Bound To My Husband

Taking a bath together felt like a dream, and I slept peacefully in his arms. He was so gentle and patient with me. I felt so connected to him that I was ready to do anything he requested.

The morning sun shone through the window as I stretched my limbs. I slowly opened my eyes to see him already awake, observing me with a soft expression.

"Good morning, Angel." His voice was soothing, stilling my racing heart instantly.

I looked away, suddenly shy as the memories of last night flooded back. "Good morning," I whispered while he gently caressed my hair.

The peace didn't last long. I suddenly remembered the meeting with my father and my husband-to-be. I checked the time and gasped. It was already 11:15 am, and I was supposed to meet them at 9:00 am. I sprang out of bed immediately.

I was naked, and so was the strange man.

"Hey, what is wrong?" he inquired with genuine concern, following me as I scrambled for my things.

"I have somewhere to be," I snapped, hurriedly pulling on my clothes.

"Relax, Allison. Are you really going to leave me just like that without even getting to know my name?" His brow furrowed slightly as he judged my rush, but I could not care less. After all, I was certain this was the last time I would ever see him.

"Not even my phone number?" he pressed, watching me.

"I do not think that will be necessary." I had my clothes on, but I realized my bag and phone were nowhere to be found.

"Why?" His voice was low and heavy as he moved toward me.

"Because I am getting married," I blurted out. I hadn't planned on revealing it, but since he was pressuring me, I felt it was better to be honest.

"You are getting married?" He looked totally confused. "Then why did you let someone else touch you? Aren't you scared your husband-to-be will find out?"

"I do not think he will find out. Besides, he is too old to care." I made my way to the door, but he caught me from behind, hugging me tightly.

"Can I at least tell you my name?" he insisted.

I gently pushed him away. "Look, I did not mean for this to happen, but I do not like my husband-to-be, nor do I love him. Whatever I did here was for me to explore. I do not intend to cheat on him once we are wed."

He laughed at that. "But you did anyway," he mocked.

"You do not have to judge me. Anyone in my shoes would have done this," I defended.

"I should also get going then. My wife-to-be will definitely be waiting for me," he remarked. I froze in my tracks.

"You are also getting married?" I gasped in shock. He nodded and sat back on the bed.

"And you are cheating on her?" My chest tightened. It felt like a heavy weight had been placed on my heart.

"I would not say I cheated. I helped a damsel in distress," he stated without any shame.

"Men are disgusting." My face twisted in anger.

"Easy, dear. Before you judge me, remember you did the same thing. My wife-to-be does not give a damn about me. I have not seen her in real life yet, but I have seen her picture. Trust me, I do love her." He paused for a second. "But she does not feel the same way about me."

I did not want to stand there and listen anymore. I was boiling with rage, and I could not understand why I felt so jealous. I was actually jealous of his future wife. She was lucky to have a man who loved her so much. I bolted out of the room before he could see me cry.

I went outside and hailed a cab using some cash I had taken from the table. Within minutes, I arrived home. I walked inside and saw Laura pacing nervously in the sitting room.

The moment she saw me, her face lit up, though she still looked deeply shaken. She rushed toward me and pulled me into a suffocating hug.

"Oh my God, Allie! I thought you were missing!" she wailed, her voice trembling. "Your dad has been calling your phone nonstop. I couldn't answer because I didn't know what to tell him about where you were."." She pulled away, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. "By the time I came back to the spot, you were gone. I searched everywhere for you. My whole night was a total nightmare."

"Calm down, Laura. I’m fine," I murmured, trying to soothe her frantic energy. "I hooked up with a guy yesterday."

I started walking toward the bathroom, peeling off my clothes with a weary sigh.

"Really?" Her eyes widened with sudden curiosity. "Tell me everything! Don't you dare leave me in suspense."

"I can't right now," I shouted over my shoulder as I stepped into the bathroom. "The reason my dad is blowing up my phone is because of the meeting I have with my future husband."

"Please, just one tiny detail!" she pleaded, hovering by the door.

"Fine," I groaned, giving in to her persistence. I knew she wouldn't let me breathe until I shared something.

I yelled the details at top speed over the sound of the running water. When I stepped out, I dressed quickly and applied a light layer of makeup. Once I was ready, Laura leaned against the vanity with a puzzled frown.

"So, what's his name?"

"I don't know. I didn't think to inquire." I admitted

"Why not? That’s kind of a big deal! Did you at least get a phone number?"

"No. I didn't think I'd ever see him again, especially since I’m about to be a married woman."

"Unbelievable," she breathed, slouching in disbelief.

I waved a hasty goodbye and hurried outside, cutting her off before she could lecture me further. I scrambled into the car, and my driver sped toward the hospital.

I rushed through the sterile hallways and took the elevator to the top floor. When I reached my father’s ward, I paused, my hand hovering over the handle. This was the moment of truth. I took a shaky breath, squeezed my eyes shut, and pushed the door open.

My father’s stern voice forced me to look. I marched straight to his bedside, keeping my gaze fixed on him to avoid the heavy presence lingering on the other side of the room.

"It wasn't nice keeping me and your future husband waiting," he scolded. I took his frail hands and kissed them, my heart heavy with guilt.

"There was an emergency," I lied, the fabrication tasting like ash in my mouth.

My father gestured toward the corner of the room, and my gaze followed his hand with agonizing slowness. What I saw made my heart plummet into my stomach.

"Logan, sorry for the delay. This is my daughter, Allison," he announced with a proud smile. "Allison, meet Logan Carter."

I turned to stone.