Shattered_An Innocent Wife

A new Journey

He let her go after 2 whole minutes, giving the photographer an ample chance of taking the best shots from all the angles possible. She looked at Michael blankly just to see his mouth a little curled up from a side while his eyes held an indiscernible emotion.

Her right hand went to her swollen lips as she stands there looking at him. Too appalled to do anything at all. But then she took one of her foot back and sensing what she is up to he caught her waist to make her stand by his side while she stumbled a little with his sudden move.

The priest walked down to congratulate the couple again. Though he was not in the mood to greet anyone, he knew he can't avoid this man. Before that priest can come even closer he hunches a little to her ear and whispered. "Behave" Just one word. But said with a voice and tone that send shivers and numbed her whole being. She did hear the word but continue to stand stiff.

The priest didn't take much of the time and let the couple made their way to the exit. This time her eyes scanned the hall more closely. The dress she found too beautiful a moment ago feel like congesting her. Like it was telling her that she is been caged again. All of the things combined made her faith falter but she still tried to hold onto her hopes.

Not a person was there who was not on the Miller enterprise's payroll. The photographer and beauticians were professional or in contract with Miller enterprise. Security guards were there to provide security not just to the couple but to the professional staff too.

The moment that newly wedded couple started to made its way to the exit, all of the people stood from their seats to clap and the people who were already standing cheered for the couple. The hall echoed with the cheerful voices and all of that just made Sydney's heart hammered in her chest even more.

The cameraman did capture all the happy faces but the moment the couple left the chapel all of them got busy in wrapping things or doing things they have been assigned to.

Her legs wobbled while taking her down the stairs outside the chapel. Her long dress was carried by the very same girls who helped her to get ready. But her mind was still on that embarrassing moment that she shared in front of an audience, she barely knows. Who these people were? Why all of this was necessary? She thought.

She looked at the man who had his right hand on her waist. She believed him because he never tried to take advantage of her. But that thing is changed now. Because as of now he does look like someone who will take the opportunity if provided. But there was no option left. There was no other way beside silently praying to God that her every fear turns out to be an empty doubt having no real weight.

Gulping hard she tried to get a hold on herself. And the first thing her brain supplied her was the assurance. Sydney, you know who is Noah Miller. Blake's family knew that person. This wedding is absolutely fake. This guy will drop you somewhere far from Huntsville and you could start your life. This thought took her mind to the bills she tore mercilessly. Oh, God, what I just did. I didn't even pick my suitcase. And the dress this beautiful. They will definitely require me to return it.

"Mrs. Miller." Someone called her. She looked above to find Jasper holding a vehicle's door for her. She looked at the person beside her who had a frown on his face. And when she returned his frown with confusion on her face he whispered under his breath. "We don't have forever to wait for you." Her eyelashes falter. Something told her not to believe this man but she didn't let anyone wait anymore as she slowly made herself seated in the car. Her body met with the chilling air conditioning. Giving her goosebumps.

The ladies who were holding her dress before helped her to place all the fabric on the spacious floorboard ahead. A little sweet smile was plastered on their faces, making Sydney feel that they know some internal joke she can't understand.

The moment those pretty ladies left, the door was shut. The sound made her heart skip. But next, she noticed a movement on her right side. Turning her head to right she found Michael getting in. Not long after the moment, he fastened his seat belt the engine started.

The thought of this person's tongue in her mouth a moment ago made her breathing a little restless. Drifting her eyes to the front she took in the dark-colored interior of the car. Their seats were made of Ultra Ankiv leather. They couldn't see the driver as a screen was there. But what caught her attention was the delicate steel wires on the right side of the roof holding bottles and glass. Last time she praised a car's interior it didn't go well for her. Some memories flashed and her right hand came forward to grab her left arm without her knowing.

She looked at Michael to find him busy on something with his phone. And somehow this thing made her release the breath she was holding. She looked outside the window to find the very same roads she had always known. A moment later she passed the very same road that if taken will lead to her old place. The car passed her old playground, her school, and a graveyard. For a second she wanted to visit her parent's grave but then she decided against the idea. Getting out of this town was far more important. She doesn't even want to imagine what Isabella would do to her if she got caught.

Everything will be fine Sydney. Things are meant to be sorted out from now on.

"What the HELL?" Noah shrieked making Sydney jump and put her right hand on her mouth. She looked at him to find anger seeping through his every pore. She still could feel those words resonating in the air. It seemed whoever was on the other side of the phone might have committed a huge crime.

"I don't care about the fu*king drive Mr. Coulter. Either those details would be mailed to me before I board or you will lose your position." The words left his mouth like spitting venom. She couldn't help but look at how his lips twitched in anger when he tries to listen about whatever that poor man on the other side had to say. He looked far more horrible than Isabella.

After a moment he cut the call but look too frustrated while she saw him with her wide and alert eyes.

Next, she saw him looking at the long dress that was taking a little bit too much place. She saw his expression changed but didn't know the reason.

"Was this dress of your choice?" He asked in a monotone voice, not leaving his eyes from the dress that was spread all over the place.

Not getting what he exactly meant by this she took no time to shake her head.

"Cover it or do whatever you need to do but.... collect it." He said calmly but gritted on the last two words. His face shows that he is trying really hard to suppress his urge to yell.

Spreading her arms on the long bundle of fabric layers she caught it and placed it over her lap. And just so that material doesn't fall she hugged it tightly.

She looked at him. Like she was asking if it's fine now. But he was busy pouring a glass for himself. His bow tie was a little loose now along with the first two buttons showing his flawless skin underneath. He looked mighty. The way he was holding the glass to his lips and his perfectly carved face was staring on the screen made him look like someone so important. She stared at him longer than appropriate and met with a hard glare from him that she not only found quite difficult to decipher but scared her too.

"What? You want it?" He asked her as he took his glass a little to her but this time his voice though came a little frustrated, it was not filled with anger.

She shook her head in no. But his ocean blue eyes scanned her nervous body. He didn't overlook the way her body was heaving. He looked at her like he had nothing else to do here. And having unwanted attention made her sweaty hands clutched onto the dress even more while her toes curled. Something told her that this person has plans for her she is not aware of.

The moment seemed to be still. But inner side she was filled with unsettled waves and those too were crashing hard on some nonexistent shore. She was at a loss of words. With this, there was another reality that lingered on her body. She doesn't have any plans. A plan if this person kicks her out of his vehicle in some desolate area. Or a plan if he tries to do something with her. A vibration resonated and he picked his cell phone. His eyes were not on her anymore and this time he was calmer on the phone and that made Sydney a little bit relax.

She stopped staring at him too and looked at her lap. It's fine Sydney. It is far better than sitting with that ugly man. She inhaled a long breath and looked outside the window again to see a wooden board painted in green. It says in white 'Good Bye' 'Hope to see you again.'

The board went out of the sight in an instant but her mind was recalling all the bitter or sweet memories this town gave her. This town was the only place she had ever known. She placed her head on the comfy seat. She could hear him busy on the phone. And her mind went to the ongoing issues ahead of her.

Should I ask him where he is gonna drop me? Only if Jasper had given me a heads up. I might have taken my suitcase and money along with me. Can I ask for some money from him? No! 

It doesn't matter even if he tells me where he is gonna drop me. It's not like I know about places.

Are you stupid Sydney? He came up with a lot of preparation. The guards the cars, security, and the dress. And Jasper. There is no way that he is gonna drop you somewhere. He has a plan. But what it could be? I have to ask him. But what I will say. Ok! I will say. What's next? No! I will ask what's the plan? No! I might say thank you first. No! He kissed me. I can't say thank you to him. No matter what.

Taking a long breath she turned to him. He seemed busy with his tablet. Taking her lower lip in her teeth she tried to muster up the courage to say something. To say anything.

"Thank you." She whispered in a voice that sound a little hoarse. For a moment even she couldn't recognize that it's her voice. Her courtesy was met with utter silence. His eyes were still on the screen.

"Thank you." This time she said and made sure that it was audible enough.

This time breaking his stare from the screen he looked at her for a moment and said. "I m trying to work here." His voice was a little annoyed this time but not scary. He shifted his gaze to the screen again and said. "And remember Sydney, there is no free lunch in my dictionary."

Sydney couldn't make the meaning out of it soon but when she does a little panic surged in her whole body.

"What do you want?" She asked but her voice was laced with panic. This time he switched off his tab and casually placed it on the holder.

Lightly placing his knuckles under his chin he gave his new bride, his full attention, and asked with very much interest.

"What can you....offer?" He said the last word like he was tasting it on his tongue.

She focused on his words carefully and try to think about something but looking at his eyes that traveled from her face to her neck and then to her body, she felt numb. It made her gulp hard and break the contact to look ahead.

"I... don't have anything to offer." She said but her voice trembled and mascara laced eyelashes flutter like the wings of a butterfly.

Until now their car was running on the highway. They had two cars going ahead of their vehicle and three after them. She didn't know about it. She had never seen these roads. The only place she ever visited was Jennifer's town that was too not so away from Huntsville.

"Your memory is quite weak." He said in a monotone. His voice was so cold that it could have freeze Sydney if words could freeze. This made her look at him to find that he was twisting his ring that Sydney put on his hand not so long time ago.

Her throat felt dry. She tried to reason with him but didn't have words. But next, she knew what to say.

"You...You aren't Noah Miller." She said but her voice was filled with doubts. It was more like she was telling herself and not asking him.

"I am Noah Miller." He said calmly this time. But for Sydney, the words weren't less than a dagger on her heart. He noticed how she stopped breathing or blinking. Or how her eyes went wide. Only he knew how much he craved for her. But he can't show her. He can't show her that she effects her in every way possible. He can't let her have that confidence ever. He tried not to look at her. He tried to do any work but no he wasn't busy. But then he noticed that she shouldn't hold her breath this long.

"Breath" He ordered and she let her breath out. Her breathing was erratic and her eyes seemed moist when she said. "Don't say that."

"It's true." He said and got busy on nothing particular on his phone.

He noticed how she tried to get away from him as much as possible. He could see from the corner of his eyes that she was trying to cage her body in her frail arms. He tried to ignore her but then a whimper from her mouth took him to edge. He was beyond angry when he turned his gaze to her. But the moment he looked at her scared figure and how one strand of hair was dancing on her cheek he forgot everything about his anger. She relaxes him. Every time, without any failure.

He forwarded his fingers to catch that strand without him knowing but sensing that he might be coming to attack her. She jumped back while hiding her face in her hands and said. "Please, don't hurt me."

For a moment he felt like someone broke his heart in two. Yes! He decided to not to meddle in any one's life from her town. But if he ever saw her this broken because of someone else he can't promise anything. A caller I.D appeared on his screen. But before picking that call up he said.

"I won't hurt you, Sydney. So, STOP IT."

She could hear him busy on the phone. Very carefully she removed a finger on her right eye a little to the side and saw him busy with his tablet. Removing her hands from her face she turned to the window. Apparently, she tried to look busy looking at the things passing by. But in her mind, she knew she was caged. Once again. There was no way that she is going to be in this fake marriage. But Sydney he might be just teasing you. How can someone lie to Blake's? Blake knew who was Noah Miller. And this thing made his claim baseless.

She avoided looking in his direction all the time. While he saw her back and her reflection on the pane all the time silently. He liked it. He liked to be calm. It relaxed his nerves.

Soon, she noticed that they left the highway and took another peripheral road. She noticed that after fifteen minutes a wall appeared in front of her window. Though the wall was at least 12 feet away she couldn't see the end of it. It was indeed high. After five minutes she noticed that they entered a huge iron gate. Everything after that gate she saw was green.

The grounds were well kept and layered with an equal-sized real grass. She was still mesmerized by the sight when a huge castle-like house came into her view. It was high and huge having long windows that couldn't be counted or predicted on a single glance. Just like she had heard in fairytales. This is when she noticed that they were on some white cobblestone's driveway. The driveway ahead encircled a huge fountain that was running and going quite high.

What she couldn't see was that driveway encircled the whole building because the car came to halt once it reached the front of the house. Not long after the car was stopped Noah ordered.

"Hurry up."

His voice was followed by someone opening the door. She didn't see the person but when that person said. "Welcome Mrs. Miller." She knew that it was Jasper.

She stayed still. She doesn't want to be called Mrs. Miller.

"He is talking to you. Mrs. Miller." Noah took her out of her trance.

She heard him but didn't have the courage to look at him. When she tried to get out of the car, the very same girls were there to help her get out of the car. Soon, she was out with her whole dress. It was the first time that she noticed how luxurious the car looked from outside. But then all the rows of the six luxurious cars left. Leaving her with Jasper beside him and two ladies.

Well, this is what she believed. Because the moment she followed them to the house through a huge magnificent door she noticed two never-ending rows of maids. All females having a light smile on their lips.

And somehow these things intimidate her. But before she could meltdown,  she heard Jasper talking to someone and everyone dispersed.

"Please, show us the way to Mrs. Miller's room. She would like to rest. She's been in quite a tiresome journey." Jasper said in quite a commanding yet low voice. If she was one foot away she might haven't heard them.

The girls helped to hold her dress while a maid in her forties showed them the way. Getting onto a carpeted grandiose staircase she passed leaving a number of rooms behind and finally came a hallway that looked not only more spacious than all the other hallways they left behind but had large frames holding beautiful paintings and vessels that were carved with delicate silver or gold-colored work.

They stopped at a door that was too huge and almost reached the ceiling. That was too opened before she made her way to the door. The maid waited until all of them were inside. The girls and maid stand there to wait for the next order but Jasper gave them a slight nod telling them to leave.

They were still getting out when Sydney turned to Jasper and asked. "Why you didn't tell me that he is Noah Miller?"

He looked behind him to make sure that no ear was there to listen to whatever they are gonna talk about.

"Mrs. Miller, make sure that no one doubts the lack of understanding that you two have. For now, just know that you are staying here for three days. After that, you will be sent to San Francisco. To Mr. Noah Miller's residence. I suggest you ask him anything you want to ask." He said with utter calm and respect while having his eyes to the floor.

He could only hear her breathing getting hard. When she didn't respond he add."I think you should use these three days to accept your new life. Believe me, he is far from a bad choice."

So, it was true. He is Noah Miller. She felt like she is caged in a place that is completely unknown to her.

How stupid of me to actually believe that the wedding is not real. While all the things seemed too real. She thought and the moment they exchanged the vows flashed in her eyes.

He didn't see when a silent tear came to wet her right cheek. But after one whole minute, he heard her say. "I want to be alone."

"Of course." He said and left while taking slow and humble steps.

She turned to look at the room that was more spacious than Blake's living area. 

From where she is standing it was not hard to see a very large terrace beside the room. From where sunlight was seeping through big heavy dark-colored drapes. A very huge bed was placed in the center. It was big enough for five people to set in there. A very light almost feather-like fabric encased that bed. She also noticed a set of sofa that was dark-colored and was set around a beautiful table.

The walls were light brown colored. And because there were only one or two L.E.D lights on, it made the room a little more dark. No doubt that all the things looked beyond expensive and mesmerizing. But this is not what she asked for. What she wanted was to be free. Just for once, she wants to feel free and breathe the air without any weight on her shoulders.

So, She stood their stiff. She still couldn't believe what she got herself into. And when her aching soul couldn't take it anymore she slowly sat on the floor in her beautiful dress while the room having the interior worth millions get filled with little soft whimpers.