The Husband Arrangement| TAEHYUNG

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Flashbacks

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"What is this?"

The sizzling pan goes flying across the kitchen, smashing into the wall. My hands over my ringing ears which were crimson and aching from the two slaps he had blown to my face for incorrectly frying an omelet. Its only been day 4 of our marriage.

I'm learning.

"I'm sorry", I whisper for the hundredth time in 3 minutes. "You're sorry? Listen you little brunette shit. The food is being provided by me! Not your asshole parents! I am buying all of this food , so that we do not starve! The least you can do is cook it to my liking ". His voice was extremely thunderous. I'm sure the neighborhood could hear.

"I'll get it right ", I sniffle,rubbing my throbbing cheeks. "You better", he kicked the wooden spoon before walking out.

°•°

"I said I was sorry!"

"Taehyung! Taehyung please!"

I bang my fist on the shut door. The cold immediately freezing my skin which was barely covered. "Taehyung! I'm sorry" , I knock harder,  weeping like a lost puppy. "Tae- please ", I beg.

"Hey! Pipe down! We're tryna sleep over here !", the neighbor roared from their bedroom window. I exhale loudly , giving up. I couldn't beg anymore. My throat hurt from all that screaming. I sit on the porch,  drawing my knees to my chest. It would rain soon. Hopefully not as much as my eyes were raining onto my cheeks.

He kicked me out for asking him personal questions. I just wanted to know what's his occupation. If he even had one to begin with. Since he was always home. I guess I crossed some invisible line. He didn't like me to pry. To be more than just a title. Wife without meaning.

°•°

"What? He's lying", I stutter.

"Am I? You just asked me how many girls has your husband fucked", Greg puffed out the smoke while laying on his back in our living room couch. The other just cackling while Taehyung glared. "I would never be so disgusting ", I raise my voice and he stood from his seat. "What did I tell you about hovering? Infact it was a warning-", he stepped forward . My feet immediately backing up until I collide into the wall. Tears had already begun to fall.

"He's lying,  i would never -", I whimper as he gripped ahold of my face. Nails digging into my rosy cheeks. "I will fuck whoever I want. Am I clear?", he grit. "Answer me!", I squeak in fear. "Yes, yes I understand ", my lips quiver. "Good, I'm glad you're not as stupid as you look. Show my friends respect ", he pushed me away, making his way back to the couch. Greg laughing uncontrollably.

I would never pry.

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End of flashbacks
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Married a whole month.
31 days.
744 hours.
44 640 seconds.

Was I asking for too much?
Was I not trying hard enough to understand my husband?
Was I not good enough for him? Maybe there was something wrong with my face, what if he didn't like my hair? My eyes? Maybe he wanted a wife with blue eyes and ginger hair. I wouldn't know because the man doesn't speak. All we do is fight. Argue. Hurt each other.

I hated this.

The sound of my phone ringing brought me to reality. Mama. I inhale sharply, gathering myself before placing it to my ear.

"Mama"

"Child. How have you been?"

Bare in mind , this is the third time she had called to check up on me. In 31 days, just 3.

"I'm okay mama. How are things at home?", I choose not to be a prick.

"Things have never been better. The partnership went well. Your father has new clients. We might even go to Paris next month for a little holiday. We desperately need a vacation ", she dramatically sighed.

Vacation sounds nice. I could picture her seated on the couch , admiring her freshly manicured nails. Legs crossed and posture perfect. Her sleek blonde hair , curled into a barbie doll . They were perfectionists.

"Is taehyung around? I didn't get a chance to come over and explore the mansion".

Mansion? If only she knew. This home would be considered prison for Mama. She could never survive a night , let alone an hour. She'd simply die due to lack of luxury.

"Taehyung is fine mama", I whisper. Honestly I couldn't fight back the tears which leaked out. I was emotionally drained at this point. I felt isolated. No one to comfort my wounded heart.

I thought I enjoyed the silence. I hadn't realized, I've been drowning in an ocean of barren lands.

"Glad to hear honey. I actually have to head on out now. Your father is hosting a little celebration to congratulate himself on success", she giggled and I hum in response.

"You enjoy mama"

"Believe me , I will child. Talk soon", she chimed before hanging up.

I love you too mama.

Tossing aside my phone, I huddle once again. Finding this position soothing and safe. The world can't reach me if I hug myself. The pain will be forced, squeezed out of my body. Or so I hoped.

"Anastasia ".

I sniffle, quickly wiping my cheeks before meeting his gaze. There my husband stood, leaning against my door. Watching me sob.

"Do you need something?", I whisper.

"I'm heading out. Lock the doors ", his tone low. Was he staring? Was I ugly? "Yeah", I get to my feet, straightening out my little cotton dress. Very comfortable for sleeping. "Did something happen?", he blocked the door as I try passing. "What? No, I'm just dramatic" , I lie, forcing myself to smile. "I'm aware", he deadpan. I shift my gaze to his arm inches away from my face. Why won't he move?

"Did something happen at work?".

"No, I said I'm fine ", I whisper, remembering never to raise my voice at him. "Then why are you crying?". I almost gasp when his knuckles stroked my wet cheek. Undeniably soft and warm. He had fire lingering in his bones. "Just -", I trail, not knowing what else to say. What lie to choose from. "Just what? You can say it to me", he whispered. Thumb gliding over my parted lips. Speechless was what I was. Every time he gently touched me , I collapsed. Died in a million ways. His soft brown eyes were luring and inviting. Pools of toasty honey.

"Where are you lost?", he asked. Fingertips skimming along my jaw, making me hold my breath. "Nowhere in particular-", I nibble on my lip as he leaned closer. The smell of cheap liquor burning my nostrils. I would like to think there was a spark between us. I was more than just a title. I am more than just the girl he married for business.

I want to be more. One would take a look at me and assume she's unloved. She's alone and cries herself to sleep. She will end up in a shallow grave soon. No one to mourn her memories. No one to touch her tombstone. Suicide is knocking at her door.

Believe me , those are the only thoughts that jog my mind. I wish I could say those thoughts invaded my hypnotic state. They were about to come crashing in. Telling me I'm useless and naive. Telling me that I'm not good enough. Not for my parents. Not for taehyung. Not for myself.

But then , he kissed me.