The Unwanted Wife

Abi's POV

Who am I fooling? Life seems to harbor a deep resentment towards me. First, I lost my parents. Then, I found myself utterly alone. And to top it all off, I'm married to Maverick Turner, for heaven's sake!

Don't get me wrong. Maverick is an attractive man, especially when he's dressed in his suit. He exudes a certain magnetic appeal, but he despises my very existence.

Before my parents passed away, they made a promise that I would marry their best friend's son once I turned 22. Unfortunately, I lost them when I was only 20, and being their only child, I was left with no one. Yes, you heard it right. No one else is present in my life. No cousins, no grandparents, no aunts or uncles. It's just me.

Well, at least, that's what I know. Let me explain why.

When my father married my mother, his family vehemently disapproved of her. My paternal grandparents held a strong dislike for my mother, going as far as to oppose their union. When my father defied their wishes and eloped with my mother, they disowned him. Since then, my mother's family has become the only family my father had.

Sadly, my maternal grandparents passed away when I was 15. My mother had only one brother, who also passed away at a young age. So, I no longer have an uncle. As for my mother's extended family, well, I'm not aware of their existence. I have never met them or heard my mother mention them, except for her parents and one beloved aunt who passed away many years ago. My mother came from a small family, so technically, I am left with no one.

Perhaps one day, I will have the opportunity to meet my mother's relatives or even connect with my paternal grandparents? Only time will tell what the future holds.

Fortunately for me, Maverick's parents are incredible, kind-hearted people. I first met them a month before my parents' passing during a family gathering, though they claim I met Maverick when I was younger. Unfortunately, I have no recollection of that encounter.

After my parents' demise, Maverick's parents gladly took me under their wing, knowing I had no one else. Brooklyn, Maverick's mother, happens to be an obstetrician who assisted in delivering me into this world. That was the day my parents and Brooklyn's family became friends. Landon, Maverick's father, is a pediatric doctor.

You may wonder why Maverick himself isn't a doctor or involved in the medical field. Well, Maverick's grandfather built a successful company and was its CEO until his passing when Maverick was only 16. Due to Landon's medical background, the position was passed down to Maverick. However, Maverick never had a genuine interest in pursuing a medical education. Thus, when he turned 22, he assumed control of the company.

Two years after my parents' death, I married Maverick. Let me be honest; it wasn't the wedding I had envisioned. Even though our marriage felt somewhat coerced, I was determined to give it a chance. Unfortunately, Maverick didn't share the same sentiment. He still despises me and barely acknowledges my existence. Our wedding was painfully awkward. He showed no emotion as I walked down the aisle, and his happiness was nowhere to be found. Our first kiss as husband and wife lasted a mere two seconds.

We never went on a honeymoon, never experienced any romantic moments together, and don't even sleep in the same room. Two days after our wedding, he returned to work, consumed by his busy schedule. As a mere high school graduate, I couldn't find a job due to my lack of qualifications.

Being the CEO's wife is far from easy. Maverick attends numerous events, and I am expected to accompany him as his wife. We attend such functions at least once a week. Publicly, we must act as though we are madly in love, holding hands and sharing kisses, all while he despises every fiber of my being.

It has been six months since our wedding, and nothing has managed to break down the impenetrable wall between us. He remains cold and barely spares me a glance. In his eyes, I am practically invisible. I've tried to maintain a civil relationship, to play the role of his wife, but he continues to ignore me.

I guess he truly hates me with every ounce of his being, assuming he even possesses a heart.

"Move, will you?" Maverick's irritated voice jolted me back to reality as he stood behind me, visibly annoyed that I was blocking his path.

Quickly, I stepped aside. "Sorry."

He didn't utter a word as he opened the fridge and retrieved a bottle of juice. This was the first time in a while that he had spoken to me. Yes, he had been ignoring me for countless days.

I gazed at him, studying his tired and stressed features, likely the result of his demanding work. Yet, I couldn't help but find him captivating. How could someone who appeared so burdened manage to retain such allure?

Sensing my gaze upon him, his eyes met mine, and I swiftly averted my gaze.

Clearing my throat, I spoke up. "I prepared dinner. Would you like to eat now?"

Though our conversations were sparse, I still had a duty to care for him and prepare his meals. After all, I am his wife.

"I won't be staying long. I have to leave again," he replied, his gaze avoiding mine.

Confusion knitted my brows. "Again? Where are you off to?"

"Work," he answered curtly.

I sighed and poured myself a glass of juice, taking a sip. It had been four consecutive nights that he hadn't joined me for dinner.

"But it's already 7. Don't you want to rest, at least?" I inquired, observing him as he absentmindedly ran his hand through his hair. Despite everything, he looked remarkably handsome.

"I have better things to do," I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes. It was the most absurd statement I had ever heard. Who rejects the idea of rest? Well, apparently, he does.

"You're overworking yourself. Can't you see how exhausted you look right now? Taking care of your health should take precedence over work," I said, my voice tinged with concern.

"I didn't ask for your care," he snapped, annoyance flickering in his eyes as he finally glanced at me.

My frown deepened. Despite the sham of a marriage we were in, I did care for him, at least to some extent. After all, he was my husband—the man I was bound to spend my life with. And perhaps, just maybe, I cared for him more than I should.

"I won't be returning early tonight. Don't bother waiting for me," he uttered coldly before heading off to work, not even sparing a kiss or a peck on the cheek.