Veil of Vows

Ch.3

Grayson and I walked together side by side after the little confrontation that happened in the church with Chloe.

We didn't talk to each other until Grayson spoke up. "Don't take her words seriously, Sierra. Her words are empty; she's just spitting out her insecurities," he said in a calm yet firm tone.

"I know, Grayson. I don't need your reassurance," I said, a hint of annoyance in my tone, as l looked around and not directly at him.

"Remember, it's just noise-nothing that truly matters. She's just trying to push your buttons, but you're stronger than that. Let it roll off your back, love," he said, showing me some hints of affection now that we were alone, walking together.

"Yeah, I know," I said, huffing and rolling my eyes, clearly irritated on the way he felt like he needed to reassure me some more.

Grayson's jaw tightened, and a slight irritation flickered across his eyes. His lips pressed into a thin line, the warmth in his expression dimming as he tried to keep his composure. Despite the effort to remain gentle, the slight furrow in his brow betrayed his growing frustration.

"Sierra... can you just stop the attitude for two minutes? Try not to give me smart-ass comments right now," Grayson said in a droopy, disappointed tone.

He was trying to be affectionate with her, to show his support, but she was so hellbent on having an attitude all the time like ALWAYS.

I shot Grayson a look of annoyance. "Don't you get it, Grayson? I really don't want to talk to you, not to Chloe, not to anyone right now. You already forced me to come here when I didn't want to, and forced me to wear this so I can look
'respectable' in God's eyes," I said, sounding annoyed, clenching my fists.

"Ugh, Grayson, you can't try to act normal after what you did today or any other day!" I said, irritation edged in my voice, looking him in the eyes. "You just can't have it your way when you outright insult me!"

Grayson listened, not giving any readable expression away. He didn't know how to respond right now. He believed he was doing the right thing, that he was making me pure and guiding me toward God's direction. He didn't like being accused of being the bad guy. He did what was necessary, according to his beliefs. He couldn't help but feel that what his wife said was somewhat right, but he didn't want to apologize or admit it, thinking he would come off as weak or wrong.

And he couldn't help but feel the edge of possessiveness, taking hold of him again.

"Sierra," he finally said, his tone calm but with an edge of possessiveness, "as the head of our household, it's my duty to lead us both in the right direction. I've provided you with a roof over your head, food on the table, and I've respected you in ways most men wouldn't. Any other man would have taken your virginity long ago, but I didn't, I chose to wait until you are ready." He said as he continued, his voice firm yet calm. "You should be grateful for that. This isn't about having things my way, it's about us living a life that's pleasing to our god. You belong to me, Sierra, and that means following my lead."

After Grayson finished his response, he reached out and gently took my hands in his. His touch was firm yet tender, as if trying to convey both his strength and his care. He guided my hands towards his chest, where his cross necklace hung.

Carefully, he placed the cross in my hands, covering them with his own.

He looked into my eyes, his expression serious but soft yet a hint of possessiveness. "This symbol," he said, his voice calm and steady, "it's a reminder of our faith, of the path I want us to walk together. I need you to understand that everything I do, I do with you in mind."