The Accidental Marriage: Chapter 22

After Ares is gone, I lie in bed a bit longer. I’m not sleepy, but I’m also not in the mood to move, either. Should’ve known Ares would want to be proven right. Lawyers. I shake my head, smiling. Can’t argue with him with words or actions.

Something buzzes on the nightstand on my side. I frown a little. What’s that about? It continues to vibrate.

My phone!

I haven’t had one for so long that I forgot. I grab it and look at the screen. An unknown number. Huh. Who could it be? Other than Ares, Lucie and Ethan, nobody has my phone number.

Oh no… Doris, Vernon and Rupert… I totally forgot about them, but they couldn’t possibly stay away from me this long without making an attempt to figure out where I went and how to reach me. Although I’m not sure exactly how they’ve found my number, the possibility of losing out on sixty billion has to be motivating.

And I was feeling so good after that amazing orgasm.

“Hello?” My tone is terse. What are some clever things I can say to Doris? Ideally something so taunting that she’ll pop a vein and die from swelling to the brain. I won’t even gloat as she screams in pain, because I’m nice like that.

“Hello?” comes a soft voice. “Is this Lareina?”

“Yes,” I say warily, trying to place the caller. She sounds familiar, but the only thing I can be certain is that it isn’t Doris.

“It’s Akiko. We met last night…?”

“Yes. Of course I remember.” I sit up. How could I forget Ares’s stepmother, who’s shown me nothing but courtesy?

“Great.” She sounds relieved. “I was trying to see if you’re doing anything today.”

“Um.” I think about what I should do—other than “being a good girl and spending my husband’s money”—then remember the stuff in the living room I need to make decisions on. Ares probably wants it out of the way as soon as possible. “I was going to try on some clothes Ares had delivered.”

“By yourself?” She sounds scandalized.

“I guess…?” Ares is at work, and Lucie has a demanding career as a jewelry company CEO. Sadly, I’m the only person in my social circle without much to do.

“What fun is that?”

“It’s more for practical reasons. I don’t have many things to wear, so he probably thought it’d be easier to have his personal shopper send things over for me to pick.”

“That boy.” Akiko sighs. “He’s such a man. Ridiculous to think that that’s the proper way for a woman to shop, trying things on in a living room. And by yourself.” She sighs again with disapproval.

“I’m sure he meant well.” Loyalty is the cornerstone of a good temporary marriage.

“Of course, but it’s so…sterile.” She makes a soft tooth-sucking sound for a moment. “Why don’t we do this? Unless there’s something amazing in what his personal shopper sent, return it all and we can do some proper shopping.”

Her offer is tempting. I’ve never really done any “proper shopping”—and part of me would love to experience it. Still…that living room full of clothes…

“You don’t think he’d mind? There’s enough here to open a department store.”

She scoffs. “I doubt it, especially if you have that many things. He probably has no idea what was sent. We’ll go to an actual store. I don’t have the best sense of fashion, but I’m more than happy to ooh and aah.”

I laugh. “I doubt that. I absolutely loved your kimono. And the beautiful plating of each course. You did it yourself, right?”

“Yes!” She perks up. “I knew you’d have a great sensibility for things like that. Most people don’t appreciate it.”

After a few more pleasantries, we agree to meet in a couple of hours, since I need to shower and make myself presentable. I swing my feet off the side of the bed and stand up—or try to. My thighs are unbelievably sore, like I spent hours in the gym yesterday.

Still, I don’t have time to sit around. I drop my hands to the mattress to support myself, swing around and, groaning, lever myself up. Once I’m sure I won’t collapse, I text Ares for another driver, then hobble to the bathroom for a quick shower. The hot water seems to help, although I think I’m going to be walking gingerly for the next couple of days.

Back in my room, I throw on a T-shirt and jeans, then go to the kitchen to grab a single-portion Greek yogurt and check my phone.

–My Knight: The driver’s on the way. If you want, I can have him come over every day.

–Me: Thank you. Would you mind? Just until I learn to drive or something.

–My Knight: No prob.

–Me: Also, do you mind if your personal shopper comes by to pick up the things in the living room?

–My Knight: You already went through everything?

–Me: I picked out some items I want, but Akiko is taking me shopping today.

–My Knight: Okay. Whatever makes you happy.

Akiko was right about his not caring about sending them back. I swallow the last bit of the yogurt, then realize I’ve totally interrupted his day. Is it…not meddling and annoying? A wife who keeps busy wouldn’t be texting him during the day to ask about setting up a driver, would she? On the other hand, he didn’t complain, so…

Perhaps this is a trial period or something. But it’s really confusing.

By the time I step out, the same limo from yesterday has pulled into the driveway. The driver opens the door. This time I make sure to get his name off the tag on his uniform: Javier.

I give him the address, and he maneuvers through the SoCal traffic until we reach a discreet square building without a sign or anything over a sleek black exterior. It brims with “if you don’t know what this is, you don’t belong here” energy. Even the double doors are made with smoked glass for privacy.

Feeling a little skeptical and unsure, I step inside. Pale golden marble shines on the floor, and thousands of fairy lights hang like chandeliers from a high ceiling, creating a warm glow that’s inviting, luxurious and fantastical. Small indoor waterfalls gurgle over tiered white stones so smooth they look like well-polished jade. The music isn’t a standard classical tune, but something soothing and likely original, with strings and a piano that remind me of Schubert’s Trout Quintet. On the wall behind the crystal-top counter is an excellent imitation of Monet’s water lilies.

“Lareina!” comes Akiko’s bright voice. She gifts me with a sweet smile that I can’t help but answer with a wide grin of my own. If she was traditional last night, today she’s modern through and through. Her elegant jade dress with an ivory three-quarter sleeve bolero jacket slims her already slender figure. The nude heels add four inches of height, which she needs, since she’s fairly short. But you’d never think she’s old enough to be Ares’s stepmom from the way her long black hair frames her flawless face just so, cascading down her back in thick waves. It’s possible that Prescott married a very young second wife, but there’s a temperedness about her that says she’s much older than she looks.

Compared to her, I’m barely dressed. Now I wish I’d spent more time selecting my outfit—maybe a dress. And done my hair, too. It’s a bit wild, since I didn’t have the time or energy to blow-dry my own lengthy mane.

“You look so beautiful. I love those colors on you.” If somebody else had said it, it might sound insincere. But Akiko speaks with such conviction and admiration that it feels real.

“So do you. How is it that you look so put together? Were you already ready to go when you called?”

“Oh, not at all. I just had a complete wardrobe to choose from, which you will too after we’re done. Or at least enough of one that you can look and feel beautiful no matter the occasion.”

We walk inside the corridor. I suddenly realize there’s a short Asian woman in an azure jumpsuit following us. Her hair is cropped and spiked, but it looks shockingly good on her angular face.

Akiko notices me looking at the other woman. “That’s Juliette. She’s going to be helping us.”

“Hi,” she says, waving.

“Hi.” I smile.

We sit on a big sofa, and the staff brings out a tray of fresh fruits, baked sweets and tea. Akiko takes a small fork and cuts a section of a pink macaron and tastes it. She does it systematically with everything on the tray, then uses a spoon to sample my tea. “It’s all excellent, my dear.”

A small lump clogs my throat. Although I told Ares and his family about my hang-ups, I didn’t expect Akiko to pre-emptively test everything with such natural grace, as though it’s an everyday thing for her to do. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Factory-sealed food is fine, but it tends to be processed and stripped of nutrition. You must take care of your body and eat fresh fruit. Vegetables, too. If there’s anything else you want to snack on, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“I will.”

“Catalogue, please.” Akiko’s voice is soft, but there’s a command in it that makes it impossible to ignore. She turns to me. “Is there anything particular you’d like?”

“Um. Not really. As long as it isn’t a white, flowing dress, I’m fine. I want some colors.”

“Then colors you shall have.” She smiles, and we flip through the huge stacks of catalogues. They’re organized by style, season, occasion and material, and have everything from super fancy—the kind you might wear to a royal wedding—to shirts and shorts to nightgowns and underwear.

With Akiko’s guidance, I pick out five cocktail dresses, four floor-length gowns and several shirts, shorts and skirts.

“You don’t want to over-buy because dresses go out of style, and you might want to try something new and interesting later,” she says. She also helps me choose shoes and accessories. “A woman must have a full ensemble. What you present yourself to the world is what you become.”

While Juliette busies herself grabbing the items, Akiko turns to me. “I saw you came here in a limo. Is Ares being extravagant?”

“Partly. But I don’t know how to drive.”

Akiko cocks an eyebrow. “Ah. That makes sense, given what you said yesterday.” She sighs softly. “I’m so sorry about what happened to you. I hope my reaction didn’t make you uncomfortable. I didn’t know what to make of it. I’ve heard of people doing terrible things for an inheritance, but slow poisoning…” She shakes her head.

“Yeah. I got used to it, though.”

“You shouldn’t have had to get used to it.”

She pats my hand. The gesture is motherly—the kind my own mom might have given me if she were alive. It sends an achy pang through my heart, and I contain an absurd urge to ask Akiko to hug me.

“If you’d like, I can arrange for some driving lessons. No pressure, but I believe a woman shouldn’t rely on money alone. She must be capable, and every bit of knowledge is another piece of the final work.”

“I’d love that,” I say, trying to contain the excitement at the idea of learning to drive and having a car of my own. “And…could I ask you for another favor?”

“Of course.”

“Can you teach me how you did the flower arrangements at the house? They’re really unique and beautiful.”

She brightens immediately. “I’m so glad you liked them! In Japan, flower arranging is called ikebana. I’d love to show you how to do them. It’s not that hard, and you have such good taste. I’m sure you’ll learn quickly.”

“How do you know I have good taste?”

“You loved my plating, remember?” she says, then joins me in laughter. “When you have time, you should visit our home again. We have a small art gallery inside with some interesting contemporary pieces. I think you’ll enjoy it. I even bought a Susan Winters on auction last year.”

I gasp. “You have one of my mom’s paintings?”

Akiko blinks. “Susan Winters was your mother?”

I nod.

She covers her mouth with her hand. “Oh my goodness! What a small world. She’s one of my favorites!” Then something else crosses her face. “Wait a minute. Are you from the Hayworth family? The one that owns Hayworth Logistics?”

“Yes.”

She gasps. “Does Ares know?”

I laugh. “Probably not.”

Her eyes widen. “So he doesn’t know how much you’re worth?”

I shrug. “I guess not…? He never asked. But he did bring up needing a prenup to protect his assets.”

Akiko laughs until tears form in the corners of her eyes. “Oh my. That’s so funny. I won’t say anything, but I can’t wait to see his reaction when he finds out.”

I nod with a smile. This union between me and Ares may not last that long, but I don’t have the heart to tell her.

“I imagine the marriage hasn’t been what you dreamed of,” she says, the mirth slowly fading from her expression.

I stare at her in shock.

“Don’t look at me like that. I blame Ares for not giving you the kind of dream ceremony every girl deserves. Eloping in Vegas? With none of us there to witness and bless the union? Did you get married by an Elvis impersonator?”

I giggle. “No. Sinatra.”

She leans forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Was he good?”

“Good at officiating. Not singing.” I laugh and shake my head, remembering.

“See? That’s exactly what I mean. Ares doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.” Despite the rebuke, affection fleets in her gaze. “But in spite of that, he’s a good boy. A good man.”

“You care for him,” I say softly.

“I love him. He isn’t a child born of my womb, but he’s a child of my heart. So are Bryce and Josh. I married so far from home, and couldn’t have children of my own, but I regret nothing.” She reaches into her purse and takes out a navy box with discreet silver embossing on the cover. “Here.”

“What is it?” Oh, no. Was I supposed to bring something? I open the lid. Inside the box is a stunning set of pearl jewelry: earrings, necklace and bracelet. The white orbs are so flawless and lustrous, they seem to glow as though they harbor pieces of the moon inside. “I can’t possibly accept them.”

“Don’t be silly. It’s a set from my mother, and I always wanted to hand it down to my daughter-in-law. Generation to generation, woman to woman. I hope you can make Ares as happy as he makes you.” Her smile is more brilliant and precious than the pearls she gifts me.

Guilt builds in my heart. Although Ares and I are technically wed, our marriage isn’t real in the way Akiko clearly imagines. Not only that, I plan to divorce him within six months so he can have the ideal wife he told me about. The kind of woman who keeps busy, doesn’t bother him too much and can share occasional dinners and bear him children who are smart enough to get into some fancy law school. Although I told him I was open to giving him kids in Vegas, it was out of fear he might dump me. I’ve never had regular periods—maybe because of the slow poisoning and all that. Actually…

Now that I think about it, the last time I had my period was almost a year ago. The realization is vaguely depressing and enraging. My body might recover, but it may never function correctly, denying me an opportunity to have children of my own.

Doris and her family owe me so much.

If Akiko notices my slightly blue change of mood, she doesn’t show it. She has me try on the clothes—which I do, careful to avoid showing her my bare back—and asks me to slip on the shoes that seem to match my outfit the best, then coos like she’s the one shopping. “You’re so beautiful—everything looks amazing on you! Why don’t we pair that with this cute belt?” She picks up a thin, faux-croc-skin belt that looks perfect with the lacy chartreuse dress I’m in. “I knew it!” She turns me toward the mirror. “Look how adorable you are!”

I flush with pleasure. It’s almost like I’m her real daughter, one she can’t dote on enough.

Wistfulness sends a ripple through me. What if my parents hadn’t passed away so long ago? I could’ve had something like this with my mom. And with my parents’ protection, I would’ve been able to lead a normal life—hang out with friends, eat whatever was in front of me without feeling like I might die from it, and date some hot guy then share every detail with my friends in breathless excitement. Things I’ve only seen on TV and YouTube videos could’ve been part of my life.

My grandfather often told me how much Mom loved me and wanted to care for me for the rest of her life. Akiko feels like somebody my mother sent to love me.

Unable to suppress the sudden surge of emotion, I hug her. “Thank you. You’re the best.”

She laughs, her face bright with joy. “So are you.”

“I don’t know what I would’ve done without you today. I… You’re just wonderful.” I smile, blinking hard to avoid spilling tears.

“So are you, sweetie.” She tucks my wayward tendrils behind my ear with a smile.

But my warm feelings turn to a sort of horror when she has Juliette charge everything to her account.

“Oh, no. No, no, no. Ares gave me his card!” I say, shocked. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have bought so much.

“If he wants to buy you something, he can come himself and swipe his plastic.” She winks. “It’s a mother-in-law’s prerogative to spoil her daughter-in-law.”

* * *

Akiko has all the items delivered to Ares’s house, then heads to Huxley & Webber to meet Prescott for a lunch date. It’s apparently something she does to keep things interesting.

“You should try it,” she says. “Romance is like a flower. You have to nurture it or it will wither and die.”

I wave as she gets into her Maserati. She’s such a force to be reckoned with, but I know her advice doesn’t apply to me. Ares and I are going to be done with each other soon. From little hints here and there, it seems like our marriage has something to do with his promotion. So okay, he chose me, but that doesn’t mean he has to stay with me forever. He made it crystal clear that I don’t fit him. He only did his best with sex because it was part of our deal—and because he wanted to make a point last night.

I inhale and exhale deeply to expel the negative emotions. They serve no purpose.

Besides, I should look at the bright side. Soon I’m going to be free of my shitty relatives and be in charge of sixty billion dollars. There is so much I haven’t been able to do—and probably won’t be able to do because it’s too late—like going to classes, making friends in school and going to dances and sporting events.

But there’s a lot I still can. Travel the world. Do more art because I enjoy it. Maybe learn to cook from a master chef in Thailand because I always wanted to cook something exotic and interesting. On the way I might even meet the love of my life, a man who doesn’t think I’m not a suitable wife and doesn’t mind that I have eccentric habits and needs. He might even consider them charming, rather than look at them like flaws he had to tolerate in order to be with me.

I start toward the waiting limo.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

I stop and look at the cool brunette climbing out of a flashy red Ferrari. A well-fitted white jumpsuit with black and gold accents drapes beautifully over her model-thin body. She’s pale, but good makeup has left her cheeks slightly rosy. She struts over to me with the confidence of a woman who knows she’s in charge. Dark sunglasses cover her eyes, but not her high cheekbones or the crimson lips stretched into a smile. My money’s on the smile being practiced. She emanates too much coldness to be genuine.

“Hello, Zoe,” I say. “What’s up?”

She pulls off her sunglasses. Her blue eyes gaze at me with predatory intensity. “Is that how you greet your godmother?”

I raise an eyebrow and stare back at her. “How should I greet you?”

Her smile widens as she takes a step forward, invading my personal space. In response, I stay rooted to my spot, my spine stiff. Her eyes are just as cold as before. “Why don’t we talk over lunch? You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”