My Ex’s Nemesis

ELYRA.

I walked into the large mansion, clutching my bag nervously as the movers took in my bag. It had been a week since I signed the marriage certificate that now binds that arrogant asshole and I.

I had tried to make him see facts, that we had no reason to live together since we could barely stand each other but he remained as stubborn as a mule.

The idea of running into him more than I needed to was not something I looked forward to.

"You must be Mrs Elyra, "A voice called my attention and I turned to find a lady standing behind me. She had a black suit on, her hair in a formal bun.

"I'm Mr Radriel's secretary. The maids could do this but he insisted I did. Let me show you to your room."

Before I could reply, she turned and headed upstairs. I took a deep breath, following behind her.

"This is all for my family." I muttered softly under my breath.

We got to a large corridor with just two doors.

Oh fuck! Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking!

I fought the urge to bury my head in my palms.

She pushed the door on the far left open and ushered me in ahead of her.

“Radriel says to feel at home.” She announced and shut the door before I could ask any questions.

I stared at the large room in front of me. It was elegantly decorated. The floors sparkled with marble. The walls were well polished as though they were scrubbed everyday.

There was a huge Queen sized bed with drapes. What was this? Morgana of Camelot's room? I looked around, there were two doors. I opened the first. It was a walk-in closet that went from floor to ceiling. My jaw dropped when I saw the cloth fully stocked in the wardrobes. I opened the drawers one after the other. There were filled with jewelries; gold, silver, diamond, bronze and what have you. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, wristwatches. Was this a show room?! My eyes lifted to the showcase of hand bags. There were different brands: Dior, Gucci, Hermes. They went on and on!

My eyes were fed so I decided to leave the closet cause I couldn't take anymore of it.

That's when I noticed a glass door, it was adjacent to the entrance, right across the room. I strolled towards the door and opened it. It led to a large balcony with the most beautiful view. What was Radriel trying to accomplish?

Angry, I stalked back inside and sat on the bed. It sank down due to my weight. My heart felt numb, everything felt like a strange drama. From Nick's mistress to divorce. And now my second marriage?

An empty laugh left my lips and I ran a hand through my hair trying to calm my shaky nerves but it did nothing. A tear slid down my cheeks and I wiped it away with the speed of light. I couldn't cry. I had no time for that, but my mind had other plans as another tear slid down, followed by another, then another. My body shook with sobs and I bit my bottom lip hard trying to stop myself from crying out loud. My eyes hurt from the tears and I could already tell I'd be hit by a headache soon.

Soon, my sobs died down and exhaustion got the best of me as sleep embraced me.

***

I peeled my eyes open, holding my aching head. I felt lightheaded so I took a cold shower fix it. Putting on a rope, I headed downstairs for a glass of water. My stomach rumbled but I ignored it.

The sun had set and I couldn't help but wonder if Radriel was home. A part of me prayed he probably had an apartment elsewhere but I knew it was too good to be true. Even if he did, he'd probably hang around here enough to witness my torture.

Taking the same route the secretary had shown me, I had turned only to meet a pair of cold gray eyes staring at me. Speak of the horned devil!

He sat at the dining table with a sinister smile on his face. Needles pricked my skin and I suddenly felt exposed and naked.

He on the other hand sliced through his steak meticulously. I had expected him to say something but when nothing came I pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear and walked towards the kitchen.

"Ma’am, I'll bring your dinner soon." A masculine voice said and I looked up to find a man who seemed to be in his early thirties staring at me.

"Oh no. No need, I'm not hungry." I explained.

"I just need water. My throat feels a bit parched." He stared at me with a questionably before turning away.

He walked into kitchen, emerging shortly afterwards with a bottle of water.

“Here." He muttered and I took the cold plastic from his hands with a smile.

I walked out of the kitchen, not sparing Radriel a glance. My hand had barely made contact with the stair railing when his voice tore through the thick silence. I wanted to ignore him or throw him a hard glare but I only sighed, turning to face him.

"Yes? What is it?" I asked giving him a tired look.

"Would you at least sound more excited talking to your husband?" He asked, placing his wine glass down. His smile seemed to grow every minute and so did the urge to scrape it off with a punch.

I refused to honor his words with a response but he refused to take the hint.

"The kitchen told me you've had nothing to eat since you moved in."

For some reason, I was tense at the observation and the flick of his eyes told me he noticed it. Was it possible to do anything without him noticing?

"You don't plan on starving yourself do you? Because that won't gain an ounce of my sympathy."

"Too bad I never planned to." I answered him for the first time turning to head up. I had only watched him talk for a few minutes and my headache had intensified.

"I didn't say you could go." His voice came out. This time it was harsh, and I stopped for the sake of my company.

"Take a seat." He took a spoonful of his rice, his eyes not leaving mine. I thought of arguing but I took the seat, maintaining eye contact.

A maid came in with a few plates later and I picked up my fork, poking the meat. My weak appetite had shrivelled at the fact that I would have to eat with him.

"I know this may be a dream for you but you have to know I don't look forward to eating with you. If anything I don't want much to do with you. Except for my amusement."

"Then why have me sit here?" I forced a slice of steak through my lips.

"Well, my secretary had not drafted the rules, so I decided to give them to you."

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to finish. He ran a hand through his hair before speaking.

"I had agreed to hand over the company since you agreed to sign the papers but that can still be changed."

Among the mix of emotions that flowed through me, shock wasn't one of them.

"You will do as I say, accompany me to any event or party, and shall not involve yourself in any project that may cause scandal."

"Now that we have that out of the way. I'll take my leave." He got off the chair, taking his jacket. "But of course, the list goes on so my secretary will still send that draft.”

My grip on the fork was so tight that it was a miracle it I hadn't dented it. I took a deep breath trying to calm my racing heart.

If Radriel wants a game, I will play. And I will play it well.