thinking she shouldn't be taking things she doesn't own.

She sits in front of the mirror and wonders why she is so dressed up? I want to request him to leave me but in the meantime, I am so dressed up. Why do I feel that it doesn't make sense?

She was still looking at the mirror when the door was knocked. A maid came in and said. "My lady, Mr. Miller is waiting for you in his car."