ILL-FATED JOURNEY™

Chapter 16

After graduating from 'college', I was working on my second masters in Criminal law. Although it

was a great achievement to complete my Masters in Family Law in one year, the lack of an actual

graduation ceremony dulled my joy. That and the added fact that I may never see the inside of a 

courtroom or law firm, but I comforted myself by knowing every law he broke by keeping me.

Eight years, I thought as I carried the bedding upstairs, my ever-present shadow behind me. I

would have no life, no children, I would know no love and it seems like I was about to remain a

virgin till I die. I laughed at the last, startling my guard. I would never know a man in that way,

eight years ago I would have jumped for joy at this news but now I felt cheated.

I wanted to fall in love and a baby. I laughed crazily. A baby! Need I remind you stupid, that you

are a prisoner, and so would your baby be if you brought it up here. I knew that, but it didn't stop

me from wanting one. Then an even stupider voice said. "Aren't you married?" I ignored that and

spread the sheets on the bed.

"He's not at home. Your Grace!" I heard the butler say worriedly in the hall.

"He lost the damn bet! Its high time he paid!" The man replied as he stormed into the bedroom I

was in. "Hello." He said staring at me. "Wait? Don't I know you?"

"No, Your Grace..." I began after curtsying to him.

"You're his wife!" He said in shock as he appraised my threadbare clothing. "There are rumors he

keeps you locked away...why does he make you work?"

"I chose to, Your Grace." I lied trying to squeeze past him to end the conversation, but he pulled

 rank saying, "I didn't dismiss you."

I froze in the doorway then turned to face him, he was an older gentleman with eyes that smiled

and a thick Scottish brogue.

"You're a fine-looking lass," He declared as he continued "maybe he'll pay another way. Have a

good day lassie." He murmured before he left.

After that strange visit, it was no surprise the next day I was summoned to the office. He turned

once the door closed behind me and I got my first glimpse of my husband in five years. His blond

locks were clipped tight to his skull, his jaw was unshaven, but the greatest change was his eyes

they were bloodshot and cold. He didn't look one inch a fairy tale prince, he looked as I always

saw him as, the villain.

"Why am I not surprised you have caused some mischief in my life yet again?" Vlad began.

"Imagine my surprise to be sent divorce papers by a Scot who threatened me to say, he would go