Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Copper

I stared at him for what must have been seconds before responding. "Yes. I figured you wouldn't want to be stuck with me on a tropical island. Do you mind?"

"Nah. Too busy for that, anyway."

Kenny set the sandwich on the table and sat on the other end of the sofa with a sigh. He nodded to the colorful pile. "I see that you've already started sorting through the goods."

"No, I was waiting for you."

"Really?" He raised one eyebrow, an amused smile on his face. "How sweet of you."

I shrugged, pretending to be oblivious to the sarcasm in his tone. "And since you're here, do you want to start?"

By the time night fell, the room was littered with expensive colognes, bags, men's shoes, spy invites, and… two smartphones with a brand I never heard of. They came with a black card congratulating us and placed in a request for us to review the product.

"What's this?" I turned to Kenny and showed him the card. He read it then smirked. "What, you've never seen shameless self-promotion before?"

I raised my eyebrow and looked at the card again.

Kenny draped his arm over the back of the sofa. "Sheldon Benedict is starting a technology company, this is one of their products." I watched him take up one of the phones from its box and turn it on. It was larger than his hand. "Benedict gave them to us for free so that we would do free promotions for him. What a sweet wedding gift."

A frown formed on my face. "It can't be that bad, right? Reviewing the product online for them?"

"Heh, you think so? Suit yourself, then."

Sheldon Benedict's present wasn't the only one like that. There were coats, cosmetics, and even house gadgets that came with cards that had more or less the same things on them.

"So happy to have been a part of your wedding! Please enjoy these sweet-smelling oils. If you do decide to post it online, feel free to tag us :-D."

"The perfect place for a vacation is now yours for an entire two weeks! Please allow all your friends and family to know about us!"

"We might specialize in men's footwear, but our custom platform shoes are famous among upper-class housewives for their comfort and durability. If come to our store with any number of female associates, they'll be able to enjoy a whopping 70% off discount! Just say that Zayn Clarke invited you!"

No wonder Kenny seemed so disinterested. On a day when something that was supposed to be special would occur, others took it as an opportunity to gain benefits indirectly. Instead of giving us gifts because they genuinely wanted to, they did it so that they would have something to gain at the end of the day.

"How disappointing," I muttered. There were only ten presents left. I pushed them away and sunk into the cushions. "Everyone wants something and they're not ashamed as to how they acquire it."

"You're not that different from them, are you?" Kenny said.

I glanced at him with my nose turned up. "Could you repeat that? I'm not sure I heard you clearly."

"Oh, nothing wifey." He smirked in plain view as if he thought I couldn't see it. Although Kenny didn't look at me and was still playing with his new phone, I could read his expression. His amusement at taunting me was obvious.

"Don't be shy, Mr. Greenland." I adjusted my entire body so that I could have a full view of him. His side profile was unique. His dark brown hair casted a shadow over his eyes. Sitting on such a nice piece of furniture should've made him feel comfortable, but I could tell his jaw was clenched. "We're already married so there's no need to be formal with each other when we're alone. In fact, I've been meaning to go over some new rules with you."

"Oh?" Kenny finally laid the phone on another small grey table on his side of the sofa. He followed my lead and moved his body so he could face me fully. I tried not to pay attention to his unbuckled belt. "Since you insist, please take the lead, Mrs. Greenland."

Now it was my turn to smile. I pushed a lock of hair behind my ear. "First of all, I think you should know I have no interest in making you fall in love with me. I only request that you give me the same respect that you give to everyone else."

"Easy enough. That goes without saying. Are you sure you don't want me to fall for you? You'll find that I'm an excellent lover."

I sighed. Certainly not. "Is there another question you want to ask me? One that I didn't already answer?"

He caressed his chin with two fingers, gaze directed to the ceiling. "I don't know... there are so many options, I can't possibly choose one of them."

"Try."

"Alright. Who are you and why did Sylvester tell you to marry me?"

A chuckle escaped my lips. Of course he would ask that question. There shouldn't be an issue with me telling him the truth. After all, he doesn't seem like the type of person who would appreciate a lie.

But that didn't mean I had to tell him everything.

"I agreed to the engagement because that's what my grandfather told me to do. Long story short, your parents have plans for you and just need someone to stay by your side. And I believe I already introduced myself. If you prefer to think that's a lie, feel free to."

He rolled his eyes. "Of course you'd say that. I shouldn't have expected anything different."

"After, let's say, four years or so-"

"Four?!"

"Only an estimate, Mr. Greenland. After approximately four years, then we can divorce." I tucked my hands between my legs. "It was agreed to by Sylvester and your family that I would not receive anything after we end our marriage. Doesn't that make you feel better?"

To my surprise, instead of being pleased by the news, Kenny scoffed. "I'm not cheap. What matters is the game you're playing. But I'll figure out whether what you're saying is true soon enough."

I shrugged. "Fair enough. Another thing, can we not sleep in the same room? I mean, we barely pass as acquaintances much less friends."

"Makes more sense than anything else you said all evening. You can take the master bedroom since I'll barely be sleeping." As Kenny said that, he yawned. "That should be everything, right? We mind our own business and everything will be fine."

"Well, there is one last thing," I said.

When Kenny stood up, I followed suit. "I'm sure that can wait until tomorrow."

He straightened his shirt as if preparing to leave. Before he could, I extended my arm with a smile.

Kenny stopped in his tracks, eyebrows raised as he observed me. "Yes, Mrs. Greenland, I know what a hand looks like."

"Let's always be there for each other," I said, ignoring his tone. "If I need help, you come. If you need help, I'll help you "

His eyes stared me down. "And what's stopping you from abusing that?"

"Hm. You have the option to say no if the situation goes against your interests. I will answer every time you call for my assistance."

Music by Mariah Carey started playing on the TV. Kenny allowed my hand to stay up longer than necessary without taking it. I could the vein pulsating in my head. He didn't have to agree to it, but he could at least say yes or no.

However, I would appreciate it more if he agreed. I don't belong in high society, I know that, but if I wanted to stay in it for the long term without making a fool of myself, I needed more allies than my own grandfather. And who better to be an ally than the guy I'm supposed to share a bed with?

Just when I thought my anger would get the best of me, Kenny shook my hand. "Fine. Don't disturb me for the rest of the night."

He dropped it as soon as he finished talking. I didn't mind. After all, I got the reassurance I wanted.

My gaze followed his back until I couldn't see him anymore.

Minutes turned into hours. Sleep had yet to come after burdening my pupils with show after show. I decided to go to bed even if I had yet to feel drowsy. While walking across the foyer to look for Glory so she could help me with carrying the presents, I heard the front door open.

It scared me enough to make me jump back and grab onto the staircase railing. Thankfully, it was just a familiar old man making his way inside. But why so late?

_______

On a late night flight, a certain woman sipped her jasmine tea.

She collected her baggage and strode through the airport on six inch heels.

On her phone was a video about the Greenland wedding and the rumors surrounding it. She frowned for a brief moment, disappointed that the Greenlands already found someone to take her place. She thought he loved her. But that didn't matter. After all, she always gets her way. Whoever this new girl was, she won't be staying long.

People stopped walking just to stare at her longer, forgetting their own business. She smiled with lips as red as blood. Her silky black hair cascaded down her back in bouncy waves.

A white trench coat complimented the colour of her suitcase. Her slender figure was hidden underneath an expensive black dress.

"Hello, Atlanta," she said to herself. "Darling Stark is back in town."