Lidiya Witchain - the forgotten bride

Stranger in the village

The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of Lidiya's room, casting warm rays across her face. She stirred awake, stretching and blinking at the unfamiliar surroundings. The memory of her wedding night flooded back-the brief moments of joy overshadowed by confusion and dread. Rolling over, she caught sight of Oswen dressing hurriedly, his back turned to her.

"Where are you going?" Lidiya asked, her voice soft and still thick with sleep.

"I have to go back to work," Oswen replied without turning around. "The cashew business is going down, and I can't afford to be idle."

"Can't it wait? You just got married," she pleaded, sitting up in bed. "I thought we could spend some time together."

"Lidiya, I need to do this," he said, finally facing her. His expression was strained, his brows furrowed with worry. "I'll be back later."

Before she could respond, Cresintha entered the room, her face etched with discontent. "You should've thought about that before marrying her," she snapped, her tone biting. "This family has only known misfortune since she arrived. We're facing all these problems because of her!"

Lidiya felt her heart break at her mother-in-law's harsh words, the sting of rejection cutting deep. "I... I didn't mean to bring trouble," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Oswen glanced between them, clearly torn. "Mother, that's enough. This isn't Lidiya's fault." But his defense lacked conviction, and he quickly turned to leave the room.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Lidiya sank back onto the bed, her heart heavy. Days turned into weeks, and the air in the house grew thick with tension. Each day, Lidiya performed her chores diligently, but her heart ached with uncertainty, and Oswen's absence loomed large.

---

One sunny afternoon, while Lidiya was washing clothes outside, the village head arrived, accompanied by a tall man whose presence commanded attention. He was Jorden-muscular and imposing, with chiseled features and intense hazel eyes that seemed to pierce through her. His long, shiny hair flowed down to his shoulders, giving him an air of confidence and power.

"Lidiya!" called the village head, interrupting her thoughts. "Is your mother-in-law here? We need to speak with her."

Lidiya quickly wiped her hands on her apron and called for Cresintha. Moments later, her mother-in-law emerged from the house, her expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"What is it?" Cresintha asked, her tone wary.

"It concerns your son, Oswen," the village head replied, his voice steady. "We have grave news. He has fled."

"What do you mean?" Cresintha asked, her voice rising with alarm. "Fled where?"

Jorden stepped forward, his gaze sharp and uncompromising. "He was terrified after his father's death. He sold this house to me. Here's the agreement." He produced a scroll and presented it to Cresintha, who took it with trembling hands.

"No!" Cresintha gasped, looking between Jorden and the village head. "This can't be happening. You have no right to do this!"

Jorden's expression was cold and unyielding. "It's done. You need to vacate the premises as soon as possible. I will be needing this house."

Cresintha fell to her knees, desperation filling her eyes. "Please, let us stay! I will give you half of our cashew farm. Just allow us to remain here."

"Consider it," Jorden said dismissively, stepping away. "But make no mistake, this is my house now." His gaze flickered to Lidiya, and a flash of something dark crossed his face-hatred? Lust? She couldn't tell.

---

That night, Lidiya lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with worry. Jorden's words echoed in her mind like a haunting melody. What would become of them? As the hours passed, sleep evaded her, and a sense of unease settled over her.

Suddenly, she awoke to soft whispers drifting through the air-muffled voices coming from Jorden's room. Curiosity piqued, she tiptoed towards the door, pressing her ear against the cool wood. The words were indistinct, but the tone felt ominous.

Just as she leaned in closer, the door swung open, and Lidiya stumbled back in surprise. Before she could react, a strong hand grasped her wrist, yanking her inside.

"Jorden!" she gasped, her heart racing as he pinned her against the wall, his grip tight around her neck. His eyes glowed with a feral intensity, an almost predatory gleam. "What are you doing?"

"Shh," he hissed, his other hand pressing against her mouth. "Don't make a sound. This is my house now, and you'd do well to remember your place."

Terror washed over her, but a flicker of defiance ignited in her heart. "You have no right to do this!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his palm. "I don't trust you. My husband would never leave us."

He chuckled darkly, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "Your husband? He's gone, my dear. You're here, alone, and I see the way you look at me." He leaned closer, their faces inches apart. The warmth of his breath against her skin was both intoxicating and terrifying.

As he pressed his body against hers, she felt an involuntary reaction, her heart pounding in her chest. "You're just a frustrated wife, searching for satisfaction," he taunted, a smug smile stretching across his face. "You don't need to make excuses for me. I could easily give you what you crave, even if your husband hasn't touched you."

Lidiya's anger ignited, and she summoned every ounce of strength she had. "Get away from me!" she shouted, slapping him across the face with all her might.

He released her in surprise, and she stumbled backward, spitting at his feet. "You think you can intimidate me? I'm not afraid of you!" With that, she stormed out of his room, heart racing with a mix of fear and anger.

As Lidiya returned to her own room, she felt the weight of shame wash over her. Jorden was undeniably handsome, and for a fleeting moment, his proximity had stirred something within her-an unwanted reaction that left her feeling guilty and confused. She clutched her necklace, tears filling her eyes as she thought of Oswen. Where are you? she thought, missing him deeply.

The night stretched on, heavy with unresolved tension. Lidiya lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, and her thoughts swirled in a tempest of confusion. She was trapped in a nightmare, haunted by the shadows of betrayal and fear.

As the first rays of dawn broke through the darkness, Lidiya knew she had to confront the growing darkness surrounding her, to protect not only herself but her family. The battles ahead would be fierce, and she had to be strong-strong enough to fight the demons lurking within the walls of her home and the man who sought to break her spirit.

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