Forced Marriage

(4) Unwanted emotions

It was Elliot's first day at the office after his marriage to Nova. Every staff member congratulated him, bouquet of flowers and gifts scattered all over his cabin, as much as he felt loved and respected, he didn't like the mess and disorganized situation inside his cabin. He called one of his staff members and got his cabin cleaned in half an hour, asking them to shift the stuff to his house.

After the whole room was disinfected and sanitized properly, he removed his suit jacket and sat down on his chair, opening his laptop.

Last night's events were still fresh in his mind and he didn't know what to feel about this. He was alone, content and living his life, now suddenly, he had to share his room, bathroom, life with another person, a woman on that.

He had met Nova a few times in the past, but never in his life did he think this same Nova would one day become his wife. He wondered how Nova agreed to this marriage since she had clearly given him the impression that she did not like him, at all.

There was also the subtle way Mr. Gillies looked Nova's way, his attitude was harsh towards the girl and it didn't go unnoticed by his eyes. He absolutely hated how George Gillies had gripped Nova's arm to push her to the front to sign the papers. But he wasn't the one to meddle in their family matter.

"May I come in, sir?" A voice peered in and he waved him in with his hand, still typing away on his laptop. "Today's schedule and the plan for the new project." His assistant, Nolan, put the files on top of the table along with an ipad.

"Hm. I'll check it when I have time." He replied without looking up from his laptop.

"Sure, sir." Nolan said, attempting to leave but stopped and turned to him again, "Congratulations on your wedding, sir." He added a bit fearfully.

Elliot looked up, "Thanks." Then focused back on his screen.

Nolan left and he got busy with the mails for all the new proposals he had received from investor companies wanting to mingle. Suddenly a small beep was heard and he opened the screen with the cctv footage at their main gates. It only beeped whenever a new face or vehicle arrived at the gates.

It was Nova, he was about to close the screen but stopped when a car appeared and he knew from the looks of it, it wasn't one of his and Nova didn't own any cars. Squinting his eyes a bit, he spotted a boy sitting inside the car.

Elliot didn't know what came over him but the thought of Nova sitting so close to another boy in a congested space made him nervous and a weird tangy feeling surged through his chest. He closed the screen and took a few deep breaths, it wasn't his place to question her lifestyle when he was the one to clarify their strictly formal relationship just last night.

He had no right to command her to do anything. The nervousness, It was just a fleeting emotion which would soon pass, he shouldn't dwell on it and make their already difficult situation even harder.

It was only the first day of their long journey, he can't lose his shit just yet.

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"Well, that's so fucked up, dude." James clicked his tongue, a deep frown settled on his face as he listened to her story. "I can't believe your father did this to you. I'm so sorry." He reached out and grabbed her hand that rested on top of the table they were sitting at, in her coffee shop.

Nova shrugged, looking unaffected with a sad smile on her lips.

"What's done is done, I can't do anything about it. What I can do, is make this life bearable, for the both of us."

No matter how angry that made James, he had to suck it up and not express his disapproval, since he hadn't professed his love to the girl yet. And now it was too late. But he wasn't one to just accept defeat without even getting the chance to try. He knew Nova was forced to marry this stranger and there was no love between them.

That meant he still had chance, right?

"Nova, let me clear one thing for you," He spoke in a steady tone. "I'm always here for you, okay? If he does even a single wrong thing to you, let me know right away." His tone firm, gaze sincere and determined.

Nova smiled, giving the back of his hand a pat before pulling hers away from his grip, leaning her back against the chair she was sitting in.

"Thanks, Jamie. I know I can always trust you. Anyway, I should get started with work now. Wanna stay for some coffee?"

James' eyes sparkled, "Sure. I love coffee prepared by you."

"Comin' right away." She gave him a playful wink and chuckled, striding over to the counter to prepare coffee for her friend.

James sat there at the table, his hands clasped firmly and jaw stiff, eyes blank yet deep in thought as he formed plans on how to win her and get her out of this mess. He had waited long enough and now he could almost lose her to this new addition, but James wasn't one to lose his loved ones. Not so easily.

He'd have her as his, no matter how.

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Elliot was done with his work earlier than usual since they had to attend this grand party for their wedding celebrations.

He grabbed his coat and left his office, glancing at his watch he saw the time. He still had a couple hours to freshen up and get ready. He just hoped Nova was on time. He'd hate it if she caused a trouble for this party since this could tarnish his reputation in front of his rivals.

As he stepped out of the elevator, Jason appeared with a wide grin on his healthy face.

"Son."

"Dad."

They both got in the car and Jason eagerly dug out details from his son about how did his first night go. If he came home in time and tried to get along with Nova or not. He barely got anything out of the boy since Elliot kept diverting the topic and eventually got busy with a call.

Jason dropped him off at his mansion, then drove to his own house. They'd meet again at the party.

Elliot went straight up to his room and noting from the silence around the house, he could tell Nova still wasn't home. He went to take a shower and when he got out, his designer suit for the party laid neatly on his bed. Diane must have received it when he was at the office.

He changed into it and began styling his hair in the mirror. He glanced at the clock on the wall, it said 6:30 and Nova still wasn't here. He could feel his nerves wracking and squirming, he held it in.

Around 6:45, the girl finally appeared in their room.

"I'm so sorry I'm late! There were too many customers and I lost track of time, I'll be ready in 5 minutes, I promise." She rambled on while stripping off her clothes, forgetting that she was almost getting naked in front of her new husband.

Elliot's heart skipped a beat as he took in her bare legs, smooth and long. The toned and soft skin of her tummy and her burgundy bra, his throat went dry and he quickly averted his gaze sideways.

"I'll wait downstairs." He propped and hurried out of the room.

As he walked further away from the sight that just took his breath away, Elliot did his best to calm the racing of his heart.

Why was his heart acting so strangely all of a sudden?

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