Chapter 3
Tara's POV;
Sitting quietly on the swing in the garden, I have another deep sigh. It's 6 pm already and Chad did not call or message once. I know that a part of me has always known that he doesn't love me as much as I love him, but it hurts for him to do this.
How could he forget a day so special? It's our second wedding anniversary. We're meant to be celebrating this special day. But now I'm cursed to think about why and how my husband forgot something so important.
Oh, if my family ever got a whiff of this, they would mock me until the end of time. They never wanted me to marry Chad. They called him all sorts of names and said that he wasn't fit for me. My older brother, Matthew, called him a gold digger, my father called him a misfit, my mom called him and his family peasants and my little sister called him a stain to the family name.
They all disliked Chad and never wanted me to be with him. They didn't care that I had been in love with and had always wanted Chad from the very moment I set my eyes on him.
I was and still am madly in love with the blue-eyed, blonde-haired man. He's my whole heart, life, and being. But sadly, I don't seem to mean that much to him.
When Chad proposed to me, I was over the moon. It felt like all the stars aligned for me, and that we were meant to be. However, the idea disgusted my family. They hated the mere thought of Chad and me being together. In fact, they hated it so much that they set an ultimatum. That I cut off my family completely if I accepted Chad's proposal.
They asked me to choose between Chad and my family…
And I chose Chad.
And now, I'm beginning to have reasons to question that decision. Chad has never looked at me with love in his eyes. He acts like he was forced to marry me, and like he wasn't the one who came to my house to propose to me.
I wonder why he treats me so. I've given up everything for him. To please him and love him better. I don't even have any friends. And yet, he doesn't seem to return the same energy that I give to him. It hurts. It hurts a lot. It hurts so bad that sometimes, I wish the pain were physical so that I could get a doctor to help me with it.
But then again, these are just trials of love. Aren't they? If my love and strength are solid enough, they should be strong enough to hold this relationship. I just need to trust the vows I made with him on our wedding day and trust time. He'd come around. He definitely will. He loves me. I know he does. Good things happen to good people. And I've been good to him for all the time I've known him. Chad will come around.
I wipe a teardrop that slides down my face and when I open my eyes, I look up at the darkening sky. The sun is going down, and my husband still hasn't reached out to me.
I draw another deep breath for the umpteenth time as I try to get my mind off these heavy thoughts and focus on the feeling of the tender grass of the field playing under my bare feet and between my toes.
“Madam, “Claire's voice suddenly calls, and I turn to the door where she's standing to look at her.
Claire is our cook and housekeeper. The young girl is still in her apron and her brown hair is in a messy bun as usual.
“What is it, Claire? “I question and bows her head. It is unclear to me why she does that. I've told her time and time again to be relaxed around me and not to be so formal, but she never listens.
“Sir is back from work and is asking for you. “She informed me, and for some reason, my heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words.
“O… Okay. I'd be with him shortly. Thank you. “I say to her, and she bites again before leaving, and I draw a deep breath with my mouth.
Chad is back. How do I face him? Do I just let this anniversary thing die down? Act like today isn't our anniversary and act like he didn't forget? Do I still give him the Italian shoes I bought for him and his gift, or do I give them out?
I have no idea what to do.
Chad's POV;
I am taking off my shirt when I hear the door to the room open. I turn around, and I find Tara walking into the room.
“Welcome home. “She says as she averts her gaze, and I know that she has already figured out that I forgot about our anniversary.
“How was work today? “She questions as she walks over to where I am and begins to pick my dirty clothes off the floor.
I would never understand this woman. I forgot about our wedding anniversary, and she's playing it cool. Isn't she supposed to rant? Talk? Complain? Call me out on my actions.
When she sees that I'm silent, she turns to look at me, and I see expectation and hurt in her Big, bright brown eyes.
“Work was fine. “I reply and she nods.
I need to play my card now.
“But I kept thinking about you. “I add, and she pauses. I watch as she slowly turns back to me with a raised brow.
“Me? “She questions, and I nod.
“Yes, you. I've been wondering if you would like the surprise reservation I made for our anniversary. “I reply, and I watch her eyes light up instantly.
“You… You planned a surprise?? “She questions, and I force a smile.
“Goodness, I thought you forgot! “She exclaims, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
Such a naive woman!
“How would I forget such a special day? I was saving you a surprise. “I reply, and I watch her cheeks, face, and eyes burn with so much happiness.
“Oh, Chad… “She coos, and when she looks away for a second, my smile drops and I almost gag. I don't know how long I have to do this, but I have to figure out a way to get rid of this woman but still have access to this kind of lavish lifestyle.
“What should I wear? “She questions as she turns back to me, and I force a smile.
“Whatever you dim fit. All your dresses are pretty. “I reply, and with that, I quickly walk out of the room and into the restroom.
I can't keep this up for long. I need to find a way to do away with this woman. This marriage thing is not for me. Especially marriage to this common human.