The Romeo and Juliet's Billion Worth Marriage

ELLE

I woke up in haste.

I could feel the cold wind hit my back as I stretched out, feeling sore and tired as I turned, groaning. The sun burns my eyelids, and I raise my arm to shield my face from its glare. I'm close to sleeping again, only to hear the devil speak,

"You're awake now..."

I open my eyes and realize that the devil again possessed the affectionate man I slept with last night. What happened last night made me blush both in embarrassment and anger.

Why must he be so cold and heartless now when I feel great? He loves to ruin my precious moments.

Without looking at him, I muttered in a small voice, "Yes, I am."

I waited another minute for him to go and let me sleep, but when I opened my eyes, I still saw him there - sitting on the couch, watching me like dirt on his carpet.

"Why are you still here? Don't you have to go to your office?" I glance at the clock at my bedside table and huff, "It's 9 in the morning. Don't you have some meetings to attend?"

He rolled his eyes at me and I gulped. Am I going to be berated because of what I said? I bit my lip, having this urge to slap myself. "I waited for you to wake up." He snapped, his gaze lingering on my blushing face. I hastily bowed my head, for my cheeks felt hot, and I couldn't stop.

"And--?" I urge him to continue, pulling the comforter high on my chin as I sit up and muster the courage to stare at him. He sighs, running his hands through his hair, "I waited to apologize about what happened last night." He confessed.

"Oh? That's all you're going to say?" I bit my lip and nodded my head, saying, "It's okay-"

"No! Don't say that it is okay," Gabriel stared at me, his gaze intensified so that I could feel my cheeks blushing again. He stood from his seat and made his way to me. I bowed my head. "I wanted to clarify that you shouldn't assume I will be nicer after this. I want to rectify the situation and make our positions clear in this relationship," he clenched his jaw, holding my gaze as I stared at him. He leans down at me and continues, "I don't want to make you long for my love. Elle, I can be a husband to you – I can protect you and provide for you – but I cannot love you the same as you do to me. Please, listen..."

I was startled when he snapped his fingers, pulling my chin to make me look at him. "I'm so sorry if I took advantage of you last night, and I promise it won't happen again. I promise." With those words, he straightens up, leaving me shocked as I try to understand what he just said. I look up at him, and he surprises me more when he leans down swiftly, kissing my cheek. "I need to be at the office at ten. I'll see you tonight..."

I watch as he takes his leave, shutting the door behind him. The tears I'd been trying to suppress from the last ten minutes he was in front of me betrayed me, falling hot against my cheek as I sobbed. And what is the use of trying to stop them? He isn't here to judge me or bully me. I am all alone, Always alone. Gabriel had made it clear of our positions - I will always be a step behind him, for we are always in sync, even from the very start of our relationship.

Still, I had hoped.

I thought we were perfect last night, that we finally had a chance to fix our relationship and get back to how we were before, but he shut himself off again, returning to that monster I had feared. It hurts me that he keeps treating me like this and doesn't care about me or what I do. I wouldn't say I like the fact that he treats me like trash after he's done with me.

How could I be so stupid that I give it all to him?

I'm used.

I know full well that we married because of the company's sake and not because of love, but then...we fell. Or so I thought. Was it just me that had fallen to that cheeky bastard?

AM I WRONG? Am I wrong to fall for his tricks and yearn for him to love me back?

I thought he finally accepted me last night, yet I have made myself believe a drunken man's words. I am foolish and stupid, and I hate that I turn like this with him. If only I could, I would bring back memories - that way, we were together only about a few months ago, living in simplicity and happiness as we culture the love that is developing between us.

But now it seems impossible. He's back to that monster I have married...

I grab the sheets and cringe when I see blood on them. My virginity, I gave it to him and even lied to him because I am a fool, a fool who is in love with a man that has so many issues. I yank the sheets off to change them with a new ones.

I don't care if he's going to be like this forever. I'm pretty sure the divorce papers are on their way, and he couldn't wait to get rid of me. He's probably waiting for the right time for me to give in and let him be. Besides, the year is up. He wants me to yield and have him win this.

Though I won't be the one that is going to wave the white flag, I know that in the end, it will be him.

Oh, before I forget, I muttered to myself, "Happy Birthday to me."