Between us

Chapter 1

19 January 2022, Wednesday
New York

It's been three years since I married Dominic Gray. Three whole years and today is our third year wedding anniversary. I shuddered when I remembered our wedding day.

It was a all-white and gold themed wedding. The reception looked like something from a fairytale and everything was perfect. My gown was made from the softest silk combined with lace, embroidered with tiny diamonds. My long hair was curled and it looked very stylish pinned to the side in a ponytail. Dominic looked very handsome in his navy blue suit and white shirt. The security guard from that day wasn't present, and Dominic explained that he had some family business to attend to.

It was every girl's dream wedding, but not mine. I would've enjoyed it more if I was marrying someone I love, not someone my Dad made me marry just for some business deal.

His exact words were: If you two get married my business will prosper. Both of our companies will. Do it for your Mother, Charlie. If you don't then I would hate to hurt the person that raised you...

He just knew what to say, he knew just what would make me agree to this. He would've killed my Nana, my granny Jojo. I had to agree.

When I said I do, it felt as if a glacier teared my heart apart. Cameras flashed everywhere and it was claimed to be the wedding of the year. I remember the newsflash was titled, ' 'Businessman Dominic Gray finally settles down with 'Golden-girl', Charlie Summers.'
I was surprised that the media still remembered me as 'Golden-girl', and Dominic used to brag that he married me.

On our wedding night he didn't force me to do anything, but I was already so miserable that I gave him my consent. And my Dad, well, let's just say we don't talk anymore, why would he contact me? He was finally rid of the burden that Mom left behind.

This morning when I woke up I found a note on the bed stand.
I'll pick you up at 7pm. Look beautiful tonight.
That's it, no Happy anniversary or Love. Nothing. Nada!

In the beginning I used to try and love him, to try and see past his coldness, but after I found lipstick stains on his shirts that smelled like booze and cheap perfume (several times), I gave up. At first I was mad and hurt, then I would confront him, and then we would fight, blah blah blah...

Now I just don't care anymore...

I shrugged and went to the kitchen where his Mom was busy making tea. "Happy anniversary dear Charlie!" And she gave me a hug. "Thanks Diana."

We both shared a great relationship. She was like a second mother to me. She came to stay here with us in New York after Dominic's father passed away last year. Richard Gray was a good man and he also accepted me as his own daughter. Tammy is Dominic's sister and she is also my best friend. I love them a lot and they mean the world to me.

"Did Dominic do something for you this morning my dear?" Diana asked. I only sighed and fixed myself a cup . "No, there was just a letter. He wanted me to get ready at 7pm. And look beautiful." Diana shook her head disappointed. "Oh that stupid son of mine! He doesn't know what a great woman he has!" We both sighed and drank our tea in peace.

Now I am standing in front of the mirror, with Diana busy singing my praises. "Oh you look wonderful Charlie!" I looked at my long-sleeved red dress and smiled. It showed all my curves and complimented my body. I wore high heels that made up for my shortness and my long hair was curled. My makeup was not too overly done and I loved the smoky look.

Exactly at 7pm, Dominic arrived looking handsome as ever. "You look gorgeous Charlie." He said and kissed me lighty on the lips. Even though we had our differences, he always complimented me, and I must admit, it does feel good to be appreciated.

We drove to a popular (and very fancy) restaurant where everyone knew him. The restaurant owner immediately came to us and congratulated us on this 'wonderful' day. "Mr and Mrs Gray, tonight will be the best night of your lives."

We looked like the perfect couple, and from experience, I knew just what to say and do to deceive others. We looked so in love...
He gave me a diamond necklace with a matching ring and earrings. I could tell that by the way people looked at us, we were pretty convincing. I looked into his sea-green eyes and sighed.

Why can't I just fall in love with my husband? Why can't he love me? Why aren't we just a normal couple that truly loves each other? I want to love him, but I can't. That made me feel sad. This is my sad life. I'm not made for love.

We had dinner and danced to the the music. It really was a great night, I didn't want it to end because tomorrow it will be the same routine again. Be cold towards each other and argue again. By the time we got home Diana and most of the household was asleep, except for the security guards though.

In our room I began to take off my shoes and jewellery. I was struggling to unzip my dress and then I felt familiar seductive fingers slowly unzipping my dress. I shivered slightly and he chuckled close to my ears. I sighed and turned to face him, the dress falling in a pool at my feet, exposing me to him. "I see you are in one of your moods tonight Dom." I said.

I see him looking at my body and how his eyes widen. That's all we had between us, passion. Nothing else. Nada! "Charlie," he breathed near my lips. "Come here." He said with a husky voice. I sighed again and complied to him, letting him take my body and mind, for now. Tonight I just want to feel loved, tomorrow we can fight...
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A/n: Hey guys!👋
Poor Charlie, she is only looking for love and Dominic doesn't give her any. Blackmailed to marry... that's just something else.

My new favourite word is: Nada!
I think that I will use it more often in the story. ^_^

Q: Do you think that they will eventually fall in love? Or is there no more hope for them?

Please forgive any typos and please comment ;)

Kind regards and stay safe:)

A . Freeman
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